City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
If it’s lake life you’re looking for, you’ll find it at Lake of the Ozarks. Between pontoon boats, fishing boats and watersports boats (not to mention yacht clubs, marinas, boat slips for rent and liveaboard options) it’s a premier destination for aqua enthusiasts of all sorts. Marinas, boat rentals and private boat slips for rent can be found along its 1,100 plus miles of shoreline.
Photo: Lake of the Ozarks Facebook
Located in the Ozark Mountains of central Missouri, Lake of the Ozarks is a premier Midwest destination and one of the largest manmade lakes in the U.S. It was created by the impounding of the Osage River – along with the Niangua River, Grandglaize Creek and Gravois Creek - in 1931. The lake’s curving serpentine shape has garnered it the nickname “Puff the Magic Dragon.” Its fingers twist and turn along jagged shorelines backed by the oak, hickory and pine forests of the Ozark Mountains.
So, what is there to do while boating in Lake of the Ozarks? Let’s take a look.
Lake of the Ozarks State Park
Photo: Lake of the Ozarks State Park Facebook
Take in beautiful lake views at Lake of the Ozarks State Park. With 89 miles of shoreline, it’s one of Missouri’s largest state parks and offers camping, swimming, fishing, picnicking and bicycle, walking and equestrian trails. Outdoorsy types can rent campsites, cabins or yurts. There are boat rentals as well as boat ramps for trailering from a private boat lift for rent.
Caves and Caverns
Photo: Stark Caverns Facebook
Get off the water and go underground at local caves and caverns. Bridal Cave offers stunning columns, underground formations, Mystery Lake and refreshing 60-degree temps. Take a guided tour where you’ll learn the folklore of the Osage Native Americans.
you can even take a tour by lantern while learn about cave exploration and Lake of the Ozarks history. Thunder Mountain Park has a gift shop, lakeside viewing decks, public boat docks, an observation tower, a snack shop and nature trails as well as rock and gem mining experiences.
Stark Caverns is another site that features daily guided tours of geologic formations, Native American artifacts, stalagmites, stalactites and fluorescent minerals. There’s a guided tour of fluorescent minerals that have formed through calcite deposits in the cave. You can also channel your inner early explorer and take a lantern tour of the darkened cavern.
An additional site, Ozark Caverns, is located on the south side of Lake of the Ozarks State Park, making it convenient to private boat docks for rent.
Main Street Music Hall
Photo: Main Street Music Hall Facebook
With music, comedy, impersonations and more, Main Street Music Hall has been entertaining Lake of the Ozarks visitors for years. The 1,000-seat theater, located in a Victorian-inspired shopping and dining area, is home to the Main Street Opry and the popular Christmas on Main Street show.
Big Surf Waterpark
Photo: Big Surf Waterpark Facebook
From fun and splashy water slides and a lazy river to thrilling drop slides and a wave pool with up to three-foot-tall swells, Big Surf Waterpark makes a fun day trip from a private boat lift rental. The wee ones will enjoy the Splash Island kids’ area with its activity pool and lily pad bridge. There’s beach volleyball, shuffleboard, basketball and a playground for the landlubbers in the group.
Whether you’re staying at a marina, lounging at a hotel or relaxing at a private boat dock for rent, we hope you’ve found some ideas to add to your next Lake of the Ozarks adventure. Happy boating!
