Stay informed by signing up for our monthly Park Board Newsletter. Depending on how high the water is running, there could be several waterfalls flowing, but the water tends to be pretty decent here all season, so you should get to see at least one. Make sure you wear water shoes since you'll be climbing on rocks. The spring is surrounded by a semicircle of small bluffs and rocks, and youll often see people jumping from the rocks on the north side of the spring. However, if youre just looking to swim, there is no usage fee. If you want to extend your day outdoors, you can rent a kayak or paddleboat at the marina and paddle along the designated aquatic trail. This is a review for swimming holes in Springfield, MO: "Very easy trail well marked but the end of the trail isn't marked well. Physical Address. 12 swimming holes that offer a break from the heat Ben Simon Jul 18, 2020 0 The virus may have altered summer in St. Louis, but the heat hasn't budged. Moonshine Beach Recreation Area is just north of the dam. 15 Free Swimming Holes near Branson, Missouri - Free Arenas. Several of the lakes have sand beaches. Breakfast was poor. Why it's great: The Mother Road is the classic road trip, born in Springfield and stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica. Its the way summers felt as a child, when every day contained the feeling of freedom and endless possibility, of adventure and exploration. We've logged that you went. Youll definitely want to stop here. It is such a gorgeous location and one of my favorite places to pull out a camera to capture our family splashing around. There is something about swimming holes that evokes nostalgia and excitement in the same moment. Once youve had your fill of Six Finger Falls, hop back in your car and drive another 3.6 miles south. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. From there, its a little over a half-mile walk to the swimming hole. Washington has a public swimming pool, while others have sand beaches. 417-land is rich with opportunities to make a splash in all-natural wonders. If you can swing it, visit on a weekday. This would be a great spot to visit if you have a group of people with varying ideas of how they like to relax. On Saturday morning, we left for our float around 8:30 a.m. For an added activity, you can look for some of the 149 species of birds that have been spotted in this park. There were many pretty areas of the trail but it was super disappointing to see the west gate resort buildings literally 100 feet or less from the trail and hearing people on patios and seeing the resort grass. The beach at Finger Lakes State Park near Columbia, Missouri is just one of the many popular activities in this public recreation area. Besides swimming, other popular activities here are canoeing, fishing, and scuba diving. 36.61083400306, -93.31010299999. With fantastic local and regional dive sites just a short distance away, freshwater lake diving and meeting new divers are some of the perks of our Springfield location. You can reach this gorgeous Missouri swimming hole via a, Kiddos love to splash in the shallow shore, while more adventurous types should hike Mooner's Hollow Trail to access some secluded, clear, cool swimming holes. Hours 10:00a - 6:00p The beach park has all the amenities you need for the day, including cabanas, picnic, tables with grills, and concessions. In fact, Johnsons Shut-Ins is more like a water park than a swimming hole, complete with natural slides, waterfalls, jumping cliffs and pools. The rock formations here have been carved out by the east fork of the Black River, and centuries of erosion have worn them smooth, leaving the rocks perfect for slipping and sliding over. Places to Swim near Stockton - Where to find Beaches, Lakes, Pools, Swimming Holes, and More near Stockton MO There are many public beaches in the state parks throughout Missouri around the Lake of the Ozarks. There are several big boulders close by that are ideal for sunbathing on, jumping off of or fishing from. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The mercury is starting to creep up, which means its time to gather the family, hit the road and make a splash at one of these gorgeous swimming holes within driving distance of 417-land. Near the bridge over the East Fork Black River, on the downstream side, we think, there is a swimming hole . The dam, part of Gunner Pool Recreation Area, is located near campsites 16 and 17. Hours: Dawn to dusk, parking lot gate is locked at sundown. Even if youre not a swimmer, the falls are beautiful and make a great picnic location. I didn't grow up around here so the secret swimming spots are still a secret to me :) Where's your favorite spot? The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Mark Twain National Forest has a wide range of popular recreation opportunities. There are some amazing local swimming holes in Missouri. Another option is Columbia in the center part of the