Water’s Edge

I can’t believe that I’d lived in southwest Missouri for 17 years and had never gone on a float trip. Then, again, I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, where the term “float trip” was never part of my vocabulary.

But that changed this year, when I finally took my maiden float trip on Shoal Creek – just south of Joplin at Water’s Edge.

Water’s Edge is a 43-acre campground that’s located on Old Highway 71, right next to the fun Undercliff Grill & Bar (which is built into a cliff). Water’s Edge offers rentals for canoes, rafts, kayaks, and tubes. You can also purchase a day pass, which allows you to swim and fish.

If you want to linger a bit longer, you can pitch a tent, hook up an RV, or rent a cabin, too.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

If you’ve never been on a float trip before, here’s how it works.

Once you’ve rented your floating device, you are driven from the rental area to the “put-in” point where you begin your trip. You then float and/or paddle your way back to the rental area, where you return your canoe, etc.

The creek level has a great impact on where you are put in, and the people at Water’s Edge regularly float down the creek themselves to check where the water is highest. During dry spells, there’s less water to float on and a greater chance of getting stuck on some rocks and having to carry your canoe.

Not so fun.

This is why the put-in point is moved to where the water level is higher, so you’ll have more of a floating – rather than carrying – experience.

On my first float trip from Water’s Edge, my husband and I rented a canoe. Our trip from the put-in point to the rental area was about an hour. At that point, they told us that we could end our trip where we rented our canoe, or continue on to the Tipton Ford Access Area. We chose to go on (about 40 more minutes), and a staff member from Water’s Edge was waiting to pick us up once we got to the access area.

HOW WAS IT?

Canoeing down Shoal Creek was so peaceful. We saw numerous fish, turtles, and a few snakes (eek!). It was quiet and serene most of the trip, and we didn’t pass many people, so if often felt like we were in the middle of the wilderness.

There were a few areas of rapids, but they were very small.

A few weeks after my first float trip, we took our older daughters and our nieces on a six-person raft from Water’s Edge and they had a blast.

The staff at Water’s Edge was friendly and relaxed. If you want to rent a canoe, etc., simply call about a half hour before you expect to get there and they will have it ready for you.

With Water’s Edge nearby, it’s easy to escape for a few hours and reconnect with nature.

Now I know for myself just how fun this “float trip” thing really is!

Water’s Edge is located at 6614 Old Highway 71 in Joplin. Click here to visit its Facebook page.

WANT MORE?

Looking for more outdoor spaces in the Joplin area? Click here to find them.

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This article was commissioned by the Joplin CVB, however the opinions expressed are purely my own. The purpose of Joplin MO Life is to highlight all the best that our area has to offer, and when an article is written about a restaurant, business, attraction, or event, it is because I have had an enjoyable experience and want to share it with others.

Click here to visit the Joplin CVB’s Facebook page.

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Living Life to The Fullest!

I love seeking out new experiences and finding places off the beaten path. I started Joplin MO Life in August 2013 as a way to share my discoveries with others in the Joplin community so that they can learn about the resources that exist right in their own backyards.

I have worked in education and event planning, and have always loved to write. I hold a master's degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and a bachelor's degree in marketing from Tulane University.