Where to Cool Off: Top Swimming Holes in Missouri and Southern Illinois

Nothing says summer like a dip in a swimming hole. Whether you bring the cooler and camping chairs to make it an all-day affair or just jump in after a long hike, a swim out in nature is a surefire way to beat the heat and humidity of a summer day in the Midwest. We compiled our favorite swimming spots from across the region, ranging from secluded, relaxing retreats to accessible, family-friendly areas. Pack the sunscreen and bathing suit, and jump on in.

 

Most Unique: Kinkaid Spillway
Location: Gorham, Ill.
It’s hard to find a cooler swimming spot than Kinkaid Spillway, a not-so-hidden treasure beloved by locals in Southern Illinois. Designed to release excess water from Kinkaid Lake, the spillway features a series of small waterfalls and pools. You can sit on the rocks and let the cascading water flow over you or move to the bottom and swim in the large pool. The rocks can be slippery, so be sure to wear water shoes with grip.
Essential info: Dogs are allowed if on leashes, but no alcohol is permitted.

Best Weekend Getaway: Meramec State Park
Location: Sullivan, Mo.
With camping and cabins on site, Meramec State Park is an excellent place to spend a weekend. The five miles of the Meramec River that run through this state park are idyllic, with the water flanked by majestic bluffs and towering trees. As you float downstream, the channel is clear, clean, and calm enough for a swim. The park also boasts one of the most diverse fish populations in the state, making it popular with anglers.
Essential info: Rent canoes and kayaks at meramecpark.com. Reserve a campsite at 877-422-6766.

 

Most Family-Friendly, Missouri: Grand Falls
Location: Joplin, Mo.
Grand Falls is not only the largest continuously flowing waterfall in Missouri, but it’s also a great spot to take the kids. The small pools below the falls are shallow, making them perfect for young kids to splash and play in, and the water is just a brief walk from the large, accessible parking lot. Plus, Caroline’s, a beloved, old-timey ice cream shop, is a four-minute drive away.
Essential info: There are no facilities or restrooms here. Water shoes with grip are recommended.

Most Family-Friendly, Illinois: Milnot Beach
Location: Litchfield, Ill.
Milnot Beach in Litchfield, Illinois, really is fun for the whole family. (Except for your dog. Fido has to stay home.) At this alcohol-free, canine-free, lifeguard-monitored beach, kids can swim, splash around in the aquatic playground, leap off the high dive, and paddle in a Corcl (a small, saucer-like boat). There’s also a party room for rent, a snack bar, and a rope swing. Go nuts!
Essential info: A season pass for the entire family costs $100.

Tops for Beach Hoppers: Pomme de Terre State Park
Location: Hickory County, Mo.
This state park features two designated swimming beaches equipped with restrooms and changing rooms. Boats are permitted on the lake, and kayaks, pontoon boats, and paddleboards can be rented. If the kids get bored on the beach, you can go to one of three large playgrounds located within the park.
Essential info: There’s a lot more intel about this park at the Missouri State Parks website (mostateparks.com).

 

Best for Thrill Seekers: Fugitive Beach
Location: Rolla, Mo.
If a simple swim isn’t enough action for you, head to Fugitive Beach. In addition to a swimming area, Fugitive offers large water slides and platforms for cliff jumping. Waivers are required, and entry costs $17 for adults and $15 for children aged 10 and under. There is an on-site bar and grill that sells burgers, snacks, ice cream, and alcohol.
Essential info: Dogs are not allowed, and anyone participating in cliff jumping or using the water slides must wear a life jacket.

Closest to Climbing: Steel Creek Campground
Location: Ponca, Ark.
Rock climbing outside in the summer is sweaty business, and there’s no better way to end a day at the crag than by swimming. Steel Creek Campground is close to three popular climbing areas — Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, Cowell, and Sam’s Throne — and it offers several access points to swim in the Buffalo National River. A true gem, the Buffalo is one of the last undammed rivers in the country. Walk downstream from the canoe launch area to find a gravel bar and a secluded pool.
Essential info: Cell phone service here tends to be spotty and unreliable.

