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Description
Valley Water Mill Park is a little pocket of Ozarks ecology, just northeast of Springfield. It is a microcosm of the region’s natural diversity. At its heart is the 17‑acre Valley Water Mill Lake, a spring‑fed reservoir dating back to the 1850s. Today, the lake is ringed by a hiking trail with boardwalks. The Greater Ozarks Audubon Society and Watershed Committee work to conserve and improve the habitat for birds with feeder stations, a watering bubbler and observation blinds.
Valley Water Mill Park has a mix of habitats with open water, riparian corridors, glades, and upland forest. The park also features wetlands, springs, caves, and sinkholes, all within a compact area. Expect waterfowl in winter, migrating warblers in spring, and year‑round residents like Belted Kingfisher, Red-shouldered Hawk and Eastern Bluebird. The boardwalks and trails give good vantage points for scanning both the lake and the surrounding woods. This spring-fed lake stays ice free most winters, making it perfect to spot migratory waterfowl.
Details
Access
Valley Water Mill Park is located just northeast of Springfield, about a 10–15 minute drive from downtown. Open daily from dawn to dusk with free admission. From downtown Springfield: head north on Glenstone Ave (MO‑Hwy H), then turn east onto Valley Water Mill Rd. The park entrance is clearly signed. From I‑44: take Exit 80 (Glenstone Ave), go north, then east on Valley Water Mill Rd. Press P on the map for directions.
No swimming, wading, or boating is allowed. Hikers may explore the hiking trail around the lake, as well as side trails throughout the park. The trails span a variety of habitats including glades, woods, bluffs and stream bed. Restrooms are available at the Watershed Center on the south side of the park.