Vineyards Lake Park

What You'll Find at the Park

Found in Columbia, Missouri, Vineyards Lake Park spans a generous 43.85 acres of peaceful neighborhood green space. The city acquired this cozy spot in 2016, fulfilling a need that locals had voiced in the 2013 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan.

At the heart of the park is a tranquil 11.4-acre lake that's great for unwinding from city life. You can fish or enjoy some paddle time on non-motorized boats - there's a small ramp specifically designed for hand-carried vessels like kayaks. The lake is maintained in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation, ensuring its health and sustainability.

If you're planning to fish, just know that shoreline fishing can get quite weedy, while heading toward the middle might yield better results. Since not many people have discovered this spot yet, you'll likely enjoy a peaceful paddling experience without crowds.

Getting Around

Accessibility is thoughtfully integrated here with an ADA-compliant fishing dock and a concrete walking trail stretching about 854 feet along one side of the lake.

Just a heads-up: the concrete path doesn't go all the way around the lake - it eventually turns into a stone path that ends at the water's edge without continuing via bridge. There's only one bench near the water, so if you're planning a fishing session, bringing a portable chair might be a good idea.

Look forward to more connectivity in the future, as an extension to the trail system is in the works.

Places to Play and Relax

Kids will enjoy the well-maintained playground which, while not enormous, offers a nice spot for little ones to burn off energy. When it's time for a snack or some shade, you can head to the single shelter equipped with a picnic table. Note that you can't reserve this shelter - it's first come, first served - but it provides a lovely spot to sit and take in the peaceful lake views.

Looking Ahead

Financed through local park sales taxes, Vineyards Lake Park was created based on community input.

As one of Columbia's newer park developments, it remains somewhat under the radar compared to other local parks. This relative obscurity means you can often enjoy the space without crowds. With ongoing improvements planned, the park continues to evolve as a quiet natural setting for nearby residents and visitors.