JULY 6, 2022
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 6, 2022 — ExplorUS, formally Ortega National Parks, a hospitality management company operating in parks across the country, will manage lodging and limited retail operations in Lake Wappapello State Park for Missouri State Parks beginning this year.
Covering more than 1,800 acres in southeastern Missouri, Lake Wappapello State Park features cool, clear waters where anglers can cast their lines for white bass, crappie, and bluegill, as well as largemouth bass and catfish. The park welcomes more than 125,000 anglers, campers, swimmers, and hiking enthusiasts each year. The park also contains modern cabins with kitchens, rustic camper cabins, and more than 20 miles of hiking trails.
“We are so pleased to be adding Lake Wappapello to our list of Missouri properties,” said Frank Pikus, chief executive officer of ExplorUS. “This lovely park has great outdoor opportunities and the two- and three-bedroom cabins bring nature right to our guests’ door. We have hired a wonderful staff to oversee the cabin rentals and anticipate having a very successful season.”
“We look forward to our partnership with ExplorUS at Lake Wappapello State Park,” said David Kelly, director of Missouri State Parks. “ExplorUS offers a variety of amenities and will help visitors have a state park experience filled with wonderful memories.”
ExplorUS is dedicated to preserving and protecting the unique environments and precious resources of the sites where it operates, allowing guests and future generations to experience the beauty, serenity, and splendor of local, state, and national parks. It provides concession services at 50 locations nationwide including three other Missouri State Parks; Lake of the Ozarks, Montauk, and Sam A. Baker. You can find out more about ExplorUs at www.goexplorus.com
Cabins are available for rent from April 1 through Oct. 31, 2022. More information can be found at https://lakewappapellomo.com/ or by calling 888-543-2490.
Lake Wappapello State Park is located at 8005 State Highway 172 in Williamsville, Missouri. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Contact:
Loretta Bittle, 573-526-0978
[email protected]