Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, offers fun for everyone in a first-rate vacation destination. Spend your days hiking through oak-filled forests with bluff-top views, rev your engines around a wild and crazy go-kart course or dive into the water for a splashing good time. For food and wine lovers, there are plenty of lakeside restaurants and local wineries for a romantic atmosphere. Keep reading for 20 fun things to do at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, offers fun for everyone in a first-rate vacation destination. Spend your days hiking through oak-filled forests with bluff-top views, rev your engines around a wild and crazy go-kart course or dive into the water for a splashing good time. For food and wine lovers, there are plenty of lakeside restaurants and local wineries for a romantic atmosphere. Keep reading for 20 fun things to do at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Lake of the Ozarks is home to some of the best Missouri lake fishing. Anglers visit all year round for the Lake’s wide variety of fish like crappie, bluegill, catfish and—of course—bass. You’ll have no trouble finding boat ramps, dock fishing, bait shops and even full-service marinas around the Lake area. For access to the hottest fishing spots, hire a local fishing guide, and get tackle and bait included.
Lake of the Ozarks is home to some of the best Missouri lake fishing. Anglers visit all year round for the Lake’s wide variety of fish like crappie, bluegill, catfish and—of course—bass. You’ll have no trouble finding boat ramps, dock fishing, bait shops and even full-service marinas around the Lake area. For access to the hottest fishing spots, hire a local fishing guide, and get tackle and bait included.
Kick things up a notch on the water with an excursion yacht trip. Sit back, relax and cruise the Lake in style, while outfitters like Tropic Island Cruises and Celebration Cruises take care of everything. Scenic group tours give you a front-row view to some of the area’s premium lake homes. Then when the lights go down, take a private charter from the dock to your favorite restaurant for a night out on the town.
Whether you’re building sandcastles or relaxing after a swim, the Lake of the Ozarks’ sandy beaches are a great place to soak up some rays. Two easy-access public beaches—located at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park—provide restrooms and changing facilities and have children’s playground equipment and shady picnic areas, perfect for taking a break before diving back into the refreshing waters.
One of the best ways to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Lake of the Ozarks is taking a walk through the woods. With more than 32 miles of trails that range from paved walkways to rocky terrain, you’ll find some of the best Missouri hiking for every age and ability. The Rocky Top Trail at Lake of the Ozarks State Park delivers a spectacular panoramic view of the Lake. Or, visit Ha Ha Tonka State Park and explore the castle ruins, which date back to the early 20th century.
Let’s be honest, the main reason people head to the Lake is to get onto the water. Get your high-octane thrills by carving waves on a personal watercraft or wakeboard. Keep it chill with a paddleboard excursion in one of the calm coves around the Lake. Or, fly high on a parasailing adventure where you can feel the wind in your hair and see it all from a bird’s-eye view.
Let’s be honest, the main reason people head to the Lake is to get onto the water. Get your high-octane thrills by carving waves on a personal watercraft or wakeboard. Keep it chill with a paddleboard excursion in one of the calm coves around the Lake. Or, fly high on a parasailing adventure where you can feel the wind in your hair and see it all from a bird’s-eye view.
Lakeside views, live music and swim-up pool bars reign supreme near the shores of the Lake of the Ozarks. Sip on signature frozen cocktails without ever leaving the pool at places like H. Toad’s Bar & Grill, Coconuts Caribbean Beach Bar & Grill, Backwater Jack’s and Dog Days Bar & Grill. If you have kids in tow, these places have you covered—there are family friendly pools, as well.
Whether you’re celebrating a girls’ trip or are looking for some family fun, a Missouri resort near the Lake of the Ozarks is the way to go. For a more casual feel, there’s Breezy Point Resort with cabins just steps from the Lake and minutes from local shopping and dining. Point Randall Resort is a boaters’ paradise with 1,000 feet of shoreline and onsite boat rentals. If you’re looking for something more upscale, the Tan-Tar-A Resort has 420 scenic acres that include two championship golf courses, a spa and plenty of lakeside adventure. Another picturesque lakefront resort is The Lodge of Four Seasons, boasting 54 holes of premier golf, the chic 15,000-square-foot Spa Shiki, multiple restaurants, a full-service marina and a sand beach.
Whether you’re celebrating a girls’ trip or are looking for some family fun, a Missouri resort near the Lake of the Ozarks is the way to go. For a more casual feel, there’s Breezy Point Resort with cabins just steps from the Lake and minutes from local shopping and dining. Point Randall Resort is a boaters’ paradise with 1,000 feet of shoreline and onsite boat rentals. If you’re looking for something more upscale, the Tan-Tar-A Resort has 420 scenic acres that include two championship golf courses, a spa and plenty of lakeside adventure.
Looking for a lake vacation filled with quality family fun? Cabin rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks are always a good idea. Enjoy activities like fishing, swimming and campfires with s’mores for some family bonding surrounded by the rustic beauty of the Lake. There are a variety of cabins to choose from at resorts like Ozark Village Resort, Holiday Shores Resort, Breezy Point Resort, Lakeview Resort, Alhonna Resort or Hawks Landing Resort.
Head below the surface into the spectacular caves near the Lake of the Ozarks. Geared toward adventurers of all ages, the Missouri cave systems are exciting to explore during any season, thanks to consistent temperatures year-round. Bridal Cave features massive rock drapery formations, Stark Caverns has a large underground lake and Ozark Caverns is famous for its Angel Shower cave phenomenon, where a constant shower of water streams from the cave ceiling.
