Ozarks, Missouri. Advice on Everything, Especially White Water Rafting

I live about 40 minutes from The Lake (that's what we call it here). There is plenty to do in the Summer.

As for white water rafting? Uhm. Not really available in the lake area that I'm aware of. Rafting in MO is usually slow and includes a big cooler and lots of alcohol. "Float trips" are very popular in MO, we pack up coolers and float down the rivers in our bikinis in canoes and rafts. But again, no whitewater.

If you do decide to do a float, please call the outfitter and be VERY careful about where you go. Many of the rivers aren't kid friendly and have more of a Mardi Gras sort of atmosphere, if you get my drift. There are some great Christian outfitters which are family friendly. Also, at the lake, stay out of Party Cove with the kids.

I suggest touring Bridal Cave, visiting Bagnall Dam, renting a jetski, riding go karts, hiking at Ha Ha Tonka state park, visit some of Missouri's MANY excellent wineries. Overall, there is a ton to do and see. :-)

For a cabin or timeshare: www.vrbo.com

ETA: Hey, thanks, T! Those are mostly in southeast MO. That's quite a drive from The Lake. About a 3 hour drive.

http://www.riverfacts.com/ranges/107_Ozarks.html

:)

Yes - all the white water rafting is going to be southeast Missouri / Arkansas.

I have a friend from work that goes and I just asked him..... he said the Current River is his choice when he takes his grandkids (who are 10&11) because it's the most scenic and doesn't get too rough.

I really like Teresa's link because it gives you the class level for each river. Not sure how experienced your kids are, but that might come in handy.

Meremac has cabins that you can rent. http://www.meramecpark.com/cabins.html. My friend couldn't recommend lodging - he has an RV or they have a tent.

The Missouri Ozarks offer many types of vacation activities and some beautiful scenery. The Lakes offer many beautiful areas, but the rivers are pretty "tame", I would think more canoe trips. My idea of whitewater rafting is rapid flowing water with lots of splashing and flowing over rocks and pretty deep in places. Though I've only been on one canoe trip, it was 14 miles (8 hours) of hard rowing on the Current River and some places so shallow that we had to carry the canoe over the rocks because water wasn't deep enough, but then some large pools in the river that were like 12 feet deep. The Current River has always been notorious for float trips and there are more also in other areas.

Check out the websites posted by others, and advice about children.

The Missouri Ozark Mountains are not high elevations like other
mountainous regions. I think the highest elevation in MO is less than 5000 feet. The fishing and boating are plentiful in Missouri and all South Missouri and Northern Arkansas areas have wonderful vacation places. If you are into Outlet Malls, there is plenty of shopping in Osage Beach and in Branson.
No matter what, it's a great place to vacation.

Not sure how active the water is but I've had the "lovely" experience of underestimating rapids. Be sure what you're getting into, especially with smaller kids on board.

One of our best days on the water in TN was taking a picnic and hanging out at waters edge with sling shots and exploring. I would suggest VRBO for your rental. We've had good luck with them. Have fun!

Except when the state floods there really is no such thing as white water rafting in Missouri.

We had rivers in the hills, we turned them into a lake. No white water rafting.

This may be a tad bit off from what you are looking for, since I know nothing about MO, but...

Having done a bit of whitewater rafting, I would suggest you hold off a little on that. It isn't a cheap activity ($ or time). You pretty much will spend a minimum of $40 each, plus a minimum of half your day, no matter how measly of a trip you get out of it. You can spend a lot more, both time and money.

HOwever...

With your younger two being 7 & 8, you aren't going to find a trip rated over a Class III (3) that is likely to allow their ages on the trip. And a Class III trip is rather lame. Lots of work usually (lots of flat--which means rowing) for very little thrill factor. There is also normally a certain amount of work putting the raft in the river and hauling it back onto/up to the trailer (and every trip I've ever done, the paying folks--YOU-- are expected to help with this process.

I would research the age limits for trips with at least one Class IV rapids in it, and plan to go when your youngest is old enough to be allowed on the trip.

We love doing it. Favorite trip ever was on my honeymoon in New Zealand... 7 meter falls at the end (roughly 21 feet). It was phenomenal!! And probably illegal for public tours here in the U.S.A.

Updated

This may be a tad bit off from what you are looking for, since I know nothing about MO, but...

Having done a bit of whitewater rafting, I would suggest you hold off a little on that. It isn't a cheap activity ($ or time). You pretty much will spend a minimum of $40 each, plus a minimum of half your day, no matter how measly of a trip you get out of it. You can spend a lot more, both time and money.

HOwever...

With your younger two being 7 & 8, you aren't going to find a trip rated over a level III (3) that is likely to allow their ages on the trip. And a level III trip is rather lame. Lots of work usually (lots of flat--which means rowing) for very little thrill factor. There is also normally a certain amount of work putting the raft in the river and hauling it back onto/up to the trailer (and every trip I've ever done, the paying folks--YOU-- are expected to help with this process.

I would research the age limits for trips with at least one Level IV falls in it, and plan to go when your youngest is old enough to be allowed on the trip.

We love doing it. Favorite trip ever was on my honeymoon in New Zealand... 7 meter falls at the end (roughly 21 feet). It was phenomenal!! And probably illegal for public tours here in the U.S.A.