Living in Missouri means spending a lot of time in and on the water, especially during the hottest months of the year. We have plenty of ways to explore the beautiful lakes and rivers that dot the state, too. Kayaking, for example, is a fun and easy way to spend relaxing days on the water. You can even sign up for a learn-to-kayak clinic in Missouri to help you get started. Listed below are some of the best state parks to visit in Missouri if you’re interested in kayaking.

Learn to kayak for free at one of the Learn2Paddle Clinics planned throughout the summer at several state parks, including Finger Lakes State Park in Columbia and…

Flickr/Alan Levine Finger Lakes State Park, 1505 Peabody Rd, Columbia, MO 65202, USA

…Current River State Park in Salem. The family-friendly, two-hour clinic, which is hosted by Missouri State Parks, is designed for adventurers 10 years and older. Kayakers 17 and younger must have a parent or a guardian with them.

Missouri State Parks Current River State Park, 11053 County Rd 19-D, Salem, MO 65560, USA

Participants, regardless of age, are asked to be comfortable around water and to bring a positive attitude to the kayaking clinic.

Missouri State Parks

Missouri State Parks will provide almost everything you need such as kayaks, paddles, and life jackets. However, you’re strongly encouraged to bring your own life jacket if you have one.

Missouri State Parks

You should also wear closed toe shoes such as tennis shoes or water shoes, which may get wet.

Missouri State Parks

Missouri State Parks asks that you not attend the free clinic if you have been sick within the previous two weeks, or if you think you’ve been exposed to Covid-19 or someone with it.

Missouri State Parks

Those who have traveled to Covid-19 hot spots within the last eight weeks are also asked not to attend.

Missouri State Parks

You must register in advance to participate in one of the free clinics. Visit the Missouri State Parks website for a list of learn-to-kayak clinics, dates, locations, and to register.

Missouri State Parks

Have you ever been kayaking? If so, please share your experience with us in the comments below. Also, for a great day trip that’s full of adventure, nothing beats a day of kayaking on Smithville Lake.

Flickr/Alan Levine

Finger Lakes State Park, 1505 Peabody Rd, Columbia, MO 65202, USA

Missouri State Parks

Current River State Park, 11053 County Rd 19-D, Salem, MO 65560, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

state parks to visit is missouri August 16, 2022 Jennifer Young What’s one of the most unique state parks in Missouri? Missouri is home to 92 state parks with beautiful natural scenery and a variety of activities for all ages. These are also some of the best parks in Missouri. One of the most unique state parks in Missouri is Elephant Rocks State Park. Located in Belleview, Missouri, Elephant Rocks State Park features giant granite boulders that resemble a train of pink circus elephants. People of all ages enjoy visiting this unique state park, especially children. They love climbing on the boulders. What are three of the best hiking trails in Missouri? There are many fun things to do outside in Missouri, including hiking. Several trails of all lengths and difficulties are located throughout “The Show-Me State.” Three of the best hiking trails in Missouri are listed below, and you’ll want to explore them all.

  1. River Scene Trail Loop Missouri’s River Scene Trail Loop is a 3.1-mile loop trail that’s located in Castlewood State Park. It has a moderate level of difficulty rating and is accessible all year long. In addition to hiking, people also use this scenic trail for fishing and birding.
  2. Lewis and Clark Trail and Lewis Trail Loop Located within the Weldon Spring Conservation Area is the Lewis and Clark Trail and Lewis Trail Loop. This 5.2-mile loop trail also has a moderate level of difficulty rating. Because this is such a popular hiking trail, you can expect to see many other people during your journey.
  3. Sandstone Canyon Trail Missouri’s Sandstone Canyon Trail is located in Don Robinson State Park. Like the previous two trails, this 3.9-mile loop trail also has a moderate level of difficulty rating. Hiking, running, and birding are the three most popular activities people enjoy on this trail.      

The OIYS Visitor Center

state parks to visit is missouri

August 16, 2022

Jennifer Young

What’s one of the most unique state parks in Missouri? Missouri is home to 92 state parks with beautiful natural scenery and a variety of activities for all ages. These are also some of the best parks in Missouri. One of the most unique state parks in Missouri is Elephant Rocks State Park. Located in Belleview, Missouri, Elephant Rocks State Park features giant granite boulders that resemble a train of pink circus elephants. People of all ages enjoy visiting this unique state park, especially children. They love climbing on the boulders. What are three of the best hiking trails in Missouri? There are many fun things to do outside in Missouri, including hiking. Several trails of all lengths and difficulties are located throughout “The Show-Me State.” Three of the best hiking trails in Missouri are listed below, and you’ll want to explore them all.

  1. River Scene Trail Loop Missouri’s River Scene Trail Loop is a 3.1-mile loop trail that’s located in Castlewood State Park. It has a moderate level of difficulty rating and is accessible all year long. In addition to hiking, people also use this scenic trail for fishing and birding.
  2. Lewis and Clark Trail and Lewis Trail Loop Located within the Weldon Spring Conservation Area is the Lewis and Clark Trail and Lewis Trail Loop. This 5.2-mile loop trail also has a moderate level of difficulty rating. Because this is such a popular hiking trail, you can expect to see many other people during your journey.
  3. Sandstone Canyon Trail Missouri’s Sandstone Canyon Trail is located in Don Robinson State Park. Like the previous two trails, this 3.9-mile loop trail also has a moderate level of difficulty rating. Hiking, running, and birding are the three most popular activities people enjoy on this trail.      

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Missouri is home to 92 state parks with beautiful natural scenery and a variety of activities for all ages. These are also some of the best parks in Missouri. One of the most unique state parks in Missouri is Elephant Rocks State Park. Located in Belleview, Missouri, Elephant Rocks State Park features giant granite boulders that resemble a train of pink circus elephants. People of all ages enjoy visiting this unique state park, especially children. They love climbing on the boulders.

What are three of the best hiking trails in Missouri?

There are many fun things to do outside in Missouri, including hiking. Several trails of all lengths and difficulties are located throughout “The Show-Me State.” Three of the best hiking trails in Missouri are listed below, and you’ll want to explore them all.

  1. River Scene Trail Loop

Missouri’s River Scene Trail Loop is a 3.1-mile loop trail that’s located in Castlewood State Park. It has a moderate level of difficulty rating and is accessible all year long. In addition to hiking, people also use this scenic trail for fishing and birding.

  1. Lewis and Clark Trail and Lewis Trail Loop

Located within the Weldon Spring Conservation Area is the Lewis and Clark Trail and Lewis Trail Loop. This 5.2-mile loop trail also has a moderate level of difficulty rating. Because this is such a popular hiking trail, you can expect to see many other people during your journey.

  1. Sandstone Canyon Trail

Missouri’s Sandstone Canyon Trail is located in Don Robinson State Park. Like the previous two trails, this 3.9-mile loop trail also has a moderate level of difficulty rating. Hiking, running, and birding are the three most popular activities people enjoy on this trail.