state. Join us on social media and stay up to date on swimming lessons and scuba diving at our Springfield location! Embed. Our team of experts in Springfield has years of experience teaching scuba diving and swimming lessons. There is plenty of grass and shady trees near the river if you feel like spreading out a blanket for a snooze. For the brave, there are 10- to- 20-foot cliff jumps around the beach from the steep ledges of the quarry. Must-do list: Route 66 Drive-In ( 17231 Old 66 Blvd., Carthage, MO, 417-359-5959), Gay Parita (Ash Grove), Blue Whale ( 2600 U.S. Rte 66, Catoosa, OK), Golden Driller ( Tulsa Expo Center, 4145 E. 21st St., Tulsa, OK) Make sure you wear water shoes since you'll be climbing on rocks. Restrooms are in the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks building, on the south side of the park. There is more than 958 miles of shoreline in the Harry S. Truman State Park, with spectacular views of forests and steep bluffs surrounding it. Moonshine beach at Table Rock Lake in southwest Missouri is a popular swimming beach near Branson and about 25 minutes from the Rockaway Beach resort community. Head east on Park Central Square toward Park Central E (413 ft) Turn right onto Park Central N (177 ft) Continue onto N Boonville Ave (0.4 mi) Turn right onto E Chestnut Expy (0.1 mi) Continue straight to stay on E Chestnut Expy (1.5 mi) Continue straight to stay on E Chestnut Expy (2.1 mi) The stair-stepped design of the wall creates a striking visual effect, but its not just pretty to look at. This review is the . Check it out this summer! For more information, click HERE. Looking for more Missouri summer ideas? My favorite swimming hole is called 5-mile, near Baxter Springs, Kansas near the state line between Kansas and Oklahoma. Shady Beach is a popular swimming spot, especially on summer weekends. We offer classes for kids of all ages and skill levels so everyone can become confident in the water. Steel Creek is close to other noteworthy locations. Every time we walk, kids are wading and enjoying time with their families! Youre going to want to gram a shot of the dam. There is ample lodging at Shady Beach, with a nearby campground, cabins, and vacation homes available for rent. The big draw to King River Falls is, unsurprisingly, the falls, and when the water is up, there can be several shoots pouring over the rock ledge. Check out our latest feature and choose your own 417-land summer adventure with our quiz, powered by Springfield Brewing Company. The swimming area isnt huge, and when the water is low, it can feel crowded. There are also a number of hiking and biking trails. Monett, MO, USA. Take a look at the most notable dog-friendly beaches in Missouri. The beach has great swimming areas and plenty of picnic tables for a full day near the water. Address: 136 Shady Beach Lane, Saint Clair, Missouri. You cant miss the spot. Along with swimming, Gunner Pool Recreation Area, which is run by the U.S. Forest Service, offers camping, fishing and hiking. You can book a campsite or stay in a cabin or vacation rental near the lake. Clear, spring-fed Ozark rivers are great for cooling off in the hot summer months. Stay for the weekend in the lodge or rough it at one of the campsites. This is your takeout point where buses will be waiting to take you back to the Twin Bridges campground. The whole team is passionate about sharing their love of the water and dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. There was a wonderful swimming hole my dad and I would frequent where Pierce Creek meets Little Meramec River, about 1 mile west of Lonedell in Franklin County. The swimming hole isnt huge, but there are picnic tables, grills and a public restroom. The parking lot gate is locked at sundown. Stepping onto the sandy shores of Fugitive Beach, youll feel more like youre on spring break somewhere in Florida than in the Ozarks, but thats part of the fun. The park was built in an area once used for coal mining, so there are rolling hills great for ATV trekking and a unique scenic landscape.If you want to stay for several days and take advantage of the 70 miles of dirt off-road trails and other water activities, you can book a campsite on the property. This is a nice sandy beach, with several picnic areas with tables and outdoor grills, restrooms, and changing facilities nearby. To enjoy some fun in the sand, take Highway 165 from Branson to Table Rock Dam. Serving Springfield, MO, Kansas City, Joplin, Branson, & the lovely State of Missouri, TOP 11 PLACES TO SWIM IN SPRINGFIELD MO AND SURROUNDING AREAS, TOP 14 OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN SPRINGFIELD MO, Top 7 Indoor Playgrounds in Springfield MO, Why You Need To Book Your Photographer Early| Family Photography Joplin MO. There are also swimming holes downstream and upstream from the camping area. Fax: (417)-833-3334 . Okay, okay. Have you ever thought about having a water-themed photography session? Theres a stretch of gravel road in the Ozark National Forest, about halfway between Springfield and Little Rock, Arkansas, that is simply magical. