Crane Lake Rec Area

The Basics

Crane Lake Recreation Area
State Hwy E
Ironton, MO

Phone: (573) 438-5427 (Potosi/Fredericktown District Office)

Closest Towns: Arcadia, Fredericktown, Ironton

Directions: From Arcadia/Ironton: From the intersection of MO Hwy 72 and MO Hwy 21, head South on Hwy 21/72 approx. 1.4 miles to MO State Hwy E, then Turn Left/South onto Hwy E. Travel approx. 9.5 miles along State Hwy E, then Turn Right onto Iron Co Rd 124/Warren Hill Rd. Go approx. 2.6 miles, then Turn Left onto Iron Co Rd 131/Crane Pond Rd. Go 2 miles to the Rec Area.

About Crane Lake

Beautiful Crane Lake, located in the rugged St. Francois Mountains of southern Iron County, MO, was formed many years ago by impounding Crane Pond Creek near the upstream end of a small narrow gorge, or "shut-ins", in the granite bedrock. This 100-acre lake offers great fishing from the banks, picnicking from the shores, canoeing on the waters, or hiking around the lake and through the coves.

Fishing in the lake includes species such as bass, channel catfish and panfish. A small concrete ramp offers access to the lake for boats, canoes and kayaks. Boats with electric motors only are allowed in the lake.

A five-mile double-loop trail circles the lake and explores south of the lake, offering great views of the shoreline, and of the small "shut-ins" below the dam. The North Loop is approx. 3 miles long, and circles Crane Lake. The South Loop continues on south of the dam, has a few steep, rocky places, and passes through glades, shut-ins, fields, and oak and pine forests. The trail is open to hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. Crane Lake Rec Area also sits along the Marble Creek Section of the Ozark Trail, offering even more hiking opportunities.

What's Nearby


Parks & Nature

Trails

Camping

Lodging

Local Eateries

Gear & Supplies

Other Attractions

Towns & Cities