Longview Lake Park
A scenic lake park offering diverse recreation from playgrounds and museums to unique dining and holiday light displays.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peaceful exploration
Longview Lake Park
Best Time
Peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic lake park offering diverse recreation from playgrounds and museums to unique dining and holiday light displays.
"A wonderful lake close to home with plenty of nooks and crannies to explore by kayak!"
🎯 Explore by Kayak/Canoe
Paddle through coves, spot eagles, and enjoy 'no wake' zones. Moose Creek Boat Ramp is a great starting point . :kayak:
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun at WOW Museum
Affordable admission ($8) with discounts for seniors/military and free entry for EBT cardholders. Great for kids!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
KidsView Playground
100 H G Mosley Pkwy, Longview, TX
Newly renovated playground with a zipline, pretend play areas, and a dedicated toddler zone. Perfect for family fun!
Cargo Restaurant
Longview, TX
Unique dining experience in cargo shipping containers with multiple levels, pickleball, mini golf, and rooftop bar.
Longview WOW Museum
112 E Tyler St, Longview, TX
Interactive museum for kids to imagine, create, and explore. Offers general admission and discounts.
Christmas in the Park
Longview Lake, Lee's Summit, MO
Spectacular holiday light display with over a million lights and animated displays. A beloved KC tradition.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Tick Awareness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Explore by Kayak/Canoe
Paddle through coves, spot eagles, and enjoy 'no wake' zones. Moose Creek Boat Ramp is a great starting point. :kayak:
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun at WOW Museum
Affordable admission ($8) with discounts for seniors/military and free entry for EBT cardholders. Great for kids!
🚗 Cargo's Unique Vibe
Experience dining in shipping containers with pickleball, mini golf, and lake views. A must-visit spot!
⚠️ Tick Safety
Be cautious in wooded areas west of the lake. Wear long sleeves/pants and check for ticks after your visit. :bug:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore by Kayak/Canoe
Paddle through coves, spot eagles, and enjoy 'no wake' zones. Moose Creek Boat Ramp is a great starting point. :kayak:
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun at WOW Museum
Affordable admission ($8) with discounts for seniors/military and free entry for EBT cardholders. Great for kids!
🚗 Cargo's Unique Vibe
Experience dining in shipping containers with pickleball, mini golf, and lake views. A must-visit spot!
⚠️ Tick Safety
Be cautious in wooded areas west of the lake. Wear long sleeves/pants and check for ticks after your visit. :bug:
💡 Christmas Lights Tip
Visit Christmas in the Park on a weeknight early in the season to avoid crowds and long waits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Longview Lake Park for its natural beauty, offering ample opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and dog walking along paved trails. The lake's coves are noted as excellent for paddling. However, some find the park's reservation-only policy for campgrounds inconvenient, and caution is advised regarding ticks in wooded areas.
"A wonderful lake close to home!
I love kayaking here, there are so many nooks and crannies to explore. There are two boat ramps (that I know of) and I always see other people out on the lake fishing and boating.
I also like taking my dog for walks here as theres plenty of paved walking trails."
Sophie Rose
"Water, wooded hills, fishing, swimming, boating....nice county park for recreation.
But if you go in the woods/trails west of the lake CHECK FOR TICKS. On a recent mid-April walk along trails I found 70+ ticks after just 30 minutes. Deer tick, dog tick and lone star tick."
Joel Reich
"Park had a nice view of a lake, there are some spots by the lake ideal for picnic but space was limited. There are shelter close by and more picnic tables. Lake has a boat launch area as well."
Safa Hasan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Longview Lake Park is accessible by car. Specific addresses for attractions like KidsView Playground (100 H G Mosley Pkwy) and the WOW Museum (112 E Tyler St) are available. For Christmas in the Park, it's located at Longview Lake in Lee's Summit, MO.
Information on public transportation options to Longview Lake Park is limited. Driving is the primary mode of access for most visitors.
Directions will vary depending on your specific destination within the park. Using GPS with the attraction's address is recommended. For example, the Moose Creek Boat Ramp is a popular put-in point for paddlers.
The park is generally well-marked, but specific attractions within the park may require precise navigation. Having a map or using a GPS app is advisable.
