Hot days in the Show-Me State mean one of two things – staying cool in the A/C or heading outdoors to a cool spot to take a dip, preferably on the the following quarries in Missouri. If you prefer the latter, you’ll find no shortage of spots to go swimming and soak up a day of fun in the sun. These six quarry lakes in Missouri, in fact, provide an idyllic backdrop for a fun day.
- & 2. Wakonda State Park – La Grange
Missouri State Park Wakonda State Park’s home to a whopping six quarry lakes, the largest of which is Wakonda Lake. If you like lounging on the beach, head over to Wakonda Beach, which spans a whopping 20,000-square feet. Soak up the sun on the sandy beach, or jump into the water to stay cool. The beach also features sand volleyball, a bathhouse, and restrooms. If you’d prefer to play on the water, you’ll find a boat ramp at Wakonda Beach, too. Wakonda State Park, 32836 State Park Road, La Grange, MO 63448, USA
All Trails/Kelly Kielsmeier Another popular quarry lake at Wakonda State Park, Agate Lake is particularly popular for those who love spending time on the water. It, too, has a boat ramp, making it easy for you to slide your boat, kayak, or canoe into the water. You can also admire the lake when you set off on the 3.4-mile Agate Lake Trail. Agate Lake Road, Agate Lk Rd, Union Township, MO 63448, USA
- Finger Lakes State Park – Columbia
Missouri State Parks Finger Lakes State Park promises a full day of adventure or relaxation, if you prefer kicking back on the sand beach. The quarry lake features clear, cool water, making it an ideal spot to cool down all summer long. If you prefer spending your time on the water instead of in it, head to the boat ramp. The lake is popular with electric motor boats (gas motor boats are prohibited), canoes, and kayaks. Do not swim near the boat launch. Finger Lakes State Park, 1505 Peabody Rd, Columbia, MO 65202, USA
- The Fugitive Beach – Rolla
Facebook/The Fugitive Beach Pile the whole family in the car for a day of fun in the sun at The Fugitive Beach, in Rolla, a former quarry that now boasts a lake and a water park. Join the kiddos in the water for a cool down, or slide in from one of the inflatable slides. You can also start an impromptu game of beach volleyball, and grab a bite to eat at the Beach Bar & Grill. The Fugitive Beach, 16875 County Rd 5285, Rolla, MO 65401, USA
- Klondike Park – Augusta
Trip Advisor/altheaoleander If you’re looking for a scenic spot to go fishing, you’ll find it at the lake at Klondike Park, the former site of a quarry. The park itself offers a full menu of fun activities – from a playground to picnic spots. You can even set off on one of the hiking trails for a relaxing hike or a bike ride. 4600 S Missouri 94, Augusta, MO 63332, USA
- Elephant Rocks State Park – Belleview
Missouri State Parks Elephant Rocks State Park draws visitors from Missouri and far beyond because of its impressive 1.5-billion-year-old granite rocks that look like a line of circus elephants. After you’ve explored Elephant Rocks, consider stopping by one of the quarry lakes. Go fishing or just enjoy the view. The state park also features playgrounds, picnic tables, and hiking trails. Elephant Rocks State Park, 7390, 7406 MO-21, Belleview, MO 63623, USA
What are you favorite quarries for swimming in Missouri? Join the conversation in the comments! If you enjoy exploring Missouri on those warm days, set off on one or more of these six scenic hiking trails in Missouri that are great for beginners.
Missouri State Park
Wakonda State Park’s home to a whopping six quarry lakes, the largest of which is Wakonda Lake. If you like lounging on the beach, head over to Wakonda Beach, which spans a whopping 20,000-square feet. Soak up the sun on the sandy beach, or jump into the water to stay cool. The beach also features sand volleyball, a bathhouse, and restrooms. If you’d prefer to play on the water, you’ll find a boat ramp at Wakonda Beach, too.
Wakonda State Park, 32836 State Park Road, La Grange, MO 63448, USA
All Trails/Kelly Kielsmeier
Another popular quarry lake at Wakonda State Park, Agate Lake is particularly popular for those who love spending time on the water. It, too, has a boat ramp, making it easy for you to slide your boat, kayak, or canoe into the water. You can also admire the lake when you set off on the 3.4-mile Agate Lake Trail.
Agate Lake Road, Agate Lk Rd, Union Township, MO 63448, USA
Missouri State Parks
Finger Lakes State Park promises a full day of adventure or relaxation, if you prefer kicking back on the sand beach. The quarry lake features clear, cool water, making it an ideal spot to cool down all summer long. If you prefer spending your time on the water instead of in it, head to the boat ramp. The lake is popular with electric motor boats (gas motor boats are prohibited), canoes, and kayaks. Do not swim near the boat launch.
Finger Lakes State Park, 1505 Peabody Rd, Columbia, MO 65202, USA
Facebook/The Fugitive Beach
Pile the whole family in the car for a day of fun in the sun at The Fugitive Beach, in Rolla, a former quarry that now boasts a lake and a water park. Join the kiddos in the water for a cool down, or slide in from one of the inflatable slides. You can also start an impromptu game of beach volleyball, and grab a bite to eat at the Beach Bar & Grill.
The Fugitive Beach, 16875 County Rd 5285, Rolla, MO 65401, USA
Trip Advisor/altheaoleander
If you’re looking for a scenic spot to go fishing, you’ll find it at the lake at Klondike Park, the former site of a quarry. The park itself offers a full menu of fun activities – from a playground to picnic spots. You can even set off on one of the hiking trails for a relaxing hike or a bike ride.
