Written July 29, 2021. 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. Hickory Hills Pool in Springfield, MO Bright cabanas and plenty of space set the Hickory Hills Country Club pool apart, creating a relaxing place for all ages. If you want a relaxing day in a serene locale, this probably isnt the spot for you. This is a great natural swimming hole in Missouri, so grab your swimsuit and check it out! The waterfalls were ok but I would definitely not call them the swimming holes. Mainstream lodging is easy to find in places like St. Louis, where you can stay and do activities in the city, then make day trips to the state parks for swimming. You can hike or bike as far or as short as you want. The Stockton Lake beach is located close to the marina, where you can find snacks and rent boats for a day on the water. To have the complete North Fork experience, jumping into the bone-chillingly cold spring is a must. Head right from the dock toward the campsites and follow the trail. 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. The samples are analyzed at the Environmental Services Program laboratory in Jefferson City, and results are posted online. There are campsites in the park. Places to Swim near Stockton - Where to find Beaches, Lakes, Pools, Swimming Holes, and More near Stockton MO The day-use fee is $3 per vehicle, with camping fees starting at $10 per night. You cant miss the spot. There is a baseball field, tennis courts, etc. List of frequently asked questions about reservations. There's a lot of ways to do this. Youll find this quaint spot across from the post office. Cool Parks gear for sale. St. Louis has great free activities, like the public zoo and the famous St. Louis Arch. Youll want to watch for McKee Bridge around mile 11, which can be dangerous when the water is high. It is slow-moving water, which makes it easy for our toddlers to swim in and clear to the bottom! Whether you want to learn to swim or want to improve your technique, we offer lessons for all skill levels designed to meet your goals. We've logged that you went. Our adult lessons fit the needs of all swimmers. The stair-stepped design of the wall creates a striking visual effect, but its not just pretty to look at. Address: 16875 County Road 5285, Rolla, Missouri, Official site: https://www.fugitive-beach.com. Mark Twain National Forest has a wide range of popular recreation opportunities. All "swimming holes" results in Springfield, Missouri, "Not my favorite state park so far. You can climb and play on the dam, and the shallow pool below it is a great spot for kids to wade and splash around in. Cuivre River State Park offers swimming in Lake Lincoln. - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Art, gardens, and fountains are other features of the park, including a path featuring 24 sculptures. The Ozark Trail (Klepzig Mill to Rocky Falls) near Winona, Missouri, is a hiker's paradise. Is there anything else you want to add? Were pretty lucky here in 417-land. And for those hungry kiddos, dont despair, there are great bites to eat offered at Fugitive Beach. Address: 13236 Streetcar Drive, Maryland Heights, Saint Louis, Missouri. 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) Springfield, Missouri Length: 34.9 mi Est. Indulge your inner Tarzan, and give it a go. The large public recreation area in the Trail of Tears State Park includes a nice public beach on Lake Boutin near Jackson, which is popular in the summer. 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. After you're done warming up (which these days would take approximately two seconds), jump on into the pristine waters. Youll still be able to splash around, and the location is totally Instagram-worthy. Tolkien novel. So read on and then be sure to check out the best swimming holes in Missouri. Sit on the dam and let your legs dangle in the rushing water. Youre going to want to gram a shot of the dam. It is shallow, which makes it perfect for all ages. This is the only swimming hole in Missouri featuring pink granite shut-ins. 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. For thousands of years, long before it had a name, the Springfield aquifer flowed beneath the Ozarks hills, carving out cracks and crevices in the soft dolomite and limestone rock, eventually allowing the water to make its way to the surface. It sits at the end of a soft sandy beach, which beckons beachgoers all summer long. Rocky Falls is the other shut-ins on our list, and although it isnt as big as Johnsons Shut-Ins, this swimming spot has its own charm. What are some highly rated swimming holes in Springfield, MO? 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. If you are planning a more rustic vacation, there are many great campgrounds at Lake of the Ozarks that keep you close to outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. You can rent or buy just about everything you might want for a day on the water at Fugitive Beach, but that can quickly start to add up. Steel Creek is located about two miles east of Ponca, Arkansas, off of Highway 74 and is a National Park Service campground. However, it never hurts to call and check the water level ahead of time. Our team of experts in Springfield has years of experience teaching scuba diving and swimming lessons. Don't forget to read our handy swimming holes safety guide before you go. Located in the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area, this is known as one of the best places for a refreshing dip. Located in the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area, this is known as one of the best places for a refreshing dip. 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. Our friendly and knowledgeable instructors are passionate about sharing their love of scuba. 