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- Lake Springfield Park and Boathouse
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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
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Owl Prowl
A night all about owls at Lake Springfield Boathouse, including a presentation on these nocturnal raptors from Dickerson Park Zoo staff and a visit from species examples. We’ll take nighttime stroll at Lake Springfield Park to listen for owls in the park. Afterwards, enjoy a hot chocolate bar. Register by Jan. 21 or Feb. 18.
AGEAll agesDATEJan. 22, Feb. 19TIMEFri., 5:30-6:30 or 7-8 p.m.LOCATIONLake SpringfieldFEE$5/5 yrs. and up, Free/4 yrs. and under
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Winter Twilight Hikes
A staff-guided hike on the trails at Lake Springfield Park. Enjoy the subtle beauty of a winter landscape, listen for owls and early spring peepers. Hot chocolate and treats provided. Register by Feb. 5 or 19.
AGE5 yrs. and upDATESat., Feb. 6 and 20TIME5-6:30 p.m.LOCATIONLake Springfield ParkFEE$3/Adult; $2/5-12 yrs.
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Homeschool Horticulture Series
Join staff for lessons connected to working in and enjoying the outdoors. Register by Feb. 8 or March 8.- Feb. 9: Winter Hike Preparedness, 10 yrs. and up, includes notebook, pen and mini first aid kit.
- March 9: All About MO Wildlife, 5 yrs. and up, includes notebook, pen and wildlife ID worksheet.
AGE15 yrs. and up (15-17 yrs. with an adult)DATETues., Feb. 9 and March 9TIME2-3 p.m.LOCATIONLake Springfield ParkFEE$5/Session
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Painting in the Park
Take in the gorgeous view of Lake Springfield guided by Painting with a Twist, and create your own work of art. Mocktails and light refreshments provided at this socially-distanced gathering. Register by March 4.
AGE13 yrs. and up, (13-17 yrs. with an adult)DATEFri., March 12TIME7-9 p.m.LOCATIONLake Springfield ParkFEE$50/person includes all supplies
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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
AGE3 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.)DATEApril 15-Oct. 15TIMEMon.- Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.LOCATIONLake Springfield ParkFEE$10/hour solo kayaks and stand-up paddleboards; $12/hour tandem kayaks and canoes
Things To Do
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 and include life jackets and paddles.
Boat Rentals
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.
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.
Fishing
The pavilion is located centrally in the park, with a beautiful view of the lake. The shelter may not be reserved.
Hilltop Pavilion (Picnic Shelter & Playground)
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.
The 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. View trail map [PDF].
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.
James River Greenway 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.
Greater Ozarks Audubon Trail
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Lake Springfield Park
Physical Address
5324 S Kissick Avenue
Springfield, MO 65804
Phone: 417-891-1550
Park Hours
Sunrise-sunset
Boathouse Hours
April 15-October 15
Monday - Saturday
9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday
11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
October 16-April 14
Monday - Saturday
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday
Closed except for rentals.