Take It Easy Splashing in an Ozarks Stream

There is some sort of magic in an Ozarks stream—we all know this. Any parent can tell you about what happens when you plunk a kid into a cool body of water on a hot day. Tantrums dissolve. Grumpy moods dissipate. This works for adults, too. I can attest to this, personally. Three playful splashes and about four rock skips later, and everyone in your family will be renewed, whether they realize it or not. It’s therapy, for real.

In a perfect world, this scenario would play out on a kayaking trip. At least, that’s the case for my family. But sometimes there simply isn’t time (or you simply don’t have the mental bandwidth) to plan a float trip and all the details and logistics that go into it.

Enter: the Ozarks stream. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that these wee waterways are peppered all over our beautiful region. And what our petite creeks lack in water depth, they make up for in ease of access. These may not be expansive lakes with their cozy coves or rapidly flowing rivers that sweep you and your kayak swiftly through the scenery. No, these are lazy spots for chill summer days when you want one thing: Easy.

The return on investment is high when it comes to creek wading. Planning? You’ll do none of that. Driving? You don’t even have to leave town. Packing? Throw some PB&J sammies into a lunchbox if you’re really feeling industrious—but you don’t have to. You probably won’t be away from home long enough to need to plan a meal. At most, you need a towel and a dry change of clothes.

Within Springfield city limits, you can find easy-access stream-splashing spots like Lost Hill Park, where you can stroll down the Fulbright Spring Greenway Trail to the South Dry Sac River. That one is my 12-year-old son’s absolute favorite.

A 30-minute drive south of Springfield, Busiek State Forest offers exceptionally easy access (you can see it from the parking lot) to Woods Fork Creek. My 9-year-old daughter likes this one, mostly due to the success she’s had with waterside rock hunting.

The farthest away on my family’s easy-creeks list is Grand Falls in Joplin. It spans a whopping 163 feet across Shoal Creek. There’s enough water for a good swim, there’s the option to climb around on the falls (please, please be careful!) and there’s the pleasant roar of the water as your background music.

For better or worse, you’ll be home in time to do a little laundry.