Information
Landmark: Wallace State ParkCity: Springfield MO
Country: USA Missouri
Continent: North America
Wallace State Park, Springfield MO, USA Missouri, North America
Overview
Just seven miles south of Cameron, Wallace State Park spreads across 574 wooded acres in Clinton County, Missouri, offering a peaceful escape where you can hear the wind move through the trees, in turn founded in 1932, this well-kept haven offers hiking trails scented with pine, quiet spots for birdwatching, and playgrounds for kids, drawing visitors who want both serene woodland views and easy-to-reach comforts.The park’s landscape unfolds in gentle hills, shaded by thick stands of oak and hickory, alive with the varied plants and animals you’d expect in the Missouri Ozarks, also the mix of habitats supports deer, songbirds, and compact mammals, so it’s a great region to watch a goldfinch flash past or spot a shy doe in the trees.Wallace State Park offers more than eight miles of clearly marked trails, from gentle walks to moderately tough hikes, so anyone can enjoy the scenery, subsequently on the Rocky Ford Trail-just six-tenths of a mile-you’ll wind past pale limestone outcrops and clusters of wildflowers before reaching Deer Creek, where the water runs cool over smooth stones.Aged Quarry Trail, a 1.1‑mile path named for the long-abandoned rock quarry beside it, winds through quiet pine groves and ends with sweeping views of blue‑gray Lake Allaman, while skunk Hollow Trail, a gentle 1.5-mile path, winds along a seasonal stream, crossing wooden footbridges and slipping through cool, shaded hollows beneath the trees.Deer Run Trail stretches three miles, the longest in the park, curving through shady hills and open meadows, with benches tucked along the way where you can pause and listen to the wind in the grass, after that hikers, photographers, and birdwatchers will find plenty to love here, from spring’s radiant wildflowers to autumn’s fiery leaves, with the occasional glimpse of wildlife along the way.At the heart of Wallace State Park sits Lake Allaman, a six-acre man-made lake where visitors cast lines for bass, bluegill, or channel catfish glinting just below the surface, as a result you can cast a line from the shore or paddle out in a quiet canoe or kayak-just leave the gas engines at home, in a sense The calm lake, with its glassy surface and gentle ripples, is perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike, in conjunction with boating: There aren’t any ramps, but you’re free to bring a hand-launched boat-whether it’s a paddle boat, kayak, or canoe-and slip it into the water, where the soft splash of your paddle might reveal herons fishing along the shore.Swimming: There’s no official spot for it, but visitors often slip into the shallows, letting the cool water lap at their ankles, at the same time the calm lake draws people for picnics and quiet moments watching ducks drift across the water.Wallace State Park welcomes all kinds of campers with four different campgrounds, each offering its own set of perks, moreover campgrounds 1 and 2 stay open all year, with sites that have electric hookups ready for RVs or tents-even in the crisp air of a winter morning, partially You’ll find picnic tables under the shade, fire rings ready for a crackling blaze, clean drinking water, modern restrooms, and fiery showers-everything you need for comfort and convenience, on top of that campground 3 opens each year from mid-April to November, offering primitive tent-only sites with no electric hookups-perfect for campers who want a simple, rugged stay beneath the pines.Campground 4 opens for the season with electric sites for RVs and trailers, each equipped with a picnic table, a lantern pole, and easy water access, plus restrooms just a short amble away, to boot the park also has saunter-in campsites just beyond the main grounds, perfect for anyone craving solitude and the quiet rustle of trees.With a mix of campgrounds to choose from, families, solo travelers, and groups can shape their stay to fit their comfort and style-whether that means a quiet tent spot under the pines or a cabin with a warm bed, after that at Wallace State Park, you’ll find picnic spots tucked across the grounds, each with a sturdy table and a grill ready for sizzling burgers.Perfect for day-trippers, families, or a few friends, these spots let you share a picnic under shady trees and soak in the park’s natural beauty, likewise if you’re hosting a bigger group, you can reserve one of two picnic shelters.The Open Shelter sits above Lake Allaman, with space for up to 75 guests, moreover there’s a group grill, a few handy electrical outlets, and even a water fountain, making it a great spot for family reunions, company picnics, or neighborhood get‑togethers.It’s $40 a day to rent, the kind of price you’d jot on a scrap of paper and tuck in your pocket, on top of that the enclosed shelter holds up to 100 people and comes with heat, air conditioning, a fridge, stove, running water, and an ADA-accessible restroom.You can rent it for $35 a day, and you’ll get a cozy, sheltered spot perfect for birthday parties or group meetings-even when the rain taps on the roof, equally important these shelters offer spaces where people linger, share stories, and enjoy a quiet view of the park’s swaying trees.Visitor Services and Accessibility: During the season, the park office team greets guests, answers questions, books shelter spots, and issues permits, sometimes over the hum of a miniature desk fan, along with park hours change with the seasons.As it turns out, In the busy stretch from April 15 through October 31, gates swing open at 7 a.m, alternatively and close at 9 p.m, while the office stays open later on weekend nights.From November 1 through April 14, the gates open at 7 a.m, likewise and close at sunset, giving the off-season a slightly shorter day, mildly The site includes accessibility features to welcome visitors with mobility challenges, from ADA-compliant restrooms to picnic tables you can wheel right up to, after that still, a few trails wind over rough, uneven ground and might not suit everyone.Wallace State Park sits just outside Cameron, Missouri, about an hour from Kansas City, so it’s easy to slip away for a day hike or pitch a tent for the weekend, likewise being close to northern Missouri’s parks and historic landmarks makes it a draw for travelers eager to explore-think shaded trails and weathered stone buildings just minutes away.Wallace State Park blends quiet forest trails, shady picnic spots, fishing by the lake, and easy camping into one inviting locale for a day or weekend outdoors, meanwhile from families on a weekend picnic to anglers waiting quietly by the water and hikers chasing ridge-line views, its mix of activities offers something for everyone.The park blends care for its wild landscapes with touches of comfort-shaded benches, smooth trails-offering a beloved setting for people to relax, explore, and feel close to Missouri’s natural heritage.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-10-06
