• What makes Missouri’s landscape unique?
    • Missouri is a Midwestern state with a diverse landscape with many unique places to visit, from the Dissected Till Plains and the Mississippi Alluvial Plain to the Ozark Mountains.
  • Does Missouri have any natural lakes?
    • Interestingly, while it has a large number of rivers and streams, it has no natural lakes. Except for oxbow lakes, which form in old riverbeds, all large lakes in Missouri are manmade.
  • What activities can visitors enjoy at Missouri’s lakes?
    • Lakes offer plenty of outdoor fun on a weekend getaway.

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1. Blue Springs Lake


Boat, swim, and relax on an exciting summer trip with the family.

Blue Springs Lake

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  • Where is Blue Springs Lake located?
    • Blue Springs Lake is one of two lakes in the popular 7,800-acre Fleming Park, a short drive from Kansas City's urban sprawl.
  • How big is Blue Springs Lake?
    • This 720-acre freshwater reservoir is located near Blue Springs in Jackson County, is 3 miles long, and provides a range of attractions for the whole family.
  • What recreational activities are available at Blue Springs Lake?
    • Its tree-lined shores are perfect for fun weekends, with picnic shelters on the northeast shore and a number of landings on the western shore for jet-skiing, sailing, swimming, tubing, canoeing, and fishing.
  • What fish species can anglers expect to catch?
    • Anglers can expect to catch hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass, bluegill, carp, and catfish.
  • Are there boat rentals and facilities for fishing?
    • There are a few boat rentals and a fish cleaning station, should you actually catch something and want to put it on the grill.
  • What is the address of Blue Springs Lake?
    • 1500 NE Bowlin Rd, Lee's Summit, MO 64064

2. Bull Shoals Lake


Fish deep waters and enjoy a peaceful, affordable nature getaway.

Bull Shoals Lake

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  • Where is Bull Shoals Lake located?
    • Deep in the Ozark Mountains, Bull Shoals Lake is a 45,000-acre body of water stretched from northern Arkansas to southern Missouri.
  • How was Bull Shoals Lake created?
    • The lake was created as a result of the construction of Bull Shoals Dam in 1951 in the Upper White River Basin to help with flood control, generate hydroelectric power, and provide water for the Marion County Regional Water District.
  • What makes Bull Shoals Lake special?
    • The lake’s shoreline is rocky and the water is crystal clear and full of fish, making the lake a haven for anglers and families looking for a quiet mountain getaway.
  • What fish species can anglers catch at Bull Shoals Lake?
    • Anglers can hope to catch black and white crappie, largemouth bass, catfish, smallmouth bass, and trout.
  • Is fishing available year-round?
    • The lake doesn't freeze, so fishing is possible all year round. Spear fishing is also popular.
  • Why is Bull Shoals Lake popular for scuba diving?
    • Because of the lake’s incredible visibility, the lake attracts scuba divers.
  • When is swimming possible at Bull Shoals Lake?
    • Swimming is good only between May and September, and the water is pretty cold.

3. Clearwater Lake


Paddle calm coves and explore scenic sights on a quiet weekend retreat.

Clearwater Lake

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  • Where is Clearwater Lake located?
    • Tucked in the middle of the Ozark Mountains in southeastern Missouri, the 1,600-acre Clearwater Lake was originally built to help with flood control.
  • Why is Clearwater Lake a popular recreation area?
    • The proximity of the City of Piedmont and three parks quickly made it a local favorite recreation area.
  • How was Clearwater Lake created?
    • Clearwater Lake was created in 1948 as a result of the construction of the Clearwater Dam and is an impoundment of the Black River.
  • Why are there no vacation rentals on the lakeshore?
    • The level of the water in the lake fluctuates between June and September, and as a consequence, there are no vacation rentals on the lakeshore.
  • What recreational activities are available at Clearwater Lake?
    • The lake is very popular for swimming, canoeing, boating, water-skiing, and fishing.
  • What is the address of Clearwater Lake?
    • Piedmont, MO 63957

4. Council Bluff Lake


Hike forest trails and swim along the shore on a fun summer outing.

