For 16 years, junior Brenden Harney has gone to the Black River Lodge in Lesterville, MO for his summer family vacation.

The Black River Lodge is located on the headwaters of the Black River, a tributary of the Mississippi River. The grounds cover 250 acres of land, with a half mile of water to float on, and 66 completely furnished cabins.

“Ever since I can remember, I have been going there every year,” Harney said. “And every year it has been amazing, and the highlight of my summer.”

With daily tournaments including volleyball, shuffleboard, basketball, horseshoes, and badminton, the action at the Black River Lodge never runs dry. This spot has fun activities for all ages, from playing in the kiddie play land, to swimming in the river, to singing in the weekly Karaoke contest.

“I grew up going to The Black River Lodge when I was young,” Jerri Harney, Brenden’s mother, said. “I think its wonderful that I can continue a summer time tradition of mine through to my children, then hopefully they will be able to pass it down to theirs, so the memories will never end.”