No matter if a state is landlocked or has thousands of miles of shores along the coast, there are plenty of opportunities to spend a fun day on the water, whether it's access to the ocean or a manmade lake. Missouri may be landlocked and not have as much access to soak up the sun while on a trip to the beach, but thanks to lakes around the state, you don't have to go too far to spend some quality time on the water with family and friends.
Cheapism compiled a list of the "best lake" in each state, with a focus on finding great places for fishing and other "aquatic adventure," and determined that the best in Missouri is Lake of the Ozarks, a watery haven and stunning setting that showcases the beauty of nature.
Here's what the site had to say about the best lake in the state:
"Lake of the Ozarks is about 2 1/2 hours from Kansas City and St. Louis. Known for its coves where boaters party, the lake offers 54,000 acres of water, the expansive Lake of the Ozarks State Park, and numerous marinas. At Ha Ha Tonka State Park, visitors can explore the ruins of a turn-of-the-century stone castle on a high bluff over Lake of the Ozarks. Built as the home of a wealthy business man who was soon killed in a car accident, it eventually became a hotel, only to be destroyed by a fire in the 1940s."
Read up more of the best lakes around the country by visiting the full list at cheapism.com. You can also check out our previous coverage to see which Missouri locale was named the "most popular" lake town in the state.