Duane S. Wheelan Recreation Area

Duane S. Wheelan Recreation Area provides boat access to Mark Twain Lake via Lick Creek in the Greenlawn area of Ralls County. The facility offers a convenient launch point for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboaters accessing this scenic reservoir. The area is part of a larger recreation complex managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and remains open for public use. Note that parking is not lighted, so plan accordingly for early morning or evening launches.

The recreation area is well-positioned for exploring Mark Twain Lake and connects to excellent trail systems for multi-use recreation. The nearby Joanna Trail system features 32 miles of scenic trails across three loops (Prairie, Log Cabin, and Pioneer), with trailheads accessible from the John F. Spalding Boat Ramp entrance. Lick Creek Trail also extends 8 miles from Route J to the recreation area. For more information or reservations at nearby campgrounds, contact the facility at 573-735-4097. The area is located approximately 17 miles west of Hannibal via Highway 36, then south on Route J for 6 miles.

Overview
Visitors at John Spalding are in the perfect location for recreation on Mark Twain Lake. The day-use area is the only facility within reach of the sandy public beach. It's also directly connected to the Joanna Trail, a 32-mile multi-purpose trail for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

Tour the birthplace of world-famous humorist and writer, Mark Twain and explore the region...

Overview
Visitors at John Spalding are in the perfect location for recreation on Mark Twain Lake. The day-use area is the only facility within reach of the sandy public beach. It's also directly connected to the Joanna Trail, a 32-mile multi-purpose trail for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

Tour the birthplace of world-famous humorist and writer, Mark Twain and explore the region that inspired his most beloved stories, such as "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer."Recreation
Swim and enjoy the beach all day, or take a boat out for water skiing and fishing. For hikers and bikers, the lengthy Joanna Trail lines the northern banks of the lake.Facilities
The day-use area is equipped with a swimming beach, showers and picnic shelters. Shelters have electric hookups.Natural Features
The Salt River of north-central Missouri feeds Mark Twain Lake, the regions largest body of water, spanning 18,000 acres. A variety of recreation areas surround the lake, including the Mark Twain State Park.
Nearby Attractions
Visit Mark Twain's birthplace in Florida, Missouri or his boyhood home in Hannibal. The David C. Berti Shooting Range is below the dam and M.W. Boudreaux Visitor Center is above the dam.

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