Lake of the Ozarks region, lake and recreation area is located in the Central Missouri region of Missouri. It is a very popular tourist area in the northern part of the Ozarks.
The Lake of the Ozarks is a 92 mile long lake, created by the Bagnell Dam stopping the flow of the Osage River. The lake is a precious resource, please respect it by throwing away trash and cigarettes into their proper receptacles.
- Go golfing. There are more than 13 golf courses around the lake.
- * The Lodge of Four Seasons Is a championship course and one of the most challenging in the Midwest.
- * Osage National Golf Club This is an Arnold Palmer layout and has imposing bluffs, creeks, lakes and large bentgrass greens.
- * Shawnee Bend Gold Course Is on the westside of the lake in Warsaw an is a 9-hole course.
- Go Fishing. There are more than 1300 miles of shoreline on the Lake of the Ozarks. That's a lot of Crappie.
- Take a scenic tour on the water. Celebration Cruises http://www.celebrationlakeozark.com/
- Party Cove If you're the drinking and partying type, make your way to the Party Cove. (You will need a boat – and be sure to have a sober designated driver along.)
- Rent a boat or a wave runner.
- Seven Springs Winery, 846 Winery Hills Estates, +1 573 317-0100. 11AM-10PM daily. Atop 160 acres of rolling foothills between Camdenton and Osage Beach, the winery is less than ten minutes from either location. Covered porch and patio for wine sampling and admiring the beautiful views. The winery serves Missouri wines, sangria's, and a few micro-brews and offers wine tastings and a light menu consisting of soups, sandwiches, cheese trays, and bread with various dipping oils. Shuttle bus from lake area locations, with a maximum of 14 guests for $10/person, with a minimum of $60. Please call for a price quote for distances farther than 20 miles from the Winery. Advance arrangements necessary.
- The Strip at Bagnell Dam- Where it all started. Many elements remind you of what it once was long ago. Many great shops, all locally owned and operated. A must see. Candy shops, old time photos, arcades, a candle factory and great, unique souvenir shops, not to mention bars and restaurants. Be sure to visit "Beavers", the newest addition, right at the old Casino Pier at the Dam! See: http://beaversatthedam.com/ and for general "Strip" info: http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks/lake-of-the-ozarks-shopping/bagnell-dam-shopping/bagnell-dam-shopping.html
- H. Toad's at Camden on the Lake. Entertainment complex with pool, swim-up bar, outdoor stage, mall, hotel, indoor restaurant & bar. Regular concerts and good nightlife.
- Topsider, Poop Deck, Tiki Bar. Large complex with multi-level decks, outdoor seating, pool,tiki-bar and night club. Great for relaxing by the lake with food/drink during the day. the night club is for those who enjoy loud music and dance!
- Pier 31 Yacht Club & Marina. Full service marina with outdoor seating & Key West style bar/restaurant. Has a motel and gift shop, as well.
There are over 40 waterfront restaurants along the Lake of the Ozarks.
- The Jerk Shack- Waterfront restaurant/bar serving Jamaican themed food and drink, as well as domestic offerings. Fun atmosphere & great service. 28364 Kettle Road, Gravois Mills MO 65037 573-372-9999 or 314-808-6430- NO website
- JB Hooks. Excellent lake view with indoor and outdoor seating. Piano bar. Great steaks and seafood.
- Larry's on the Lake. RIGHT on the water, literally floating. Great pizza & a variety of other things. Tiki Bar.
- Shorty Pants Lounge & Marina. Creole/Cajun food and great drinks. Waterfront location.
- Sunrise Cantina. Great Mexican food and atmosphere. Great Margaritas, too. Water view.
- Ruthie D's. Upscale, yet laid-back dining with good prices.
- Dog Days. Great location, right on the water at the Grand Glaize Bridge. Great food and they make a great drinks, to boot. Large Tiki Bar outside.
- Docknockers. Fun bar. Not too big, not too small, but just right. Fun, waterfront atmosphere. Be sure to try the crab legs, too.
- Backwater Jacks. "Floribbean" themed waterfront bar/restaurant. Known for their Rumrunners.
- Paradise Tropical Restaurant & Bar. Just how it sounds with a great waterfront view on the main channel. Has live reggae music all summer with a real band from the Caribbean.
- Shady Gators Bar and Grill. Great food and drink right on the water. Next door is "Lazy Gators", which has an infiniti pool and rentable cabanas.
- Coconuts Caribbean Beach Bar & Grill- You have to see it to believe it. http://www.coconutsatthelake.com/
- Bulldog's Beach House. Excellent drink specials and the food is great, too!
Lake of the Ozarks is the third most accident-prone body of water in the United States, after the Atlantic Ocean and the Colorado River. This is mainly because of alcohol-related boating accidents in and around Party Cove. If you wish to boat in Party Cove, make sure you have a designated driver for your boat. There have been reports of higher than acceptable levels of E coli in the water of Lake of the Ozarks due to waste being dumped in the water. Carrying insect repellent during the summer months is a wise idea. Mosquito and other chiggers in the grass and brush can turn a fun trip into an unpleasant one. Also don't forget to use sunscreen when on the water. There isn't much shade out there and during the summer you can get a bad sunburn very quickly.
- Lake of the Ozarks State Park, the largest park in the state. See some beauty and caves.
- Cross the Swinging Bridge over Grand Glaize Creek near Brumley, MO
- Osage Beach Premium Outlets go shopping at the outlet mall in Osage Beach.
- Play the arcades and shop the Lake Ozark strip.
- See the castle at Ha Ha Tonka State Park