Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Lake of the Ozarks

  • Published 2021/08/10

The best part of being in Lake of the Ozarks is that the place has something for every kind of traveler, ranging from the peaceful meditators to those high-energy party animals.

Be it holidays, family reunions, bachelorette parties, or adventure, whatever is your idea of a trip, you will definitely find something at Lake of the Ozarks that fits your requirement perfectly.

Here are 20 things that’ll help your spend a memorable time at Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks.

The relaxing parks (Ha Ha Tonka State Park and Lake of the Ozark State Park)

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

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Family and parks are made for each other.

If you are not sure of this, you’ll be when you visit the Ozark state parks.

Ha Ha Tonka massive 3700 acres of a park located on the Niangua side of Lake of the Ozarks.

When you’re there, make sure to take a walk with your family at the ruins of the early 20th century Ha Ha Tonka.

The ruins of the mansion are impossible to miss as it is the primary attraction of the park.

The Ozark state park on the other hand is the largest in the state located on the Glaize arm.

This well-maintained park has numerous activities like camping, swimming, boating, hiking, and what not!

No wonder it’s visited by millions of people every year.

Take a cave tour (The Bridal Cave)

Once you visit the Bridal Cave, you’ll be making excuses to visit Lake of the Ozarks, probably just to visit the cave again.

As the name suggests, the Bridal Cave is still open for couples who wish to exchange their vows here.

The cave tour is guided and as you move from one room to another, you’ll get to hear fascinating legends about the cave.

If you wish to take the whole experience a notch higher, go for the lantern cave tour.

Experience the adventure of exploring the pitch dark cave with your lantern, and when you’re done, you get to keep the led lantern as a souvenir.

The fun is not limited to the ground! – Air tours

Bagnell Dam Strip

Kaleb Tallmage / Shutterstock.com

Watching the landscape of Lake of the Ozarks from up in the air can be a breathtaking experience.

While you enjoy the panoramic view of a sun-kissed landscape below, make sure to check out the historic Bagnell Dam Strip.

The beautiful lake of the Ozarks, glamorous homes and everything else make Lake of the Ozarks so special.

From up above site seeing becomes a whole new level of experience.

If you want an even better experience, book your air tour at the sunset.

Hope you can handle the view!

Cruise your troubles away!

Now that you have seen options on land and air, it’s time to check out what’s in there for you in the water.

The perfect way to end an eventful day at Lake of the Ozarks would be to book a dinner cruise.

If you didn’t get a sunset slot for your air tour, try one on a yacht.

Post sundown you can enjoy the fireworks and move on to a fun family dinner or a romantic candlelight one.

The history lessons though will keep following you almost everywhere in bits and pieces throughout your journey in the Lake of the Ozarks, and it’s pretty interesting too!

A lot more fun for the kids

For kids, the fun might feel incomplete without an amusement park.

It’s celebrations every day at Lake of the Ozarks.

There are no dull moments.

The excitement level of your kids could be maxed out throughout your duration at Lake of the Ozarks, so you might want to watch out for that.

Amusement parks offer rides that will take your 100s of feet above where you can enjoy the stunning view of Lake of the Ozarks.

Let your kids choose from a wide range of outdoor and indoor water parks.

If you’re not a fan of rides, Take a quick tour shopping and exploring new cuisines at various restaurants.

Explore the wine trail

Regardless of what season it is, a glass of fine wine paired with gourmet food and a scenic view is an all-time hit.

There is no time of year when can not enjoy this.

If this sounds like a good idea to you, do not forget to take a tour of the Lake of the Ozarks wine trail.

You might end up spending your whole weekend at some wineries there.

The popularity of the craft wineries at Lake of the Ozarks has been on a roll for the past few years.

Go-Karting

Go-karting never gets old.

No matter how old you become.

The environment at Lake of the Ozarks will keep reminding you that you’re there on a vacation.

Leave all your troubles aside and challenge your family for a go-karting competition.

Show off your go-kart skills.

If you’re not confident at all with your driving skills, try the bumper cars – nothing can go wrong in there.

Live Music and entertainment

When you’re in the Lake of the Ozarks on a vacation, you do not want to miss the live music and entertainment.

These performances will make you feel like you’re in a wonderland.

Sit back and enjoy the spectacular performances or start dancing to the tunes with your loved ones.

However you like it, the entertainment never sleeps at Lake of the Ozarks.

If you’re more of a party person, hit the bar for a live DJ and dance like you’re on a vacation.

Golf

Women in Golf field at Lake of the Ozarks

RozenskiP / Shutterstock.com

From beginners to professional golfers, everyone’s skill will be tested at the various golf courses available at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Those golf courses around the lake look nothing short of a paradise.

Even if you’re a total novice in golf, you’ll thoroughly enjoy the feel of being in one of these golf courses.

You even sign up to learn a few moves from the very friendly and chilled-out instructors.

