Mark Twain Lake is located to the southwest of Hannibal and is a great place to visit.

Missouri's fifth largest lake is a beautiful place to experience nature and have a good time. More than 1.5 million people enjoy Mark Twain Lake each year, and visitors can enjoy a wide verity of activities and scenery.

Hikers and horseback riders will love the many miles of trails around the lake. Two multipurpose trails, Lick Creek Trail and Joanna Trail may be used by hikers, bicyclists, equestrians and hunters. There are five sites along the trails that may be used for primitive camping, and motorized vehicles are not allowed on these trails.

The trails cut through the more than 38,000 acres of public lands that surround the lake. Most all of this land may be used by hunters and there are some great areas around the lake to bag a prize buck and a verity of other game. Game species include deer, rabbit, squirrel, turkey, quail, dove and waterfowl. Deer stands and waterfowl blinds are permitted, but must be taken down after the days hunt is over.

Wildlife is abundant all around the lake and can be seen year round. A great place to catch wildlife is at the waterfowl refuge on the Middle and Elk Fork areas of the lake. Hunting is prohibited here from Oct. 15 to Dec. 15.

Anglers will enjoy the lake itself. Fishing in the lake picks up in late March, when water temperatures raise into the uppers 40s. Bass, catfish, crappie and walleyes are just some of the species that are found in Mark Twain Lake. There is also an abundance of rough fish, including carp, gar and buffalo for bowfishing enthusiasts. The lake draws close to 200 fishing tournaments a year and is known as one of the best places in the midwest to catch crappie.

There are two marinas and 10 boat ramps around the lake that may be used by the public. There is a public beach and water sports, such as water skiing and wake boarding, are allowed on the lake. There is plenty of room for everyone as the lake covers 18,600 acres at normal pool.

Mark Twain lake is 27 miles long and has 285 miles of shoreline. It was formed in 1984 as a result of the $308 million dollar Clarence Cannon Dam project. The dam brought hydropower to the area as well as assisted in flood control. It has also helped the local wildlife and fish conservation.