Closest for Chiefs Homers: Watkins Mill State Park
Location: Lawson, Mo.
Watkins Mill is just a 30-minute drive from downtown Kansas City, making it a convenient escape into nature. The park features a large sandy beach and a designated swimming area near the north end of Williams Creek Lake. There are also multiple covered picnic areas with grills nearby.
Essential info: Dogs are allowed in the state park but not in the beach area, and alcohol is not permitted.

 

Most Picturesque: Castor River Shut-Ins
Location: Fredericktown, Mo.
Missouri is full of shut-ins, but Castor River stands out. Its unique pink granite rock formations make for a stunning setting, and the cascading water is clean and cool. Even better, the water is just a short walk from the parking lot. Keep an eye out for more than 136 plant species, including wildflowers like little bluestems, sundrops, and pencil flowers.
Essential info: Find lots more intel about Castor at mdc.mo.gov.

Best for a Post-Hike Swim: Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area
Location: Ozark, Ill.
Shawnee National Forest offers many beautiful hiking areas, and Bell Smith Springs ranks near the top of the list. A variety of trails wind through unusual rock formations bordered by tall sandstone cliffs. The 2.7-mile Sentry Bluff Trail follows along Bay Creek, making it easy to take a dip at the end of the loop.
Essential info: You aren’t permitted to camp in the recreation area, but Redbud Campground is just up the road.

Most Places to Swim: Carlyle Lake
Location: Carlyle, Ill.
Illinois’ largest lake is a Great one: Lake Michigan. However, its largest man-made lake is still quite massive — 26,000 acres of water — and much closer to St. Louis: Carlyle Lake. Here, a $5 fee grants you access to four public beaches for swimming. There are also opportunities for boating, fishing, waterskiing, hiking, camping, and even geocaching.
Essential info: If you’re bringing your pooch, head to Coles Creek Beach. It’s the only dog-friendly beach at the lake.

 

Most Stunning-Adjacent: Pounds Hollow Recreation Area
Location: Gallatin County, Ill.
Garden of the Gods, a scenic viewpoint and hiking area featuring fascinating rock formations, is the must-see site in Shawnee National Forest. Once you’ve had your fill of gorgeous vistas, end the day with a swim in Pounds Hollow Lake, which is just a 15-minute drive away. The designated beach area is quite large, and a covered picnic shelter is nearby.
Essential info: Dogs are allowed in the recreation area but not on the beach. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Most Secluded: Lon Sanders Canyon Conservation Area
Location: Piedmont, Mo.
If you’re looking to escape the crowds at popular spots like Johnson’s Shut-Ins, Lon Sanders Canyon is the ideal choice. A straightforward one-mile out-and-back trail leads to shut-ins and pools along McKenzie Creek, where you can cool off. Expansive banks shaded by trees provide the perfect setting for an afternoon picnic.
Essential info: Lon Sanders is also well-known for its wildflowers and diverse bird populations.

Best in Mid-Missouri: Finger Lakes State Park
Location: Columbia, Mo.
Located just 20 minutes from the heart of Columbia, Finger Lakes State Park is close enough to go to after a long day at the office. The large, sandy beach is separated from boat traffic and is easily reachable from the road. Visitors can also rent canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.
Essential info: Dogs, alcohol, and glass containers are prohibited on the beach.

Most Accessible: Rocky Falls
Location: Winona Township, Mo.
If you’re looking for a swimming spot that’s easy to reach yet still feels ensconced in the natural world, Rocky Falls, one of the state’s few natural cascading waterfalls, fits the bill. It’s less than a five-minute walk from the parking lot to the falls, but the sound of the water drowns out any road noise. Lush green vegetation surrounds the spacious swimming area and sandy beach.
Essential info: The area offers amenities such as grills, picnic tables, restrooms, and wheelchair accessibility.

Author: Mary Andino is a frequent contributor to Terrain.

Top image: Fugitive Beach in Rolla, Missouri.