Summary
Missouri is located in the Midwestern United States, characterized by a diverse topography. It features a combination of the Dissected Till Plains, the Ozark Mountains, and the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, with the Missouri River running through the center of the state. Geographically, Missouri is positioned near the heart of the nation and is bordered by eight states.
Missouri is home to a vast array of flora and fauna, including reptiles, mammals, birds, fish, trees, and shrubs. The state is abundant in freshwater, with numerous rivers, streams, and lakes.
Let us explore the most scenic lakes in Missouri:
1. Lake of the Ozarks
Affectionately referred to as ‘The Magic Dragon’ due to its winding form, Lake of the Ozarks is situated in central Missouri, spanning four counties. This substantial reservoir was created by damming the Osage River in 1931.
At its inception, Lake of the Ozarks was one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. Today, it is the state’s largest reservoir, encompassing a surface area of over 200 square kilometers.
The lake’s shoreline stretches 1,850 kilometers and features numerous communities, parks, and golf courses. Additionally, vacation rentals, campgrounds, marinas, and dining establishments are abundant along its edges.
2. Table Rock Lake
This artificial lake is located in the Ozark Mountains at an elevation of nearly 280 meters above sea level. It is renowned for its breathtaking vistas of the surrounding peaks, making it a favored destination for the nearby town of Branson.
Table Rock Lake has a shoreline exceeding 1,000 kilometers, with the Table Rock State Park situated along its eastern edge. The shoreline also accommodates marinas, campgrounds, an RV park, restaurants, and retail outlets.
Fishing is highly favored in Table Rock Lake, with trout consistently stocked by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Furthermore, it serves as an excellent site for boating, swimming, and the surrounding area is ideal for hiking and cycling.
3. Stockton Lake
Stockton Lake is a ‘V’ shaped body of water that spreads across three Missouri counties, covering an area of 100 square kilometers. This man-made lake was established by damming the Sac River in 1969.
The numerous coves surrounding the lake make it a favored location for kiteboarding, windsurfing, wakeboarding, and water skiing. It is well-known for hosting numerous sailing races throughout the year, including the prestigious Governor’s Cup Regatta.
Stockton Lake’s shoreline features a 24-kilometer equestrian trail suitable for cyclists and hikers. Campsites, marinas, and accommodations are also found around the tranquil lake.
4. Mark Twain Lake
Named in honor of the celebrated author Mark Twain, Mark Twain Lake is a reservoir that spans two Missouri counties. The lake is nestled within the author’s hometown and adjacent to Mark Twain State Park, which offers hiking trails and camping facilities.
The 7,500-hectare lake was formed by the construction of the Clarence Cannon Dam along the Salt River. Presently, Mark Twain Lake serves as an attractive vacation spot that provides excellent recreational opportunities.
Boaters, hunters, and fishermen are drawn to Mark Twain Lake, as are families seeking a destination for swimming, picnicking, and camping. Its 459-kilometer shoreline features marinas, playgrounds, beaches, picnic shelters, and accommodation options.
5. Smithville Lake
Smithville Lake is a reservoir situated near the city of Smithville, providing essential water supply to the city and others throughout the state. Spanning 29 square kilometers, it crosses two counties and was constructed by damming the Platte River.
The lake features a 282-kilometer shoreline that encompasses beaches, campsites, marinas, restaurants, and golf courses. More than 40 kilometers of walking, cycling, and equestrian trails are also available, alongside over 17 kilometers of mountain biking routes.
Hunting is favored in the vicinity of the lake, with wild turkey and white-tailed deer present. Fishing is also popular and can be performed from the shore or on a boat, with the lake being stocked with white bass, largemouth bass, blue catfish, walleye, crappie, and numerous other species.
6. Lake Taneycomo
Located in the Ozark Mountains along the White River, Lake Taneycomo is a man-made reservoir that exhibits characteristics of both a lake and a river. It comprises both cold, shallow water and deep, warm water, offering a versatile range of activities.
Visitors have frequented Lake Taneycomo since the 1930s, enjoying activities such as water skiing, swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake’s communities consist of various lodging options, restaurants, hiking paths, and sightseeing opportunities.
Lake Taneycomo is situated in Taney County, Missouri, near Forsyth. It is accessible year-round from the city of Branson, which serves as an excellent base for those wishing to explore the lake.
7. Lake Wappapello
Established in 1941 through the construction of the Wappapello Dam, Lake Wappapello primarily serves flood control purposes, though it is also cherished as a recreational lake. The lake is located approximately 190 kilometers from St. Louis, where many locals enjoy its offerings during weekends and summer vacations.
Activities such as swimming, boating, canoeing, and kayaking attract visitors to Lake Wappapello, along with fishing opportunities. The lake is populated with white bass, crappies, catfish, and largemouth bass, drawing anglers from across the country.
