13 Gorgeous Beaches in Missouri You Have to Check Out This Summer
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Stephanie Zeilenga
Author
Hey, Missourians! Did you know you don’t have to flee to the coast to get a taste of the sweet summertime beach life? We’ve got stellar waterside options right here at home. Below are more than a dozen of our favorites.
This eastern park features two beaches—one on Monsanto Lake and one on Pim Lake—perfect for swimming. Between the two spots you can find picnic tables, grills and volleyball nets, everything needed for a memorable day of lazing about in the sun.
Once used for mining, this picturesque spot has been turned into a lake with clear, cool water and a large sand beach perfect for escaping summer's heat.
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In a past life, this premiere Rolla destination was a quarry. Now, it's a water wonderland, complete with a 60-foot slide, cliffs perfect for jumping, volleyball courts and, of course, a sweet beach.
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Kansas City folk have just a short drive to reach the first-class swimming hole at Watkins Mill State Park. The 100-acre lake features a large sand beach, popular for swimming.
This St. Louis-area natural retreat, situated on the banks of the Meramec River, features stretches of sandy beach perfect for enjoying a picnic or a quiet afternoon. Swimming is not allowed here, but a short hike up the bluffs provides picturesque views.
Jump on in the cool waters of Stockton Lake, in the southwestern quarter of the state. It features a swimming beach, as well as two boat launches.
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Spalding Beach in Mark Twain State Park is one of the largest in northeast Missouri.
Flop down on the large, sandy beach next to Big River for a picture-perfect Missouri summer day. If you're in need of supplies, it's just a short walk to the park's Thunderbird Lodge and market.
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Bring a picnic and a swimming pole and spend the day on Creve Coeur Lake's beach, watching sailboats pass on by. Nearby, rent a kayak, canoe, paddleboard or bike.
Lake Boutin's sandy swimming beach is a popular family destination. Whether you're looking for a picturesque picnic spot or a delightful swimming hole, you'll find it here.
This sand beach on Land Branch Lake includes plenty of room to bring a crowd along for the fun.
Moonshine Beach offers it all: sand, swimming, picturesque views, scuba diving and boating.
Wakonda State Park features Missouri's biggest natural sand beach.
Have you been to any of these beaches? What’s your favorite? Did we miss any we should try to include next time? Let us know!
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