There’s A Little Slice Of Paradise Hiding Right Here In Missouri … And You’ll Want To Visit
Meramec Spring Park in Missouri, known for its stunning beauty and the fifth largest spring in the state, offers various outdoor activities including hiking, wildlife viewing, and fishing.
Absolutely stunning. That's the only way to describe Meramec Spring Park. Missouri's own little slice of paradise is located off Highway 44 between Fort Leonard Wood and Mark Twain National Forest.
When you're done drooling over the spring, there are plenty of other things to do here. Like any good Missouri park, this one also offers hiking, playgrounds, wildlife viewing and fishing on the Meramec River. You also can feed the fish, so bring some change to buy food!
Explore One of Missouri’s Cleanest and Deepest Lakes at Table Rock Lake State Park
Table Rock Lake: Missouri’s cleanest, crystal-clear Ozark lake in Branson, Missouri, for boating, fishing, and stunning views! Explore a Midwestern Atlantis!
Table Rock Lake, in the scenic Ozark Mountains of Missouri, is renowned for its striking beauty and remarkably clear waters. It's also one of the cleanest lakes in Missouri. With a maximum depth of approximately 220 feet, this man-made reservoir offers stunning views and a perfect environment for various recreational activities. Whether you're seeking an adventure or an escape, Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri, has something for everyone.
For those who prefer organized activities, commercial recreation options abound. Numerous marinas along the 800 miles of shoreline, including State Park Marina and Indian Point Marina, provide boat rentals for pontoons, jet skis, and fishing boats, making exploring the lake from the water easy.
If water sports are your thing, there is plenty of space with 45,000 surface acres. Wakeboarding, tubing, and water skiing are popular, with rentals also available for hassle-free fun. This lake is perfect for making family memories! Every few years, before my nephews go back to school in the fall, we reserve a condo in Branson near the lake and go boating for the day. Renting a boat is so easy -- all we have to do is show up with our coolers, and we’re set.
Fishing is popular year-round in Branson, Missouri. Fishing enthusiasts can book guided tours to enjoy the lake’s famous bass fishing spots with local experts. You might be surprised to learn that you can also scuba dive at Table Rock Lake -- he waters are that clear! Explore fish habitats, petrified trees, sunken boats, and old “ghost” towns left over from when the valley was flooded to create the lake. This is as close to a Midwestern Atlantis as you’ll ever be!
For a unique experience, hop aboard the Showboat Branson Belle [picks up at Table Rock Lake State Park], a classic paddlewheel boat offering scenic cruises complete with dining and live entertainment. If you’re looking for a place to stay, lakeside resorts like Big Cedar Lodge offer luxurious accommodations with added amenities, from fine dining to spa services (this is one of my other favorite hotels in Branson). No matter where you are, there are no bad views looking out at this tree-lined lake.
For those who prefer a quieter experience, non-commercial recreation options are plentiful. Public beaches like Moonshine Beach provide free or low-cost access for swimming and sunbathing. Anglers can fish from the shore at various public access points, targeting a variety of species like largemouth bass and crappie.
Nature lovers will enjoy the hiking trails at Table Rock Lake State Park, which offer stunning views and opportunities for bird-watching. Many visitors put in their own boats at the public boat launches along the lake or bring their kayaks and paddleboards to explore the [usually] tranquil waters at their own pace. Weekends in the summer are peak season, and the water can get choppy.
With its crystal-clear waters and abundant recreational opportunities, Table Rock Lake State Park is a must-visit destination in the Missouri Ozarks. While no "official" title exists, I think it is safe to call it the Cleanest Lake in Missouri. Whether you’re looking to dive into the lake's adventures or simply relax by its shores, this beautiful reservoir lake invites you to create unforgettable memories in Missouri's nature playground.
The Audubon Center in Missouri Where You’ll See More Than 30 Bird Species in a Single Afternoon
Discover the best birdwatching spot near St Louis: Audubon Center at Riverlands in West Alton, Missouri! Spot bald eagles & swans along the accessible trails.
Located within the sprawling 3,700-acre Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, the Audubon Center at Riverlands in West Alton, Missouri, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. This incredible space is more than just a birdwatcher’s paradise; it’s a place where the natural beauty of the Midwest converges with vital conservation efforts that impact birds across the continent. Here, visitors can experience the Mississippi Flyway, one of North America’s most important migratory routes, while learning about the essential role birds play in our ecosystem.
Imagine standing on the center's wraparound deck, gazing out over the Mississippi River. In the colder months, the air is filled with the graceful calls of trumpeter swans and the occasional swoop of bald eagles hunting from nearby trees along the riverbanks. With spotting scopes readily available, visitors can observe these majestic birds up close, along with numerous species of waterfowl that frequent the river, like tundra swans, American white pelicans, and countless duck species.
Don’t forget to bring your binoculars! This sanctuary is home to over 300 bird species that either live in, or migrate through, the area, making each visit a new and exciting experience. If you want to explore on foot, the center has eight and a half miles of scenic trails through diverse habitats, from marshlands to bottomland woodlands. One of the highlights is the Ellis Island Trail, where you can walk right alongside the mighty Mississippi, taking in views of the river and the sky filled with gulls and pelicans. At peak migratory season in the fall, you could see up to 30 different species of birds in a single day.
The Avian Observatory, designed specifically for birdwatching, provides an intimate view of Heron Pond. Here, you can catch glimpses of wading birds, including herons and egrets, going about their day. In addition to the beauty of the birds, the sanctuary is rich with native plant species, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers. Native plants and insects are important food sources for migrating birds. Grasses, sedges, and flowers attract colorful birds like the ruby-throated hummingbirds, American goldfinches, tree swallows, and more. This is a bird sanctuary, but you’re likely to encounter beautiful butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies, and moths, too. This is a place you can visit over and over again because the sights and sounds change with the seasons.
If you visit on a cold day, the Audubon Center also features engaging indoor exhibits about river ecosystems and bird conservation. With educational programs, a warm welcome from knowledgeable staff, and access to bird checklists and recent sightings, every visitor is equipped for a day of discovery.
Whether you’re a birding enthusiast or just looking to immerse yourself in nature, the Audubon Center at Riverlands offers an unforgettable adventure for all. If you’re planning a visit, check their calendar for upcoming family-friendly events and activities. When I visit a place like the Audubon Center, I’m inspired to find ways to give back. The Parks Project offers a way to get some cool gear and contribute.
