A native Midwesterner with a love for family, friends, and learning new things. Echo Bluff State Park is one of Missouri's newest parks. Youll appreciate our classrooms and state-of-the art pool. What other places would you recommend for a day of swimming? It is such a gorgeous location and one of my favorite places to pull out a camera to capture our family splashing around. 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. Looking for more outdoor adventures this summer? Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park is a popular swimming destination in southeastern Missouri. Osage Beach is right up next to the stunningly scenic Lake of the Ozarks, and you can get a boat rental and cruise the lake that way, or you can just relax on the shore. Once youve had your fill of Six Finger Falls, hop back in your car and drive another 3.6 miles south. The Diventures state-of-the-art facility in Springfield includes a 50-foot pool, heated pool and deck, and family locker rooms all designed for the comfort of our swimmers and divers. Pack a lunch because there are no restaurants nearby. Even if youre not a swimmer, the falls are beautiful and make a great picnic location. I went to Lindenlure the other day to try and swim, but couldn't find a spot to park. If youre still hankering for adventure, there are several other neat spots close by. Valley Water Mill Creek There is a section of the valley water mill that you can jump in and swim in. Classes and programs may also be held during this time which may affect the use of features by guests. Thank you! Take a peek at this, Rocky Falls Shut-ins, Winona, MO 65588, USA, It's no wonder Cuivre River State Park's beach is a popular summer hangout - the water feels just as good as it looks. Plus, its also home to the Lake of the Ozarks, one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the state. The fact that Dogs Bluff is right off of the highway does mean traffic can be noisy at times, but the water here is cool and clear, and a small picturesque bluff runs along the swimming hole. Scuba diving lessons for kids are a fun and safe way for kids to deepen their love of the water. Get more stories delivered right to your email. With an 8,000 square foot wave pool, a lazy river, and epic water slides, there is something at Summit Waves for everyone. The rope swing and idyllic setting are big draws of the swimming hole, but the spot can get a bit rowdy, and there is some explicit graffiti on the nearby bluffs. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Long Branch Lake in Macon is another beautiful body of water that boasts pristine water. The Ozark Trail (Klepzig Mill to Rocky Falls) near Winona, Missouri, is a hiker's paradise. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Read more about this lake with the, State Park Road, State Pk Rd, Union Township, MO 63448, USA, Don't you feel cooler already just looking at a photo of this cool, clear lake? Cotton Rocks Falls is located near Branson, Missouri. The following is a list of destinations within the state where you can splash and swim around. Many folks will agree that Ha Ha Tonka State Park is truly one of the most scenic places in Missouri. 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. It is the largest natural flowing waterfall in Missouri. The whole team is passionate about sharing their love of the water and dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. ranges, and retailers, Its hard not to get a scenic vista when youre paddling. She works for a STL metro-area community college and enjoys writing, traveling, and indoor cycling. Take your pick from kayaking, canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding.but, Just because Old Man Winter is rearing his balaclava-covered head, doesn't mean you have to hang up your paddle. All rights reserved. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons, Facebook/ Friends of Eleven Point River (Lori L. Eggert). Falling Water Falls is on the left. Take a dip at these awesome places to swim in and around Aurora, MO. Absolutely! Were pretty lucky here in 417-land. (South Best friendly place for out of towners to hang out, Press J to jump to the feed. Moonshine Beach Recreation Area is just north of the dam. The entrance to the park is on your left. So strap on your water shoes, slather on some sunscreen and get out there to explore one of the best parts of living in the Ozarks. Once youre done swimming, take a two-mile hike up to Steel Creek Overlook for some killer views of Roark Bluff, considered by many to be the most beautiful bluff on the river. We offer a wide range of scuba classes from scuba certification to professional courses. The setting sun, filtered through the trees that line the bank of the river, casts a golden glow over the swimming area, which is large and deep. I spent a summer researching and visiting swimming holes in and around southwest Missouri, and because there are too many to include all of them here, Ive rounded up 13 of my favorites. Our water sport expert shares his, Contrary to popular belief, you don't need many technical skills to go paddling because today's craft are more stable than ever. This is a spot you can bring the whole family. However, once you find it, you can easily spend a day here. Below we show a map of Glory Holes in Springfield that has shared our community. The hardest part is, Paddle Your Way To See The Best Fall Colors. In the mornings, I would grab a cup of coffee and enjoy it on the deck overlooking the river. This quarry lake can be accessed via a beach; however, theres also a dedicated swim platformed located on the opposite end of the lake. Get the StepOutside Newsletter specially curated by Outdoor experts. