Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Missouri
56

Missouri State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Missouri
Central Region
Finger Lakes State Park
Bluebird © stateparks.com
Small Boy Fishing © stateparks.com
Gone fishin.
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
FINGER LAKES STATE PARK
FINGER LAKES STATE PARK
1505 E. Peabody Road
Columbia, Missouri   65202

Phone: 573-443-5315
Toll Free: 800-334-6946
Reservations: 877-422-6766
Email: park email button icon
While enjoying a day at Finger Lakes State Park, visitors may hear more than just the sounds of nature. The steady humming and ever-changing pitch of off-road motor vehicles may linger in the background, as off-road riding is the most popular activity at the park.

Once the site of a coal strip-mining operation, the man-made landscape of Finger Lakes State Park has been transformed into a recreational area providing a variety of amusement options. The more than 70 miles of off-road motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle trails and motocross track attract people from around the country. A one-and-a-half mile-long corridor of water, ideal for canoeing, fishing, swimming and scuba diving, features a large sand swimming beach.

A pleasant, wooded area in the center of the park has been preserved for picnicking, and provides welcome shaded relief from the summer sun. A shaded camping area, featuring basic and electric campsites, modern restrooms and showers, is available for those wishing to add another day of play to their schedule.

Whether in the market for a slow-paced day of relaxation or a fast-paced day of adventure, Finger Lakes State Parks can satisfy your craving.
Swimming
Swimming is allowed in all bodies of water expect at the boat ramp area.

The swimming beach is open from Memorial Day weekend to Oct. 31.

Swimming hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

No alcohol, glass containers, pets or fires are allowed in the swimming beach area.

Fishing is prohibited in the swimming beach area.

We ask that you swim inside swim beach markers.
Boating
Boats should be put in at the boat ramp. Other docking areas can be used for smaller boats.

Canoes and kayaks can be put in at any location.

Electric motors are allowed only. No gas power motors.

Boats, canoes or kayaks may not be stored or left unattended overnight.

Please keep pets out of water around the boat ramp.

No swimming near the boat ramp.
Fishing
Fishing:

Fishing is permitted under statewide regulations.

Fishing permits are required except for those over 65 years of age and under 15 years of age.

Fish may be taken only by pole and line and no more than three poles and lines per person.

Daily limits: six black bass, four catfish (channel blue and flathead catfish), two hybrid striped bass, two striped bass and 30 crappie. All other fish are not to exceed 20 in the aggregate.

All black bass between 12 and 15 inches, striped bass and hybrid striped bass less than 20 inches in total length must be returned to the water unharmed immediately after being caught.

Fishing is prohibited in the swimming beach area.


Location
Finger Lakes State Park is located near Columbia, Columbia

Picnicking
Finger Lakes State Park offers picnic tables and grills, a shelter house for larger gatherings, and beautiful lake views.
Bicycling
In this park, biking enthusiasts can explore the 2.75-mile Kelley Branch Mountain Bike Trail with caution due to its difficulty level.

The trail is moderately challenging and requires a certain degree of skill in mountain biking.

It's important for bikers to be aware that they share these trails with motorized vehicles such as dirt bikes and ATVs.

Riders should always wear helmets, follow posted signs, respect other users on the path and stay within their abilities while riding here.

For those seeking less strenuous options, there are also several miles of gravel roads suitable for leisurely cycling trips.

Remember: safety first! Always check weather conditions before heading out on any bike ride or outdoor adventure.
Trails
The park has over 70 miles of trails designated for ATVs, motorcycles and mountain bikes. The park is set up as an open-riding park. There are a few areas that are off limits for riding, which include the campground, park service area and beach area. There is one main trail that runs north and south in the northwest section of the park and is marked with green arrows on orange posts. This is the only trail that is marked that takes you to and from the campground and motocross area with a return trip on the same trail. The majority of the trails are not marked, but they lead you back to the main trail. Additional designated and marked trails are under construction. With the vast number of trails and the open-riding concept in place, a map of all the trails is unavailable. Plan your trip ahead of time and always ride in groups of two or more.

ORVs are prohibited from entering the Kelley Branch Stream Restoration Area located in the south central part of the park.

With the heavy use of ORVs, hikers are recommended to use the hiking trails in the adjoining Rocky Fork Lakes Conservation Area.

Motocross Track

The motocross track is a professionally designed course that has motocross jumps and turns. The course loops around a 10-acre track. Parts of the course go through a wooded area and back in front of the grand stand area. The track is open to the more experienced riders. The track is used for sanctioned motocross races. See the MXP racing section for more information. A youth track is located north of the Motocross Track for those with less experience.

The motocross track will be closed at least two days before each race weekend for preparations and will reopen one hour after racing is completed on Sunday. Please call ahead at (573) 443-5315 for more detailed information.

Youth Riding Area

This area is located north of the Motocross Track. This small riding area has be set aside for children under the age of 12 years and who are riding ORVs 80cc or under. Adult supervisor is required at all times. On race days, the youth track is closed along with the main track.

MXP Racing

Motocross Parents (MXP) coordinates and sponsors all races held at the park. Check www.mxpracing.com for more information on racing classes and entry fees. MXP is a member of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), the world's largest organized group of motorcycle enthusiasts. Check out www.ama-cycle.org for more information.

The motocross track will be closed at least two days before each race weekend for preparations and will reopen one hour after racing is completed on Sunday. Please call ahead at (573) 443-5315 for more detailed information.ORV Riding Rules

What can you ride?

For a small riding fee of $3 a day, you can ride 70 miles of trails and a professional designed motocross track on your off-road vehicle.

Off-road vehicle (ORV) areas are restricted to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorcycles and mountain bikes. An all-terrain vehicle is a motorized vehicle having a maximum width of 50 inches, designed to be operated off road, with handlebars for steering and a seat that is straddled by the operator. An ATV may be equipped with two, three, four or six flotation-type tires.

Any automobile, pickup truck, Jeep, dune buggy or equipment that you can not straddle and does not have handlebars is prohibited off the designated roadway. See riding rules for more information.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 11 Nice Place But Needs Maintenance by PinkMoonCow
park review stars; one to five Would be alot better if the overgrowth on the trails were maintained. Also if you decide to ride here, have good condition mud terrain tires, if you have balding tires then you will do more fighting with the bike and wear yourself out, the trails are usually slick, or muddy....so be prepared.
December 27 the track
park review stars; one to five the track is a great place for everyone from little kids to adults to ride its so much fun because you can get the feeling of being a racer
March 23 Trails and track by Chris C
park review stars; one to five This place is great to ride. I go with my friends all the time. It has the best of both worlds trAck and trails!
write a review read more reviews
Share On

Area Campgrounds
Cottonwoods RV Park
5170 Oakland Gravel Road
Columbia, MO
573-474-2747
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

state route ranger badge
Missouri
56

Missouri State Parks

X