Lake Wappapello State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Wappapello State Park |
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Lake Wappapello as seen from the park.
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 Lake Wappapello State Park
Location in Missouri
Lake Wappapello State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Wayne, Missouri, United States |
| Area | 1,854.23 acres (7.5038 km2) |
| Elevation | 420 ft (130 m) |
| Established | 1956 |
| Governing body | Missouri Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Lake Wappapello State Park |
Lake Wappapello State Park is a fun place for outdoor activities in Wayne County, Missouri. It's a big park, covering about 1,854 acres, and it sits right next to Lake Wappapello. This park is open to everyone and offers lots of ways to enjoy nature.
You can go camping, explore trails, or have fun in the water. The park is managed by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. They work to keep it a great spot for visitors.
Contents
Park History
How the Lake Was Made
Lake Wappapello itself was created a long time ago. Starting in 1938, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built a big dam. This dam was placed on the St. Francis River. The main reason for building it was to control floods. This helped protect towns and farms downstream from too much water.
Becoming a State Park
After the lake was formed, the state of Missouri saw a great opportunity. In 1956, they started renting land around the lake. This land was then set aside to become a state park. This allowed people to visit and enjoy the beautiful lake and its surroundings.
Things to Do at the Park
Lake Wappapello State Park offers many exciting activities. It's a perfect spot for outdoor adventures.
Camping and Staying Over
If you love spending nights under the stars, this park is for you. It has two different areas for camping. You can bring your tent or an RV. Camping is a great way to fully experience the park's natural beauty.
Exploring Trails
The park has many trails for different activities.
- Hiking: You can walk or hike along paths that wind through the park.
- Biking: Some trails are perfect for riding your bicycle.
- Backpacking: For longer adventures, you can go backpacking. This means hiking with all your gear on your back.
- Horseback Riding: There are also special trails for people who enjoy riding horses.
Water Fun on the Lake
Lake Wappapello is a huge part of the park's appeal.
- Swimming: On warm days, you can cool off by swimming in the lake.
- Fishing: The lake is a popular spot for fishing. You might catch different kinds of fish here.
- Boating: You can also bring your boat or kayak. Enjoy cruising on the water or exploring different coves.
