Twin Lakes Recreation Area

Park Overview

Nestled in southern Columbia, Missouri, Twin Lakes Recreation Area sprawls across 73 acres of outdoor bliss at 2500 Chapel Hill Road. This area offers space for dog owners, families, and anyone looking to spend time in nature.

At the heart of the park sits an 18-acre fishing lake encircled by a picturesque trail that hooks up with Columbia's treasured MKT Trail and County House Trail - perfect if you're in the mood for a casual stroll, morning jog, or bike ride. There's something magical about escaping the city buzz while watching herons glide across the water, cardinals flit between trees, and turtles sunbathe on logs.

Dog-Friendly Facilities

The park features three dedicated spaces where dogs can run off-leash.

The Lakeside Dog Park gives your pups 3.9 acres to zoom around freely, complete with lake access for those dogs who think they're part fish. For the smaller crowd (under 18 inches tall), Paws Pond offers 2.9 acres of fenced freedom, including a pond sized just right for tiny swimmers.

When winter rolls around, the 3.3-acre Off-Season Dog Park keeps everyone safe by providing an alternative to potentially icy lake adventures. These different areas provide good options for dog owners.

Practical amenities include water fountains for thirsty pups and, during warmer months, a convenient hose near the entrance to rinse off that lake smell before the car ride home. Waste bags and trash cans throughout mean there's no excuse not to clean up after your furry friend.

Recreational Amenities

The kids haven't been forgotten - a well-kept playground sits near the Twin Lakes Shelter, which you can reserve for gatherings of up to 200 people. The shelter comes equipped with picnic tables, ADA-accessible grills, and restrooms (available April 15 through October 15). During the off-season, you'll come across portable toilets in the parking lot.

Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the well-stocked lake where fish seem eager to bite, making it ideal for introducing kids to the sport. The sand volleyball court offers a place to bump, set, and spike, while multiple picnic spots invite you to spread out a blanket and enjoy lunch with a view. Just remember - only non-motorized boats are welcome on the water here.

Trails and Natural Features

The walking trails that meander around both lakes offer a peaceful escape, with thoughtfully placed benches every few hundred feet when you need a moment to take it all in. The unpaved paths, some simply covered in grass, give you that genuine connection with nature that's hard to find in many city parks.

If you're training for a marathon or just need a quiet place to clear your head, these trails deliver. And if you're feeling ambitious, the connection to the MKT Trail means your adventure can continue well beyond the park boundaries.

Visitor Information

With its accessible location and natural charm, Twin Lakes is ideal for an afternoon of unwinding or active fun. Pack a lunch and take advantage of the large shelter or one of the many smaller picnic areas dotted throughout the grounds. Book lovers should check out the free little library near the playground - take a book, leave a book!

Just a heads up - you'll want to plan your visit knowing that restrooms and certain dog parks operate seasonally. And during mosquito season, you'll thank yourself for bringing bug spray. The park welcomes visitors daily from 6AM to 11PM all year long.