Although the splashier lakes seem to get all the attention, Missouri has tons of little hidden gems, perfect for a quiet day on the water. Some of the most stunning can be found in Wakonda State Park.
Wakonda State Park is located at 32836 State Park Road, La Grange, MO 63448, just west of the Mississippi River and less than 30 miles north of Hannibal.
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
The park’s name comes from an Osage work meaning ‘spiritual’ - an appropriate name given how jaw-droppingly gorgeous it is.
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
The park is home to six quarry lakes, which attract thousands of migratory birds each year, making this spot especially fun for bird-watchers.
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
The lakes also offer great fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish.
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
Is there anywhere in Missouri like it?
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
Two of the lakes, Wakonda and Agate, have boat ramps, so feel free to bring along your fishing boat, canoe or kayak.
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
If the day is extra hot, jump on in - there’s a 20,000-square-foot swimming beach on Wakonda Lake.
Missouri State Parks
The beach, created with sand from the quarries, is the state park system’s largest natural sand swimming beach. There’s an onsite shower-house and restroom facility, too!
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
Stretch your legs on the park’s hiking and biking trails, including the 3.5-mile Agate Lake Trail. This is especially great to take during waterfowl migration periods, because you’ll be able to spot thousands of birds.
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
Be sure to check out the Sand Prairie Trail, too. This 1-mile hike takes you through sand praries, a rare landscape in Missouri. You’ll see sand-loving plants like prairie sunflower and sand primrose.
John Rogers/Flickr
And if you just can’t tear yourself away at the end of the day, set up camp in one of the park’s campsites.
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
Looking for more ways to get out and enjoy Missouri? Check out these top camping spots!
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
Missouri State Parks
John Rogers/Flickr
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Address: 32836 State Park Road, La Grange, MO 63448
