Tag: Lake of the Ozarks

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Lake of the Ozarks State Parks

Lake of the Ozarks State Park: Located just south of Osage Beach (the largest state park in Missouri). Features over 17,000 acres of forest, hiking trails, caves, and waterfront. Popular activities include boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. Trails like Coakley Hollow Trail and Rocky Top Trail provide stunning views of the lake.

Ha-Ha Tonka State Park: Located 15-20 minutes from Osage Beach in Camdenton . Known for its castle ruins overlooking the lake. Offers hiking trails, sinkholes, natural bridges, and caves. The Spring Trail leads to one of Missouri’s largest springs.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways: Located about 2 hours southeast of Osage Beach. A national park preserving the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. Activities include kayaking, canoeing, and hiking through the Ozarks.

Mark Twain National Forest: Located roughly 1.5 hours south of Osage Beach. A vast forest, offering hiking, camping, and mountain biking. Features scenic drives and access to wilderness areas.

Harry S. Truman Birthplace State Historic Site: Located about 1.5 hours west of Osage Beach. A historic site preserving the birthplace of the 33rd U.S. president. Offers historical tours and insights into Missouri history.

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Lake of the Ozarks is a major tourist destination, estimating more than 5 million people annually. Major happenings on the lake include…

Lake of the Ozarks Shootout – Largest Boat Race in the United States -August 23-24, 2025 Dog Days Bar & Grill, near Mile Marked 19, Osage Beach.

AquaPalooza – Lake of the Ozarks largest family-friendly boating event, featuring live music, vendors, and a variety of water activities – July 19, 2025, Dog Days Bar & Grill.

BikeFest Lake of the Ozarks – Motorcycle Rally on the historic Bagnell Dam Strip – Event draws over 125,000 participants annually. September 10-14, 2025

Big Bass Bash – April 12 -13, 2025 and October 4 -5, 2025 – $100,000 prize for the biggest bass.

Fourth of July Fireworks – Fireworks can be viewed from multiple marinas around the lake. You can also choose from firework cruises, from luxury yachts to casual pontoon outings.

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FUN FACTS ABOUT THE LAKE OF THE OZARKS

  • Man made lake, created in 1931. One of the largest man-made lakes in the Midwest.
  • Magic Dragon is its nickname., the lakes unique serpentine shape stretches over 1,150 miles of shoreline (more than the coast of California).
  • The lake spans over 54,000 acres with approximately 92 miles of main channel length.
  • The average depth is about 55 feet, while the maximum depth near the Bagnell Dam is 130 feet.
  • Lake of the Ozarks can hold approximately 646 billion gallons of water.
  • The lake is surrounded by mix of forests, cliffs, and grasslands, offering habitats for bald eagles, herons, turtles, and a variety of fish.
  • TV series Ozark was primarily filmed in around Atlanta, Georgia. Lake Allatoona and Lake Lanier stood in for Lake of the Ozarks. The movie “Winter’s Bone” starring Jennifer Lawrence was filmed in the Ozarks region.
  • Home to Party Cove. Party Cove is one of the lake’s most famous attractions, known for it’s lively boating and social scene.
  • Lake of the Ozarks is a top fishing destination, hosting tournaments for species like bass, crappie and catfish.
  • Annual Lake Events include Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, AquaPalooza Concert, Hot Summer Nights, Harbor Hop, Christmas Boat Parade, Big Bass Bash, Bassmaster Opens, Fourth of July Fireworks… and much more!
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Top Golf Coming to Osage Beach Area in 2025

“Topgolf” styled golfing recreational entertainment complex is under development at Lake of the Ozarks, just outside Osage Beach. There will be 30 golf bays and a rooftop 9-hole putting green course. The entertainment complex will also include mini-golf, simulators and arcades. They are hoping to draw visitors year-round, as the bays will be heated and shielded from the weather. Actual date of grand opening has not been determined. More to come!