I am so excited to share these with you guys. These places aren’t extremely close to St. Louis, but that’s why I love them. They are in the beautiful outdoors of Southern MO! I will say, they get pretty busy during the summer, but I’d rather deal with crowds outside than at a local pool. Right???? So, without further ado….My top 3 swimming spots in Missouri!

1. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park

1 hr 40 minutes from St. Louis

This is such a special place to me because I grew up going here in the summer! It is way different now than when I went as a kid, mainly because of floods changing the structure of the shut-ins, but it is still incredible. I love it here because there are larger, open areas of water to swim in, mini pools, cliffs to jump off of, and rocks to sit on and slide down. This is definitely the most adventurous place on the list! 

GOOD TO KNOW: Dogs are NOT allowed here. We learned this the hard way when we wanted to take Lily. 
ADDRESS: 148 Taum Sauk Trl, Lesterville, MO 63654

2. Rocky Falls

2 hours 45 minutes from St. Louis

Oooooo this is a little hidden gem! Michael and I were actually on our way home from somewhere else and drove past a sign that said Rocky Falls. We literally slammed on the breaks and turned down the road, and HOLY COW I’m glad we did. This place is exactly what it sounds like……a bunch of rocks with water falling down, and a pool at the bottom! There is even a little trail along the side of the falls as well, which leads to a pretty, little, hidden spot.

GOOD TO KNOW: There are SO many other amazing places around here, so I’d recommend doing some research and planning your day or weekend! There are incredible springs nearby that are worth a visit!
ADDRESS: Rocky Falls, Winona Township, MO 65588

3. Huzzah River

1 hour 40 minutes from St. Louis

We went here for the first time last year and LOVED it! Nowwww, I’m not going to give away the exact spot we went to, because I have to leave some of this up to adventure, right? I will just say, anywhere along the Huzzah is fun! It can definitely be more of a party spot, but if you go on a weekday, you can get some peace and quiet. Or, ya know, if you’re looking for a party, go on the weekend. There are also shops all around where you can rent kayaks, tubes, etc and go floatin’ down the river. We personally just parked on a little beach spot, set up our hammock, and grilled some burgers! 

GOOD TO KNOW: There is a place called Brown Canoe rental right on your way in where you can rent canoes and kayaks! Phone: 573-775-5542. Address: 586 State Hwy E, Steelville, MO 65565
ADDRESS: Huzzah Conservation Area River Access, Bourbon, MO 65441. Put this into google maps and it will take you to an area with river access. Again, I’m not telling EXACTLY where we went, but this will get you where you need to be, and let you explore and find your own favorite spot!