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| Things to do in the Midwest |
There is no doubt that the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri is one of the top US summer destinations to getaway to this year, and if you are looking for vacation spots in the Midwest for the first time and are wondering what's on offer in Lake of the Ozarks, you'll be glad to know that there are plenty of water activities and outdoor recreational pursuits that you can enjoy. See below:
Water Activities
Water based activities are without a doubt the one of the top things to do in Lake of the Ozarks MO, and include:
Boating and Water skiing
Boating, waterskiing and fishing are all popular pursuits in Lake of the Ozarks with Osage Beach being the spot f choice.
Osage Beach is not only one of the best swimming spots in Lake of the Ozarks, but also the best place to find lots of boat rental companies hiring out pontoons, runabouts and ski boats, as well as rental companies offering parasailing trips.
When it comes to water activities in Lake of the Ozarks, there is no doubt that renting a speed boat is one of the most popular things to do in Lake of the Ozarks MO, though this can be a problem if you want to rent out a smaller boat.
Therefore, if you’re planning to rent a ski boat or small boat, it’s best that you head to a quite spot such as Niangua Arm, which is just a short drive south Highway 54.
Fishing
Fishing is another popular thing to do in Lake of the Ozarks and the best thing is that you can fish for popular fish like white crappie, catfish and blue gill on Lake of the Ozarks all year long.
If you’re planning a fishing vacation to Lake of the Ozarks, and love sport fishing, you’ll be glad to know that Lake of the Ozarks boasts lots of fishing tournaments throughout the year.
Outdoor Activities
Besides water activities, enjoying outdoor pursuits at the nearby Lake of the Ozarks state park like bird watching and hiking are other popular things to do in Lake of the Ozarks MO.
Lake of the Ozarks state park is one huge and stunning park where you won’t only be able to spend a relaxing time, but also enjoy fun activities like swimming, fishing, picnicking, camping and cabin rental.
If you plan to visit Lake of the Ozarks state park, be sure to pass by the visitor’s center first to get maps, and see the visitor’s center cool exhibits!
Trap Shooting
If you enjoy trap shooting the Missouri Trap Shooters Association located at 51 Trapshooters Rd has dozens of traps at Linn Creek where you can enjoy some trap shooting.
However, if you’d like just to view other people shooting, the Missouri Trap Shooters Association hosts trap shooting competitions and tournaments throughout the year.
Wineries
If you love tasting wine, taking a wine tour is another great thing to add to your itinerary of things to do in Lake of the Ozarks MO.
There are a couple of wineries located in the area around Lake of the Ozarks, which include Seven Springs Winery in Linn Creek, and Casa del Loco south of Camdenton.
Seven Springs winery is the nearest one to Osage Beach, though both of them offer wine tastings and micro-brews.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park
If you enjoy side trips during a vacation, another of the popular things to do in Lake of the Ozarks MO is visiting Ha Ha Tonka State Park (located nearby Niangua Arm) to check out the cool sinkholes and the famous ruins of “Castle Mansion”.
Cave Tours
Visiting a cave is another top family attraction that you can’t miss doing when visiting Lake of the Ozarks, especially if you’ve never visited a cave before.
Bridal Cave and Jacob’s Cave are two of the areas top caverns, though Bridal Cave is nearest to Lake Ozark being located northwest of Camdenton (near Little Niangua Arm).
Both Jacob’s Cave and Bridal Cave are great places to see cool rock formations and offer guided tours for around $15.
Other Fun Areas
If you’re wondering where else you can go with the family to find things to do, head to nearby Grand Glaize (just a short drive south of Osage Beach).
There, you’ll find the Grand Glaize shopping center, and Putt ‘n Stuff family center where you’ll be able to enjoy things like mini golf and go karting.
There is also a waterpark a few miles down the road from Putt ‘n Puff called Big Surf Waterpark where you can enjoy cool water slides.
Finally...
Lake of the Ozarks is a great spot to enjoy a family summer vacation and cool water activities, though Lake of the Ozarks isn’t just a day time destination for families.
Lake of the Ozarks is a popular destination with boaters and party goers during the months of May and July (peak season). In fact, after dark, Lake of the Ozarks becomes a popular spot for bachelorette parties and enjoying a night out on a party boat.
If you’re not looking to party at all, and prefer to avoid the large crowds, it’s best you travel to Lake of the Ozarks outside of the peak season, or during the last weeks of August.
If you do plan to vacation in Lake of the Ozarks during the peak season, be sure avoid areas such as Bagnell Dam (in Lakeside), Osage Beach, Grand Glaize Arm and Party Cove, which are popular locations for boat parties.
See. Interesting places to visit in Missouri
Best Beaches on Lake Michigan
Best Destinations in August
Cities with the Best Nightlife in the US