Council Bluff Lake

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  • Where is Council Bluff Lake located?
    • Council Bluff Lake is a 440-acre body of water in southern Missouri at the eastern edge of the 1.5-million-acre Mark Twain National Forest.
  • What activities can visitors enjoy at Council Bluff Lake?
    • With dense forests providing shade along its banks, a 13-mile-long network of trails for hiking and biking, and plenty of fish in the clear mountain waters, the lake is a popular weekend and holiday spot.
  • Where can visitors swim at Council Bluff Lake?
    • Chapel Hill Beach is a nice sandy beach where kids can swim from May through September.
  • Are there camping facilities at Council Bluff Lake?
    • There are a variety of campgrounds, so you can rough it in your tent or bring your RV.
  • What types of fish can anglers find in Council Bluff Lake?
    • Anglers can expect to find abundant redear sunfish, largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and crappie.
  • Where are the boat launches at Council Bluff Lake?
    • All boat launches can be found on the southern and northern ends of the lake.
  • What is the contact information for Council Bluff Lake?
    • Mineral Point, MO 63630, Phone: 573-766-5765

5. Fellows Lake


Cast a line and enjoy easy lake views on a relaxing retirement day.

Fellows Lake

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  • How was Fellows Lake created?
    • Fellows Lake was created as a result of the construction of Fellows Lake Dam in 1955 by impounding the Little Sac River.
  • What is the primary purpose of Fellows Lake?
    • The 860-acre lake is the source of water for Springfield, Missouri.
  • Why is Fellows Lake popular among anglers?
    • The lake is also one of Missouri’s major muskellunge fisheries.
  • What recreational activities can visitors enjoy at Fellows Lake?
    • So close to Springfield, Fellows Lake is a popular weekend destination for families looking for a cool spot to barbecue, have a picnic, fish, boat, or hike.
  • What is a unique activity at Fellows Lake?
    • The large grassy park on the northern side of the lake is a popular spot for flying kites.
  • What fish species can anglers catch at Fellows Lake?
    • Anglers can enjoy catching largemouth bass, catfish, walleye, black and white crappie, muskie, and white bass.
  • What boating facilities are available at Fellows Lake?
    • There are two larger boat docks and a marina for boat storage.
  • What is the contact information for Fellows Lake?
    • E Farm Road 66, Springfield, MO 65803, Phone: 417-833-2058

6. Harry S. Truman Lake


Camp, boat, and explore attractions on an exciting trip with kids.

Harry S. Truman Lake

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  • What is the largest lake in Missouri?
    • Harry S. Truman Lake is the largest lake in Missouri, located only a mile and a half from the city of Warsaw.
  • How was Harry S. Truman Lake created?
    • The 55,406-acre reservoir was created as a result of the construction of the Kaysinger Bluff Dam in 1977.
  • What are the primary uses of Truman Lake?
    • The reservoir is used for the generation of hydroelectric power, for flood control, as a wildlife habitat, and as a great recreation spot.
  • Where does the water from Truman Lake flow?
    • The Osage River is the outlet of the Truman Lake and flows almost directly into the Lake of the Ozarks.
  • What are the dimensions of Truman Lake?
    • The massive lake has 958 miles of shoreline and a depth of 40 feet.
  • What activities can visitors enjoy at Truman Lake?
    • It has several tributaries and is surrounded by small, secluded coves that are perfect for exploring by kayak or canoe.
  • What types of fish can be found in Truman Lake?
    • The lake is rich in crappie, largemouth bass, blue catfish, and flathead catfish.
  • What is the location of Truman Lake?
    • Warsaw, MO 65355

7. Lake Jacomo


Sail breezy waters and enjoy a romantic day outdoors.

Lake Jacomo

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  • Where is Lake Jacomo located?
    • Located within Fleming Park, about 15 miles from Kansas City in Northwest Missouri, Lake Jacomo is a 1,000-acre lake created almost 50 years ago for recreation, especially sailing.
  • Why was Lake Jacomo created?
    • The lake was developed primarily for recreation, particularly sailing. The local sailing club was formed even before the lake was completed.
  • What boating restrictions are in place at Lake Jacomo?
    • There is a 10-horsepower limit on boats with a motor, ensuring peace and quiet and more open waters for sailing.
  • What makes Lake Jacomo ideal for kayaking and canoeing?
    • The lake’s many coves and arms as well as its lush, wooded shoreline make it a haven for exploring in a kayak or canoe.
  • What facilities are available for sailboats at Lake Jacomo?
    • Sail Boat Cove has mooring buoys and a dry sail lot for a number of boats.
    • The South Boat Dock has space for 300 boats.
  • What amenities does the marina at Lake Jacomo offer?
    • The marina offers boat rental, gas, food, and much more.
    • On weekdays, the marina's dock is used for fishing.
  • What fish species can anglers catch at Lake Jacomo?
    • Anglers mostly go after largemouth bass, but the lake is also full of hybrid striped bass, bluegill, walleye, catfish, crappie, and at times even carp.

