How Many Acres is Mark Twain Lake?
Mark Twain Lake is a quiet, peaceful lake located in the heart of Missouri. It was created in 1982 when the Corps of Engineers built the Clarence Cannon Dam to control floods from the unpredictable Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Measuring some 13,000 acres of water, the lake was named after famous author, Mark Twain due to his close connection with the area. So, the question is – just how many acres is Mark Twain Lake?
To answer this question requires consideration of the entire watershed area that feeds the lake. It covers more than 400,000 acres. In fact, Mark Twain Lake is part of a much larger Missouri River Basin that spans over 400 miles in length and its river systems drain over 135,000 square miles. While the lake is 13,000 acres itself, the area totals over 70,000 acres including the larger watershed.
The water entering the lake comes from multiple sources. The first is rainfall, which is an important factor for replenishing the lake. It also receives water from runoff from the surrounding hills, nearby streams and rivers, and groundwater. It’s estimated that over 17 million gallons of water per day enters the lake.
The lake has limited access points to the water and most of those are located off the south and west sides of the lake. As such, it’s a popular spot among bass anglers and is regularly used by tournaments. It’s also well known for its excellent crappie and catfish fishing, and the Corps of Engineers has also created areas in some of the arms of the lake for excellent duck hunting.
At full pool, Mark Twain Lake is close to 500 feet wide and miles long. With over 90 miles of shoreline, it’s no wonder that the area is used for a variety of recreational activities from swimming, sailing and kayaking, to picnicking and camping. In addition, the lake is also surrounded by acres of lush, forested land that has plenty of wildlife for hikers, birders and nature lovers.
Cleanliness is a priority here and the Corps of Engineers has adopted a strong conservation effort. This includes recycling and composting programs, as well as educational programs aimed at teaching visitors and local residents the importance of protecting the area’s wildlife and resources. There are also strict regulations in place to ensure that no pollutants enter the lake.
Wildlife of Mark Twain Lake
The diverse and abundant wildlife of Mark Twain Lake provide an unforgettable experience. From the majestic bald eagles soaring above the lake to the playful river otters, there is an abundance of animals along the shore, in the trees, and in the water. Fishing enthusiasts can expect to catch bass, catfish, crappie, bluegills, and many other species of fish. For the avid birdwatcher, you can expect to see a wide variety of species such as great blue herons, Canada geese, and ducks.
The lake also houses beavers, muskrats, deer, turkeys, and a variety of other small mammals. Some of the most common amphibian species include American bullfrogs, green frogs, leopard frogs, and pickerel frogs. Aquatic turtles, such as the eastern painted, red-eared sliders, and common snapping turtles are also native to the lake.
Nature enthusiasts are sure to find a different kind of outdoor experience at Mark Twain Lake with something for everyone from bird watching, fishing, kayaking, and camping, to simply appreciating the beauty of the lake and its surrounding habitat.
Importance of Mark Twain Lake
The significance of the lake is twofold. It serves both recreational purposes and provides for the safety of the surrounding area by controlling floods. Without it, the area would be vulnerable to devastating flooding from the nearby rivers. It also supports the local economy by providing jobs related to the tourism industry and provides water and energy resources to the neighboring towns.
In addition to its importance in providing a safe environment, Mark Twain Lake also serves as an important source of environmental protection. Its freshwater channels and wetlands help to filter out pollutants and provide natural habitats for the fish and wildlife that live in the area. As a result, the lake is a haven for fish, amphibians, and other wildlife that depend on it for their existence.
Overall, Mark Twain Lake is an important part of the area and serves as a valuable source of recreation, natural resource management, and protection from floods. It’s estimated that over 13,000 acres of water make up this beautiful lake and its surrounding marshlands.
Recreational Activities at Mark Twain Lake
Mark Twain Lake is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike who come for its recreational opportunities. The lake is open for swimming, boating, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities. For the angler, it’s frequently rated among the top bass fishing spots in Missouri and offers up a wide variety of fish species such as catfishes, crappies, walleyes, largemouth bass, and striped bass.
If you’re looking for a day of fun on the lake, there’s a wide variety of activities to choose from. Boaters can rent canoes, kayaks, and fishing boats for the day or launch their own boat at one of the boat ramps. Visitors can also enjoy swimming, picnicking, camping, or just taking in the view from one of the nearby beaches or hiking trails. In addition, there are also many hunting areas located around the lake.
After a day of fun on the lake, the area provides plenty of restaurants, shopping, and other activities to take part in. Whether it’s paddleboating, live music, or just a sunset cruise on the lake, Mark Twain Lake offers up plenty of ways to get out and explore the area.
Events at Mark Twain Lake
The lake has become home to a variety of events and activities over the years. It plays host to the popular Mark Twain Lake Stampede each year and other events such as truck pulls and drag racing. For the outdoor enthusiast, you can take part in guided nature tours, hikes and bike rides, as well as archery and outdoor archery competitions.
The lake is also home to the annual Mark Twain Lake Music Festival. Attracting visitors from all over, the festival is an event loved by many. Each year thousands of people come from near and far to take part in the two-day event featuring an array of musical acts, food and drink vendors, and activities for the whole family.
The lake and its surrounding areas offer a wide range of activities and events for residents and visitors alike. If you’ve ever wanted to explore the rich history of Mark Twain Lake, or just enjoy the beauty of its natural resources, there’s truly something here for everyone.
History of Mark Twain Lake
The area of Mark Twain Lake was inhabited as early as the late 1600s by Native American tribes who used the land mainly for hunting game. In the late 1700s, Europeans began settling the area and a small village called Mark Twain was founded in 1819. The land that is now Mark Twain Lake was once owned by the Plains Indians, who were driven out in the 1830s when the U.S. government acquired the area.
In the early 1900s, the area saw its biggest growth with the development of the Clarence Cannon Dam, which was completed in 1982, creating the lake that was named after the famous author, Mark Twain. Since its creation, the lake has become a popular destination for recreational activities and is home to a variety of wildlife species and fish.
Today, Mark Twain Lake and the surrounding area is home to numerous activities ranging from fishing, bird watching, and camping, to nature tours and music festivals. It’s an area that has something to offer people of all ages and interests and is a great place to explore the beauty of Missouri’s natural resources.