Big Lake State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Lake State Park |
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Big Lake and Big Lake State Park from the air
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 Big Lake State Park
Location in Missouri
Big Lake State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Holt, Missouri, United States |
| Area | 407.41 acres (164.87 ha) |
| Elevation | 860 ft (260 m) |
| Established | 1932 |
| Governing body | Missouri Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Big Lake State Park |
Big Lake State Park is a fun public park in northwest Missouri, United States. It covers about 407 acres. This park was created in 1932. It sits at the top end of Big Lake. This lake is the biggest oxbow lake in Missouri. Visitors can enjoy many activities here. These include boating, camping, picnicking, fishing, and swimming.
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Discover Big Lake State Park
Big Lake State Park is a great place to explore nature. It offers a peaceful escape for families and friends. The park's main feature is its connection to Big Lake. This large lake provides many chances for outdoor fun. The park is managed by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. They work to keep it a beautiful and safe place for everyone.
What is an Oxbow Lake?
You might wonder what an oxbow lake is. It's a special type of lake. It forms when a river changes its path over time. Rivers often curve and bend. Sometimes, a big bend in a river gets cut off. This happens when the river finds a straighter route. The cut-off bend then becomes a separate, U-shaped lake. It looks a bit like the U-shaped collar for an ox, which is where it gets its name! Big Lake is a perfect example of this natural process.
Fun Activities at the Park
Big Lake State Park has lots of activities for visitors.
- Boating: You can bring your own boat or rent one. The lake is perfect for a relaxing ride.
- Camping: The park has areas where you can set up a tent. You can also park your RV. It's a great way to spend a night under the stars.
- Picnicking: There are special spots with tables. You can enjoy a meal outdoors with your family.
- Fishing: Big Lake is home to many fish. Anglers can try to catch different kinds of fish.
- Swimming: On hot days, the lake offers a cool place to swim. It's a refreshing way to enjoy the water.
Dealing with Floods
Big Lake State Park is located near the Missouri River. This river can sometimes flood. Floods have caused damage to the park's buildings in the past. To solve this problem, the park came up with a clever idea. Since 2016, they have used special rental cabins. These cabins have wheels! This means they can be moved to a safe place. If a flood is expected, the cabins can be rolled away. This helps protect them from damage. It also means visitors can still enjoy the park.
