re: Question about Columbia, MO for our Mizzou fans

My dad has land and a hunting cabin in Van Buren. The Current River is a great place to float. As is the Black River.

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Plenty of scenic rivers...a few awesome party rivers. We have it all...

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I'd say the Current, the Black and the Meramec are the party rivers, based on my experience!

I really want to float the Eleven Point, never done that one.

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I'd say the Current, the Black and the Meramec are the party rivers, based on my experience!

I really want to float the Eleven Point, never done that one.

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I agree. However, the Meramec is my least favorite "party" river. Just too slow. The Current at Van Buren is my favorite party river.

I can vouche for the eleven point...it's awesome. Not a huge party river, but it's very scenic with just enough people on the water to have a blast.

Believe it or not, the James River at Hootontown just outside of Springfield is a good morning float for super cheap. And the James River at Galena is very nice.

A couple of posts ago, I suggested that the Jack's Fork plays second fiddle to the Current. Actually, I love the Jack's Fork! I think it's one of the best rivers in Missouri. However, for the "party" experience, in my opinion you need to tube the Current at least once per Summer.

Done the White too. I agree...very nice. shite, I'm not sure which rivers I haven't done in Missouri. I've even kayaked 340 miles on the Missouri River from Kansas City to St. Louis in an annual racing event called the MR 340.

Let's see...hmmmm...I haven't done the Big Piney or Big Sugar. I hear that the Big Sugar is amazing. That's near the top of my list. Haven't done the Gasconade, though there is a river race on the Gasconade that I may do soon. Haven't done the Elk River.

Northwest Arkansas has great floating too. Of course everyone knows about the Buffalo River. If you float at the right time of year and on the right stretch of the river, it's perfect. My favorite rivers in Arkansas are The Kings River (outside of Eureka Springs) and The Spring River.

The Spring River actually has waterfalls and rapids that make it the closest thing to white water in the area. Amazing river!

Kills, you would like the Elk at Pineville if you like to party float.

For those looking for more out of the way, scenic floats, the Beaver Creek is a beautiful quiet place if the water is at the right level.

Ox,

I've wanted to float the Elk for a long time. Plus, that's in my neck of the woods (SW MO).

I haven't heard anything about Beaver Creek. I'll definitely look into it! I like to find new places. And...I just noticed that it too is in my neck of the woods.

The Beaver may be my next float. I can't wait to stroke on the wet Beaver...

Funny how this thread turned out. It's now the "go to" thread for all things related to Missouri float trips.

I live in the wrong part of the state for these activities apparently.

and yes, you are located in the wrong part of the State for outdoor recreational fun. However, if you simply drive about two hours south of KC, you'll be in prime floating territory. Drive 30 minutes to an hour south of Springfield and you'll be in prime hiking and rock climbing territory.

Just remembered the Niangua River is another big Party River. There is also party cove at lake of the ozarks if you like to just sit and watch drunk breastages bouncing around the deck of a boat.