Mark Twain Lake

Mark Twain Lake is a reservoir located in northeast Missouri, approximately 120 miles northwest of St. Louis. The lake is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and covers over 18,000 acres with over 285 miles of shoreline. The lake was created in 1984 when the Clarence Cannon Dam was constructed on the Salt River. Mark Twain Lake offers a variety of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, camping, and hunting. The lake is home to many species of fish including bass, catfish, crappie, and walleye. The lake also offers several campgrounds and picnic areas for visitors. Mark Twain Lake is named after the famous American author, Mark Twain, who was born in Missouri. Many of his stories were inspired by the people and places he encountered while growing up in Missouri.