8. Lake of the Ozarks


Jet ski, dine, and explore major sights on a thrilling weekend adventure.

Lake of the Ozarks

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  • Where is Lake of the Ozarks located?
    • Only 180 miles from St. Louis and 170 miles from Kansas City, Lake of the Ozarks is a massive 55,000-acre aquatic playground.
  • How long is Lake of the Ozarks?
    • The lake is 92 miles long and has over 1,150 miles of shoreline.
  • When and how was Lake of the Ozarks created?
    • The lake started its life in 1929 after the construction of the Bagnell Dam on the Osage River.
    • At the time, it was the world’s biggest manmade lake.
  • Who owns the land surrounding Lake of the Ozarks?
    • Most of the lakeshore is privately owned except for the area of the Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Missouri’s biggest state park.
  • What outdoor activities are available at Lake of the Ozarks State Park?
    • The park has over 8 miles of trails along the lakeshore, running through rocky hilltops, past babbling brooks, scenic bluffs, and magnificent Missouri flora.
  • What types of fish can be found in Lake of the Ozarks?
    • The lake is full of fish, especially bass, and there are popular annual fishing tournaments.
  • What are the camping options at Lake of the Ozarks State Park?
    • Camping at the park is great, with both primitive and upscale sites available.
  • Where can visitors swim at Lake of the Ozarks?
    • Swimming is permitted anywhere in the lake, but there are two particularly nice sandy beaches.

9. Lake Taneycomo


Fish for trout and stroll scenic banks on a peaceful fall trip.

Lake Taneycomo

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  • What makes Lake Taneycomo famous?
  • Where is Lake Taneycomo located?
    • The oldest of the Branson Tri-Lakes, Lake Taneycomo is a beautiful Ozark Mountain Region recreation spot located in Taney County.
  • How was Lake Taneycomo created?
    • The lake was created in 1913 as the result of the construction of the Powersite Dam on the White River.
  • What is the primary purpose of Lake Taneycomo?
    • The lake was Missouri's first hydroelectric impoundment, but it is also used for flood control and recreation.
  • What recreational spots are near Lake Taneycomo?
    • Just above the dam is Empire Park, a popular recreation spot.
  • How did Table Rock Dam impact Lake Taneycomo?
    • When Table Rock Dam was completed in 1958, upstream from Lake Taneycomo, the lake was filled with cold water and became more of a very deep, cold, fast-running river than a lake.
  • Why is Lake Taneycomo considered one of the most diverse fishing lakes?
    • As a result of its unique conditions, it is one of the country’s most diverse fishing lakes, with both warm and cold water fish species.
  • Is fly fishing popular at Lake Taneycomo?
    • Fly fishing is popular here, but it can be dangerous when water is released from Table Rock Dam.
  • Can visitors swim in Lake Taneycomo?
    • The lake is too cold for swimming, but visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, or fishing boats and explore the lush forested lake banks.
  • Are there hiking trails around Lake Taneycomo?
    • There are also lovely hiking trails along the coast.
  • Where is Lake Taneycomo located?
    • Taney County, Missouri

10. Longview Lake


Swim, picnic, and kayak on a quick and affordable family outing.

Longview Lake

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  • Where is Longview Lake located?
    • Longview Lake is a 930-acre lake in northwest Missouri in the heart of the 4,852-acre Longview Lake Park.
  • Why was Longview Lake created?
    • The lake was built for flood control, wildlife and fish conservation, and recreation as the result of the construction of the dam in 1968, a part of the Little Blue River Project.
  • How close is Longview Lake to Kansas City?
    • The lake is located only a few miles from Kansas City and is a popular destination for weekend recreation.
  • What recreational activities are available at Longview Lake?
    • Activities include swimming, boating, fishing, camping, water-skiing, tubing, jet-skiing, pontooning, and sailing.
  • Are there any restrictions on water activities at Longview Lake?
    • Windsurfing is allowed only Monday through Thursday, and stand-up paddleboards are not allowed.
  • What amenities does the marina at Longview Lake offer?
    • There is a full-service marina that rents boats and sells gas, fishing tackle, bait, and other boating supplies.
  • Where is the best place to swim at Longview Lake?
    • Swimming is best at the sandy beach.
  • Are there trails at Longview Lake Park?
    • There are several miles of paved walking trails and 6 miles of hard-surfaced bicycle trail.

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