Missouri is full of beautiful rivers, lakes, and streams. However, we are likely best known for the Mississippi, a.k.a The Big Muddy. The Mississippi River is one of the most polluted rivers in the nation and it’s certainly not getting better soon. Needless to say, the Mississippi is one river you’d never want to boat or fish in. Luckily, Missouri is also home to some of the cleanest, most pristine rivers. Head to the Missouri Ozarks and find a crystal clear river that is perfect for swimming, fishing, boating, and more!

The Black River is a small, clean river located in southeastern Missouri.
D.Taylor in Idaho/Flickr
Head to Lesterville, Missouri and rent a canoe or raft and float down the river towards the Arkansas border. The river is perfect for floating or fishing trips.
Kbh3rd/Wikimeida
Although you might not have realized it, many Missourians swim in the Black River every year. Everyone's favorite swimming hole, Johnson's Shut Ins, is actually on the Black River.
IIP Photo Archive/Flickr

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This is one of the reasons that this swimming hole is so spectacular. When you know you water is safe and clean, it's a lot easier to relax and enjoy a day at the river.
Keith Yahl/Facebook
Plus, you can also rest easy knowing that you could see any scaly friends lucking in the water. However, the shut-ins are typically a little too populated for wildlife to be around.
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park/Facebook
There are hundreds of great hiking trails around the Black River too. So even if you're not looking to swim, you can still enjoy river views along your hike.
Missouri State Parks Website
Although it may be small, the Black River is big on fun. There is so much to do and see along this immaculate Missouri river.
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park/Facebook Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park/Facebook
There are lots of great options for floating in Lesterville; to see them all, visit their chamber of commerce website here. If you want to visit Johnson's Shut Ins, you can find parking and access to the river at 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Lesterville, MO 63656.

Have you floated down the Black River or swam at Johnson’s Shut Ins? Tell us about your time on the Black River in the comments below.

There are more spectaular sights in the Missouri Ozarks. You’ll definitely want to see this stunning sapphire spring in Missouri for yourself.

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