With all the rivers, lakes, and streams, Missouri has an abundance of waterfront spots.  Whether it's a restaurant, resort, beach, or activity, each spot takes advantage of the beautiful scenery and recreational options that the water provides.  In fact, there are so many that we could fill the pages of several books with great examples. Here are just a few such locations, all with something different and unique to offer.  Some of these are beautiful even during the winter, and the others will have you dreaming of summer.

1. Branson Landing, Branson

Branson Landing is a beautiful open-air, waterfront spot that is home to over 100 shops and restaurants including the Hilton Promenade Hotel and a $7.5 million water and fire spectacular! It is located on Lake Taneycomo next to Historic Downtown Branson.

Location: 100 Branson Landing Blvd

Website: bransonlanding.com

One of Branson Landing’s attractions is Parakeet Pete’s…

2. Parakeet Pete's Waterfront Zipline, Branson

Parakeet Pete’s is a world class urban adventure on the lakefront at Branson Landing. You sit down and fly backwards from Branson Landing, over Lake Taneycomo and to the top of Mount Branson for an amazing view. Then, you zip back down to the platform on the boardwalk. As they say, "Keep calm and zip on."

Location: 1113 Branson Landing, Branson

Website: parakeetpeteszipline.com

3. White River Fish House, Lake Taneycomo, Branson

Also at Branson Landing on Lake Taneycomo, The White River Fish House offers a beautiful view of the lake through floor to ceiling panoramic windows. This scenic restaurant is actually a floating barge serving up local favorites. Whether you arrive by car or boat, you will enjoy their great menu selections served in a pleasing atmosphere. The White River Fish House was recently named the "Best Restaurant in Branson" by 417 Magazine.

4. Lake of the Ozarks

With 84.37 square miles conveniently located in the heart of Missouri, The Lake of the Ozarks is a premier lake resort destination, offering world-class boating, golfing, shopping and fishing. A wide variety of lodging, restaurants, state parks, and other recreational activities are sure to please everyone. You can be as lively or laid back as you want to be.

Website: www.funlake.com

If you are at the Lake of the Ozarks in season, check out Shady Gators or Shorty Pants Lounge...

5. Shady Gators, Lake Ozark

Shady Gators is a busy multilevel seasonal lakeside bar and grill. They feature Cajun eats, DJs, live bands and a party atmosphere. With premier events scheduled throughout the season, many nationally and regionally recognized bands play regularly at Shady Gators. There is also the premier ultra-pool lounge with day beds, cabanas, a pool, sand volleyball, and a swim-up bar!

6. Shorty Pants Lounge, Lake of the Ozarks, Osage Beach

Shorty Pants has been voted the #1 Gas Dock for 6 years running, and is one of the Lake’s favorite Cajun restaurants. They feature authentic Creole cuisine with a menu that is straight out of New Orleans. Sit inside, outside by the fireplace, or on the huge waterfront deck. Visit the outside Tiki Bar, and enjoy live music and a great atmosphere.

Location: 1680 Autumn Lane

Website: shortypantslounge.com

7. River Market, Kansas City

The River Market is a riverfront neighborhood that encompasses the first and oldest incorporated district in Kansas City, including the location in which the city was first founded. The name comes from its large open air farmers' market, the southern section of which was the public square in the mid-19th century.

As the area has evolved, the large riverfront warehouses have become increasingly developed. You will find residential lofts, restaurants, bars, shops, cafes, and ethnic markets. The City Market has been one of the largest and most enduring farmers' markets in the Midwest since its inception in 1857. In addition, there are more than 40 full-time tenants open year round that offer an eclectic mix of independently owned shops and dining.