Yes, parking is available at various points throughout the park, including near boat ramps and playgrounds. Some areas, like campgrounds, may require reservations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Longview Lake Park itself is generally free. However, specific attractions like the WOW Museum have admission fees ($8 for general admission). Christmas in the Park is also free, though donations are encouraged.
Park hours can vary by season and specific facilities. It's best to check the official Longview, TX website or the specific attraction's website for the most up-to-date hours. Christmas in the Park has specific seasonal hours.
The WOW Museum offers senior and military discounts, and EBT cardholders get free admission. Christmas in the Park is free, with donations supporting local charities.
Yes, the campgrounds at Longview Lake Park are reservation-only, and you cannot drive through without paying. It's recommended to book in advance.
No, Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake is free to attend, with opportunities to donate to local charities.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include kayaking, canoeing, fishing, boating, swimming, picnicking, and walking on paved trails. Kids can enjoy the KidsView Playground and the WOW Museum.+1 Cargo offers mini golf and pickleball.
While generally safe, it's advised to stay aware of your surroundings, especially around sunset. Stick to open, visible areas and avoid engaging with strangers.
Yes, there are picnic areas available, some with shelters and tables. Some spots by the lake can be limited in space.
The cove sheltering the Moose Creek Boat Ramp is designated 'no wake,' making it ideal for paddlers. You can explore for a couple of miles in this area.
Birdwatching is popular, with many birds in the coves. An eagle's nest has been spotted in a tree jutting out of the water near the Moose Creek Boat Ramp.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the park itself doesn't have on-site restaurants, the unique Cargo restaurant in Longview, TX, offers a dining experience built from shipping containers with various amenities.+1
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity, so bringing your own food and drinks is generally allowed and encouraged.
Longview, TX, offers a variety of dining options. Cargo is a notable unique spot, and other local eateries are available in the city.
Information about concession stands is not readily available. It's advisable to bring your own snacks and drinks.
Specific menu details for Cargo are not provided, but it's recommended to check their website or call ahead for dietary information.
📸 📸 Photography
The lake itself offers scenic views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The Christmas in the Park light display provides stunning holiday photo opportunities.
Yes, the park is great for nature photography, with opportunities to capture birds, wildlife, and the natural landscape around the lake and wooded areas.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with park authorities or local regulations before flying a drone.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography at the lake.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧👦 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy at one of the designated picnic spots. While the park itself is free, the WOW Museum has an admission fee. Remember to check for ticks if you plan on exploring wooded trails, but the playgrounds and open areas are generally safe and enjoyable for kids.
💰 Budget Travelers
The Longview WOW Museum has a very accessible general admission fee of $8, with discounts for seniors and military, and free entry for EBT cardholders.Bring your own food and drinks for a picnic to save on dining costs. Kayaking and canoeing on the lake are also free activities if you have your own equipment. The unique Cargo restaurant offers a more upscale experience, but the mini-golf and pickleball courts might offer a more affordable entertainment option compared to other venues.
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Longview's Unique Attractions
Beyond family-focused fun, Cargo presents a novel dining and entertainment concept. Developed entirely from shipping containers, this spot offers multiple levels of seating, pickleball courts, mini-golf with lake views, and a rooftop bar.
These attractions showcase Longview's commitment to providing diverse and engaging activities for residents and visitors alike, blending playful environments with unique culinary and recreational opportunities.
The Magic of Christmas in the Park
It's a testament to community spirit, with volunteers like the Beta Omega Chapter dedicating their time to support the event and its associated scholarship funds.Visitors can drive through the dazzling display, enjoying the festive decorations and holiday cheer. A key tip for maximizing the experience is to visit on a weeknight early in the season to avoid the longest queues.
The event is free to attend, with donations gratefully accepted to support 35 local charities, making it a heartwarming way to celebrate the holiday season while giving back.Christmas in the Park is more than just a light display; it's a cherished community gathering that brings joy and festive spirit to the Kansas City area. It offers a memorable experience for families and individuals looking to embrace the holiday magic.
Paddling and Nature at Longview Lake
Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to appreciate here. The coves around the boat ramp are teeming with birdlife, and a notable feature is an eagle's nest spotted in one of the trees that extends over the water.
While the park offers paved walking trails, venturing into the woods west of the lake requires caution due to a high concentration of ticks, especially in certain seasons.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit