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. Introduction to Kayaking 


    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.,  Sept. 20 full,  Oct. 18
    TIME
    2-3 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Lake Springfield Park and Boathouse
    FEE
    $20/Person

     


  3. Guided Float


    Join us for a guided float on the James River Water Trail and group hike! Great for beginners and a fun opportunity to get out on the water at Lake Springfield outside of normal Boathouse rental hours. Park staff will go over safety and give a basic paddling demonstration before we launch at Lake Springfield and head to the Springfield Conservation Nature Center to go hiking. Spot wildlife both on and off the water and learn more about the area from one of our guides. Once we return to the Boathouse, enjoy a snack and community time on the lawn. (If you have any dietary or physical restrictions, please notify park staff when enrolling for this event.)

    AGE
    10 and up. Please note that ages 10-17 must have an adult with them on the water to participate (ages 14-17 can be in their own boat, ages 10-13 must be in a boat with an adult).
    DATE
    Sept. 4, 25, Oct. 9
    TIME
    5:30-7:30 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Lake Springfield
    FEE
    $30/participant - must be paid at time of registration. Includes boat rental, paddle and life jacket.

     


  4. Fall Float Package


    Join us for a guided float on the James River Water Trail and group hike! Park staff will go over safety and give a basic paddling demonstration before we launch at Lake Springfield and head to the Nature Center to go hiking. This is a great place to spot wildlife both on and off the water or learn more about the area from one of your guides. Once we have returned to the Boathouse, we will have a bonfire, dinner and community time on the lawn. Boat rental, paddle and life jacket are included in the rental fees. If you have any dietary or physical restrictions, please notify park staff when enrolling for this event.

    AGE
    10 yrs. and up (Ages 10-13 must be in a canoe with a parent or guardian; Ages 14-17 must have an adult enrolled and participating in the event )
    DATE
    Sat., Oct. 17, 23
    TIME
    4-7 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Lake Springfield Park and Boathouse
    FEE
    $40/Person

     


  5. Fishing for Beginners


    Never been fishing before and want to learn? Join us for our Fishing for Beginners Class. This class is for those who know little to nothing about fishing and want to learn the basics. We will go over types of rods and reels and what each one is good for. We will also get into lure and bait selection based on the types of fish you are after. Along with lure and bait selection, we will show you some of the common ways to use them to get the most out of your experience. At the end we will put it all together with an engaging activity that incorporates the skills and information you learn.

    AGE
    5 yrs. and up
    DATE
    Sat., Oct. 3
    TIME
    9-11 a.m.
    LOCATION
    Lake Springfield Park and Boathouse
    FEE
    $5/Person

     


  6. Nature Hike and S'mores Bar


    Autumn is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the Ozarks! Join us for a 1.5-mile guided hike through Lake Springfield Park while learning about the local wildlife and enjoying the scenery. Portions of the trail are steep and unpaved, but beginners are welcome. Our hike ends at the Northwoods Pavilion where we will host a s’mores bar and have lawn games. Please wear sturdy hiking shoes and dress for the weather. If you have any dietary or physical restrictions, notify park staff when enrolling for this event. This program is designed to teach people of all ages about the natural areas around them while enjoying active community time. There’s no experience required for this event; all those with the ability to hike 1.5 are welcome to join. Groups will not exceed 20 people.

    AGE
    All ages
    DATE
    Sept. 18, Oct. 2
    TIME
    6-7:30 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Lake Springfield Park
    FEE
    $10/Person; 5 and under free

     

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 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. 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.