4600 S Missouri 94, Augusta, MO 63332, USA
Elephant Rocks State Park draws visitors from Missouri and far beyond because of its impressive 1.5-billion-year-old granite rocks that look like a line of circus elephants. After you’ve explored Elephant Rocks, consider stopping by one of the quarry lakes. Go fishing or just enjoy the view. The state park also features playgrounds, picnic tables, and hiking trails.
Elephant Rocks State Park, 7390, 7406 MO-21, Belleview, MO 63623, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Quarries in Missouri May 19, 2022 Sarah M. What are some beautiful swimming lakes in Missouri? After taking the plunge in the above quarries in Missouri, you might be in the mood for your next big summer adventure. Looking for inspo? Check out these beautiful lakes in Missouri, which boast some of the most pristine beaches and crystal clear waters in the state! Some of our favorites is Cuivre River State Park in Troy. One of the gems of the park, in fact, is Lake Lincoln, the perfect summertime destination and one of the clearest lakes in Missouri. Soak up the sun as you sink your feet into the sand of the beach that leads into the crystal-clear water of the 55-acre lake. If you prefer spending time on the lake instead of in it, go kayaking or canoeing. Fishing is also allowed in the lake. Another beautiful place to swim in Missouri is Stockton Lake. Nestled in Stockton State Park, Stockton Lake is an idyllic summertime destination, complete with a beach. However, the beach is gravel, so it’s not quite as cozy as a sand beach. Bring along a beach chair if you really want to be comfortable. This clear and pristine lake in Missouri is perfect for floating or swimming, although there isn’t a lifeguard. Once you’re cooled off, consider renting a sailboat, a kayak, or a canoe for some fun on the water. Finally, for crystal-clear waters that truly rival the Caribbean, head out to Table Rock Lake. Float, tube, or swim in the crystal-clear waters of Table Rock Lake when you visit Moonshine Beach. You might want to bring a picnic along too, and spread out at one of the picnic tables overlooking the water. The beach also features a volleyball net and plenty of space to drop your beach chair or towel. When you get a bit too hot, you’re just a few steps from the cool water of Table Rock Lake. What a wonderful place to spend a summer day in Missouri!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Quarries in Missouri
May 19, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some beautiful swimming lakes in Missouri? After taking the plunge in the above quarries in Missouri, you might be in the mood for your next big summer adventure. Looking for inspo? Check out these beautiful lakes in Missouri, which boast some of the most pristine beaches and crystal clear waters in the state! Some of our favorites is Cuivre River State Park in Troy. One of the gems of the park, in fact, is Lake Lincoln, the perfect summertime destination and one of the clearest lakes in Missouri. Soak up the sun as you sink your feet into the sand of the beach that leads into the crystal-clear water of the 55-acre lake. If you prefer spending time on the lake instead of in it, go kayaking or canoeing. Fishing is also allowed in the lake. Another beautiful place to swim in Missouri is Stockton Lake. Nestled in Stockton State Park, Stockton Lake is an idyllic summertime destination, complete with a beach. However, the beach is gravel, so it’s not quite as cozy as a sand beach. Bring along a beach chair if you really want to be comfortable. This clear and pristine lake in Missouri is perfect for floating or swimming, although there isn’t a lifeguard. Once you’re cooled off, consider renting a sailboat, a kayak, or a canoe for some fun on the water. Finally, for crystal-clear waters that truly rival the Caribbean, head out to Table Rock Lake. Float, tube, or swim in the crystal-clear waters of Table Rock Lake when you visit Moonshine Beach. You might want to bring a picnic along too, and spread out at one of the picnic tables overlooking the water. The beach also features a volleyball net and plenty of space to drop your beach chair or towel. When you get a bit too hot, you’re just a few steps from the cool water of Table Rock Lake. What a wonderful place to spend a summer day in Missouri!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
After taking the plunge in the above quarries in Missouri, you might be in the mood for your next big summer adventure. Looking for inspo? Check out these beautiful lakes in Missouri, which boast some of the most pristine beaches and crystal clear waters in the state! Some of our favorites is Cuivre River State Park in Troy. One of the gems of the park, in fact, is Lake Lincoln, the perfect summertime destination and one of the clearest lakes in Missouri. Soak up the sun as you sink your feet into the sand of the beach that leads into the crystal-clear water of the 55-acre lake.
If you prefer spending time on the lake instead of in it, go kayaking or canoeing. Fishing is also allowed in the lake. Another beautiful place to swim in Missouri is Stockton Lake. Nestled in Stockton State Park, Stockton Lake is an idyllic summertime destination, complete with a beach. However, the beach is gravel, so it’s not quite as cozy as a sand beach. Bring along a beach chair if you really want to be comfortable. This clear and pristine lake in Missouri is perfect for floating or swimming, although there isn’t a lifeguard. Once you’re cooled off, consider renting a sailboat, a kayak, or a canoe for some fun on the water.
Finally, for crystal-clear waters that truly rival the Caribbean, head out to Table Rock Lake. Float, tube, or swim in the crystal-clear waters of Table Rock Lake when you visit Moonshine Beach. You might want to bring a picnic along too, and spread out at one of the picnic tables overlooking the water. The beach also features a volleyball net and plenty of space to drop your beach chair or towel. When you get a bit too hot, you’re just a few steps from the cool water of Table Rock Lake. What a wonderful place to spend a summer day in Missouri!
