With thousands of acres of water for boating, swimming and fishing; hundreds of shops and restaurants; waterfront resorts; championship golf courses; and live entertainment, the Lake of the Ozarks is one of the top recreational lakes in the country. Located in central Missouri, the massive reservoir was created in 1931 by the construction of Bagnell Dam on the Osage River. The 55,000-acre lake has 1,150 miles of shoreline – more than the coastline of California. Towns surrounding the lake include Lake Ozark, Osage Beach, Camdenton, Sunrise Beach, Laurie and Gravois Mills.
Places to Stay
The Lake of the Ozarks has a wide array of places to stay, from campgrounds to condos. Reserve a cabin away from the hustle and bustle or find a full-service resort with restaurants, a golf course and spa.
Resorts
- Margaritaville Lake Resort – Midwest hospitality meets Jimmy Buffet’s laid-back vibe at this resort on the lake. Rent a boat or jet ski from the full-service marina, reserve a tee time for the championship golf course, savor delicious food and delectable drinks at eight restaurants and bars, pamper yourself at the spa and salon and more.
- The Lodge of Four Seasons – This iconic waterfront resort has been welcoming guests to the Lake of the Ozarks for decades. Enjoy a championship golf course, movie theatre, several fine-dining and bar options, a Japanese-themed spa, and indoor and outdoor heated pools.
Other Lodging Options
- Bed and Breakfasts – Book a bed and breakfast and enjoy a comfortable bed and hot breakfast in a cozy atmosphere.
- Cabins – Combine a rustic feel and modern amenities with nature right outside your front door.
- Condo and Home Rentals – With a range of sizes to fit your family, renting a residence provides privacy and a home away from home.
- Hotels/Motels – Choose from a wide array of hotels and motels that fit any budget.
- RV and Camping – Camping options at the lake include primitive campgrounds and RV parks with full hookups.
Things to Do
Water Sports and Activities
Lake of the Ozarks is synonymous with water sports and activities.
Renting a boat is the perfect way to spend a day on the glistening water. Hop on a wakeboard or jet ski for a fast-paced thrill or soak in the rays at a more leisurely pace in a kayak or canoe. For fishing enthusiasts, the lake is filled with bass, crappie, catfish and more. To make your expedition easy to tackle, head to a local bait shop.
If you want to get on the water but prefer to stay dry, take a cruise with Celebration Cruises. Choose from the narrated or evening sunset voyage. In addition, the company also has a Lake Hopper Water Shuttle cruise – a highly sought-after excursion – where guests can boat from bar to bar.
For more water-infused fun, head to Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park at Margaritaville Lake Resort. Featuring a three-story tree house (with gadgets, bridges and a giant tipping bucket), water slides, and a lazy river, the park offers endless excitement. If you’re not a guest at the resort, don’t worry! You don’t have to stay at the resort to get in on the fun.
Lake of the Ozarks State Park
Absorb the stunning beauty and tranquility of nature at Lake of the Ozarks State Park, the largest state park in Missouri. While on shore, navigate the winding trails through open woodlands to the stunning blufftop views of the lake. With a marina, two swimming beaches and paved boat ramps, water activities are abundant. Rent a boat and spend the day fishing or skiing, relax on the beach or take a kayak out to explore the shoreline. Experience the park’s subterranean world on a tour of Ozark Caverns. The cave’s fascinating features include Angel Showers, an unusual phenomenon where water appears to flow out of the solid rock ceiling.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Geological wonders and the remains of a huge, circa 1905 European-style stone castle add an air of mystery to Ha Ha Tonka State Park. The views of the Lake of the Ozarks from atop the park’s towering bluffs are majestic. More than 15 miles of hiking trails take you past caves, a spring, sinkholes, a natural bridge and down to the lake. The park also offers fishing, kayak rentals and picnic shelters.
Bridal Cave
Tour guides take you underground where Bridal Cave stays 60 degrees year-round. See fascinating rock formations including a stalactite adorned “chapel” where thousands of weddings have taken place. Above ground, there’s a rock shop, observation decks, observation tower, a lakeside picnic area and a boat dock.
Bagnell Dam Historical Museum
This historic log building was completed in 1930 by the Union Electric Company (now Ameren Missouri) and served as an administrative and entertainment center for the Bagnell Dam construction project that created Lake of the Ozarks. The building is now refurbished and serves the Lake area and its visitors as a museum, cultural activities center and offices of the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.
Shopping
Shopping is popular activity at the lake. From small boutiques to outlet malls, the lake offers a wide range of retail options.
- The Landing on Main Street – With more than 20 unique shops, you’ll find gifts and delectable Ozark candies. It’s a great place to buy souvenirs.
- Osage Beach Outlet Marketplace – Peruse the impressive offerings at this outdoor shopping center that’s home to dozens of top-brand stores.
Hit the Bagnell Dam Strip
The Bagnell Dam Strip is packed with activities and shopping for the entire family.
- Dogpatch Arcade – Rack up tickets and earn prizes at this popular arcade. More than 200 games and challenges provide hours of entertainment.
- Hillbilly Statue – Capture a picture with the 25-foot-tall statue. Donning patched overalls, the statue has a face that resembles Mad Magazine’s Alfred E. Neuman.
- Lake Ozark Helicopters – Book a helicopter tour for a bird’s eye view of the lake and surrounding hillsides.
- Gran Rally Go Carts – Challenge family and friends for some wheel-to-wheel action.
- The Malted Monkey – Ascend the three-level ropes course, including a small-scale zipline, that rises 60 feet into the air. Treat your sweet tooth with a post-climb visit to the milkshake bar.
- Old Time Photos – Choose from 100 costumes, props and two floors of backdrops for an unforgettable photo session.
- Paradise Parasail – See the lake from 500 feet above the surface. Once you take in the view opt for your choice of “dip” – enough to get your toes wet or a thrilling free-fall dunk in the water.
Golfing
With 13 golf courses, the lake area is a picturesque choice for your next golfing adventure. The Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail challenges golfers at every skill level. Constructed by notable designers including Arnold Palmer, Tom Weiskopf, Ken Kavanaugh and Robert Trent Jones Sr., the courses feature multiple elevation changes, water features, rock outcrops and more. While golfing at the lake, expect nothing less than first-class facilities, amenities and services, plus above-par views of the Ozark Mountains.
Check out this itinerary for information on where to play, stay and dine so you can focus on preparing for tee time.
Places to Eat
The lake area has dozens of places to dine, from pub fare to gourmet cuisine.
- Tucker’s Shuckers – Try the oysters – raw, grilled, baked or fried. The menu has a variety of entrees including gluten-free and vegetarian dishes.
- Redhead Lakeside Grill – Voted “Best Waterfront Dining” at the Lake of the Ozarks, this restaurant offers impressive views. Choose from indoor or outdoor seating, or bring your bathing suit and lounge at the poolside bar. Satisfy your appetite with jerk chicken, tacos, a steak sandwich, or mac and cheese.
- Yankee Peddlers Tea Room – Take a break from shopping at The Landing on Main Street at this quaint eatery. Order from the salad, sandwich and soup menu, and then top off your meal with one of their exquisite pastries.