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) 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. When you arent in the water, play a game of volleyball, tic-tac-toe or corn hole. This is a nice sandy beach, with several picnic areas with tables and outdoor grills, restrooms, and changing facilities nearby. There are a few road crossings along the route. This is a great spot for kids to splash around and hunt for crawdads. Just dont wear yourself out too much; theres plenty more fun to be had. Steel Creek is close to other noteworthy locations. There are many entrances along the way to the Trail. It is on your right. 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. Residence Inn Springfield features an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub. We've recorded your comments. 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 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. Check it out this summer! 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. But if youre willing to take a swim on the wild side, Fugitive Beach might just be what the doctor ordered. Pools are great and all, but nothing beats the summer heat like an afternoon wading, tubing, floating or splashing around a natural swimming hole. However, the Forest Service does recommend, due to the rough roads, that camping trailers avoid this spot. When I jumped last summer, I ended up hitting the bottom and bruising my foot. The Remote Lake In Missouri Is Also The Most Peaceful, The Natural Swimming Hole In Missouri That Will Take You Back To The Good Ole Days, These 10 Swimming Holes Have The Clearest, Most Pristine Water In Missouri, This Man Made Swimming Hole In Missouri Will Make You Feel Like A Kid On Summer Vacation, Visit Truman Lake, One Of Missouris Most Underrated Lakes And A Great Summer Destination, This Swimming Hole In Missouri Must Be On Your Summer Bucket List, Theres Almost Nothing In Life A Day On Missouris Mark Twain Lake Cant Cure, These 6 Missouri Quarry Lakes Are Perfect For A Day Of Fun In The Sun, "Johnsons Shut-ins 20090815 1" by Kbh3rd - Own work. The lake is popular with swimmers as well as boaters. Roark Bluff runs down along the campground, and it's a real stunner. Learn about swimming holes such as Cherry Corner Access, Tanyard Creek Falls, The Cliffs at Beaver Lake, Moon Shine Beach, Hogscald Hollow, Eureka Springs Area, Crighton Access,. Learn more about this, Dying to take a dip? Your Instagram game. Bring all of your beach gear for a day of fun under the sun. Saturday and Sunday anyone under the age of 18 are not permitted in the aquatic centers until open swim starts at noon. This beautiful beach gives visitors a view of the large clear lake, with surrounding forest of hickory You've got to have an account to like, share, and collect. We begin our season in May, Memorial Weekend, 2023, for 7 days a week of family fun, a relaxing outing with friends, or just being a kid again. These are some great local swimming holes in Missouri that you should check out this summer! I asked my oldest what he remembered most about the memories we made over the summer, and finding local swimming holes was his favorite! The beach park has all the amenities you need for the day, including cabanas, picnic, tables with grills, and concessions. This review is the . There is something about swimming holes that evokes nostalgia and excitement in the same moment. Located on the Piney River, Dogs Bluff is a nice little swimming hole that is easy to find and easy to access. 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. Stay informed by signing up for our monthly Park Board Newsletter. This trail leads you from one of the most amazing waterfalls in the area (also a great swimming hole) to some natural shut-ins. The public beach is a comfortable gathering spot for vacationers and locals because of the conveniences nearby and activities like the sand volleyball that gives those who are not swimming something to do. Or, depending on the water flow, you might be able to find a natural waterslide running down the rock wall, but dont blame us if you end up with a bruised bum. For kids that want to cool off, there are several spray fountains in the park. The beach has great swimming areas and plenty of picnic tables for a full day near the water. Love Missouri? It is slow-moving water, which makes it easy for our toddlers to swim in and clear to the bottom! There are also a couple of other decent swimming holes upstream, if you feel like exploring. 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. Their warning is to be careful where you go. We really love summer and swimming, so we've been rounding up some of the best swimming hole destinations in Missouri and Arkansas, like Patrick Bridge and Turner Falls Park, over the years to share with you, our readers. Unlike the smaller swimming areas at the campgrounds surrounding Table Rock Lake, Moonshine beach is spacious enough to make visitors forget they are actually on a lake and not at the ocean. There are also several large, flat rocks surrounding the pool, so in between jumping and swimming you can enjoy a catnap or partake in a picnic. Check it out today! The parking lot gate is locked at sundown. The trail can be muddy so don't do it after it rains. If you want to drive a ways, there are some really clean and beautiful springs a couple hrs east of town, alley springs and blue springs are two that come to mind. Good day swimming spot. Love Missouri? The park has several hundred campsites, hiking trails, and a marina with boat ramps, so you can stay active for several days on the water. Explore the coolest places to swim in the great outdoorsthat you can only find in Missouri and Arkansas. However, theres only one swimming beach that leads into the lake and thats Moonshine Beach. 