Driving DirectionsFrom Columbia, take Highway 63 north 9 miles, then Highway 124 west 3 miles, then Oak Grove School Road north 1.80 miles. HighlightsFacilities/features: boat ramp, fishable lake (12 acres), and intermittent stream (Lick Creek). About This AreaThe Lick Creek Conservation Area, named for Lick Creek that runs through the area's west end, is made up of approximately 317 acres.The area was farmed in the early part of the century until severe erosion and poor economic conditions forced farmers to abandon the area for crops. For about 30+ years from the 1930's to the late 1960's, the area was used for pasture for livestock. In 1968, Monte Gurwit purchased the area for recreational purposes. Later in 1972, the current 12-acre lake was built. Missouri Department of Conservation did not purchase the area until 1992.At one time, the area was bisected by an old county road and had a house on it just south of the lake near the parking lot. The natural resources include upland hardwoods, bottomland hardwoods, a 12-acre lake, Lick Creek, a four-acre pine plantation, and advanced old field succession.