City Editor Skylar here. You might best know the Lake of the Ozarks as the muse of Netflix’s original show “Ozark.” Strip away the drama, the cameras, and all that... er other stuff, and you have the premier boating community and tourist hotspot I was fortunate to grow up in.
Why go?
- Take the guesswork out of your family getaway. Just pack the suits and hit the water for cost-effective fun — wakesurfing by morning, coving out in the afternoon, and dinner on the water by night.
- Cap off your summer with the largest unsanctioned charity boat race in the US — the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout (Saturday, Aug. 26-Sunday, Aug. 27). The race raises money for a range of local charitable organizations each year + you can watch the show on and off of the water.
- Try these three delicious foodie spots — 1932 Reserve, Jeffrey’s Prime Rib & Lobster, and TAVERN on the bend.
- Check out this travel guide for more information.
Act like a local:
- Food: Step back in time when you visit Stewart’s Restaurant. Located on the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip since 1953, Stewart’s proudly serves the biggest cinnamon roll at the lake (really, it fills the entire plate).
- Drink: A not so average sport. “Shoot the minnow” at Alhonna Resort.
- Outdoors: History buffs and hikers unite. Ha Ha Tonka State Park features miles of trails, caves, bluffs, a natural bridge, and Missouri’s 12th largest spring. The park’s most notable feature is the Ha Ha Tonka ruins, a 20th century stone mansion modeled after 16th century European castles. Pro tip: You’ll find information markers scattered around the site telling its story.
- Listen: Nightcap, anyone? Keep the outdoor fun going with a concert at Ozarks Amphitheater. The venue has seen the likes of Alabama, Jamey Johnson, Kansas, and Kane Brown among others.
- Explore: Tucker out the kiddos on the Malted Monkey Sky Trail ropes course before sipping your way through the sunset at Shawnee Bluff Winery. Try a tasting of five wines while taking in the 14-mile panoramic view.
- Shop: Create a custom hat at Kru & Co Boutique’s hat bar, browse locally-made granite candles or mini firepits for the patio at Lake Life Outdoor Furniture, and snag some fudge for the roadtrip home at Grandma’s Candy Kitchen.
Fancy a night in? Enjoy your dinner on the back deck with a nice view.
Photo via VRBO
Where to stay:
- Vrbo: A cozy lake pad, newly-renovated + pool on the water (~$212/night)
- Airbnb: Nostalgic lakeside cabin, pet-friendly second tier home (~$125/night)
- Splurge hotel: Camden on the Lake Resort, in the heart of the action (~$300/night)