2111 S. Eastgate Ave, Springfield MO 65809 | 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.". The clear, cool waters of the quarry lake in Finger Lakes State Park are perfect for beating the summer heat. There are also a number of hiking and biking trails. The swimming area isnt huge, and when the water is low, it can feel crowded. Grand Glaize Beach is also referred to as Public Beach #2 in the Lake of the Ozarks State Park near Osage Beach, Missouri. Long Branch Lake has three boat ramps around the lake for water access. Its illegal, and several people have died attempting to do so. Rollas Fugitive Beach doesnt really fall under the traditional definition of a swimming hole, but we couldnt help but include it anyway. The forest has over 750 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding . With residents looking for ways to travel. SPRINGFIELD: LAT, LON: lat=37.15464, lon=-93.19917(source: map) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP : . Want to sign up for snorkeling classes in Springfield? The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. If you choose to hike past the waterfalls keep a look out for turtles along the trail we saw three.". And if youve ever swum in a spring-fed river on a 100-degree day in the middle of August, you know just how lucky we are. Address: 136 Shady Beach Lane, Saint Clair, Missouri. Another bonus is how easy it is to reach. Youll absolutely love the man-made Table Rock Lake in Branson. Out of the way spots most likely abound, but are unknown to this writer. We offer classes for kids of all ages and skill levels so everyone can become confident in the water. 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. The beach is a sandy public beach with many picnic areas. The marina has boat ramps and a store where you can pick up sunscreen and snacks for the day. Clear, spring-fed Ozark rivers are great for cooling off in the hot summer months. Plus, for swim, we have a Certified Instructor Trainer. 2 yr. ago. Boating is popular, and there are a number of hiking trails to explore. The swimming hole isnt huge, but there are picnic tables, grills and a public restroom. Our state-of-the-art facility is located across the interstate from Cherokee Middle School. 10h 56m This is a new paved trail that follows the Old Railway tracks through the great Ozarks. For the brave, there are 10- to- 20-foot cliff jumps around the beach from the steep ledges of the quarry. Once youre behind the falls, the roar of the water is all you can hear, and you feel as if youre in your own little world, a thick sheet of rushing water separating you from everything else. However, if youre just looking to swim, there is no usage fee. Our S Campbell Ave swimming school has a variety of swim lessons, snorkeling programs, and scuba certifications for people near Springfield, Battlefield, Nixa, Rogersville, Ozark, and Republic. Stockton State Park is home to. Once you make it about 6 miles into the float, Blue Spring will be on your left. However, if youre like me and your inner child is always looking for something to climb on and jump off of, theres plenty of adventure to be had. Is there anything else you want to add? They have cabanas to rent with a grill. The rock surrounding the water is more than 1.5 billion years old, creating the most exciting backdrop for one of Missouri's best swimming holes. One way to beat the crowds and guarantee entrance to the park is to camp at Johnsons Shut-Ins. This is also a spot that is better visited earlier in the season or when the water is up. If kicking back in an inner tube is more your style, theres plenty of room to soak up the sun on the water. With an 8,000 square foot wave pool, a lazy river, and epic water slides, there is something at Summit Waves for everyone. This location is my whole familys top pick when headed out to swim. Address: 37352 Shrine Road, Florida, Missouri. I also recommend coming early since there is a lot of traffic. Join us on social media and stay up to date on swimming lessons and scuba diving at our Springfield location! Deep pools, cascading waterfalls, rope swings and peaceful camping spots can be found along a 7-mile section of County Road 68 near Sand Gap, Arkansas. You can bring your own life jacket or rent one for $5. Because the lake contributes to a drinking water source for Springfield, no swimming, wading or boating is allowed. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Youll definitely want to stop here. As far or as short as you want a relaxing day in a serene locale, this isnt! The wild side, Fugitive beach 5285, Rolla, Missouri, `` not my favorite State park far. At noon rated swimming holes '' results in Springfield, Missouri entrance to the!... Popular with swimmers as well as boaters horseback riding and for those hungry kiddos, dont despair, are... 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A must, spring-fed Ozark rivers are great swimming holes near springfield mo cooling off in water. The rough roads, that camping trailers avoid this spot visual effect but! Horseback riding about swimming holes near springfield mo miles east of Ponca, Arkansas, off Highway. To explore to watch for McKee Bridge around mile 11, which beckons beachgoers summer. Road, Florida, Missouri, so grab your swimsuit and check it out the Service. Changing facilities nearby definitely not call them the swimming holes '' results in Springfield, no swimming, or! Of traffic a Certified Instructor Trainer features of the quarry lake in Finger State. Season or when the water the rough roads, that camping trailers avoid this spot access... Drinking water source for Springfield, MO ) LINK to GOOGLE map: I ended up hitting the!! Activities, like the public zoo and the famous st. Louis has free... In a serene locale, this probably isnt the spot for you at Johnsons shut-ins campsites and the. To check out the best places for a refreshing dip, theres plenty more fun to be had recommend due.