These 10 Swimming Holes Have The Clearest, Most Pristine Water In Missouri
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Stephanie Zeilenga
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Pools are great and all, but nothing beats the summer heat like an afternoon wading, tubing, floating, or splashing around a natural swimming hole. Fortunately, we’re never too far from a refreshing Missouri swimming hole, where we can get a much-needed reprieve from the summer heat. Here are 10 of the best swimming holes in Missouri.
1505 Peabody Rd, Columbia, MO 65202, USA
The clear, cool waters of the quarry lake in Finger Lakes State Park are perfect for beating the summer heat. Although most access the lake via the beach, if you head to the opposite end of the lake, there's a nice little swim platform. Did you know you can also paddle at Finger Lakes State Park? Learn more about this Missouri state park in our previous article.
Patterson, MO 63956, USA
Dying to take a dip? Head to Sam A. Baker State Park in Patterson for the refreshing waters of Big Creek. You can reach this gorgeous Missouri swimming hole via a scenic trail.
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8920 US-67, Bonne Terre, MO 63628, USA
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. Take a peek at the beauty that awaits on this Missouri trail that leads to a swimming hole.
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1514 Co Rd 253, Fredericktown, MO 63645, USA
This is the only swimming hole in Missouri featuring pink granite shut-ins. Located in the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area, this is known as one of the best places for a refreshing dip. Make sure you wear water shoes since you'll be climbing on rocks. Read more about this natural swimming hole in Missouri in our previous article.
Rocky Falls Shut-ins, Winona, MO 65588, USA
Rocky Falls features that famous clear running water of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The shut-in pool at the base of the waterfall provides awesome views of the 40-foot falls - the largest in the state. It's a popular spot for Missourians, and visitors, who want to cool off in the summer. Take a peek at this waterfall swimming hole in Missouri in our previous article.
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678 MO-147, Troy, MO 63379, 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. Bring all of your beach gear for a day of fun under the sun. Check out this Missouri beach in a previous article.
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO 63656, USA
No list of Missouri swimming holes would be complete without this one. It's a gorgeous spot to take a swim and to slip down the natural waterslide. Get a glimpse of the summer fun that awaits at this natural waterslide in Missouri.
State Park Road, State Pk Rd, Union Township, MO 63448, USA
Wakonda Lake features the largest natural sand swimming beach in the Missouri state park system. After you're done warming up (which these days would take approximately two seconds), jump on into the pristine waters. Read more about this lake with the clearest water in Missouri in a previous article.
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19100 MO-215, Dadeville, MO 65635, USA
Don't you feel cooler already just looking at a photo of this cool, clear lake? Stockton State Park is home to one of the clearest lakes in Missouri and a gorgeous gravel beach.
This North Fork spring is gorgeous. It's located downstream from Hammond Mill Park.
What do you think are the best swimming holes in Missouri? Let us know in the comments! Looking for more Missouri summer ideas? Check out this awesome little known lake in Missouri! And for even more swimming hole fun, check out these seven Missouri swimming holes that will make your summer epic!
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More to Explore
Swimming Holes In Missouri
What is the clearest lake in Missouri?
With the many swimming holes in Missouri, we’re never too far from an easy and fun way to stay cool during the summer. In terms of beautiful lakes in Missouri, check out:
- Lake Lincoln. Did you know that we can also find some of the clearest lakes in Missouri, too? Lake Lincoln in Troy is right at the top of that list. It sits at the end of a soft sandy beach, which beckons beachgoers all summer long. Long Branch Lake in Macon is another beautiful body of water that boasts pristine water. The lake is popular with swimmers as well as boaters. Work up a good sweat while playing a game of volleyball on the sand before diving into the crystal clear water.
- Table Rock Lake. You’ll absolutely love the man-made Table Rock Lake in Branson. However, there’s only one swimming beach that leads into the lake – and that’s Moonshine Beach. The spacious beach is reminiscent of the ocean and offers plenty of space to kick back and relax.
- Peabody Lake. Visitors to Finger Lakes State Park may be unaware that you can experience this park from the water! You can rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, and then head out onto the Peabody Lake water trail for a full day of relaxation on the water. It's hard to imagine a more peaceful way to spend an afternoon.
- Pomme de Terre Lake offers a peaceful departure from the endless demands of daily life. Located about 50 miles north of Springfield, the crystal-clear waters and pristine shorelines of Pomme de Terre Lake are just a few reasons why this lake is dubbed the 'Gem of the Ozarks'. Boating, fishing, hiking, and camping are just a few of the lake's most popular recreational activities.
- Mark Twain Lake. Found in north-central Missouri within the Salt River Hills is the alluring Mark Twain Lake. Popular for boating, fishing, and hiking with over six miles of hiking trails that take you among the bluffs, the views of this lake and its abundant wildlife will not disappoint. Don’t miss out on watching the Milky Way glisten above the clear water at night.