6 Amazing Spots Along the Mississippi River That Have Sandy Beaches

Written by Chanel Coetzee
Updated: June 15, 2023
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The Mississippi River originates in Minnesota, spanning 2,320 miles, ending in Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico. As a result, this mighty river borders 10 states, namely Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. The river is also teaming in wildlife, with more than 50 species of mammals inhabiting the Upper Mississippi, 145 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 260 species of fish, 25% of all fish species in North America. But it’s not just fauna and flora that benefit from this river. Humans also enjoy everything it has to offer. While there are many places to enjoy along the river, here are 6 amazing spots along the Mississippi River with sandy beaches.

Low water exposes a sand bar on the Mississippi River near Grand Gulf, MS

Low water exposes a sand bar on the Mississippi River near Grand Gulf, MS.

©Justin Wilkens/Shutterstock.com

1. Chewalla Lake Recreation Area, Holly Springs, Mississippi

Visitors to Chewalla Lake Recreation Area in Holly Springs Ranger District can enjoy a warm summer’s day relaxing on the tranquil sandy beach, swimming, kayaking, fishing, or canoeing. This area offers a beautiful setting with stunning views of the 260-acre lake. Other facilities include:

  • 40 Picnic sites
  • 36 Campsites
  • Mooring dock
  • Boat ramp
  • Fishing Pier
  • Children’s playground
  • Swimming beach
  • Group picnic pavilion
  • Restrooms with showers
  • Drinking water
  • One-mile walking trail

2. Reelfoot Lake, Tiptonville, Tenneessee

Sunset over Bald Cypress from Grassy Island on Reelfoot Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Tennessee.

There are beautiful sunset views on Reelfoot Lake like this one from Grassy Island.

©anthony heflin/Shutterstock.com

The history of Reelfoot Lake is an interesting one. The countryside surrounding this lake was once covered in dense cypress woodland, disrupted only by Native American trails and poorly constructed roads. From 1811 to 1812, a series of earthquakes caused by the 150-mile-long New Madrid fault line was so powerful it was said that the water in the Mississippi River flowed backward for a whole day. Furthermore, the shudders were felt as far away as Quebec and created the Reelfoot Lake.

Reelfoot Lake is seven miles wide and 20 miles long, spanning over 15,500 acres, with a maximum depth of 18 feet. However, its average depth is closer to 5.5 feet. This lake is known for its bald eagle nesting pairs and cypress trees. The Reelfoot Lake State Park surrounds the lake, and today, this peaceful preserve offers hunting throughout the year, bird watching, fishing, canoeing, hiking, and kayaking. But it’s the sandy beach that attracts most visitors. People often set up sunbathing chairs and spend their summer weekends basking on the lake’s shores.

3. Crowley’s Ridge State Park and Beachfront, Paragould, Arkansas

The ridge of Crowley’s Ridge State Park is actually an island formed by the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. It spans over 200 miles from Missouri to Arkansas. You have hickory and oak trees that resemble the Ozarks on one side, but on the other side, there are cherry, maple, and beech trees. Additionally, the tulip trees form a patchwork of broadleaf specimens not found anywhere else in Arkansas.

One amazing sandy beach along the Mississippi River can be found at Lake Ponder, known for its classic swimming hole. Visitors can cool off in the waters fed by springs or lounge on its warm beach, kayak, or pedal boat. The beach even offers volleyball and lifeguards in the summer.

There is another Lake in Crowley’s Ridge State Park that is a better option if you want to fish. It might be small, but the catches, including catfish and largemouth bass, are big. Furthermore, kayaks and fishing boats are available for rent, or you can cast from the barrier-free pier.

4. Pennyrile Forest State Park, Dawson Springs, Kentucky

Sunset over Pennyrile Lake at Pennyrile State Resort Park in Dawson Springs Kentucky

The sun sets over Pennyrile Lake in Dawson Springs, Kentucky.

©Tonya Staab/Shutterstock.com

There is a lot to do and see at Pennyrile Lake, but the sandy beach along the Mississippi River steals the show. However, the beach is only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Other activities include:

  • Walk across the dam where you can fish
  • Hike on its various paths, like the Clifty Creek Trail, Lake Trail, or Indian Bluff Tral
  • Capture the State Park’s beauty by photographing the amazing views from Fisherman’s Rock
  • Partaking in aquatic activities like kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, and pedal boats.

