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. 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.

    AGE
    All ages
    DATE
    Jan. 22, Feb. 19
    TIME
    Fri., 5:30-6:30 or 7-8 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Lake Springfield
    FEE
    $5/5 yrs. and up, Free/4 yrs. and under


     

  3. 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.


    AGE
    5 yrs. and up
    DATE
    Sat., Feb. 6 and 20
    TIME
    5-6:30 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Lake Springfield Park
    FEE
    $3/Adult; $2/5-12 yrs.

     

  4. 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.
    AGE
    15 yrs. and up (15-17 yrs. with an adult)
    DATE
    Tues., Feb. 9 and March 9
    TIME
    2-3 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Lake Springfield Park
    FEE
    $5/Session

     

  5. 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.

    AGE
    13 yrs. and up, (13-17 yrs. with an adult)
    DATE
    Fri., March 12
    TIME
    7-9 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Lake Springfield Park
    FEE
    $50/person includes all supplies

     

  6. 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

     

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 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.

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.