Longview Lake

First time going through Longview for Christmas in the park. Drive through about 1.5 hrs in the lane to see all the Christmas lights. It is worthwhile, plenty of Christmas displays to see. This is their 35th year. They ask for a donation at the end.

This might have been the most discheveled, atrocious example of a lake in a 100 mile radius. There was literally trash everywhere. We drove around for the better part of 20 minutes to find a suitable place to egress into the water, only to find trash in the water and around the land abutting the water. Honestly, I think the park service tries to keep it nice, because there was a bag in each trash can, and the cans were spaced 20 feet apart to give the hint that when a person has garbage, a person should place said garbage in the receptical. But to no avail - it was like someone had purposely emptied the trash can into the wind, fall refuse where ye may. I frequent parks in the greater KC area, and I'd say Longview is the most inhospitable of the lot. Additionally, we were trying to find a spot - as we like to do - for a picnic, and nearly every shelter was locked mid-day! We called and they told us it was by reservation only. Must be something to do with vagrants. Whatever the case, this was more government facility than oasis, and the wind rips nasty off the points if you find yourself so unlucky. No thanks. I'll never need a revisit.

Hoooo boy...maybe it's the day we came, but the one word I would use to describe this lake is "Garbage". First, they keep their shelter (all but 3) locked up unless you are renting them, which is a garbage policy. Second, there is a garbage fishing dock which is made of really old wood and the walkway to it is made of old ply wood which looks like it will break if you walk on it. Third, there were literal garbage cans every 20ish feet and yet there is garbage everywhere...it is almost impressive how much garbage there actually was. In the parking lot we saw various bits a trash, a bunch of beer cans, beer bottles, and a used condom...

This is a cool local lake that has lots to offer. Great hiking and paved trails, swim beach, shore fishing, boat ramps, you can rent a shelter, camp, and can golf.They have a marina where u can rent pontoon boats out for very inexpensive!!!Bring your kids here to get some fish food and feed the carp.This isn't a party lake and beware of wake zones and stumps.Just a update.Boats are available for rent.Also the swim beach and Rowdy Ribbits are closed for the season.

Anytime that you and or your family can get outside and have fun...WINNING! If you do not like being outside, your parents did you a disservice by not showing you the joys and wonders of nature. Get out there and do something fun today! Longview Lake has many things going for it. Boating, swimming, hiking/walking/bicycle trails, even R/C airplane areas. Go explore and enjoy Mother Nature!

This summer, Grover (my dog) and I went to the dog beach along with my best friend and her dog, Rufus. It was here at Longview Lake where, I am positive, both Grover and Rufus had the best day of their dog lives.It was a beautiful sunny day (and I mistakenly wore white - do not do this if you visit because the mucky muddy dog-tracked beaches will soil whatever white you have on). Every kind of dog you can imagine in existence was there, large or small, young and old, all unleashed and roving around, sniffing each other, playing fetch, running amok. It was so entertaining to see my dog, who doesn't get enough interaction with other dogs being the only pet I have, make new friends and learn better animal social skills (He was much better to take on walks after this visit, having acclimated himself to being in the presence of other dogs.) If you have a small dog, do not be afraid to take him here. There were tons of them running around together, splashing in the water, and getting along with the larger dogs. The dog owners were all in such a friendly mood themselves, talking it up together and laughing at the antics of theirs and other dogs in the mix.It was fascinating to see the networking of these animals in action. There were obvious "pack leaders" taking charge of the less dominant group of dogs behind them following close at heel. I was also relieved at the settings enclosed surroundings, ensuring the dogs wouldn't wander off and get themselves permanently lost, because the beach's shrubbery maintain the boundaries well. I am a definite fan of this park, for the dog beach, and for the many other recreations available here, like camping and boating. Although I have not yet taken part in the latter, after my first visit with Grover, I am sure to be back soon.

Longview pretty much has it all.Boating, paved trails, hiking trails, woodlands, wetlands, camping, pavilions, and other diversions. Heck, there's a college and a radio controlled aircraft park as well!I've been all over the dirt trails north of the dam and to the south of the lake. They're all beautiful.

Nice lake in the Kansas City suburbs. We were hoping for a paved trail but couldn't find one, then it began to rain so it was all moot.

Went to Longview Lake for the 25th Annual Christmas in the Park lights :) My 3 year old niece was in town from STL and loved it. Traffic was bad, but great time with the family!

IT'S A TRAP! - When boating, cops will hide and surprise you at the launch (esp. weekend afternoons), and may claim you were 'waking' in the no-wake zone. They may also "claim" they smell alcohol on your breath and ask for consent to search your boat. Ultimately, they may ask for you to submit to a field sobriety test (to provide them with probable cause for an arrest).When/if cops "stop" or make contact with you:1.) Video record the encounter with your password protected phone, etc. (1st amendment right to film/record in public space regardless what the cop says).2.) Determine if you are "being detained or are free to go?" (MO cops need to have reasonable suspicion that you 'have' or are 'about to' commit a crime).3.) Do NOT talk with them (you don't have to and if you do, they may claim you have alcohol on your breath and/or slurring your speech, you're also giving them reasonable suspicion/probable cause).4.) Do NOT "consent" to a search (still say "NO", even if innocent, they could 'plant' something to prevent looking stupid. Be sure to remove any 'evidence' from plain view before docking).5.) Do NOT submit to a field sobriety test. It's not required and can only be used 'against you'. Courts have allowed cops to lie and intimidate you, don't be a victim...know your rights.Don't drive boat intoxicated above legal limit (.1 on a boat last checked), though don't let the cops harass you either by asserting your rights. Have a nice day!