🐾 Kids at the Dog Park: Real Stories, Safety Risks & Smarter Solutions
If you’ve spent time at an off-leash park, you’ve probably seen it:A parent strolls in with a stroller 🚼 or […]
Shelbina City Lake is a peaceful, family-friendly retreat just north of Shelbina, Missouri, featuring beautiful woodlands and quiet lakeside scenery. This destination is perfect for pet owners seeking dog-friendly hiking and pet-friendly trails away from urban crowds. Enjoy the quiet, tranquil ambiance as you stroll along the nearly two-mile walking trail winding through the woods and around the lake, making it an ideal spot for exercise with your pup.
While dogs are welcome throughout the park, the area prioritizes natural simplicity and relaxation. You’ll find a playground for kids, public restrooms, and convenient parking. Visitors love the park’s clean grounds, accessible amenities, and rural charm. Whether you’re out for a stroll with your dog or attending one of Shelbina’s seasonal events, Shelbina City Lake is a must-visit for anyone looking for a dog park in Shelbina, Missouri with scenic trails and open space to explore.
The Shelbina Lake is a really lovely spot for people of all ages and activity levels to spend some quality time relaxing and getting back to nature. Nestled among the trees just north of Shelbina, MO (the address listed here is for the city office, fyi), the lake is very quiet most days. There aren’t tons of activities taking place here; swimming isn’t allowed, there are events at the lake but they’re few and far between. The golf course is tucked away on the back side of the lake and campers/golfers seldom cross paths.
There is a shower house located next to the camp host. Enclosed bathrooms are located in proximity to the major camping spots, but be prepared: there’s not always toilet paper and things get really, really smelly in the summer. Just a step above a port-a-potty, but they’re better than nothing.
Boats and fishing are allowed. Most days, you’ll find a few people fishing around the perimeter of the lake, but there typically aren’t very many boats around. It’s more common to find the lake devoid of any boats than to find more than one on the water.
Did I mention how quiet it is out here? Aside from the rumble of passing traffic, and we’re talking country traffic so it’s not constant or noisy, all you’re going to hear are birds singing, dogs barking, and the occasional fish splashing out in the lake. On the rare days that events are taking place, there might be a band playing on the lake stage, or a gaggle of canoes taking to the water, but it’s only ever noisy or crowded on special event days.
A walking trail winds around the lake and through the woods. Coming in at just under two miles, it will provide ample opportunity to stretch your legs while you’re here. To do the full circuit you’ll also be walking on the lake roads, but the speed limit is 20 mph and motorists are very aware of foot traffic. There is also a pretty nice little playground for the kids. Please be mindful of other guests and pick up your trash. Litter isn’t common on the lake grounds, so let’s keep it that way.
Be prepared to bring everything you’re going to need with you. There are convenience stores, a grocery store, and small retail shops in Shelbina, but “real” shopping isn’t an option here. The closest Wal-Mart is a 30 minute drive.
While the Shelbina Lake could stand to provide a few more amenities, it is still quite perfect in its simplicity. I hope you enjoy your time here as much as I do.
Ended up paying for something I didn’t get and driving in the dark surrounded by tornados to pay again for an overnight pull in. No one here would/could help .
Watched the Independence day fireworks at the lake. Great experience. I live in a much more urban environment where, as good the traditional fireworks maybe, it is a chore and a hassle to make it to the right viewing spot because of crowds and cars with the same idea. Not here. You can even let the kids run around without all your urban worries. Drive all the way to the lake shore and still be able to find an uncrowded spot. Great facilities add to the enjoyment of any outing here.
5 stars
3 stars