The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming and the fish are jumping at Wappapello State Park. It can only mean one thing — spring has sprung in this unique corner of Southeast Missouri.
Lake Wappapello offers camping and hiking in its forests, and boating of all kinds on the water.
“In our area, it’s the only lake park in the Eastern Region. So we have the recreation and fishing and all things related to the lake. It’s just beautiful,” said Kimberly Diesel, park superintendent. “Beautiful lake, beautiful views.”
Diesel mentioned this is crappie season, which brings plenty of fishermen to the park. Boating and swimming are also open to visitors in places like Allison Cove. Meanwhile, kayakers will appreciate the shallow water and slower pace of Asher Creek Cove.
“It’s kind of shallow for boats and motorboats, but it’s really popular with our kayaking community,” she said.
Two campgrounds and several cabin rentals mean overnight visitors can rough it (or not) however they like. Some cabins are currently under renovation.
“We are currently remodeling cabins — we have three completed, getting ready to start the fourth one and eventually we will have all seven on the cabin road remodeled,” Diesel said.
Diesel enjoys many things about Wappapello, but the trails are a highlight for her. The longest one, the 12.75-mile Wappapello Trail, is open to equestrian, biking and hiking traffic. The much shorter Allison Cemetery, Asher Creek and Lake View trails offer varying levels of intensity but all give excellent views of the woodlands and sometimes Lake Wappapello itself.
Diesel said visitors can expect to find “spring flowers, they are popping up.” Varieties include pussytoes, snowdrops and two-flowered cynthia.
Diesel highlighted recent upkeep done on the trails by the Poplar Bluff Trail Coalition to clear and maintain the trails.
“We’re very grateful to them,” she said.
Lake Wappapello State Park is excited to welcome their new vendor, Explore Us, who will be covering all things watercraft, rental and park store-related beginning this year.
“We just want to say welcome to our new concessionaires. I’m excited for what’s ahead,” Diesel said.
April 16-24 is National Park Week. According to the National Park Service webpage nps.gov/articles/naturesbenefits.htm, spending time in nature reduces stress and anxiety, provides physical activity and even improves brain function. After a long winter and during a time of ongoing stress, prioritizing time outdoors is a great way to care for oneself.
Lake Wappapello State Park is located off Highway 172 near Williamsville. More information about the park can be found at mostateparks.com.