A Midwestern state that’s situated between Kansas and Kentucky, Missouri is covered in grassy plains but there are also plenty of rivers throughout Missouri from the Big Piney River to Jacks Fork and more. Lake of the Ozarks is also a popular destination with plenty of people flocking to the lake for water activities.
If you’re planning on making a trip to Missouri, water adventures are an absolute most. To get you started, we’ve detailed some of the best water adventures in Missouri below.
Head on a Float Trip
Float trips are very much part of Missouri’s culture and every summer families and friends crowd along the Missouri rivers just to partake in a range of activities from swimming to fishing and more. There are many activities to do during on a floating trip, and it’s a low-cost vacation alternative for families that may be on a budget.
There are plenty of rivers throughout Missouri so you’re able to plan a float trip based on your needs and wants. Some of the more popular rivers include the Current River and Meramec. It’s best to head on a floating trip during the summer months as the weather is gorgeous and the floating conditions are ideal.
If you’re starting on a floating trip, you can probably do one for about three hours or so. However, if you’re a seasoned floater you could even do it for a week. Float trips can be customized to your needs, and there’s usually people at the sites that’ll help you with any canoe or kayak rentals and help transport it to your float location. This is a great water adventure that’s an absolute must in Missouri.
Scuba Dive at Bonne Terre Mine
Just an hour south of St. Louis is the Bonne Terre Mine. It was shut down in the 1960s, and water eventually poured in and formed the Billion Gallon Lake. Now, divers can head to Bonne Terre Mine to explore the underwater ghost town, and see incredible artefacts from the past. Some items you’ll get to see include entire buildings, mining equipment and even a locomotive.
National Geographic Adventure has named this site as one of the top 10 adventures in America, and it’s not hard to see why. Get ready to see underwater pillars, walls, ceilings and shafts that stretch on for miles and in all directions. Prepare to be in awe of the electric blue water – a result of stadium lighting that’s been installed by the West End Diving owners.
Divers preparing to do this water adventure must have open water certification and each group of divers is assigned a guide. Under special circumstances, there may also be exploratory dives but these are for advanced divers that have proved that they’ve got the skills to take it on.
Have a day of fun at Silver Dollar City White Water
There are plenty of water parks in Missouri and you can cool down and have an awesome time at Silver Dollar City White Water. There’s a ton of wet and wild activities at this park that’s sure to accommodate everyone. There’s over 13 acres of water rides, slides and waves in this incredible water park.
For those that prefer exhilarating rides, jump on a tube and race down either the Pipeline Plunge or the Waikiki Wave Slides. Those looking for a family adventure can board a raft on the white waters of the Ohana Falls. There’s also mat racers and even a five hundred thousand gallon wave pool and a lazy river. There’s also something for the little ones from activities and slides at Coconut Cove to activities at Splashaway Cay.
Go on a Fishing Trip
When in Missouri, you can’t miss out on a fishing trip. There are plenty of lakes to head to for this particular activity. Lake Taneycomo for example has cold, clear water with plenty of rainbow and brown trout. Every year, about 80% of the trout that’s raised at the Shephred of the Hills trout hatchery is released into Lake Taneycomo. Towards the upper end of the lake, there’s also both spin fishing and fly fishing. Every year, tons of individuals flock to Lake Taneycomo to fish for rainbow trout and German brown trout and is an incredible unparalleled trout fishing experience.
Another lake to head to is Stockton lake. It’s one of the most pristine lakes in Missouri and has crystal clear water. There’s plenty to catch in the lake from black bass to catfish, bluegill and more. Stockton is the perfect family lake, and a great spot to relax and unwind. There are also plenty of other recreational activities at the lake from boating to sailing, water sports and more.
If you’re beginner fisher, you can even hop on some guided fishing tours by an expert guide to get to know more about the sport!
Hit the water parasailing and wakeboarding
If you’re an adventure junkie, parasailing and wakeboarding is a must. While you’re parasailing, you’ll also get to take in incredible views as you’ll be naturally hoisted up and sailing 500 feet above the water. A popular parasailing spot at Missouri is at Lake of the Ozarks. There, you can take in astonishing views and even do some free fall dips. If you prefer something a little less adrenaline pumping, opt to just allow your toes to touch the water instead.
Another water adventure to try is wakeboarding. If you’re a beginner, the best way to get started is to enrol in a school. You’ll have an instructor that knows all the ropes, and you’ll be on a boat that creates a safe atmosphere for learning at all skill levels. All of the equipment that you require are also provided during these classes.
Once you’ve mastered the basic skills, head on a day camp to have fun with other students. Alternatively, go for a Boost Camp instead. You’ll spend the day enhancing your skills from boosting your spinning to your style and your run. These camps are lots of fun and a great way to meet people of all levels.
There you have it, some of the best water adventures in Missouri! If you’re heading to Missouri, you’ll also want to make sure that you’ve got comfortable accommodation to come home to after an exhilarating day of adventure. Why not check out some of the Airbnb vacation rentals in Guam, Missouri? There are plenty of options available, and you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.