Van Buren, MO - As the temperatures soar and the summer nears an end, there are more and more people headed to Van Buren for a weekend getaway. It doesn't take long to understand why people absolutely fall in love with the cool waters of the Current River.

From Big Springs State Park to the infamous Jolly Cone, all ages find a great time in Van Buren. But at the end of the day, the river floating and camping are the number one attractions to the area.

A large group of area residents from Dexter, Dudley and Essex have begun to find their way to "The Current" on a more regular basis. You will find these groups located on all parts of the river and enjoying the river in their own ways.

Some have vacation homes, some stay in campers and some simply make a day trip to "The Current". However the plan is laid out, a trip to "The Current" always equals fun.

However, life on the river has changed to some degree. A major upgrade to the styles, sizes, and colors of floating tubes can be found parading down the river. Typical canoes and regular tubes are still popular, but you will also find large river rafts, kayaks, and river jet boats. There are even occasional jet skis that are running different parts of the river.

Of course, there are literally thousands upon thousands river floaters loading into group transports to move upriver to find their way down the river. Many floaters take their floating cooler loaded down with provisions for the group, and others even adapt their Dewalt radios to play music as they lazily move down the river.

A quick lunch of hot dogs and cold cuts set up on a gravel bar is always a must. There is simply nothing that taste better than a meal on the riverbank.

One of the best areas is found with the tent canopies that line the gravel bars. You will normally find these to be larger groups of friends that meet at these specific locations each weekend. These groups normally hold tight to these areas and visit with all the passing floaters.

If you haven't been to the river lately, there is still time. It's a beautiful attraction that is approximately a one-hour drive from Dexter with the Hwy 60 improvements. It's worth the the trip and don't worry, the kids can sleep on the way home.