Wakonda State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wakonda State Park |
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
A campsite at the Wakonda State Park campground
|
|
 Wakonda State Park
Location in Missouri
Wakonda State Park
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Lewis, Missouri, United States |
| Area | 1,053.87 acres (4.2649 km2) |
| Elevation | 814 ft (248 m) |
| Established | 1960 |
| Governing body | Missouri Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Wakonda State Park |
Wakonda State Park is a cool outdoor place in Missouri. It covers about 1,054 acres near the town of La Grange in Lewis County. This state park is special because it has six small lakes, which are great for water fun!
Contents
The Story of Wakonda State Park
How the Lakes Were Formed
Wakonda State Park is built on a rare type of land called a sand prairie. These sandy areas are found along the Mississippi River. A very long time ago, during the last Ice Age, huge sheets of ice moved across the land. As they melted, they left behind big piles of sand and gravel.
Starting in 1924, companies began digging up this sand and gravel. They used it to build roads. To get the deep gravel, they used a method called open-pit mining. This means they dug big holes in the ground. Over time, these large holes filled with water and became the six lakes you see in the park today. By the 1980s, about 26 million tons of sand and gravel had been removed from this area.
When the Park Was Created
The park officially opened in 1960. It started with 273 acres of land that the Missouri Highway Commission gave to the state. The name "Wakonda" comes from the Osage Indian language. It means something special or spiritual. Later, in 1992, the park grew even bigger when another 777 acres were added.
Fun Things to Do at Wakonda State Park
Water Activities
The six lakes at Wakonda State Park are perfect for water sports. You can go fishing and try to catch some fish. Swimming is also a popular activity on hot days. If you like to be on the water, you can use small motorboats or boats without motors, like canoes or kayaks.
Camping and Trails
If you love camping, Wakonda State Park has two campgrounds. They offer more than 100 campsites where you can set up your tent or park your RV. The park also has trails for you to explore. You can go hiking to see nature or bring your bicycle for a ride.
