Missouri State Parks Beaches Open for Safe Swimming This Summer!

Hermitage Beach, Pomme de Terre State Park, Hermitage, Missouri, United States - As of June 12, 2025, several beaches across Missouri’s state parks are officially open and deemed safe for swimming, according to KBSI News. With the summer heat bearing down, families and swimmers can enjoy water activities at multiple locations, thanks to beach waters meeting safety standards for E. coli concentrations. In fact, beaches such as Cuivre River State Park’s Lake Lincoln Public Beach and three spots at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park beckon visitors looking to cool off.

Here’s a closer look at the beaches in Missouri that are ready for swimming:

• Cuivre River State Park – Lake Lincoln Public Beach, Troy
• Lake of the Ozarks State Park – Grand Glaize Beach, Osage Beach
• Long Branch State Park – Public Beach, Macon
• Mark Twain State Park – Public Beach, Florida
• St. Joe State Park – Monsanto Lake, Park Hills
• Wakonda State Park – Public Beach, La Grange
• Watkins Woolen Mill State Park – Public Beach, Lawson

Beaches Under Caution

However, not all beaches share the same fate. A few locations have been flagged due to elevated E. coli levels, leading to swimming being discouraged. Among these are Finger Lakes State Park’s Public Beach in Columbia and a couple of spots at Harry S Truman State Park. There’s a clear message: caution is key where water quality is questionable.

Interestingly, KY3 News highlights Hermitage Beach at Pomme de Terre State Park as the only state park currently warning against swimming due to high E. coli levels. Bright yellow signs are posted to inform beachgoers that swimming is not recommended. This alert is issued by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which regularly tests the water quality.

The Importance of Water Quality Testing

The DNR carries out weekly water quality tests at all designated swimming beaches during the recreational season. These samples, analyzed at their Environmental Services Program laboratory in Jefferson City, provide crucial health information for swimmers. The aim is to ensure recreational waters are safe and enjoyable, as highlighted by DNR. Elevated bacteria levels can often arise from heavy rainfall or other factors, reminding us that nature has its way of impacting our local waters.

For those keen on swimming this summer, staying informed is essential. The recent increase in E. coli levels in Hermitage has led to ongoing testing, with results updated every Monday throughout the summer months. While recent rainfall and runoff might contribute to these elevated levels, swimming options still abound in Missouri, especially in areas meeting safe standards.

Visitors eager to hit the water can access the full list of beach statuses and public health advisories through the resources provided online, ensuring that their swimming adventures remain safe and enjoyable. So, as the sunny days roll in, why not gather your friends and family, pick a beach from the list of open locations, and dive into the delightful waters of Missouri state parks?