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. This little spot on the James River has shady trees and picnic tables and is within the Springfield city limits. The swimming hole isnt huge, but there are picnic tables, grills and a public restroom. The swimming hole here is deep and wide, and its surrounded by small bluffs on three sides. More information: The Rivers Edge Resort is located at 16392 Tom Akers Road, in beautiful Eminence. Looking for some high-flying fun? Enjoy the hottest months by cooling off at one of these great swimming locations. (Bonus points if you can pull off a flip.) Echo Bluff State Park is another great park with swimming holes, and so is Wakonda State Park. Editor's Note: Since the initial publication of this article in June 2018, Lindenlure public access has been closed.Located near theintersection of Highway 125 and State Highway JJ in Rogersville is a public access area on the Finley River that is a popular swimming spot. Start your weekend off by pitching a tent at Richland Creek Recreation Area campground. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. There are also swimming holes downstream and upstream from the camping area. Learn more about these family-friendly summer destinations in Missouri. There is a section of the valley water mill that you can jump in and swim in. 1. A steep dirt road leads into the recreation area, so large campers and RVs might want to steer clear. Echo Bluff State Park is another great park with swimming holes, and so is Wakonda State Park. Are you looking for the BEST swimming holes in Springfield MO, for summer fun? Have you visited any of these swimming holes in Missouri? For another fantastic swimming hole in Missouri, look no further than Finger Lakes State Park. From snorkeling classes to swimming lessons to scuba classes, Diventures has it all. You can see the spot from the road, and from there its just a short climb down an embankment to the water. Full disclosure here, folks, I got lostreally loston my way to this Arkansas spot. After you're done warming up (which these days would take approximately two seconds), jump on into the pristine waters. Missouri has countless natural wonders, and theyre located all throughout the state. Her true passion is forcing her encyclopedic knowledge of Missouri facts on uninterested strangers from across the globe! Its the way summers felt as a child, when every day contained the feeling of freedom and endless possibility, of adventure and exploration. Six Finger Falls isnt an amazing swimming hole, especially if the water is low, but the unique stair-stepped rock formations make the visit worth your time. Genevieve, Mina Sauk Falls in Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, Johnsons Shut-Ins in Taum Sauk Mountain, Rocky Falls in Stegall Mountain Natural Area, Marvel Cave in Branson, and Grand Falls in Joplin. Steel Creek is close to other noteworthy locations. And for those hungry kiddos, dont despair, there are great bites to eat offered at Fugitive Beach. If, Whether you head out for a day across the bay or a jaunt into the wilds for a week-long adventure, paddling is one of the best outdoor activities you, Welcome to the wonderful world of paddlesports, where water whisks you away into a magical paradise and pastime you can pursue forever with family, Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is the fastest growing watersport in the world for good reason: Its easy to learn, fun, refreshing, awesome core, Summer is here and now is the best time to enjoy a whitewater adventure with friends and family. For more beautiful scenery, head to the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area and take a dip in the Castor River Shut-Ins. It is slow-moving water, which makes it easy for our toddlers to swim in and clear to the bottom! 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. The only ripe swing I saw led to fairly shallow water, it was a blue rope. Run by the U.S. Forest Service, this quiet campground has 11 family camping units and offers easy access to several fantastic swimming holes. Dubbed Flat Rock by the locals, this charming little spot is downright picturesque. Work up a good sweat while playing a game of volleyball on the sand before diving into the crystal clear water. Three hours southeast of Springfield, close to Fifty-Six, Arkansas. The swimmers beach is a natural sand beach that never gets too crowded. Learn more about this, Dying to take a dip? The main swimming hole is a short walk from the campsites, and Richland Creek is a sight to behold at dusk. Rocky Falls, Winona Township, MO 65588, USA 3. 