Boathouse - August 2020
  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. Boat Rentals


    Rent a boat and explore the James River Water Trail at your own pace. Choose from an assortment of boats, including solo and tandem kayaks, Old Town canoes, and stand-up paddleboards available a first-come, first-serve basis. Life preservers are provided and required. Must be 18 yrs. to rent boats. All boats must be returned the launch area by 5 p.m. Lake Springfield Park 891-1550


    AGE
    3 yrs. and up (Ages 3-5 allowed in only canoes, with a guardian. Ages 6-13 must be with a guardian. Ages 14-17 may command their own boat accompanied by an adult.)
    DATE
    April 15-Oct. 15
    TIME
    Mon.- Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Lake Springfield Park
    FEE
    $10/hour solo kayaks and stand-up paddleboards; $12/hour tandem kayaks and canoes

     

  3. Intro to Kayaking


    Want to get in a kayak but not sure where to start? Introduction to Kayaking is for you! Learn beginner safety tips and paddle strokes before getting out on Lake Springfield for practice time with experienced Parks staff. Show off your newly acquired skills as we play games and paddle around the lake. Ages 8-12 yrs. must be in a boat with adult; ages 13-17 yrs. must have parent/guardian on the water. Register by the day before. Space is limited.


    AGE
    8 yrs. and up
    DATE
    May 15-16, 22-23; June 5-6, 12-13; July 10
    TIME
    Sat. or Sun., 10:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. (10:30 a.m. only May 15-16 and July 10)
    LOCATION
    Lake Springfield Boathouse
    FEE
    $20/Person

     

  4. Kayaks and Coffee


    Pink and golden sunrises, active wildlife and cool morning air are a few of the rewards for early risers who join this one-hour guided kayaking experience, followed with coffee and pastries at Lake Springfield Boathouse. Bring cameras and binoculars. Ages 8-12 yrs. must be in a boat with adult; ages 13-17 yrs. must have parent/ guardian on the water. Register by the day before. Space is limited.


    AGE
    8 yrs. and up
    DATE
    May 18, June 3, July 6
    TIME
    6-8 a.m.
    LOCATION
    Lake Springfield Boathouse
    FEE
    $30/Person

     

  5. Crighton Shuttle Service


    This new shuttle service launches kayaks and canoes from Crighton Access, east of Springfield. Paddlers float five miles downstream on the James River Water Trail, ending at Lake Springfield Park, about 3-4 hours, accompanied by experienced Parks staff. Shuttle available only for boats rented from Lake Springfield Boathouse. Ages 8-12 yrs. must be in a boat with adult; ages 13-17 yrs. must have parent/guardian on the water. Fee includes boat rental, paddle, life jacket and shuttle. Register by the day before. Space is limited.


    AGE
    8 yrs. and up
    DATE
    May 15-16, 22-23; June 5-6, 12-13; July 10
    TIME
    Sat. or Sun., 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. (9 a.m. only May 15-16 and July 10)
    LOCATION
    Lake Springfield Boathouse
    FEE
    $40/Person

     

  6. Float and Hike


    A guided float and hike along on the James River Water Trail. Launch at Lake Springfield and paddle to the Springfield Conservation Nature Center for a hike. Paddle back downstream to Lake Springfield Boathouse, where we have snacks. This is a great trip for spotting wildlife and learn more about the area. Ages 8-12 yrs. must be in a boat with an adult; ages 13-17 yrs. must have parent/guardian on the water. Register by the day before. Space is limited.


    AGE
    8 yrs. and up
    DATE
    June 4, 18; July 9; Aug. 13, 27
    TIME
    Fri., 5:30-7:30 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Lake Springfield Boathouse
    FEE
    $30/Person

     

Things To Do


Boat Rentals

Canoes, Kayaks and Paddleboards are available to rent at the Lake Springfield Boathouse April 15 - October 15. 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 for single kayaks and $12/hour or $36/four hours for tandem kayaks and canoes 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 at 417-891-1550 to schedule your family picnic, reunion, or special event at the secluded and beautifully shaded Northwoods Pavilion. You can rent the Northwoods Pavilion for $50/four hours or $100/eight hours.

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. View trail map [PDF].


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.