Visiting Lake of the Ozarks Missouri

The remarkable Lake of the Ozarks is located in central Missouri with over 1,150 miles of scenic shoreline and surrounding towns, attractions and state parks that draw visitors from around the world. It is here 1000 summer romances flourish; families vacation and make joyous memories; and couples leisurely walk the verdant golf courses, while enjoying a relaxing game in the harmonious environment. It is no wonder that the Lake of the Ozarks is recognized as one of the top family and boating destinations in the U.S.

Lake of the Ozarks and Bagnell Dam

The history of the Lake of the Ozarks is part of the location's draw due to the amazing engineering feat that occurred over 80 years ago. The largest and last privately built project of this magnitude in the U.S. (non-depression-project) was the construction of Bagnell Dam. Numerous towns were inundated to make room for the dam's construction in 1929 with an area covering 54,000 thousand acres and running 92 miles from end to end. Moreover, Bagnell Dam was built by hand using pneumatic tools and 20,000 workers on rotating shifts around the clock to complete the dam in only 18 months.

To learn more about the dam and the area's history, as well as the Native American tribe of the Osage, visit Willmore Lodge, located northeast of Bagnell Dam on Bus. Hwy 54. The impressive log cabin lodge is constructed of Oregon Western pine logs and huge picture windows with views of the majestic lake. It is part of the dam's history and was originally built in 1930 for the Union Electric Company's executives to reside during the project's completion. Today, the Lake Area Chamber of commerce operates Willmore Lodge as a visitor center and museum with intriguing exhibits that highlight the area's pre-lake past. The lodge is a great place to begin your adventures by understanding how the lake and communities were created and to learn the lay-of-the land. For additional information, visit.

Bagnell Dam Strip is a fun place to visit that features shops specializing in good old American Kitsch. The strip, located on Business Highway 54, is the kind of place reminiscent of the '50s, where you find beach treasures and grab a cold soda before ambling along the sidewalks. It is the perfect place to find T-shirts, flea markets, arcades, antique shops, candy and souvenir stores. There is even a campy haunted house for the kids. Visitors will even find some shops offering Amish furniture and gifts, such as the Amish Country Corner; it is definitely worth visiting with a host of unique and hand-made items, furniture and preserves.

Another great way to start exploring the lake is to take a cruise on the Celebration, a fabulous and lavish 150-person capacity yacht that departs from Osage Beach and voyages through some of the most scenic areas along the lake. Take a lunch or dinner cruise and relax on the dappled waves while sipping a libation from their full-service lounge. Celebration Cruises also offers a bevy of special event and charter services as well.

Bridal Cave

The Lake offers so many attractions, events and activities, visitors will never lack for fun and exciting things to do. In fact, one of the most alluring attractions in the lake area is located in Camdenton, off Highway 5, the Bridal Cave. There is something inexplicably alluring and mysterious about caves and especially caves that feature unusual geological formations. The Bridal Cave derived its name from the Osage Indians, who discovered the cave centuries ago and used it for wedding ceremonies as local legend reveals.

Since 1948, the Bridal Cave has been officially protected, yet romantic legends live on as the cave has been the site of over 2,234 weddings in what's named the Pipe Organ room. These glistening formations look like massive pipes from a church organ and when pounded on by hand, made a peculiar sound. Of course, today, no one is allowed to touch any of the formations as this action damages and breaks them.

The 40-million year-old Bridal Cave runs about one quarter mile in length on concrete pathways with multi-colored formations of creams, reds and greens. The path meanders through fascinating formations, such as Soda Straw (calcite stalactites), Curtain Stalactites and Cave Ribbon (curls of calcite), as well as numerous other appellations. The various rooms located in the cave change in appearance and in formations creating an awe-inspiring natural wonder, such as the Frozen Niagara Room that appears as a giant, golden-hued frozen waterfall from the cavern's ceiling. And, the Garden Of The God's Room has a guardian angel that appears to be watching from a vantage point high on the wall.

After exploring all of the cool cave rooms, walk to the end of the cave and you will see a small underground lake of startling blue with a mystery.