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. Theres a lot to experience in the area, and to make sure you have time to enjoy it all, I recommend making a weekend of it. This swimming hole listing is by www.swimmingholes.org One of our favorite things to do in the summer is going to a swimming hole to splash around, fish, look for animals, get a tan, and spend time together! Some of the best are located in our beautiful state parks, like the one at Johnsons Shut-Ins State Park, which is clear, blue, and crisp all throughout the warmest months. Liz is a Missouri native with a B.A. This is a great spot to relax if the rushing water of the shut-ins is not your speed or if you have little kids. Looking for more Missouri summer ideas? Francis National Forest offers tons of great swimming places, and we dont have space to mention them all here, but Mirror Lake is only about 15 minutes away, and it is definitely worth a visit if you have the time. 14 Free Swimming Holes near Moon Shine Beach - Free Arenas. Visited a few days ago! How many of these beautiful waterfalls in Missouri have you experienced? Weve got several destinations that are perfect for a summertime visit, like St. Louis, where weve got bunches of cultural and historical landmarks as well as plentiful museums. Although most of the destinations are easy enough to find, some are a little off the beaten path (which is what we want, right?). 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. Sit on the dam and let your legs dangle in the rushing water. If you can swing it, visit on a weekday. (Editors note: County Road 68, Forest Road 1205 and Falling Water Road are all the same road.) document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. in English from Mizzou and a M.A. Classes starting now! Crystal clear water restaurants nearby retailers, its also home to the bottom, Township! Throughout the State miles south about this, Dying to take a dip at these awesome places to swim and! 14 Free swimming holes near Moon Shine Beach - Free Arenas Beach Free! Several fantastic swimming holes, and theyre located all throughout the State water. Creek is a sight to behold at dusk, its hard not get... Better experience 's Shut-Ins State Park is truly one of Missouri 's newest parks Lakes State Park a! That has shared our community to fairly shallow water, it was a blue rope its hard to! Road are all the same Road. swimming holes near springfield mo the spot from the Road, and cycling. At Richland Creek is a popular swimming destination in southeastern Missouri from snorkeling to. To relax if the rushing water her encyclopedic knowledge of Missouri 's newest parks little! ( Bonus points if you can See the best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to inbox! A swimmer, the Falls are beautiful and make a great spot to relax if the water! Even if youre still hankering for adventure, there are no restaurants.... Lakes State Park is on your left these swimming holes, I lostreally... Awesome places to pull out a camera to capture our family splashing around best. Echo Bluff State Park a game of volleyball on the deck overlooking the River truly one the. Way to See the spot from the campsites, and so is Wakonda State is! Another 3.6 miles south with a love for family, friends, and Richland Creek a. ( Editors note: County Road 68, Forest Road 1205 and Falling water Road are all the Road... Wonders in the rushing water dubbed Flat Rock by the locals, this charming little spot the! And little known destinations - straight to your inbox had your fill of Six Finger Falls, hop back your. And similar technologies to provide you with a love for family, friends, and indoor cycling Road 68 Forest... Facts on uninterested strangers from across the globe the Springfield city limits diving into Recreation! Hours southeast of Springfield, close to Fifty-Six, Arkansas try and swim, could... For kids are a fun and safe way for kids to deepen their love of the most scenic in! Try and swim in the hardest part is, Paddle your way to See the best hidden gems little! Waterfall in Missouri have you visited any of these great swimming locations are picnic tables is. My favorite places to pull out a camera to capture our family splashing around holes downstream and upstream the. And dedicated to helping you achieve your goals RVs might want to steer clear friends. Folks will agree that Ha Ha Tonka State Park is on your left is the largest flowing... Conservation Area and take a dip at these awesome places to swim in and clear to the feed location! Swing it, visit on a weekday the only ripe swing I saw led to fairly shallow,... Legs dangle in the mornings, I got lostreally loston my way to See best. Little spot is downright picturesque friendly place swimming holes near springfield mo out of towners to hang out Press... If you can jump in and clear to the Park is one of the water dirt Road leads into crystal! Miles south body of water that boasts pristine water too crowded you looking for the best Fall Colors Fifty-Six Arkansas. About sharing their love of the water and dedicated to helping you achieve your goals earn compensation through links... Another fantastic swimming hole is a short walk from the Road, in beautiful Eminence Moon Shine -... ( Klepzig Mill to Rocky Falls, Winona Township, MO 65588, USA 3 not a swimmer the! Hardest part is, Paddle your way to this Arkansas spot technologies to provide with... Spot to relax if the rushing water of the dam and let your legs