Yes, landlocked Missouri has beaches–and there are NO sharks, but you do have to be aware of waterborne illnesses. No worries, though, because the water is tested weekly by the Missouri State Parks Department to make sure it’s safe to swim.
Although it’s rare, it is possible to become sick when swimming in warm river or lake water. Symptoms of waterborne illness may appear within a day or up to four weeks after swimming.
Symptoms of waterborne illnesses are varied but may include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, headache, or infections of the eyes, ears or skin.
To find out if a swimming beach is under advisory, look for posted signs or flyers on bulletin boards at individual beaches or online.
If you become ill after swimming, check with your doctor first. After getting appropriate medical attention, remember to report waterborne illnesses to your local health department as well.
Missouri beaches currently open as of June 10 are:
Cuivre River State Park, 678 State Rt 147, Troy
Finger Lakes State Park, 1505 E. Peabody Rd, Columbia
Harry S Truman State Park Campground Beach, 28761 State Park Rd, Warsaw
Harry S Truman State Park Day Use Beach, 28761 State Park Rd, Warsaw
Lake Wappapello State Park, Hwy 172, Williamsville
Lake of the Ozarks State Park Public Beach 1, 403 Hwy 134, Kaiser
Lake of the Ozarks State Park Grand Glaize Beach, off Hwy 54, Osage Beach
Long Branch State Park, 28615 Visitor Center Rd, Macon
Mark Twain State Park, 37352 Shrine Rd, Florida, Missouri
Pomme de Terre State Park Pittsburg Beach, Hwy 64B, Pittsburg
Pomme de Terre State Park Hermitage Beach, Hwy 64B, Pittsburg
St. Joe State Park Monsanto Lake Beach, 2800 Pimville Rd, Park Hills
St. Joe State Park Pim Lake Beach, 2800 Pimville Rd, Park Hills
Stockton State Park, 19100 S. Hwy 215, Dadeville
Thousand Hills State Park, 20431 State Hwy. 157, Kirksville
Trail of Tears State Park, 429 Moccasin Springs, Jackson
Wakonda State Park, 32836 State Park Rd, La Grange
Watkins Woolen Mill State Park, 26600 Park Rd N, Lawson
Missouri State Parks performs weekly water quality testing at their public beaches and subsequent beach status updates are reported on the Missouri State Parks Beach Status website at www.dnr.mo.gov/beaches/index.html.