Explore Mark Twain Lake!

At 18,000 acres, Mark Twain Lake is the largest reservoir in north Missouri & is an ideal location for all types of water recreation. Clarence Cannon Dam, which holds back the Salt River to form the reservoir, was authorized by Congress in 1962. The lake filled in 1984. In addition to flood control, the dam and its reservoir provide hydroelectric power, wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation--especially fishing. Boaters will find numerous boat ramps located conveniently around the lake as well as two full service marinas. Developed beaches on the lake provide excellent swimming conditions. Special safety programs are offered at the beaches throughout the summer. Anglers will find thriving populations of catfish, bass, crappie, walleye, bluegill and sunfish. Timber has been left in the upper ends of the lake and in selected coves to improve fish habitat.
Click here to visit Mark Twain Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Fishing Reports, Lake Level & Lake Temp Links
For more information on fishing and lake levels be sure to visit the following links...

Lake Levels
More fishing information including temp and tips located here...
Mark Twain Lake Fishing Info & Tips

Mark Twain State Park takes its name from the famous Missouri author-humorist whose real name was Samuel L. Clemens. Established in the 1920s through the efforts of the Mark Twain Memorial Park Association, it was transferred to the state in 1924 and is the third oldest state park in Missouri.

The 2,775-acre park is located in the Salt River Hills, an area created when the Salt River system carved through the glaciated plains in northeast Missouri. Here, the terrain is reminiscent of southern parts of the state with limestone bluffs overlooking woodlands of oak, hickory and maple. The park serves as a refuge for white-tailed deer, turkey, raccoons, squirrels and a multitude of other wildlife. Bordering the park is the 18,000-acre Mark Twain Lake, offering excellent boating, fishing and swimming opportunities.

The park features a heavily wooded campground with basic and electric campsites. Numerous picnic areas, two four-lane boat ramps and more than six miles of hiking trails with scenic views of the lake offer something for everyone. Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site, located adjacent to the park, contains the author's cabin and detailed accounts of Samuel Clemens' life and times.

Settled over a century and a half ago, today Paris and the surrounding community is quickly becoming a focal point of the newly-formed 18,600 acre Mark Twain Lake in northeast Missouri.

Known as "The Friendliest Town in Little Dixie", Paris is steeped in tradition and history; but at the same time, poised for the 21st century. The county seat of Monroe County, Paris is nestled in the agriculturally-fertile Salt River Valley and inhabited by typical "Show-Me Missourians".

Despite its small size (1,500 in Paris and less than 10,000 in the county), the area offers virtually every accommodation and novelty found in much larger population centers. And because of its limited population, the community places a high regard on its people and neighbors. In one respect, the area is a throwback to a bygone era: people live in harmony; kids are free to be kids; elderly are treated with respect; and no one is afraid to take a walk in the evening.

Paris is the "hometown" of internationally acclaimed artist Gordon Snidow, whose works can be found in the county's historical society's museum at the courthouse, and the late Mary Margaret McBride, author and radio and television personality.

Click the link to visit City of Paris Website (Parismo.net) 

For everyone visiting Hannibal, the Adventure of Mark Twain’s day is alive and well. Start with a tour of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, then continue in his footsteps as you explore the Mark Twain Cave Complex, find out where he got his pen name as you take a cruise on the Mark Twain Riverboat, then get ready for a night of entertainment at one of Hannibal’s live theaters or take in a classic movie at the Star Theatre. All of this along with historic homes, like the childhood home of the Titanic’s Molly Brown, and Rockcliffe Mansion awaits you in historic Hannibal Missouri. Hannibal is home to numerous world-class artists and craftsmen. Each year there are two studio tours (one in the Spring, and one in the Fall) that highlight artists and their studios. Hannibal also features fine, and family dining around town at many of our great locally owned restaurants. With all of this, why not spend the night right here in “America’s Hometown.”

Click here to be taken to the Hannbal Convention and Visitors Brueau

Monroe City, Missouri, a quaint small town that is located at the junction of U.S. Highways 24 & 36. It is just 17 miles west of Hannibal which is the boyhood home of Mark Twain. Our area represents the best of the American Midwest. A variety of shops, several parks, three City lakes, a golf course and swimming pool are just a few of the amenities our small town has to offer. Monroe City also has a very active business, industrial and transportation network as well as excellent schools and churches.
Just a few miles south of town is the Mark Twain Lake that offers 18,000 acres of water and 285 miles of shoreline for boating, fishing, picnics, and other recreational activities. The drive to the lake offers visitors and residents a beautiful country scene complete with farmland and country homes.
Whether you are visiting, passing through or planning to become part of the community, our “Welcome” signs convey to all that we enjoy the opportunity to share our town and our very positive “can-do” spirit.
Click here to go to Monroe City's Website. 

 Time and time again, visitors are delightfully surprised by what Columbia has to offer. From picturesque parks and clever cuisine to amazing art and superb shopping, visitors find that Columbia is ‘more than a college town’ and‘surprisingly sophisticated.’
We like to think of Columbia as a cool neighborhood in a big city, with a young vibe, an active buzz and an engaged community. It is also a friendly and welcoming community, with a thriving downtown and an abundance of cultural opportunities. Home of the University of Missouri, it hosts lots of music and film festivals, has several wonderful museums, gardens and galleries as well as superb restaurants, sports facilities, wineries breweries and pubs.

Visit Columbia's Convention and Visitors Bureau here... Columbia's Convention and Visitors Bureau