Fun at Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks

A Family Vacation Destination with Boating, Golf, Caves and Parties

Mar 8, 2009

Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks has more shoreline than the state of California and activities all year long for people of all interests.

Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks is a family vacation destination in central Missouri, about two hours southwest of St. Louis and two and a half hours southeast of Kansas City.

Created in the 1930s as the Osage River was impounded as a source of hydro-electricity, the Lake of the Ozarks was once the largest man-made lake in the world. With more than 1,150 miles of shoreline and 54,000 acres of water, there is a lot to see and do all year long.

The main channel of the Lake of the Ozarks is 92 miles long, fed by more than 40 miles of tributaries that meander through rolling hillsides covered with oak, hickory and dogwood. Ferns and wildflowers soften harshness of magnificent limestone bluffs and boulders, creating a stunning contrast to the aquamarine water and powder blue Missouri skies.

Vacationers have been coming to the Lake of the Ozarks for 70 years to enjoy this natural environment, but also for the golf, the fishing, the shopping, the music festivals, and of course, the water sports. Most of the shoreline at the Lake is privately owned.

Lake Ozark State Park

Lake Ozark State Park encircles the Grand Glaize arm of the lake and provides hundreds of secluded coves in its 89 miles of shoreline. It is a destination within itself with hiking trails and caves to explore, campgrounds and picnic areas, boat launches and horseback riding. If you like the idea of exploring trails, but don’t want to leave your wonderful boat, consider the “Ozarks Aquatic Trail.” This is designed for boaters who can stop at 14 designated buoys along the shoreline. A free booklet, available at the park’s gas docks, tells the significance of each stop.

Party Cove or Anderson Cove

The State Park is the part of the lake that is home to the infamous Party Cove, an out-of-the-way stretch of water where, during summer months, several hundred boaters gather on weekends and participate in what can conservatively be called debauchery and depravity.

On maps of the lake it is called Anderson Cove and it’s not a place for the faint of heart. Water patrol officers frequent the area as well in an attempt to prevent boating under the influence of alcohol and other drugs.

Bridal Cave at Lake of the Ozarks

Missouri is nicknamed the Cave State because of the hundreds of caves public and private caves. One of the most interesting is Bridal Cave at Lake of the Ozarks. Visitors can arrive by boat or by land.

Legend has it that Native Americans used the cave for ceremonial purposes, including marriages. However, in recent years, it has become a destination for weddings of all cultures. It’s a nice place to get out of the heat of a Missouri summer for a few hours.

Golf Resorts at Lake of the Ozarks

The Lake of the Ozarks is home to 260 holes and 16 golf courses of varying lengths, degree of difficulty and lay-out for people of all levels. The region has hosted the PGA Club Pro Championship tournament in the past. Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Tom Weiskopf and Arnold Palmer are among the designers of golf courses in this area.

For all activities at the Lake of the Ozarks, call 800-FUN-LAKE, (800-386-5253).

The copyright of the article Fun at Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri Travel is owned by Diana Lambdin Meyer. Permission to republish Fun at Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.