Where We Sail
Mark Twain Lake
Our hallowed sailing ground is Mark Twain Lake (MTL), located in the northeastern corner of Missouri about 30 miles west of Hannibal, Mo. Hannibal is the boyhood home of Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain). Mark Twain was born in a small town named Florida, Mo. which is located on the shores of the Lake. Mark Twain Lake in Northern Missouri's largest lake with more than 18,000 acres of water and 285 miles of shoreline. The construction of the Clarence Cannon Dam on the Salt River in Ralls County in 1984 formed the lake. About 36,000 acres of public land surround the lake.
Most weekends, MTLSA sailors enjoy sailing, anchoring and rafting up in the many pools and coves of Mark Twain Lake from Black Jack Marina to the 107 Bridge. The MTLSA has developed a 2-page map in PDF format with the names and locations of most of our favorite spots.
Headquarters to MTLSA is Blackjack Marina located at the Ray Behrens Recreation Area just a half mile from Cannon Dam on Route J. Blackjack Marina offers 197 slips for sailing vessels and just about any other type of boat. It has marina service, regular and mix gas, boat sales/services, and a convenient pump-out station for slip owners. A store/snack bar has groceries, gear, and supplies. The canopied wharf is perfect for MTLSA meetings and weekend gatherings. Blackjack has clean restrooms and showers, and the staff there takes good care of our boats when they are at the dock.
In 2008-2009 a boat maintenance plan was developed defining the requirements and Best Management Practices covering boat maintenance activities in and about Blackjack Marina. Visit our Boat Maintenance page for details and to access the required form for approval of all out-of-water boat maintenance work including hull cleaning, painting and repairs.
- Boat Maintenance page
- Download this PDF Work Permit to be submitted to Blackjack Marina for approval of out-of-water boat maintenance
Additional information concerning Mark Twain Lake, Clarence Cannon Dam and the vicinity can be obtained from:
- M.W. Boudreaux Memorial Visitors Center - (573) 565-2112
- Army Corps of Engineers
- Mark Twain Lake Management Office
- R.R. 2, Box 20A
- Monroe City, MO 63456-9359
- Phone: (573) 735-4097
- Lake information recording: (573) 735-2619
- Lake information radio: 530 AM
- Mark Twain State Park - (573) 565-3440
- Mark Twain Birthplace - (573) 565-3449
- Blackjack Marina - (573) 565-2233
- Indian Creek Marina - (573) 735-4075
- Current Weather Conditions at Perry, MO