Missouri, the mid-western state, is known for its diverse landscape. Its picturesque lakes, mostly human-made while a few oxbow (U-shaped) ones, can easily win your heart. Fringed by the Ozark Mountains or lofty hills, the glittering waters of the pristine lakes look heavenly, with lush greenery dotting its shorelines. Not just its beauty but also the outdoor activities they offer entices one to visit them.
It’s a large reservoir flowing in the heart of the state, a favorite among many. Beautiful trees and bluffs dot the shore, creating a scenic appeal. With such natural lushness all around, a boat ride in the picturesque lake would give you an enchanting experience. Even though most of the shore is private, you can have a great time in Lake of the Ozark State Park, the state’s largest. For a perfect swimming or picnicking experience, the Grand Glaize Beach near the state park stands apt. The shoreline is a happening one indeed, with plenty of restaurants, marinas, campgrounds, and vacation rentals lined along.
Due to its unique serpent-like shape, many also call the lake “The Magic Dragon.”
Fishing: The lake has stocks of crappie, walleye, largemouth bass, spotted bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. Yet, many have complained about the difficulties in fishing here. Most of the fish do not swim too high because of the surrounding noises created by the tourists coming here.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, camping, picnicking
Lake Type: Public
Creve Couer Lake, an oxbow lake, is Missouri’s second-largest natural lake. It’s a peaceful place with no sounds of gasoline boats to disturb you. Though swimming also is not permissible to avoid contamination, you can enjoy other water activities. Play a volleyball game on the sandy beach and have a great family time picnicking in the pavilion. There are many trails in the surrounding perfect not just for hiker, but even bikers and runners. Finally, sit back at the beach area and watch the setting sun while the sky changes colors into beautiful shades. Of course, you can bring along your dogs too, but put them on a leash.
Fishing: Anglers commonly catch a wide variety of fish, like channel catfish, largemouth bass, and freshwater drum.
Other Activities: Boating, paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, cycling, camping, picnicking, rollerblading
Lake Type: Public
Stretching from Branson in Missouri to Eureka Springs in Arkansas, Table Rock lake flows in the Ozark Mountain region. Trees all along the lake’s 750 miles shoreline provide scenic vistas. The crystal clear water entices visitors to indulge themselves in the many water activities. If you want to enjoy sightseeing while staying in the lake, cruising in the classic riverboat, Showboat Branson Belle, would be ideal. But remember to make reservations beforehand. You can also have an unforgettable lunch or dinner here, along with live entertainment. The shoreline also offers camping facilities alongside shops and restaurants.
The State Park Marina, the public marina nearest to the lake, has provisions for supplying paddleboards and ski boats, besides other accessories, a perfect place indeed those on the lookout for hardcore outdoor adventures.
If time permits and you’re up for more adventure, visit the Talking Rocks Cavern, located within Branson, where you will find a cave to explore.
Fishing: One of the main catches of this lake includes different trout species that the Missouri Department of Conservation stocks here regularly. Other fishes found here are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, bluegill, white crappie, longear sunfish.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, sailing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, camping, hiking, cycling, sightseeing
Lake Type: Public
This V-shaped artificial lake has a 300-mile shoreline of unspoiled beauty, appealing to the eye. Its crystal clear water attracts one to have a refreshing dip in summers. With so much wildlife thriving in its shoreline, you can spot a deer quenching its thirst or a goose taking her little ones for a walk. Bald eagles also keep frequenting the place.
This place stands out among many others when it comes to water sports like windsurfing, kiteboarding, and water skiing, mainly because of the coves present here. It is also a sailor’s hub, famed for hosting several races year-round, one of them being the Governor’s Cup Regatta. Camping by the lakeshore at night will give you a serene experience of spending time in nature’s lap. The 24 km equestrian trail running along its shoreline is perfect for hikers and cyclists too.
Fishing: The most popular fish species caught here are bass, walleye, crappie, catfish, and bluegill.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, sailing, wildlife watching, horseback riding, camping
Lake Type: Public
This long and narrow artificial lake flowing in the Ozark Mountain region looks like a river, also having many features similar to it. You can rent a kayak and paddle peacefully in its tranquil waters while soaking in the charms of the lake. Picnicking at the lakeshore is another sought-after activity to spend a beautiful afternoon with your family. If planning to extend your stay here, you can have dinner in The White River Fish House, located off the lake’s shore. For spending the night, you will find many vacation homes and campsites by the lakeside.
Fishing This lake is famous for trout fishing, including rainbow trout and brown trout. Other fish species found here are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and bluegill.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing, hiking, hunting, picnicking
Lake Type: Public
Lake Wappapello lies in the foothills of the Ozarks in the southeast region of Missouri. Lake Wappapello State Park on its southeast shore provides ample recreational activities from boating to fishing, camping, and swimming. There are even numerous trails going from here, perfect for hikers, horseback riders, and bikers. If birdwatching is your favorite pastime, do bring your binoculars to see hundreds of songbirds and waterfowls along the shoreline.
