We had quite an interesting trip back to Northern Indiana from San Diego this April. After a day-long stop in Flower Mound, Texas where we lived for 18 years we drove to Springfield, Missouri. Our intention was to drive to Northern Indiana after a night in Springfield but Mother Nature had other ideas.
That evening in the hotel we checked the weather for the next day and saw that a huge storm was brewing in the midwest. They predicted hail, heavy rain, and tornadoes from Rolla, Missouri through St. Louis and to Indianapolis, Indiana. Unfortunately this was the path we planned to take. After watching the Weather Channel and seeing how likely and severe the storms were, we decided to spend another day in Springfield, Missouri.
Ironically the weather in Springfield was not stormy. It was warm, humid, and very windy, but no rain, hail, or tornadoes. We decided being cooped up in a hotel room was no fun and ventured to Valley Water Mill Park. We had visited this park when we drove through the area in November so we knew it was a fun place for a hike.
The park consists of a thirteen-acre lake with a dam, a 1.5 mile hiking trail through the woods and around the lake, picnic areas, and fishing areas. It’s a beautiful spot for a peaceful hike in the woods. It’s also a great place to fish…at least we assume it is since each time we have visited there have been quite a few people fishing.
History
The original dam was built in the 1850s to power a grist mill. From the dam, the water emptied into the South Dry Sac and went underground resurfacing at Fulbright Spring. This was Springfield’s main water supply in the late 1800s. In 1899 the mill property and lake were sold to a private waterworks company. In 1957, the City Utilities of Springfield purchased Valley Water Mill Lake and the surrounding area. They rebuilt and repaired the dam on several occasions and the 70-acre property became a park in 2006. The Springfield-Greene County Park Board operates the park.
Our Adventure
We parked near the learning pavilion and started to walk on the asphalt path toward the Watershed Center, where the bathrooms are located. Near the center we found a path to the right that led into the woods. We continued to follow the trail, taking a few offshoots, but they all eventually led back to the main path.
After a short distance we came to three platforms over a swampy area. Sunny enjoyed looking over the side and smelling to see who or what was in the water.
We continued walking through the woods and found a spot to get down near the water. Sunny loved that.
As we continued we walked uphill past some wood fences and then we found an observation deck looking out over the water. This would be a nice spot for a picnic lunch or just to take a break.
Then we were back on the trail walking through the woods. We took a side trail and eventually came to an asphalt path that led past some picnic benches and to the bridge over the dam. From there it was a short walk past some fishing platforms to the parking lot.
Sunny’s Perspective
I love this place, but it sure is a long way from home. It’s a great place to visit after a couple long days of driving, though. The smells are fantastic and I like that there is water, fun little bridges to walk over, and lots of squirrels and other critters. If you are in Springfield, Missouri, you need to check out this place!
Our Rating
Sunny and I give Valley Water Mill Park 3.5 out of 4 paws up. It’s really a great place for a peaceful hike, there’s a beautiful lake, and the trails have some inclines and descents. There is also ample parking and a restroom in the Watershed Center. The only thing that would make it better is if the trail was a bit longer. This trail would not be good for those with mobility issues as the trail is packed dirt in some areas, shale and stones in other areas, and has inclines and descents.
How Do I Get There?
Use 2450 E Water Valley Mill Road in your GPS. From I-44 take exit #80-Missouri H/Glenstone Avenue and turn north onto I-44BL/Glenstone Ave/Missouri H. Follow for about a mile and then turn right onto Farm Road 102/Valley Mill Water Road. After .7M turn left onto N. Barnes Ave/Farm Road 171. After .3M turn right onto E. Valley Mill Road and then look for the parking lot on the right after about .3M.
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