Tons of Fun at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Lake Ozark offers visitors a myriad of activities for outdoor enjoyment.
Located in the central portion of the state, just a 3-hour drive from downtown St. Louis, the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri has become the Midwest's premiere lake destination.
This huge, picturesque lake wasn't always here. It was created just 75 years ago with the construction of the Bagnell Dam, dubbed the Great Osage River Project.
What resulted was years of work for Americans during the Depression and, at that time, the largest man-made lake in the country.
The area around Lake Ozark was once the home of the Osage Indians. Since the 1970s, however, it has become a Mennonite community, with members of that faith moving to the area from Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Kansas.
What to Do
This area is home to two state parks. The first, Lake of the Ozarks State Park, is the largest in the state and can keep visitors busy for days on end. With two public beaches and plenty of room for boating, watersports rule here at the park.
You'll also find hiking trails and a horseback riding stable in the park. Mountain bikers will enjoy 16 miles of singletrack and casual bikers can ride around town or along the shores of Lake Ozark.
For something a bit different, grab a lantern and explore the State Park's caverns with the help of an experienced guide, who'll point out some fascinating sites along the way.
Another 300 or so mapped and registered caves are located outside the park in the surrounding counties, so avid spelunkers will be kept busy exploring.
Lake of the Ozarks has become quite a popular Midwest golfing destination, with more than a dozen courses designed by the top names in golf. While golfing is popular all year long, fall offers lower rates and ideal golf weather.
Of course, where there's a big lake there must be lots of fish! Anglers at Lake of the Ozarks are never disappointed on their hunt for largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, hybrid striped bass, catfish and walleye.
Attractions
If you want to get away from the Lake for a bit, there are many additional activities and attractions that families will find enticing.
Choose from waterparks and family fun parks, mini golf, go kart tracks, paint ball, and much more.
Cultural and educational experiences include a trip to both the Miller and Morgan County regional museums, the Orion Science Center, and the Ozark Opry or Main Street Music Hall.
Lodging
Regardless of your budget, you'll find the perfect accommodations for you and your family among the nearly 8,000 rooms available in and around Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.
Ranging from spas and luxury resorts to well-known chain hotels and privately-owned cabins and lodges, the accommodations here often provide not only a comfortable place to stay, but a breathtaking view as well.
Dining
Family-friendly dining is abundant here but for those with more discriminating tastes, gourmet restaurants and international cuisine are available as well. Prices range from very affordable to quite costly.
Getting There
While St. Louis hosts the closest international airport to Lake Ozark, there are several regional airports in the area including Camdenton, Eldon, Osage Beach, Versailles, and Lee C. Fine airports.
The drive to Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri from St. Louis isn't difficult and the scenery is very attractive, especially during fall foliage months.
Posted by Pat on Friday, October 28, 2005