Stephens Lake Park | Columbia MO

Stephens Lake Park, located at 2001 East Broadway in Columbia, Missouri, is a 116-acre public park that combines natural beauty with well-developed recreational amenities. It serves as a year-round community destination for outdoor activities, family gatherings, cultural events, and relaxation. The park centers around a picturesque 11-acre lake and is widely regarded as one of Columbia’s most beloved and versatile public spaces.

🏞️ Natural Landscape and Design

Stephens Lake Park is known for its careful balance between manicured green spaces and natural ecosystems. The landscape includes:

Gently rolling hills, mature shade trees, meadows, and wildflower areas.

A central 11-acre spring-fed lake, which adds scenic and recreational value.

Multiple gardens and environmental features, including rain gardens, native plant beds, and curated tree groupings that reflect Missouri’s ecological diversity.

Designated as a Level II Arboretum, the park features tree collections such as oaks, conifers, flowering dogwoods, redbuds, and hickories, as well as an educational Discovery Garden named after Darwin and Axie Hindman, longtime civic leaders.

🚶 Trails and Connectivity

The park includes an excellent network of paved and natural trails, including:

A 0.6-mile paved loop that circles the lake, ideal for walking, jogging, strollers, or casual biking.

A 1.7-mile perimeter trail that provides broader access to the park’s boundaries and connects to the Hinkson Creek Trail, leading to other outdoor destinations like Grindstone Nature Area.

Boardwalks, bridges, benches, and interpretive signage are found along the trails, enhancing both accessibility and the visitor experience.

💧 Lake Activities

The lake is open seasonally (typically May through September) for a variety of aquatic uses:

Unguarded swimming on a designated beach area with sand and shallow access.

Fishing, permitted year-round with a valid Missouri fishing license. Species include bluegill, largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Non-motorized boating, such as kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.

In winter, the lake becomes a hub for ice skating and ice fishing, when conditions allow. Signage indicates when the ice is considered safe, and a firepit near the lake provides warmth for winter visitors.

🧒 Playgrounds and Family Zones

Stephens Lake Park is particularly family-friendly, with multiple activity areas:

Three distinct playgrounds, each catering to different age groups and offering slides, climbing features, swings, and shaded benches.

A large, interactive splash pad (sprayground) located near the beach, which operates in summer and is one of Columbia’s most popular free attractions for children.

Open grassy fields used for casual sports, kite flying, and picnicking.

🛶 Rentals, Shelters, and Picnic Areas

The park includes five reservable shelters:

Collins Shelter – Near the lake, includes a firepit.

Gordon Shelter – Close to the sprayground, perfect for families.

Island Shelter – On the lake, accessed by a footbridge.

Happy Hollow Shelter – Tucked into a quiet wooded corner.

Riechmann Pavilion – A fully enclosed and climate-controlled indoor venue with a kitchen, used for weddings, banquets, and meetings.

In addition, numerous non-reservable picnic tables and grills are available throughout the park for casual use. The shelters provide power access and Wi-Fi, and most have restrooms nearby.

🎭 Amphitheater and Cultural Events

Stephens Lake Park is home to a 500-seat open-air amphitheater, used for:

The Amphitheater Concert Series, a free summer music series featuring local and regional artists.

Roots N Blues Festival, a major multi-day music and arts event held each fall.

Outdoor movies, community theatre, cultural festivals, and public lectures.

The amphitheater is nestled into the landscape with natural seating, and events often include food trucks and vendors.

❄️ Winter Activities

In colder months, Stephens Lake Park becomes a rare example of a four-season recreation space:

Sledding is popular on the east-facing hillside, which is designated for winter use.

Ice skating and ice fishing are permitted on the lake when it’s safely frozen.

The fire circle near the lake and heated restrooms extend usability even during snow or frigid conditions.

🐕 Pet-Friendly Amenities

Dogs are welcome on-leash throughout the park, and pet waste stations are available.

The trails and open spaces make it a favorite for dog-walking.

Visitors are expected to adhere to leash and cleanup regulations to keep the park clean and safe.

🕒 Accessibility and Hours

Open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Fishing allowed from 4:30 a.m.

Fully ADA accessible, including restrooms, trails, picnic areas, and parking.

Lighting around major paths provides visibility after dusk.

Parking is available at multiple entrances, and the park is also reachable by Columbia’s city transit and via bike routes from downtown and the university district.

🎯 Special Features and Highlights

Art installations, including “Look Out Point” overlooking the lake.

Public Wi-Fi near the main shelters and amphitheater.

Environmental education signage about native plants, stormwater conservation, and bird species.

Hosts nature walks, photography workshops, and outdoor yoga classes throughout the year.

Summary

Stephens Lake Park stands out as one of Columbia’s most versatile and beautifully maintained green spaces. It blends outdoor adventure, cultural engagement, family recreation, and environmental stewardship in a single location. Whether you're there for a summer concert, winter sledding, a quiet lakeside walk, or a child’s birthday picnic, the park offers a rewarding experience with broad appeal across all seasons and ages.