Longview Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Longview Lake |
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 Longview Lake
Location in Missouri
Longview Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Jackson County, Missouri, United States |
| Coordinates | 38°54′35″N 94°28′11″W / 38.9097°N 94.4696°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Little Blue River |
| Primary outflows | Little Blue River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 930 acres (3.8 km2) |
Longview Lake is a large freshwater lake in Jackson County, Missouri. It covers about 930 acres (3.8 square kilometers). The lake is located near the cities of Kansas City, Lee's Summit, and Grandview.
This lake is actually a reservoir, which means it's an artificial lake built to store water. It's part of a big project by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. This project helps control floods, provides fun recreation spots, and protects fish and other wildlife. The lake is inside the 4,852-acre (19.6 square kilometers) Longview Lake Park. Jackson County Parks and Recreation manages this park.
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History of Longview Lake
How Longview Lake Was Created
The idea for the Little Blue River Project, which includes Longview Lake, was approved by the U.S. Congress in 1968. After this, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers bought land for the project. This land was once part of a famous place called Longview Farm. It was known as "The World's Most Beautiful Farm."
Building the Dam and Opening the Park
Construction on the Longview Dam started in 1979. The dam was finished in 1985, helping to create the lake. The park around the lake officially opened in 1986. Since then, it has become a very popular spot. About one million people visit Longview Lake Park every year!
Fun Activities at Longview Lake
Longview Lake is a great place for many outdoor activities. There are lots of ways to enjoy the water and the park.
Water Sports and Boating
- Boating: You can enjoy many types of boating on Longview Lake. This includes power boating and riding jet skis. There is a full-service marina where you can buy snacks, get fuel, and rent boat slips.
- Fishing: If you love to fish, Longview Lake is a perfect spot. The lake is stocked with many different kinds of fish. You might catch bluegill, largemouth bass, carp, channel catfish, crappie, or walleye.
- Swimming Beach: The lake has a large sandy beach, about one acre in size. It's a great place to relax in the sun or play a game of beach volleyball.
Park Activities and Special Events
The park surrounding Longview Lake offers even more to do:
- Camping: You can set up a tent or bring an RV for an overnight stay.
- Sports: The park has areas for golf and softball.
- Trails: There are trails for hiking and biking, perfect for exploring nature.
- Equestrian Activities: You can also enjoy horseback riding in certain areas.
- Picnicking: Many spots are available for family picnics.
- Radio-Controlled Aircraft: There's even a special area for flying radio-controlled aircraft.
Christmas in the Park
One of the most popular events at Longview Lake Park is "Christmas in the Park." This special holiday event started in 1988. It features over 300,000 lights and 175 animated figures. You can drive through this festive display for free. Each holiday season, about 200,000 people come to see the beautiful lights.
Images for kids
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Beach volleyball is a popular activity at Longview Lake.
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dam at Longview Lake.
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An unusual sight in a large urban area like Kansas City, these American bald eagles have made a home.