The park also provides lodging and camping. The lodge overlooks Pennyrile Lake and offers 24 rooms. Furthermore, there are 13 cottages to rent, some right on the lake with private docks. These accommodations also allow you to bring your pet along—however, only two per room or cottage.

Pennyrile Lake also welcomes fishermen looking to catch the following species:

  • Bluegill
  • Crappie
  • Channel catfish
  • Largemouth bass

In order to fish at this lake, you require a Kentucky Fishing License. Furthermore, fishing gear may be borrowed from the reception area. In addition, visitors can rent row boats, kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats from the boat dock. However, motorboats are prohibited on this lake, but just four miles north of the lodge lies Lake Beshear, where motorboats are allowed.

5. Lake Storey Beach, Galesburg, Illinois

While there is no lack of entertainment in Galesburg, Illinois, as it contains 23 city parks, a water park, a public beach, and acres of wooded trails for biking, horse riding, and hiking, its Lake Storey Beach that stands out the most. The public beach has golden sand and is the perfect spot to relax with friends on a hot summer’s day. In addition, the park has gone out of its way to accommodate its visitors in any way possible. For example, there are newly added playgrounds for children and for the adventurous types, paddle boarding, and fishing.

If you don’t feel like hauling your own equipment to the lake, you can rent paddleboats, kayaks, or John boats. But, if you prefer to stay on dry land, there are plenty of walking, biking, and hiking trails. Additionally, the park offers an 18-hole golf course called Bunker Links Golf Course. If you need a place to cool down, the waterpark has a splash pad and several wading pools.

Other things to do in the area include:

  • Go horseriding at the Byrsey Williams Area in Lake Storey
  • Fishing at Lincoln Park
  • Enjoy Monarch Migration Festival during the early summer, which is fun for the whole family.
  • For the history buffs, enjoy Galesburg’s Heritage Day, where one of the best Civil War reenactments in the area

6. Point Douglas Beach, Hastings, Minnesota

The beach at Point Douglas is small and unguarded. It spreads across 510 feet of sandy shoreline, not far from Wisconsin State Line and a few miles from Carpenter Nature Center. Furthermore, this park lies on the banks of the St. Croix River, just above the spot where it merges with the Mississippi River.

Sadly, Point Douglas has no playgrounds for children but offers other family activities, like the beach, fishing piers, and picnic areas. Furthermore, the park sits across the highway from an active train track, making it enjoyable to watch the trains pass, but it’s far enough away, so you won’t be bothered by the noise. In addition, it is located next to a lift bridge, where visitors have a fantastic view of the boats on the lake. Children can keep themselves entertained by climbing along the rocky shoreline or combing through the sand on the beach for treasure.

Fishing is also popular at Point Douglas, as it has a concrete fishing pier and hosts over 60 species of fish. It also has excellent trails, which have recently been upgraded for cyclists and pedestrians. As a result, visitors can cycle or walk along 2.5 miles of trail along the Mississippi River. This extensive trail begins at Point Douglas Park and continues under Highway 10 through to Prescott, Wisconsin. The trail is mostly shaded but provides impressive river views, bluff land, and a working railroad track. Lastly, a bridge connects the trail into Hastings and the Dakota Country regional trails.

Summary of 6 Spots Along the Mississippi River with Beaches

LocationCity/State
1Chewalla Lake Recreation AreaHolly Springs, Mississippi
2Reelfoot LakeTiptonville, Tenneessee
3Crowley’s Ridge State Park and BeachfrontParagould, Arkansas
4Pennyrile Forest State ParkDawson Springs, Kentucky
5Lake Storey BeachGalesburg, Illinois
6Point Douglas BeachHastings, Minnesota

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Justin Wilkens/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Chanel Coetzee is a writer at A-Z Animals, primarily focusing on big cats, dogs, and travel. Chanel has been writing and researching about animals for over 10 years. She has also worked closely with big cats like lions, cheetahs, leopards, and tigers at a rescue and rehabilitation center in South Africa since 2009. As a resident of Cape Town, South Africa, Chanel enjoys beach walks with her Stafford bull terrier and traveling off the beaten path.

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