Spending time outdoors, breathing in the fresh air, and exploring Missouri certainly is a favorite pastime for many Missourians. If you prefer hanging out in or on the water, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Lake Lincoln in Missouri. It often boasts crystal clear water, where you can go swimming, fishing, or kayaking.

Just about an hour from downtown St. Louis, Cuivre River State Park promises plenty to do all year around.

Facebook/Cuivre River State Park

However, the masterpiece of the 6,400-acre state park is arguably Lake Lincoln, which spans 55 acres and often boasts crystal clear water.

Facebook/Cuivre River State Park

If you prefer spending time on the water, Lake Lincoln is perfect for kayaking and canoeing. You can even rent a kayak or a canoe right at the state park.

Facebook/Cuivre River State Park

Rentals are available for half of a day or a full day but must be reserved in advance. You can reserve your kayak or canoe here.

Facebook/Cuivre River State Park

You might also want to find a quiet space along the water for a bit of fishing. The lake is generally stocked with a variety of fish, including channel catfish, large mouth bass, and blue gill.

Missouri State Parks

A sandy beach, snuggling up to Lake Lincoln, is open annually from May through September. It’s a fun way to soak up the sun and to stay cool. (The water at the beach is the only place you are permitted to swim in the lake.)

Missouri State Parks

The beach, which is open seasonally from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., also has a place for visitors to change.

Trip Advisor/management

If you feel like exploring the rest of the park, you’ll find a series of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. You can also spread out for a picnic at one of the picnic tables.

Trip Advisor/Barbara M.

Click here for the official website of Cuivre River State Park. Or, go here for Facebook.

Missouri State Parks

Have you been to Lake Lincoln in Missouri? What’s your favorite activity at the lake? Let us know in the comments! If you like your swimming holes clean and clear, you can’t go wrong when you visit these 10 swimming holes in Missouri.

Facebook/Cuivre River State Park

Missouri State Parks

Trip Advisor/management

Trip Advisor/Barbara M.

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Address: Cuivre River State Park, 678 MO-147, Troy, MO 63379, USA