Fishing: This lake contains several fish species like white bass, crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing, jet-skiing, picnicking, hiking, cycling, camping, birdwatching
Lake Type: Public
Fellows Lake is a favorite spot in Springfield for those who come to visit the city. It provides a temporary respite if you wish to escape the hustle and bustle of city life for some time. On a nice breezy day, engage yourself in kite flying in the grassy areas of the park by the lakeside. A walk along the shore would be an excellent way to de-stress your mind while absorbing the surrounding beauty. Though swimming is not permissible, you can enjoy its pristine waters by renting a kayak and going for a ride in it.
Fishing: One of the star catches of this lake is the muskellunge or muskie. Other fishes include the largemouth bass, channel catfish, white crappie, black crappie, bluegill, walleye, redear sunfish, green sunfish, and white bass.
Other Activities: Boating, kayaking, hunting, picnicking, hiking, biking
Lake Type: Public
This lake is a beautiful gem in the Ozark region with calm and clear spring waters, making it an excellent family vacation destination. You will also find a state park of the same name along the lake’s shoreline. There is something for everyone here, from lazing the day off in any one of the two sandy beaches to immersing in the joys of fun-filled water activities. There are a few trails also for hiking enthusiasts to explore. You could even camp in any of the 650 campsites in the state park, from where you can enjoy closer proximity to the lake.
Fishing: The highlight of this lake is its muskie population, stocked by the Conservation Department regularly. Other catches include crappie, white bass, catfish, bluegill, and walleye.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, tubing, canoeing, waterskiing, picnicking, hiking
Lake Type: Public
Less than half an hour’s drive from Piedmont in southeastern Missouri will take you to the Ozark region’s Clearwater Lake. Though not large, there are plenty of things to do and see here. The sight of the tree-lined shores with picturesque bluffs is a treat to the eye. With three state parks here, you will never get bored as there are many recreational activities to keep yourself engaged. Wildlife, being abundant here, is an avid wildlife watcher’s paradise. The clear sky lures visitors to spend overnight in the campsites to experience the twinkling stars above their heads. Finally, don’t miss visiting the lake between August 11 and 13 to witness the well-known celestial event, Perseid Meteor Shower.
Fishing: You can catch several fish here, including spotted bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, and white bass
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, wakeboarding, canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing, hiking,
Lake Type: Public
McDaniel Lake in Springfield is a restricted lake making it a peaceful and serene one. The lake does not support any swimming or boating activities due to algae contamination. Yet, you can stroll or cycle along the shoreline to immerse in its beauty. In addition, you can also enjoy bank fishing from the Grant Street Bridge. Your dogs, too, can tag along.
Fishing: This lake supports many fish species like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, white crappie, white bass, and bluegill.
Other Activities: Hiking, cycling, nature gazing
Lake Type: Public
Bulls Shoals Lake is a large one that shares its waters with the two states of southern Missouri and northern Arkansas. It takes only 20 minutes to drive here from Branson. You can spend a joyful day indulging in a wide variety of activities here. Float on your back on its crystal clear waters gazing at the pleasant sky, or have fun diving and exploring underwater. You can also try spotting an eagle perching on one of the branches of the many trees along the shoreline. If you don’t feel like parting yourself with the lake at the end of the day, many campsites and lodgings with breathtaking views are available.
Fishing: You can take pleasure in fishing largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout, walleye, white bass, bluegill, catfish
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing, scuba diving, hiking, camping
Lake Type: Public
Norfork Lake is another one on the list to flow in southern Missouri and northern Arkansas. The forest-clad hills and towering bluffs surrounding the lake intensify its picturesqueness. Though a significant portion lies in Arkansas, you can still do so much if you happen to visit its Missouri portion. In its underdeveloped shoreline, you’ll find plenty of wildlife species, from white-tailed deer to wild turkeys. Swimming or boating is the best to enjoy its clear waters.
If you are up for some adventure, hiking in the nearby trails will give you access to the surrounding natural vistas, apart from viewing the lake from a different angle.
If you are up for some adventure, hiking in the nearby trails will give you access to the surrounding natural vistas, apart from viewing the lake from a different angle.
Fishing: Plenty of spotted bass, striped bass, white bass, largemouth bass, and walleye are available here. However, those accessing the lake from the Missouri side can fish on only 5% of it. Hence, while fishing, be careful, lest you could land in trouble if you accidentally fish into the Arkansas part without any permit.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, canoeing, water skiing, jet skiing, scuba diving, hiking, camping, wildlife watching
Lake Type: Public
This lake, nestled in the Salt River Hills of north-central Missouri, is a picturesque one. The bluffs overlooking the lake and beautiful oak and maple trees sprinkled all along offer one a visual treat. In addition, Mark Twain State Park encompassing the lake provides several outdoor activities and the opportunity to see wildlife like deer, turkey, bluebird, and many more.