Lake Wappapello State Park is located along its shoreline and features hiking trails, equestrian paths, and biking trails. It also provides camping facilities and public boat ramps.
8. Lake Jacomo
Lake Jacomo is a freshwater reservoir known for excellent sailing, windsurfing, stand-up paddle boarding, and pontoon boating. The lake features the largest marina in the Kansas City area, offering boat rentals and access ramps.
Fishing is prevalent at Lake Jacomo, where crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, carp, catfish, and numerous other species can be found in the 3.9 square kilometer lake. The lake’s 31-kilometer shoreline includes campgrounds, picnic shelters, trails, and an education center (Kemper Outdoor Education Center).
Situated within Fleming Park near Blue Springs, which is the seventh largest city in the Kansas City metropolitan area, Lake Jacomo opened in 1959 and is managed by Jackson County Parks and Recreation.
9. Fellows Lake
Fellows Lake is owned by the City Utilities of Springfield, serving as a water source for the city. It is recognized as one of the premier locations in the state for Muskellunge fishing, harboring the largest muskies in Missouri.
The 3.5 square kilometer lake is a sought-after recreational site for both local residents and visitors from across the nation. It features numerous public areas for picnicking, kite flying, and barbecuing, along with two public boat docks.
Constructed in 1955 with the building of the Fellows Lake Dam, the lake provides a tranquil environment complete with picturesque scenery and a restriction of maximum boat engine size to 40hp.
10. Pomme de Terre Lake
Pomme de Terre Lake is situated at the confluence of the Pomme de Terre River and Lindley Creek in southwest Missouri. This lovely lake forms part of the lakes in the Osage River Basin.
Constructed in 1961 for flood control, the lake has evolved into a highly popular recreational destination. It boasts two public beaches, 650 campsites, and is home to Pomme de Terre State Park.
Water skiing is particularly favored here, alongside swimming, canoeing, and boating activities. The lake is notably recognized for its Muskie fishing, with the local Conservation Department ensuring it is well-stocked.
11. Clearwater Lake
Clearwater Lake is located just over nine kilometers from Piedmont in southeast Missouri. This charming lake is surrounded by trees and hills along the Black River.
Originally constructed for flood control purposes, Clearwater Lake has become a favored holiday destination due to its engaging recreational activities and stunning natural surroundings. Swimming, boating, and fishing rank among the most popular pastimes, alongside water skiing, wakeboarding, and knee boarding.
Numerous campsites are available throughout the lake, in addition to three marinas, playgrounds, biking trails, and hiking paths. Various accommodation options are also accessible both along the shoreline and in nearby communities.
12. Blue Springs Lake
Blue Springs Lake is a freshwater reservoir located near Blue Springs, northwest Missouri. The lake encompasses an area of 290 hectares and is a mere 30-minute drive from Kansas City, in proximity to Independence.
The lake is renowned for having one of the finest swimming beaches in Jackson County, which includes lifeguards, shower facilities, and restrooms. Blue Springs Lake is also a popular spot for fishing and boating activities.
Situated within 32 square kilometers of Fleming Park, which also hosts Lake Jacomo, the park provides facilities such as marinas, campgrounds, and an education center, along with the Native Hooved Animal Enclosure.
13. Longview Lake
Longview Lake is situated in Jackson County, Missouri, near Kansas City, Grandview, and Lee’s Summit. This freshwater reservoir is primarily utilized for flood control, recreation, and wildlife preservation.
The lake is well-known for jet skiing, windsurfing, power boating, fishing, and swimming, featuring an impressive beach as well. Surrounding the lake are a full-service marina, camping grounds, and a golf course.
Longview Lake is part of Longview Lake Park, which offers equestrian activities, hiking, picnicking, and cycling. While it remains open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, weekends during the summer represent the most popular visiting time.
14. Truman Reservoir
Named after former President Harry S. Truman, Truman Reservoir is the largest man-made lake in Missouri. It is located along the Osage River between the cities of Clinton and Warsaw, extending across four counties.
The reservoir is home to the Harry S. Truman Regional Visitor Center, the Harry S. Truman State Park, and the Weaubleau-Osceola structure, a 330-million-year-old crater. It is renowned for its exceptional fishing, hosting major fishing tournaments throughout the season.
Truman Reservoir is enveloped by captivating nature, offering opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and camping. Additionally, the area is teeming with wildlife, making it a favored location for birdwatching.
15. McDaniel Lake
McDaniel Lake is located approximately eight kilometers from Springfield and functions as a primary water source for the city. The lake is also recognized as a prominent location for fishing, with other water sports being prohibited.
Boating is not permitted on the lake, although two bridges provide excellent fishing spots. The lake is inhabited by carp, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and sunfish, along with various other species.
McDaniel Lake offers a tranquil atmosphere owing to its prohibition on boat activity, providing a serene shoreline ideal for hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying the fresh air.