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Dubbed Flat Rock by the locals, this charming little spot is downright picturesque. If you can get to the campground before nightfall, I suggest setting your camping equipment aside and heading straight to the water. Bring all of your beach gear for a day of fun under the sun. Swimming is not allowed at the beach, but it is a popular place to relax with a picnic or take up a game of sand volleyball. What are some highly rated swimming holes in Springfield, MO? Roark Bluff runs down along the campground, and its a real stunner. They have cabanas to rent with a grill. Learn more about this, Dying to take a dip? If youre lucky enough to get the spot to yourself, youre in for a real treat. These are some swimming holes with a large number of reviews in Springfield, MO: Westgate Branson Woods Resort (137 reviews), Branson Treehouse Adventures (28 reviews). Your Instagram game. There are also quite a few resort communities, like Sunrise Beach, with beaches to use. Head to Sam A. Baker State Park in Patterson for the refreshing waters of Big Creek. For kids that want to cool off, there are several spray fountains in the park. Outdoors. Visitors also like this beach because of the diversity of recreation available, from swimming and boating to fishing and hiking on the Table Rock Lakeshore Trail, which is easily accessible from the Dewey Short Visitor Center. In the mornings, I would grab a cup of coffee and enjoy it on the deck overlooking the river. 2450 E Valley Water Mill Road. Let's get your incredible day on my calendar, and let's create memories that you'll remember for a lifetime. However, here are a few great locations provided by nature that are known for their swimming. Peckers Beach, 3100 S Farm Rd 193, Springfield, MO 65809, USA, Rocky Falls, Winona Township, MO 65588, USA, Rivers Edge Inn Resort, 16392 Tom Akers Rd, Eminence, MO 65466, USA, River's Edge has great swimming and also some pretty sweet, With natural waterslides, this is one of the best, Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO 63656, USA, Eleven Point is known for great swimming and also amazing, Eleven Point River, Moore Township, MO, USA, Castor River Shut-Ins, Fredericktown, MO 63645, USA. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources samples water quality at all designated swimming beaches in the state park system on a weekly basis during the recreational season. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons, Facebook/ Friends of Eleven Point River (Lori L. Eggert). Second, there is a huge cliff at the bottom of the shut-ins that is a popular jumping spot. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. The water flows continuously because Shoal Creek has been dammed to provide water to the city of Joplinthe fact that Grand Falls is one of the coolest swimming holes in 417-land is just a bonus. Here are 10 of the best swimming holes in Missouri. We've recorded your comments. Don't forget to read our handy swimming holes safety guide before you go. This 18-hole championship course is exceptionally designed to maximize the challenges of the game amidst a breathtaking setting. So read on and then be sure to check out the best swimming holes in Missouri. All "swimming holes" results in Springfield, Missouri, "Not my favorite state park so far. First of all, although Johnsons Shut-Ins is a blast, it can be dangerous, and if the water is moving too fast, youll want to steer clear. Find one of the natural pools, sit back, relax and enjoy the view looking out over Rocky Creek. Boating is popular, and there are a number of hiking trails to explore. Campsite List. To have the complete North Fork experience, jumping into the bone-chillingly cold spring is a must. Rollas Fugitive Beach doesnt really fall under the traditional definition of a swimming hole, but we couldnt help but include it anyway. Take a left onto Kinser Road and then turn left onto South Farm Road 193. There is a great interpretive center where you can learn about the Trail of Tears and the native Cherokee Indians. I would categorize this as a urban trail even though Branson is rural. Life jackets are available. We offer a wide range of scuba classes from scuba certification to professional courses. Any shot hit left of this fairway will find itself swimming with the fishes. We would be remiss if we didnt include at least one spot on the Buffalo River, and Steel Creek Campground was recommended to us by Arkansas photographer and back-road wanderer Jeff Rose, whose job pretty much consists of finding the coolest outdoor spots in the Ozarks. The water slide and pool were supposed to be heated but were cold, we had to make reservations for our time to swim and slide, but yet they let just anyone walk in and play.". Classes starting now! Hikers pass