Whether you’re boating or simply relaxing on the lakeshore, you can enjoy private time anywhere and at any time of the year here. In addition, camping facilities are also excellent. However, the lake seems to lag a little when it comes to tourist-friendliness. There are not too many eateries around. Many visitors have advised of bringing along their food during their visit here.
Fishing: Anglers can catch a wide variety of fish, including catfish, bass, crappie, bluegill, walleye, and sunfish.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, picnicking, hiking, hunting, camping
Lake Type: Public
Smithville Lake in Clay County has a 175-mile shoreline dotted with parks, beaches, restaurants, campsites, and many more. You can hike or cycle along the trails traversing around the lake to get breathtaking views of it. You can also spend time hunting for rabbit, turkey, waterfowl, squirrel, or coyote in the Honker Cove Waterfowl Refuge, which remains open from February to mid-October.
Fishing: Fish species dwelling in this lake include white bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, bluegill, walleye, largemouth bass, and tiger muskellunge.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, camping, biking, hiking, camping, horseback riding, birdwatching, hunting
Lake Type: Public
This artificial lake in the northwestern region of Missouri is one of the two lakes in Fleming Park. You will not find any swimming beaches here, but you can visit the neighboring Blue Springs Lake’s shore to take a plunge. You can also participate in the sailing regattas hosted here during the summer days. In addition, there are many nature trails around for you to explore interesting geological formations and dense forests. The Kemper Outdoor Education Center inside Fleming Park would indeed be a perfect place where you can take your kids.
Fishing: Anglers love fishing for largemouth bass here. Other fish species found are crappie, walleye, hybrid striped bass, catfish, bluegill, and carp.
Other Activities: Boating, paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, pontoon boating, hiking, nature gazing, wildlife watching
Lake Type: Public
Blue Springs lake, the second one flowing in Fleming Park, boasts a 3 miles long tree-lined shoreline. The swimming beach on its shore makes those refreshing dips on a hot day quite enjoyable. There are picnic spots too for you to have a hearty meal with your loved ones. Speed lovers can take pleasure in powerboating and jet skiing, too, here. Wildlife enthusiasts can head to Native Hooved Animal Enclosure, where you would get to see the bison, elk, and white-tailed deer.
Fishing: You can expect to catch an excellent variety of fish species, including hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish, and carp.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, jet skiing, birdwatching, hiking
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, jet skiing, birdwatching, hiking
Lake Type: Public
This freshwater reservoir in Kansas City is a favorite among many. Longview Lake Park, which encompasses the lake, is a beautiful and well-maintained park with paved paths. Plenty of water activities thrive here, along with sandy beaches for you to sit back and bask in the sun. If you don’t feel like indulging yourself in water activities, you can go for a walk or cycle along the paved trails to clear your mind. Don’t miss the annual event, ‘Christmas in the Park,’ when not only the lake but the entire park looks stunning, illuminated with colorful lights.
Fishing: Enjoy catching various fish species, including crappie, black bass, white bass, largemouth bass, spotted bass, bluegill, flathead catfish, and channel catfish.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, jet-skiing, hiking, biking, picnicking, camping, wildlife watching
Lake Type: Public
Truman Reservoir in west-central Missouri is a scenic lake abounded with forested bluffs, rugged hills, and prairies. The state’s largest lake, there is so much for you to do and see that a day will not suffice to complete everything. In addition, its massive shoreline is home to many wildlife species.
You can visit the Harry S. Truman Regional Visitor Center to know more about the fascinating insights of the lake’s cultural and natural history. As it sits on the Kaysinger Bluff, it also offers magnificent panoramic views of the lake.
Fishing: Crappie, black bass, white bass, and catfish are available in abundance here.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, waterskiing, sailing, kayaking, camping, hiking, horseback riding, wildlife watching
Lake Type: Public
TOP PICKS
Best Lakes for Fishing: Lake Taneycomo, Pomme de Terre Lake, Truman Reservoir
Best Lakes for Swimming: Table Rock Lake, Lake of the Ozarks, Pomme de Terre Lake
Best Lakes to Live On: Table Rock Lake, Truman Reservoir, Stockton Lake
Best Lakes for Camping: Stockton Lake, Pomme de Terre Lake, Mark Twain Lake
Best Lakes for Boating: Pomme de Terre Lake, Smithville Lake
Cleanest Lakes: Creve Couer Lake, Fellows Lake, Stockton Lake
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