Beautiful Spots to Go Swimming in Missouri This Summer

By Riverfront Times Staff on Tue, May 24, 2016 at 2:22 pm

You don't have to live on the coasts to enjoy a summer full of beaches, swimming and water sports. Missouri is home to countless springs, lakes and watering holes -- just waiting for you to explore them. Check out some of our favorite spots and then start packing the car. Summer adventure is calling.

05/25/2016

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Blue Spring

Also accessible from the North Fork of the White River is Blue Spring (not to be confused with the Blue Spring on the Current River). Only accessible by canoe, Blue Spring is truly a hidden gem. Canoe rental is available near Blue Spring as well as the previously mentioned Althea Spring -- check out Dawtmill.com and Pettit's Canoe Rental. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Missouri Division of Tourism.

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Castor River Shut-Ins
Fredericktown, MO 63645
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 44 minutes (Directions here)

Here you'll find the only pink granite shut-ins in Missouri. Give wade and bank fishing a try while you're there, and explore the various pools, riffles and small waterfalls. No matter where you decide to go, however, one thing is for sure: it will be a summer day well spent. Photo courtesy of Instagram / _alexkeller15 via pikore.com.

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Rocky Falls
Winona Township, MO 65588
Estimated drive time: 2 hours, 42 minutes (Directions here)

If you're new to this whole outdoor adventure thing, Rocky Falls is a good place to start. It's less daunting than Johnson's Shut-Ins, with plenty of places to simply enjoy wading and sitting in the running water. There are picnic areas where you can kick back as well. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Timothy K Hamilton.

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Alley Spring and Mill
Eminence, MO 65466
Estimated drive time: 2 hours, 52 minutes (Directions here)

In addition to the usual canoeing, tubing and fishing excursions, this area is host to numerous springs, sinkholes, caves and streams. You can also get your history fix with a visit to Alley Mill, which is open daily in the summer and is available for tours upon request. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Granger Meador.

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Althea Spring
Dawt Township, MO
Estimated drive time: 3 hours, 44 minutes (Directions here)

Althea Spring is a short hike after Blair Bridge on the upper stretch of the North Fork of the White River. The frigid water temperatures are a welcome refresher when the summer heat hits full force -- not to mention, it makes for a pretty view. Photo courtesy of Instagram / soulshinecircles, via websta.me.

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Cuivre River State Park
678 State Route 147
Troy, MO 63379
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 12 minutes (Directions here)

There's something for everyone at this state park. Try your hand at fishing in Lake Lincoln, take a swim at the public beach and rent a kayak or canoe. When you need a break from the water, set up camp and explore the surrounding trails. Photo courtesy of Instagram / sammijo4eva via pikore.

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Huzzah Valley Resort
970 MO-8
Steelville, MO 65565
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 42 minutes (Directions here)

The Huzzah Valley Resort's expansive campground offers two distinct options. The family side has a strictly enforced 11 p.m. quiet time, while the resort’s wild side boasts a later quiet hour of 1 a.m. for the party folk. You can also conveniently rent kayaks, canoes, tubes and rafts on site. Photo courtesy of Instagram / luvrel1 via pikore.com.

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Big Piney River
Texas, Howell, Phelps and Pulaski County, Mo.
Estimated drive time: 2 hours, 20 minutes (Directions here)

The biggest tributary of the Gasconade River, the Big Piney is a great place for fishing. In the upper and middle reaches you'll also have a great view, with limestone bluffs topped with pine trees. A number of lovely springs feed into the river, making it a great place to float. Some float trip options include Rich's Last Resort and Wilderness Ridge Resort. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Alex Europa.

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Marble Creek
Marble Creek Campground
Route E
Arcadia, MO 63621
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 46 minutes (Directions here)

Marble Creek streams for 20 miles throughout the St. Francis Mountains and is known for the pretty dolomites that were mined for use as Taum Sauk Marble. You can enjoy fishing, horseback riding and camping during your stay. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Jeff Hamm.

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Lane Spring Recreation Area
401 Fairgrounds Rd.
Rolla, MO 65401
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 39 minutes (Directions here)

Lane Spring Recreation Area is located along the Little Piney Creek. This bubbling spring features natural plant life, good trout fishing and a shaded stone patio. Area activities also include tubing, hiking, volleyball, camping along the waterfront, and more. Photo courtesy of Instagram / bvh1223 via pikore.com.

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Johnson's Shut-Ins
148 Taum Sauk Trail
Middle Brook, MO 63656
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 43 minutes (Directions here)

Adventure seekers will fall in love with Johnson's Shut-Ins, Missouri's largest collection of natural water slides. Located in the east fork of the Black River, these natural slides, pools and cliffs will keep you content for hours. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Brad Kebodeaux.

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Current River
Current River State Park
Salem, MO 65560
Estimated drive time: 2 hours, 40 minutes (Directions here)

All your favorite river activities, including fishing, canoeing and camping, are available along this popular river (weekdays are better time to visit if you want a more peaceful, less populated experience). The Current River is also home to Big Spring, one of the largest springs in the world. You can find canoe rentals here. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Jim Rhodes.

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Mark Twain Lake
Mark Twain State Park
37352 Shrine Road
Florida, MO 65283-2127
Estimated drive time: 2 hours, 23 minutes (Directions here)

If you've been there and done that at Table Rock Lake, make your way to Mark Twain Lake for a change of scenery. In addition to swimming and other water activities, beautiful bluffs and hiking both await you. Photo courtesy of Flickr / TeamSaintLouis.

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Table Rock Lake
Missouri/Arkansas
Estimated drive time: 4 hours, 1 minute (Directions here)

Located near all the excitement of Branson, Table Rock Lake is the perfect go-to spot for water sports. Swimming, fishing, boating, jet skiing, tubing, parasailing -- it's all here. Table Rock boasts nearly 800 miles of shoreline, so beach activities are at your disposal as well. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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The Bird's Nest Lodge
2356 Bass Rd.
Steelville, MO 65565
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 39 minutes (Directions here)

The Bird’s Nest Lodge is a fine location for floaters on the upper Meramec River. In addition to relatively nice campgrounds, bathrooms and a resort, there's lovely atmosphere and scenery, along with on-site floating rentals. It's good for a nice time with the family or a boozy weekend on the river with friends. Photo courtesy of Instagram / buyfarms via pikore.com.

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