The Bridal Cave with its magnificent stalactites and stalagmites combine in breathtaking congruent formations that take you to the closest you will ever be to the journey of the center of the earth.

It's Time to Shop and Sample Wine

Perhaps you would like to visit the largest outlet mall in Missouri to do a little shopping. Head to the Osage Beach Premium Outlet Mall, located on Osage Beach Parkway. With 110 stores, you will find bargains galore; try the Coach store to find bags not commonly found elsewhere.

Of course, after a shopping foray, there is something sublimely appealing about visiting a winery and participating in a tasting. Seven Springs Winery, one of the lake's best, is located between Camdenton and Osage Beach atop the beautiful rolling Missouri Foothills on 160 acres. This serene setting is the perfect place to breathe deep and sip a glass of wine while savoring the taste and enjoying the view of the surrounding hills and valley from the covered patio. Seven Springs features 10 different wines ranging from light Chardonel (perfect for a summer day), to their divine Vignoles that uses natural sugar to bring out the peach, melon and citrus of this flavorful bodied wine. In addition, the Winery also offers a delectable light menu with items such as luscious Boursin Stuffed Mushrooms and Seared Ahi Tuna Firecracker Lollipops to compliment your afternoon wine tasting. This truly is a lovely winery with excellent wines and worth visiting.

Parks, Golf, and Breakfast

For families, outdoor activities such as picnicking and swimming are what summer is all about. Ha Ha Tonka State Park, located just west of Camdenton, offers picnicking, swimming, backpacking, hiking trails, springs, fishing and even the ruins of an early 1900s castle. This park is a fun place to spend the day and a good way to experience Missouri's wonderful parks.

If golfing is your recreation, the lake provides 13 different courses along its popular Golf Trail, with several that are destination resorts, such as the famous Tan-Tar-A Resort, Golf Club, Marina & Indoor Waterpark. Tan-Tar-A proffers two excellent golf courses, the Hidden Lakes nine-holes and the Oaks 18-holes. The Oaks course is stunning with championship golf that provides rolling, tree-lined fairways and large greens to small lakes and captivating water features. The resort is a wonderful 950-room lodge with pools, a cool indoor waterpark (Timber Falls) that will thrill your kids and a full fabulous spa/salon. For additional information, visit .

For a semi-private, 18-hole course and lush, beautiful greens, visit Old Kinderhook Resort & Golf Club. Old Kinderhook is what comes to mind when thinking of a course that is an ideal and serene setting. The spectacular vistas, waterfalls and terrain in the Ozark Hills is a favorite of golfers across the U.S.

If you're searching for a stellar breakfast before your game of golf, visit Dogwood Hills Golf Club Resort Inn. This beautifully-manicured 18-hole golf course is great for all skill-levels, and they serve an awesome breakfast.

If You Go
For accommodations, The Lake of the Ozarks offers a plethora of choices in every price range. If you wish a home setting with views of the lake, we recommend the Seascape Condominiums, located on KK Peninsula. These lovely condos offer all the comforts of home with great views of the lake and full-amenities, such as Jacuzzi tubs and full kitchens, as well as great decks to sit and watch the sun set.

If B & Bs are more your style, we highly recommend the Inn at Harbour Ridge. Located on Red Barn Road, past Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, this fabulous inn is everything you would wish for in a personal checklist. Sue and Ron Westenhaver have created a haven where couples or business travelers will embrace this comfortable and lovely inn. Set in an ideal location with a dock to boat, fish or swim and a gorgeous property to stroll. The inn will enchant you. The rooms are themed and cater to the romantic or the whimsical with names such as, Happily Ever After or Captain's Quarters. The breakfast is worth traversing the country for with their signature dish, Baked Cinnamon French Toast that is a combination custardy bread-puddingy delight; simply put, to die for delicious. The Westenhavers excel as hosts and their B&B is one you'll never forget.

Restaurants are plentiful around the lake and you can get anything from a cup of clam chowder and a sandwich to a hamburger and fries. However, when you wish fine dining, try J. Bruner's, located on Highway 54 in Osage Beach. This famous steak and seafood house has provided casual fine dining for the past 30 years. Try the tender filet mignon and mouthwatering Lobster Bisque.