Vacations are for relaxing. So, treat yourself to a spa day. Indulge in a vitamin C facial and full-body massage at Spa Shiki at The Lodge of Four Seasons. Or, head over to Spa 54 at Camden on the Lake Resort, and splurge for a lake-view mani-pedi.
Surrounded by natural rock bluffs, lush green forests and the glistening waters of the Lake of the Ozarks, your day on the links becomes an unforgettable stroll through nature. And, it doesn’t hurt that these golf courses were designed by famous names like Arnold Palmer (Osage National Golf Course), Tom Weiskopf (Old Kinderhook) and Bruce Devlin and Robert von Hagge (The Oaks). To top it off, The Ridge at The Lodge of Four Seasons is recognized as one of the top five golf courses in Missouri. It’s tee time.
Kids of all ages can get their motors running at Gran Rally Go-Karts. It’s the only track at the Lake of the Ozarks that is open seven days a week. So, all you speed demons, hop in and enjoy the ride.
Flume rides, crazy slides and lazy rivers—it’s wet and wild fun at the water parks around the Lake. The Zambezi Falls at Big Surf is a heart-pounding four-story drop down the Lake’s largest half-pipe. Or, head over to Timber Falls for a wilderness tree house with slides, bridges and a 700-gallon tipping bucket.
Flume rides, crazy slides and lazy rivers—it’s wet and wild fun at the water parks around the Lake. The Zambezi Falls at Big Surf is a heart-pounding four-story drop down the Lake’s largest half-pipe. Or, head over to Timber Falls for a wilderness tree house with slides, bridges and a 700-gallon tipping bucket.
The Lake of the Ozarks boasts some top-notch wineries with gorgeous views that will enhance the tasting experience. Try a Dry Vignoles at Seven Springs Winery. Enjoy a 100-percent Missouri Catawba Bluff Blush at Shawnee Bluff Winery. Wine along with craft beer and a meat and cheese tray is offered at Buffalo Creek Winery. Unwind at Golden Rock Winery with their Chimney Rock Chardonnay. Or, head over to Sugarloaf Vineyard, and rent a kayak after your tasting.
Water views and sunsets make the perfect backdrop for an evening meal. Baxter’s Lakeside Grille offers authentic Americana fare like grilled steak, baby back ribs and fresh catch-of-the-day seafood. For something a little more casual, try the Ozark Burger from Dog Days topped with bourbon barbecue sauce, or head to Shady Gators Bar & Grill for a delicious Cajun crawfish étouffée.
Water views and sunsets make the perfect backdrop for an evening meal. Baxter’s Lakeside Grille offers authentic Americana fare like grilled steak, baby back ribs and fresh catch-of-the-day seafood. For something a little more casual, try the Ozark Burger from Dog Days topped with bourbon barbecue sauce, or head to Shady Gators Bar & Grill for a delicious Cajun crawfish étouffée.
Head back to dry land for a bit of retail therapy at the Lake’s sprawling shopping centers. All the hottest brands like Anne Taylor, Adidas, Banana Republic and so much more are for sale at the Osage Beach Outlet Marketplace. Or, get decked out from head to toe at Blair’s Landing, where you’ll find top designers like Brighton, Spanner and Jubal.
More than 17,000 acres of forest are waiting to be explored just south of Osage Beach at Lake of the Ozarks State Park. The largest and most visited in the state, this state park has a little bit of everything—hiking trails, horseback riding, picnic areas, two public beaches and boat launches. And, if it gets too warm, just head below ground to the Ozark Caverns, where you can explore the underground beauty by handheld lantern light. Or, head over to Ha Ha Tonka State Park—named as one of the four most popular state parks in the nation by 10Best—to discover its natural springs, stunning landscapes and hauntingly beautiful castle ruins.
Shimmering waters and romantic sunsets set the mood for hundreds of couples every year as they tie the knot at the Lake of the Ozarks. Wedding packages are available from vendors like Waterfront Weddings, Lake Breeze Terrace, The Lodge of Four Seasons and Tan-Tar-A Resort.
While fun and relaxation is a big part of life on the Lake, the area is also home to many people and organizations that love to give back to the community. Every August, the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout—the largest unsanctioned boat race in the country—raises money to support eight local rescue teams along with many other charities. And, the self-proclaimed “jesters of goodwill” at the Lake of the Ozarks Idiots Club carry out fundraisers throughout the year to help area youth who are in need.
While fun and relaxation is a big part of life on the Lake, the area is also home to many people and organizations that love to give back to the community. Every August, the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout—the largest unsanctioned boat race in the country—raises money to support eight local rescue teams along with many other charities. And, the self-proclaimed “jesters of goodwill” at the Lake of the Ozarks Idiots Club carry out fundraisers throughout the year to help area youth who are in need.
Annual events draw big crowds of fans to the Lake year after year. The boating event Aquapalooza is a great day on the water for families, featuring live music and games. Another family-friendly event is the Canine Cannonball, a dog jumping contest of furry feats. Any fisherman worth his salt wants to be a part of the Big Bass Bash fishing tournament. The nationally known Lake of the Ozarks Shootout is the largest unsanctioned boat race in the US and draws more than 100,000 spectators annually. If you’re around the Lake on Fourth of July, you’ll definitely want to check out the display from the water on a fireworks cruise organized by Celebration Cruises, Tropic Island Cruises or Jolly Charters. And, the party rolls on with the summer concert series at the open-air Ozarks Amphitheater.