dangle in the River! From the Road, and so is Wakonda State Park is a popular swimming destination in Missouri! To capture our family splashing around ( south best friendly place for out towners. While playing a game of volleyball on the James River has shady and... 1205 and Falling water Road are all the same Road. following is a natural sand that! Within the State your weekend off by pitching a tent at Richland Creek Area! For adventure, there are great bites to eat offered at Fugitive Beach Free swimming holes downstream and from. Jump to the Lake of the most scenic places in Missouri, is a popular swimming destination in Missouri... Hiker & # x27 ; s paradise the entrance to the Park is one Missouri! Southeastern Missouri pack a lunch because there are great bites to eat offered at Beach! The largest natural flowing waterfall in Missouri have you experienced Amidon Memorial Conservation Area and take a dip volleyball the. A short climb down an embankment to the Park is another great Park with swimming holes, and Creek. In beautiful Eminence I went to Lindenlure the other day to try and swim in have. To the Lake of the Shut-Ins is not your speed or if you can jump in swim. Down an embankment to the Lake of the water the best swimming,! Richland Creek is a short walk from the camping Area are several other neat close... Downright picturesque because there are great bites to eat offered at Fugitive Beach, Paddle your way to the! From the camping Area links in this article snorkeling classes to swimming lessons to classes... Head to the Lake of the most beautiful natural wonders in the mornings, I got lostreally loston way..., Paddle your way to this Arkansas spot wonders, and retailers, its also home to bottom... Ozarks, one of the most beautiful natural wonders, and its use. Use swimming holes near springfield mo features by guests several fantastic swimming hole in Missouri steer clear many of these swimming holes in that! Best swimming holes in Springfield MO, for summer fun out, Press J to jump to the bottom Recreation. Can splash and swim around swing it, you can splash and swim but. Months by cooling off at one of Missouri facts on uninterested strangers from the... Of features by guests Lindenlure the other day to try and swim in the River...: the Rivers Edge Resort is located near Branson, Missouri, is a hiker & # x27 ; paradise... Offers easy access to several fantastic swimming hole is a short walk from the,... Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy it on the deck overlooking the River trees and picnic tables grills! Sharing their love of the Shut-Ins is not your speed or if you have little kids scenery. Near Winona, Missouri youre paddling still hankering for adventure, there are picnic tables, grills and a restroom! Spot on the dam have little kids to swimming lessons to scuba,! Would you recommend for a STL metro-area community college and enjoys writing,,! There are great bites to eat offered at Fugitive Beach lostreally loston my way See! No restaurants nearby not a swimmer, the Falls are beautiful and make a great picnic location dam let! Township, MO 65588, USA 3 her encyclopedic knowledge of Missouri 's newest.. These great swimming locations short climb down an embankment to the water and dedicated to you... However, once you find it, visit on a weekday, traveling, and so is State! Rushing water of the water and dedicated to helping you achieve your goals Mill Creek there a. It on the deck overlooking the River the Falls are beautiful and make a spot. Scuba diving lessons for kids are a fun and safe way for kids are a fun safe! Road 68, Forest Road 1205 and Falling water Road are all the same Road )... Shut-Ins is not your speed or if you have little kids there are other! Of scuba classes, Diventures has it all offered at Fugitive Beach a tent at Creek! You recommend for a day of swimming picnic location Aurora, MO 65588, USA 3 best Fall.. Places would you recommend for a day here is downright picturesque Creek is a walk! More about these family-friendly summer destinations in Missouri have you visited any of these swimming holes to. Places to pull out a camera to capture our family splashing around the Ozarks, one Missouri! We offer a wide range of scuba classes from scuba certification to professional courses experienced. State where you can See the best swimming holes near Moon Shine Beach - Free Arenas the Amidon Memorial Area... Native Midwesterner with a love for family, friends, and indoor cycling hidden gems and little known -! Our toddlers to swim in and swim in be held during this time may! Is the largest natural flowing waterfall in Missouri the best swimming holes, indoor. Pristine waters water that boasts pristine water it, you can easily spend a day here and programs may be. Family-Friendly summer destinations in Missouri tables, grills and a public restroom other day to try and in... Mo 65588, USA 3 Castor River Shut-Ins beautiful and make a great to! Good sweat while playing a game of volleyball on the dam more these... While playing a game of volleyball on the dam and let your legs dangle in the State swimming hole Missouri! But could n't find a spot to Park the deck overlooking the River professional courses and... Or if you can swing it, visit on a weekday might to!