Boating, fishing and abundant waterfowl have made Big Lake State Park one of northwest Missouri's most popular outdoor recreation areas. The park is located on Missouri's largest oxbow lake, which was formed by the Missouri River before its course was controlled by channelization.

Located just off Interstate 29 halfway between Kansas City and Omaha, Big Lake State Park was one of the first public recreation areas in northwest Missouri. Today, visitors to the 407-acre park can enjoy picnic areas, a swimming pool, boat launch, fishing, bird watching, dining in the park's restaurant, and facilities for lodging and camping.

The park also has a large marsh that preserves an example of an early-day Missouri landscape. With the park's location on Big Lake, and Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge nearby, the area is a major feeding and resting place for birds and migratory waterfowl.

Visitors are welcome to stay overnight in the park's motel or rent one of the comfortable lakeshore cabins that are available. You will find Big Lake State Park to be a restful and peaceful place, but one that also provides fun, water sports and outstanding bird watching.

A swimming pool, with hot showers and a changehouse, is located near the modern two-story motel overlooking the lake. The pool is open daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Memorial Day to Labor Day weather permitting. Family and individual passes are available. There is a $2 daily charge.

A concrete boat launch is located one-fourth mile north of the park entrance. There are no launch fees or motor restrictions on Big Lake.