Parasailing

If you haven’t done parasailing yet, you’re missing out a lot in life!

Parasailing at Lake of the Ozarks will take you to 300 ft high above the scenic lake.

The view you get from up there is something you’ll never forget in your life.

This is a completely family-safe sport, with all the safety precautions.

The parasails even can extend up to 500 ft of towline, which will make you feel as if you’re flying over paradise.

Parasailing is a must-do at Lake of the Ozarks, just for the view, you get to see from up there.

With that view, you can figure out why it’s also known as ‘The Magic Dragon Lake of the Ozarks’.

Watersport lessons

At Lake of the Ozarks, you can enroll yourselves and your family to learn an array of cool new skills.

You can choose from a variety of water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding, wake-boarding, flyboarding, rowing, etc.

Again, another family-safe activity perfectly suitable for kids and adults alike.

Isn’t it a pleasure to watch your kids happily learn a new skill while they are thoroughly enjoying it?

And for you too, water sports are a great way to overcome stress and polish your balancing skills.

Most of all the whole learning experience will make you feel refreshed and good about yourself.

Fishing

Boats docked at Lake of the Ozarks

Water Street / Shutterstock.com

Fishing is hands down one of the best leisure activities in the world.

A real classic that never gets old.

If you like fishing or would like to learn the art of fishing, do not think twice, just pack your bags and drive to Lake of the Ozark.

You’ll feel an instant connection with the lake.

Be warned, that you might end up spending your whole vacation happily fishing and not bother about any other source of entertainment around.

There are super cool instructors at Lake of the Ozark who’ll teach you fishing as well.

Family Entertainment

Try boarding a pirate ship for a whole family adventure sail.

You can play characters in the story with your kids and solve the mysteries and puzzles that will get you through your journey.

This is a proven exercise to strengthen family bonding, problem-solving in kids, and sheer entertainment for the parents.

So, if you’re visiting Lake of the Ozarks with your kids and grandparents, ‘Family Entertainment’ is must-try!

Shopping

Shopping is a proven stress-relief therapy.

Not everyone is a fan of water sports and amusement parks.

Some of us find peace when we shop.

At Lake of the Ozarks, you won’t be disappointed.

Once you start your shopping spree there, you might find it extremely difficult to pull yourself out of it.

Head over to the historic Bagnell Dam Strip and you’re all set for your shopping adventure.

It’s a favorite shopping destination for the locals and visitors alike.

The place holds a huge variety of items for your to shop, which includes, art and crafts, souvenirs, clothing, restaurants, arcades, and much more.

There are hundreds of shops around the lake waiting for you to unleash the shopaholic in you and help you find what you’re looking for.

The serene side

If you’re going to Lake of the Ozarks to relax and chill, you’ll not be disappointed.

One part of the lake of the Ozark is filled with a lot of fun activities, entertainment, loud music, etc.

There is another side that’s serene, calming, and relaxing.

Here’s where you need to be if you want to spend some time to yourself without anything bothering you.

You can start your day with meditation and end with a relaxing spa.

You can stay glued to your book for hours and no one will bother you.

Lake of the Ozarks has something for every type of person.

Escape Games

Another super fun thing to do at Lake of the Ozarks is the Escape Games.

These games are ideal for every age group.

It’s best played in groups, most of them can only be played in groups.

The idea is quite simple.

Your group will have to figure their way out by solving puzzles and finding clues in 60 minutes.

Your experience of this game can be totally different in the lake of the Ozarks because of the festive atmosphere and the vacation vibe all around.

Lake Escape, the first-ever escape game in Lake of the Ozarks is located at the Bagnell Dam Strip.

A must-do thing if you’re visiting Lake of the Ozarks in a group.

The Church at Osage Hills

In a place where nature is at its best, it’s nearly impossible to not visit a church.

The Church at Osage Hills is one such place you can feel the presence of God.

While many find pleasure in entertainment and meditation, there are people, who find nirvana in God and places of worship.

If you want to establish that special connection to God, the Church at Osage Hills is where you should go.

You can also keep yourself occupied by indulging in various activities organized by the church.

Things to do at Lake of the Ozarks don’t end here.

The massive lake, serene parks, entertainment, fun games and activities, everything together makes the Lake of the Ozarks a perfect place to spend your vacation.

Once you’re there, the Magic Dragon Lake will wash off all your troubles away and transform you into a happy human being.

If there’s one place that suits every kind of company, Lake of the Ozarks is the place to be.

It could be a trip with your colleagues, a family vacation, or even a long-awaited solo trip to a peaceful destination.

You have a plethora of activities to choose from that suit groups and individuals alike.

From scenic locales to highly entertaining amusement parks, Lake of the Ozarks has something to offer for every kind of traveler.

This place must be on your go-to list for its versatile offerings.

A vacation taken here would rejuvenate you and you’ll be leaving Lake of the Ozarks refreshed and ready to take on the world.

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