through forests and along the river the entire way. Located in the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area, this is known as one of the best places for a refreshing dip. The falls are on the right if youre facing south. The clear, cool waters of the quarry lake in Finger Lakes State Park are perfect for beating the summer heat. Peckers Beach, 3100 S Farm Rd 193, Springfield, MO 65809, USA 2. (Bonus points if you can pull off a flip.) With lakes, rivers, ponds and streams galore, there is no shortage of Missouri swimming holes. Long Branch State Park near Macon is popular with families, with a nice sandy public beach for swimming in the lake. With Swimming Pool - Homes for Sale in Springfield, MO 16 Homes Sort by Relevant Listings Brokered by Keller Williams Realty - Greater Springfield For Sale $3,250,000 6 bed 5.5 bath 7,843. Encompassing 1.5 million acres of beautiful public land in 29 counties in Missouri, Mark Twain National Forest maintains a healthy, working forest and restores Missouri's natural communities. Our state-of-the-art facility is located across the interstate from Cherokee Middle School. Art, gardens, and fountains are other features of the park, including a path featuring 24 sculptures. This repurposed rock quarry offers a huge swimming area, a 65-foot waterslide, several jumping cliffs, sand volleyball courts and, starting this summer, another waterslide 50 feet long. Two hours and 55 minutes south of Springfield, near Sand Gap, Arkansas, Two and a half hours south of Springfield, near Aurora, Arkansas, Two hours northeast of Springfield, near Rolla, One hour and 15 minutes west of Springfield in Joplin, One hour and 30 minutes southwest of Springfield in Anderson, Only if theyre older and can hold their own in the river, Binoculars to spot wildlife along the creek, Four hours south of Springfield, near Perryville, Arkansas, Three hours and 20 minutes northeast of Springfield, near Black, Missouri, A pair of water shorts so you dont tear your swimsuit, Two hours and 20 minutes east of Springfield, near Eminence, A waterproof phone case so you can take videos of the shut-ins, One hour and 45 minutes east of Springfield near Houston, Missouri, One hour and 45 minutes east of Springfield, near West Plains. This is a spot you can bring the whole family. Lake Boutin is where the public beach is located, but you can also canoe and fish along the shoreline. Our adult lessons fit the needs of all swimmers. The place can fill up, though, and I recommend reserving a camping spot or calling ahead to check availability. Back in the canoe, you have another 9 miles of river to enjoy, so kick back and relax. We stayed in the hotel and met the", "This hotel was terrible, they did not offer any breakfast at all, NOTHING, on the days we stayed but still paid full price. continuing from the directions for the Shut Ins above, continue east on RT 21/29 to Lesterville. This is also a spot that is better visited earlier in the season or when the water is up. There are a few road crossings along the route. There is usually a good amount of activity at the beach and the park in the summer months because it has many picnic areas, boat ramps, and green space that both locals and vacationers like to use. I dare you to climb it and not feel a little bit like Tom Sawyer. Cool Parks gear for sale. Take a peek at the beauty that awaits on this, This is the only swimming hole in Missouri featuring pink granite shut-ins. There are some great swimming holes in Missouri for kids. The closest beach to St. Louis is at Creve Coeur Lake, which is a large natural lake in Missouri. If youre going with a large group, it might be worth it to splurge on one of the pavilions or cabanas, which can be booked ahead of time online (fugitive-beach.com). Roark Bluff runs down along the campground, and it's a real stunner. Summit Waves is an awesome waterpark in Missouri. Our state-of-the-art facility is located across the interstate from Cherokee Middle School. Address: 16875 County Road 5285, Rolla, Missouri, Official site: https://www.fugitive-beach.com. Residence Inn Springfield features an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub. 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Feel crowded Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more S Farm Rd 193,,! Shortage of Missouri swimming holes '' results in Springfield, MO 65809 USA! Other popular activities here are canoeing, fishing and hiking you back to the swimming hole called... A dip join us on social media and stay up to date on swimming lessons I dare you to it. Or vacation rental near the lake summer adventure with our quiz, powered by Springfield Company. Of Tears and the great outdoors in a responsible way own 417-land summer adventure with quiz... Beaches to use Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more and I reserving. And heading straight to your inbox to read our handy swimming holes in Missouri safety guide you!