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3-day Summer Getaway in Missouri

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Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a state-owned, public recreation area encompassing over 3,700 acres on the Niangua arm of the Lake of the Ozarks, about five miles south of Camdenton, Missouri.

It’s short and sweet. And you definitely need it.

Add a three-day Missouri getaway to your to-do list this summer and have a great time sightseeing, enjoying excellent meals and taking a break from the stress of daily life.

There are many outstanding locations to spend a three-day weekend in the Show-Me State, so selecting a spot may be difficult. One place you can’t go wrong is the Lake of the Ozarks area.

Find a hotel, resort or rental property for your escape and then fill your days however you see fit: boating, swimming, shopping, sightseeing and dining are popular options.

Need a little guidance with your plans? Okay, here’s how it could look:

Arrival day – After checking in and checking out your digs, see the lake from above, courtesy of Paradise Parasail in Lake Ozark. You’ll reach heights up to 500 feet above the water and then choose your style of landing – just dipping your toes in the lake or getting completely soaked! After you dry off, relax with a casual meal and cold drink at H. Toad’s Bar and Grill, part of the Camden on the Lake Resort (one of those aforementioned lodging choices), before capping your day with a live show at Main Street Music Hall for a musical performance you won’t forget.

Day two – Sleep in a bit – you’re on vacation, after all – and then make your way to Adventure Boat Rentals in Osage Beach and select a boat or personal watercraft to suit your needs. Out on the water, cruise the main channel and then pull into a quiet cove for relaxing. If you get hungry, head to a lakeside grill, such as Dog Days or Captain Ron’s, for a quick lunch. In the afternoon, take a tour of Bridal Cave, one of Missouri’s beautiful underground treasures. At day’s end, enjoy fine dining with scenic views at Baxter’s Lakeside Grille.

Departure day – All good things must come to an end, but there’s more to see and do before you hit the road. Start your day by exploring Ha Ha Tonka State Park, where natural springs and rock formations are highlights along a variety of trails. Grab some barbecue, perhaps a rack of ribs, at Wobbly Boots Roadhouse on your way out of town.

These are just a few of the things you’ll find on a Lake of the Ozarks vacation. Lounging on the beach, playing golf and activities for kids – from an indoor trampoline park to go-kart courses – can be part of the fun, too.