8. Boathouse, Forest Park, St. Louis

The Boathouse is located in beautiful Forest Park with a menu that is designed to be family-friendly. They feature homemade soup, salads, sandwiches, and entrees, as well as kids' meals and delicious desserts. Try their signature fish & chips, or visit on Sundays and enjoy a relaxing brunch by the lake. A casual restaurant, bar, and boat rental facility is located on Post-Dispatch Lake, and is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Location: 6101 Government Drive, Forest Park, St. Louis

Website: boathouseforestpark.com

9. Timber Creek Resort - Silverleaf Resorts, De Soto

Timber Creek Resort is surrounded by wooded hills on a pristine lake with beautiful hiking trails. The perfect weekend escape or home base for enjoying the many local attractions, they also provide guests with a wide array of unique amenities. There is a forty-acre lake with a boat launch, a golf course, nature trails, and several sports facilities. The tranquil accommodations offer nature inspired decor, warm tones, spacious dining areas and cozy living quarters

Location: 4800 US Highway 67, DeSoto

Website: timbercreekresort.com

10. River’s Edge Resort, Eminence

River’s Edge Resort features accommodations such as rustic cabins, cozy hotel rooms or memorable motel rooms. Enjoy the Current River and the Jack’s Fork of the Current River on a premiere scenic riverside setting and exclusive river access.

Location: 16392 Tom Akers Rd., Eminence

Website: Rivers-edge.com

Check out this video:

11. Holliday Landing Resort, Greenville

Holliday Landing is a fun-filled family resort and marina located on sunny Lake Wappapello in the Ozarks of southeastern Missouri. The resort is secluded enough for a great escape from your everyday life, yet located conveniently and easy to get to. They have Holliday Landing lakefront cabins, a variety of campsites, and slips to accommodate your boat. Activities include boat rentals, a playground for all ages, a beautiful swimming pool and sundeck, and a fishing dock. If you forget something, The Trading Post offers souvenir t-shirts, ice, sodas and snacks, live bait and fishing tackle, beer, and staple food items.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing, peaceful retreat or a fun, active vacation, Holliday Landing will not disappoint!

HCR 1, Greenville

Website: hollidaylanding.comHollidaylanding.com

12. Kemper’s Hideaway Resort, Piedmont

Kemper’s Hideaway Resort is a family owned and operated resort nestled in a beautiful shaded, quiet campground next to the Black River hike and bike trail. Stay at Kemper’s Hideaway Resort for a nice getaway in a cabin on the river. The cabins include electric, AC, heating, cable, stove, microwave, refrigerator, private bathroom/shower, BBQ grill, and a screened-in porch overlooking the river. One of the best places to stay near Clearwater Lake, Kemper’s also has a campground with full service sites and excellent fishing spots.

Location: RR 3, Piedmont

Facebook Page: Kemper’s Hideaway Resort

13. Riverfront Arts District – Downtown, New Haven

New Haven’s Riverfront Arts District in Downtown New Haven has become the place to go for arts, entertainment and community. This little river town is off the beaten path, but well worth a trip. Small river towns are abundant in Missouri, but with a population just under 2,000 New Haven is special. Although it lacks the polished charm of Washington and the rich German feel of Hermann, it has a rich history and has the energy of a place just about to wake up. Never too hectic, there is still always something going on. Friendly, open, and unique, it’s a place where a lot of like-minded people have decided to simply be themselves.

Location: 100 Main Street, New Haven

Website: newartshaven.wordpress.com

14. Riverfront Campground and Canoe, Windyville

Riverfront is a 250-acre, family-owned campground located on the banks of the beautiful Niangua River. Clean, shaded campsites and cabins located just minutes from Bennett Spring State Park provide a peaceful and memorable camping experience. They offer campsites with electric and water or amazing cabins. Nearby, you can find canoe, raft, kayak and tube rentals.

Location: 11 River Front Trail, Windyville

Website: riverfrontcampcanoe.com

15. Stonewater Cove Resort and Spa, Table Rock Lake, Shell Knob

Stonewater Cove is a private lake and wilderness retreat nestled on the shores of Table Rock Lake. Surrounded by the Mark Twain National Forest, they feature nearly 500 acres of forested foothills. The luxury resort combines natural beauty and outdoor fun with indoor luxury.

Location: 1257 Sunset Timbers Trail, Shell Knob

Website: stonewatercove.com

What are some other great waterfront spots?  Where do you like to go?  Have you been to any of these places?  Share your experiences, favorites and photos in the comments below.