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  1. Coronavirus Update
    City of Springfield orders related COVID-19 prevention may limit availability of facilities, programs and events Check ParkBoard.org/Coronavirus for more information.

Lake Springfield Park and Boathouse



Lake Springfield Park offers 158 acres of rolling parkland, featuring trails, woods, bluffs and more than a mile of shoreline along beautiful Lake Springfield.

Lake Springfield Boathouse 


A beautiful and secluded indoor setting for weddings, birthday parties, special events and corporate retreats. Including seating for 80, a full kitchen, a sprawling deck and a gorgeous view of Lake Springfield. Call for rental rates. Boathouse also includes boat rentals, gift shop, restrooms and park offices.

Special Events



  2. Intro to Paddling


    Learn beginner kayaking and canoe skills through fun games and activities, and then practice your new skills on Lake Springfield with knowledgeable instructors! This class is geared towards new and beginner level paddlers of all ages. Topics will include boater safety, basic paddling strokes for a canoe and kayak, where to go on your first float trip, and much more. Lifejackets and a free 1-hour boat rental for future use at Lake Springfield Park included. Register in advance by calling 417-891-1550. This program is tentative based on COVID-19 regulations.

    AGE
    8 yrs. and up (8-17 yrs. with an adult on-site)
    DATE
    Sun., May 31, June 28, July 19, Aug. 9
    TIME
    2-3 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Lake Springfield Park and Boathouse
    FEE
    $20/Person

     


  3. First Float Trip


    Participate in a mixture of fun outdoor activities on this new guided experience. This adventure will include a round-trip float from Lake Springfield Boathouse to the Nature Center, a short hike, and a Dutch oven cooking experience. Boat rentals and dinner are included, so bring your appetite and enthusiasm as we celebrate the first day of summer with the First Float Trip package. Register by June 19 by calling 417-891-1550. This program is tentative based on COVID-19 regulations.

    AGE
    12 yrs. and up (12-14 yrs. must be accompanied by an adult in a canoe; 17 yrs. and younger must have adult on-site to sign waiver)
    DATE
    Sat., June 20
    TIME
    3-7p.m.
    LOCATION
    Lake Springfield
    FEE
    $40/person (includes dinner and rental of either kayak or canoe)

     

Things To Do


Boat Rentals

Canoes, Kayaks and Paddleboards are available to rent at the Lake Springfield Boathouse April 15 - October 31. Rented boats must be returned each day one hour prior to boathouse closing, no rentals after 4 p.m. The facility offers 17-foot canoes, single and tandem kayaks and paddleboards. Fees are $10/hour or $30/four hours and include life jackets and paddles.

Paddlers will use the James River Water Trail as the trail route, which runs approximately 4.5-miles one way, along Lake Springfield and the James River passing Springfield Conservation Nature Center, Galloway Creek and Creighton Access. Renters must be 18 years of age, with minors accompanied by an adult.


Fishing

Fish Lake Springfield for largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, bluegill and carp, during park hours. The Missouri Department of Conservation also provides fishing access outside of the park, on the south side of the lake.


Hilltop Pavilion (Picnic Shelter & Playground)

The pavilion is located centrally in the park, with a beautiful view of the lake. The shelter may not be reserved.


The Northwoods Pavilion

Contact Lake Springfield Boathouse and Marina at 417-891-1550 to schedule your family picnic, reunion, or special event at the secluded and beautifully shaded Northwoods Pavilion.

Wildlife


Abundant wildlife includes deer, turkey and waterfowl. Look for eagles in winter months.

Surrounding Trails


Lake Springfield Park Trail

A 1.4-mile wood chip trail beginning near the boat launch, with quarter-mile trail markers. Follows a portion of the Greater Ozark Audubon Trail, then branches off through the wood to the Northwoods Pavilion before passing through prairie and connecting with the James River Greenway Trail. Built in partnership with Volunteers for Outdoor Missouri.


James River Greenway Trail

Paved 1.74-mile trail spanning the park, with trailheads at Kissick Road, Lake Springfield Boathouse and the boat launch. Accessible parking at the Boathouse. Several fishing areas along the trail. For more information and a trail map visit OzarkGreenways.org.


Greater Ozarks Audubon Trail

Rugged wood chip trail loop running along the bluffs overlooking Lake Springfield. Great views at Eagle Point. Trail includes a glade restoration project. This trail is a collaboration between the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Greater Ozarks Audubon Society, Volunteers for Outdoors Missouri and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board. Trailhead near the boat launch.