Boating, fishing and abundant waterfowl have made Big Lake State Park one of northwest Missouri's most popular outdoor recreation areas. The park is located on Missouri's largest oxbow lake, which was formed by the Missouri River before its course was controlled by channelization.

Located just off Interstate 29 halfway between Kansas City and Omaha, Big Lake State Park was one of the first public recreation areas in northwest Missouri. Today, visitors to the 407-acre park can enjoy picnic areas, a swimming pool, boat launch, fishing, bird watching, dining in the park's restaurant, and facilities for lodging and camping.

The park also has a large marsh that preserves an example of an early-day Missouri landscape. With the park's location on Big Lake, and Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge nearby, the area is a major feeding and resting place for birds and migratory waterfowl.

Visitors are welcome to stay overnight in the park's motel or rent one of the comfortable lakeshore cabins that are available. You will find Big Lake State Park to be a restful and peaceful place, but one that also provides fun, water sports and outstanding bird watching.

A conference room furnished with tables and chairs is available for meetings, reunions, etc. Room occupancy is limited to approximately 100 guests. It is open from the end of April to the Sunday after Thanksgiving and you can begin booking for the entire season on Jan. 2. Catering is available through MoFun Inc. Please check with management for rates and additional information by calling (660) 442-5432.

Big Lake State Park offers motel, suite, and cabin accommodations from April through November. Because of the overwhelming demand for our units, a minimum of one day's deposit is required for each unit reserved. A cancellation notice of seven days prior to arrival is required to receive a refund of your deposit. A minimum of two nights is required for cabin rentals on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. To check availability or make a reservation, please call (660) 442-5432. Reservations are not accepted by e-mail.

The following rate information is for 2006.

Motel Rooms

Motel rooms have two double beds, TV, telephone, air-conditioning/heat and a private lakeside balcony. Motel rates are $55 plus tax, based on one to two person occupancy. Each additional person is $10 per night with a maximum of four persons allowed. One handicap accessible room on the lower level with a queen-size bed and the aforementioned amenities is available. A maximum of three persons is allowed in that particular room.

Suites

Each suite has a kitchenette, living/dining room area, basic cookware and utensils, microwave, coffeemaker, TV, sofa bed, separate bedroom with two full-size beds and a private lakeside patio. Suite rates are $75 plus tax, based on one to four person occupancy. Each additional person is $10 per night with a maximum of six persons allowed. One handicap accessible suite on the lower level with a queen-size bed and the same amenities is also available. A maximum of four persons is allowed in that particular suite.

Cabins

Each cabin has two bedrooms with one double bed per room (linen provided), one single-size rollaway bed (linen not provided), a fireplace, air-conditioning/heat, bathroom with shower, kitchen, basic cookware and utensils, toaster, coffeemaker, microwave, TV, screened in porch and grill and picnic table. Cabin rates are $110 plus tax, with a maximum of six persons allowed.