Are you dying to hit the water this summer? Maybe you’re looking for an adventure beyond the local pool. Grab a kayak, canoe, or raft, your favorite beverage, and sunscreen because Missouri is full of high-quality floating opportunities for all sorts of recreators.
Ozark Stream — Mighty Muddy Challenge?
Missouri’s rivers are as diverse as its landscapes, and you’ll be spoiled for variety. Paddle underneath the chalk-white bluffs of the Missouri river in the competitive endurance race, the MR340. Or, if you’re looking for a more secluded locale, you can head south into the Ozarks and explore the crystal-clear smallmouth streams. Looking to keep it local? There are plenty of local rivers that you can launch into in the Kansas City area.
What Should I Prepare For?
One of the first things to ask before floating is if you’re looking for a DIY adventure or a float trip with shuttles and renting options. If you’re bringing your own kayak or canoe, make sure you bring life jackets, a wet bag for valuables, and plenty of water. It’s a good idea to know what the roads are like at the launch and take-out spots. Some areas, particularly in more remote rivers, can have roads that require 4x4 vehicles for access. If the river access is managed by a state or federal agency, call their local office and ask about the area for more information.
If you plan on fishing, visit the Missouri Department of Conservation’s website to purchase a license and check on all local regulations.
Be clear about your expectations before you choose a spot. If you’re looking for an easy-going float, you may want to consider a smaller stream or even paddling on the feeder river of one of our large reservoirs. A raft or kayak is much more beginner-friendly than canoes and can help you avoid dumping your gear into the water if someone rocks the boat too hard!
Similarly, if you want to fish, avoid the popular floating streams, particularly in summer, or plan to get up early and stay out late. There’s nothing worse than trying to guide a hook through a congested riverway. In general, bringing your own gear, going midweek, and floating places with less access can be a great way to get a more secluded experience.
Ozark Streams and Rivers
The Ozark region of Missouri is famed for its gorgeous rivers, tall bluffs, and great smallmouth fishing. There are tons of small rivers to choose from, as well as access points through private businesses, Missouri Department of Conservation launches, Missouri State Park land, and more. Many of these smaller rivers get significant traffic during the summer months, so book ahead of time. You might consider Jack’s Fork, the Current River, the Niangua River, the Little Niangua, or even lower sections of Lake Taneycomo.
The Missouri River
The Missouri River might not be your first thought when it comes to a float trip, but in the dog days of summer, the Big Muddy can be a surprisingly tame river to navigate. Kayak rentals are available in Kansas City with shuttle services. The river is steeped in history and if you’re into bird watching, fishing, or mushroom hunting, it can offer plenty of from the bank access to experience wildlife. Just look out for barges!
Also, if you’re a hardcore paddler or looking for a challenge, you can enter the MR340, a grueling 340-mile paddle race that stretches from KC all the way down to St. Charles. It’s a great way to have a big river experience and push yourself outside of your comfort zone.
Other Kansas City Locales
The Blue River in southern Kansas City is a great option for floating as well, particularly for kayaks. In the summer months, the river is relatively shallow, and you may need to walk your vessel through riffles or take a break on a gravel bar. You’ll be amazed at the variety of wildlife that makes Kansas City’s iconic Blue River Parkway home. Gar, bass, wild turkey, migratory birds, colorful wild mushrooms, and more call the Blue River home and if you want to make a day of it, you can paddle the entire stretch, through the industrial district and out into the Missouri River.
The Platte River is also a very accessible option. Platte Falls Conservation Area offers a portion that is connected by two boat ramps for easy take in and out. Bring your catfish rods and plenty of sunscreen. This stretch of the river is surrounded by conservation land, so you’ll be able to experience what our small rivers were meant to feel like without having to drive five or six hours to the southern part of the state. For an extended float, you can put in at the boat ramp at Interurban Road and float downstream to one of the ramps off Knighton Road.
Reservoirs
Don’t neglect reservoirs as a floating option! Many of the Kansas City area reservoirs offer kayak and canoe rental and have floatable feeder streams. Floating on a lake can also be a much less intimidating option than a river. The only caveat is that on weekends, you may deal with more boat traffic than rivers.
Lake Jacomo, Smithville Lake, Lake of the Ozarks, and many other large reservoirs in Missouri have kayak and boat rentals available through State Parks, their respective county parks and recreation, or through private outfitters.