Forest Lake

Adair County, Missouri

Forest Lake is a 573-acre lake and part of the Thousand Hill State Park, just west of Kirksville, Missouri. Columbia is around two and a half hours away.

It is 15 minutes from Northeast Regional Medical Center and two and a half hours from Des Moines International Airport. It is also within 15 minutes from Hy-Vee, ALDI, and Countryside Market.

After a long day at Forest Lake, grab a bite to eat at the Thousand Hills Lakeside Dining Lodge. It is a highly rated lakeside diner that offers a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, steaks, and seafood.

Other local restaurants in the area include the Take Root Cafe, La Pa Mexican Bar & Grill, and Diner 54.

On the Lake Fun

Forest Lake is perfect for all kinds of recreational activities including fishing, swimming, and motorized and non-motorized boating.

Anglers on Forest Lake can expect to catch crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, and channel catfish. Visitors to the state park can also catch bullfrogs and green frogs. There is a fishing dock and fish cleaning station provided by the park.

Outdoor Activities

Thousand Hill State Park facilitates hiking and mountain biking trails as well as provides numerous opportunities for viewing wildlife.

The park also provides campsites and cabins for those seeking a retreat from the indoors.

At the park’s interpretive shelter, visitors can learn to understand ancient petroglyphs left behind by Missouri's inhabitants of over 1,500 years ago.

An Outdoorsman’s Paradise

If you love to fish, are an avid hiker, or are just seeking an exciting outdoor adventure, take a look at Forest Lake. It just might be the location of your next lake home!