The beautiful Lake of the Ozarks in mid Missouri has much more than a lake to offer outdoor enthusiasts. For visitors to this area, as well as locals, the many parks surrounding the lake itself become “can’t-miss” destinations.
Lake of the Ozarks State Park
Missouri’s largest state park lies just south of Osage Beach, in the heart of the Ozarks. The Lake of the Ozarks State Park is a beautiful expanse of land consisting of over 17,000 acres. Open to the public, this vast park also offers 85 miles of shoreline, two beaches, and numerous boat launching areas. To really take in the landscape of this area, visitors have access to many hiking trails, a horseback riding stable, and even an aquatic trail along the park’s shoreline for boaters. Naturalist programs are offered in an open air amphitheater from May until mid-October each year, and guided tours of the Ozark Caverns are available for a small fee.
The Lake of the Ozarks State Park houses two of the Ozarks few public beaches. Conveniently named Public Beach #1 and Public Beach #2, these beaches are located on the Grand Glaize Arm of the lake. With multiple barbeque grills, picnic tables, play equipment, and shower houses in park-like settings, these beaches make desirable destinations for family outings or picnics. Not forgetting the fishermen, both beaches also offer countless crappie beds and boat ramps. Remember to carry a proper fishing license when visiting the park’s beaches for fishing purposes.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Another distinguished park at the Lake of the Ozarks is the historical Ha Ha Tonka State Park. One of the park’s main attractions is the ruins of the once glorious castle and its surrounding buildings. After 18 years of construction, the castle stood for 20 years before it and the surrounding buildings were reduced to rubble by a fire in 1942. All that remains intact from the former estate is the 80 ft. tall water tower just down the cliff line from the castle’s debris. Although the buildings of Ha Ha Tonka lay in ruin, their beauty and wonder still captivate thousands of visitors a year.
Besides the famed castle, Ha Ha Tonka has a number of breathtaking natural sites to boast. Opened in 1978, Ha Ha Tonka State Park consists of over 3,600 acres of environmental splendor. There are 12 hiking trails (equaling 16 miles total) and 8 known caves to explore among the “karst” topography of many sinkholes, underground streams, and natural bridges. One of Missouri’s largest natural springs is located in the park and pumps out an average of 48 million gallons of water a day into the Niangua Arm of the Lake. When visiting Ha Ha Tonka, also remember to take advantage of the parks many picnic and pavilion areas, which are open to the public.
Other than the Lake of the Ozarks State Park and the Ha Ha Tonka State Park, there are many local parks to be enjoyed around the lake. When visiting the area, be sure to take advantage of as many, if not all, of these great outdoor destinations. The beauty and serenity of the Lake of the Ozarks landscape is sure to exceed expectations.
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