Lake of the Ozarks Vacation Guide
Lake of the Ozarks is a large reservoir in the northern part of the Ozarks, in central Missouri. It is the premier lake vacation destination of the Midwest and every year, thousands of tourists come to enjoy the spectacular water sports and beautiful scenery.
The lake was created when the Osage River was dammed to control flooding in the area, way back in 1931. It has over 1100 miles of shoreline and the lake is well known for the clarity of its water and spectacular natural attractions.
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Lake of the Ozarks Festivals
Summer and Fall are a wonderful time to visit the Lake of the Ozarks. Sure, the weather is great for jet skiing, swimming, fishing, and partying on pontoon boats, but the best part is that once you come off the water there are tons of great festivals for you to enjoy. From on water boat shows to heritage festivals to arts and crafts fairs, you'll find festivals for all ages and temperaments at the Lake of the Ozarks. Free musical concerts, huge pool parties, food and wine tastings, and the Annual Osage Pow Wow are just a few of the many festivals that delight visitors to the region of the Ozarks.
Lake of the Ozarks Vacation Rentals
A vacation rental is the perfect way to make your stay at the Lake of the Ozarks even better! By taking the time to find the right location and accomodation, you put yourself closer to the activities and attractions that you want to enjoy while you visit. Fishermen, hunters, campers, partyers, boating enthusiasts,and jet ski lovers all have different needs and with the huge assortment of vacation rentals available to you at the Lake of the Ozarks, you can find a perfect fit every time without sacrificing comfort, amenities, or too much cash. The perfect vacation rental is waiting for you, all you have to do is take the time to find it.
Lake of the Ozarks Restaurants
From the time that the Osage Tribe first settled in the region known as the Lake of the Ozarks, there has been great food prepared here. In part because of the rich farmland and huge variety of fresh local ingredients, but people who taste the food in the Ozarks know that it is more than that. Maybe it's the love that the people put into the making of food, maybe it's something in the air, no one knows for certain, but what is for certain is that if you love delicious food and the ultimate in hospitality, your taste buds won't be disappointed with the fare that is offered in the many restaurants you will find in surrounding the Lake of the Ozarks.
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Lake of the Ozarks State Park covers 85 miles of shoreline on the Grand Glaize arm of the lake and is the largest state park in Missouri. The most famous feature of the park is Party Cove, “the oldest established floating bacchanal in the country” according to the New York Times. Party Cove certainly has a reputation for providing no-holds barred fun and on summer weekends, revelers gather on pleasure boats and party until dawn.
If you would rather enjoy quieter activities on your vacation, there are three beautiful show caves to explore in the Lake of the Ozarks vicinity. Jacob’s Cave is the largest in the area and visitors can take a 1-mile tour of the underground caverns. It is the only walk through cave to offer disabled access. Bridal Cave, deep beneath Thunder Mountain, has amazing stalactites, stalagmites, and an underground lake.
Fun and water parks are very popular with families to the Lake of the Ozarks. Big Surf Water Park has raging rapids and the awesome Zambezi Falls to keep your kids occupied. Timber Falls is an indoor water park complete with tree houses, suspension bridges and lots of interactive fun.
Boating is of course a major activity on the Lake of the Ozarks. During the summer season, the lake is filled with a variety of crafts and visitors can hire boats and pontoons to make the most of the glorious water. If you fancy a scenic river cruise, there are lots of charter companies and pleasure cruises to show you the hidden gems of the lake.
And if the thought of all those energetic pursuits makes you feel tired, why not head off to one of the famous shopping outlets. Lake of the Ozarks is full of shops galore, from famous name fashions to small boutiques. There are also dozens of antique shops and flea markets for those who enjoy browsing for bargains.