Tag Archives: what to do

What To Do At the Lake of the Ozarks In April

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Happy April, everyone!!

Here’s a friendly reminder to keep an eye out for those tricksters and pranksters at home or at your office. It is April Fool’s Day, after all.

We hope you’re gearing up for another beautiful, spring, summer, and fall at the Lake of the Ozarks!

With winter FINALLY behind us, all you have to do is book your next stay and bask in the beauty and relaxation that the lake provides.

If you’re heading to the Lake of the Ozarks this month, here’s a list of some activities worth checking out!

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL LIST OF EVENTS

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Hiking The Lake of the Ozarks State Park This Fall

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We all know the key to hiking is finding the perfect walking stick!

And, of course, bringing along a canteen of water, a fanny pack full of snacks, and a handkerchief in case you work up a sweat.

While the Lake of the Ozarks itself is the star of the show in the summer, the hiking trails at Ozarks State Park provide a breathtaking walk through some of the most gorgeous, colorful foliage in all the nation.

If you’re coming to stay at one of our properties this fall, here are three hiking trails we recommend:

Lake Trail – 1.5 miles long – VIEW MAP
Part of this trail is densely shaded and covered in ferns, while the rest is open and rocky. Between the two extremes, the trail will take you along the shoreline of the Lake of the Ozarks. In addition to the natural history, evidence of the past and present cultural history can also be seen. Lake Trail is a study in what this part of Missouri has become.

Rocky Top Trail – 2 miles long – VIEW MAP
This popular trail climbs to one of the largest glades in the park. Historically influenced by periodic fires, these dolomite glades are becoming rarer as cedars encroach and choke out the native vegetation. Rocky Top Glade is managed by periodic fires to help maintain its natural integrity. Once you have hiked through the glade, native Ozark woodlands with its composition of white oaks, bluestem and asters become the norm. Crossing through the ravine, you will come to a rich north facing slope that gives way to dolomite cliff overlooking the Lake of the Ozarks.

This trail is actually two loops joined together for a total of about two miles.  After hiking for approximately half a mile, you will come to an intersection. At this point you can finish the first loop by hiking back along the lakeshore to the parking lot and trailhead for a total hike of about one mile. If you would like a longer hike, cross the small ravine up to the overlook on the lake and loop back. This will be an additional 1.5 miles of hiking.

Bluestem Knoll Trail – 0.80 miles long – VIEW MAP
Settlers arriving in Missouri more than two centuries ago encountered a landscape much different than what is found in the Ozarks today. Widely spaced trees, tall native grasses and large herbivores were characteristic of the natural communities found in central Missouri. Through active management practices such as prescribed burning, removal of exotic species and opening of the canopy, these native landscapes are being restored.  Bluestem Knoll Trail goes through one of these areas actively managed by the park.

NOTE: Lake of the Ozarks is privately owned and the two Missouri State Parks are unaffected by the Federal Shutdown.

Lake of the Ozarks Labor Day Weekend Forecast

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If you’re spending your Labor Day weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks, there will be no shortage of warmth and sunshine.

Perfect for renting a boat, exploring a local cave, or barreling down some of the best water slides in the country!

Some tips to keep in mind this weekend:

  • Stay hydrated: With temperatures in the upper 90’s, be sure to have a cooler full of ice and bottled water. The heat can sneak up on you if you’re not careful!
  • Wear Sunscreen: There’s nothing worse than spending your vacation fried from a bad sunburn. Apply sunscreen at least every few hours. Do your best to find some shade every now and then, whether a canopy on a boat or relaxing under some trees.
  • Mix It Up: It’s always nice to balance out your trip: Spent a good amount of time on the lake, enjoying the outdoors, then head indoors for some air conditioning in the evening.

Don’t miss out on the fabulous fireworks displays this Sunday. Here’s also another roundup of weekend activities.

We hope everyone has a safe, relaxing, and happy Labor Day Weekend! Make the last days of summer count!

September 2013 Events At the Lake of the Ozarks

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As summer comes to an end and kids return to school, there’s still plenty to look forward to at the Lake of the Ozarks!

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year at the lake and there’s no shortage of events. The Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau has a comprehensive listing of events at the lake in September. It all begins with fireworks over Labor Day weekend and ends with the 28th Annual Turkey Festival on September 28th.

Click here to see the all of the events happening in September.

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5 Kid Friendly Things To Do At the Lake of the Ozarks

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There’s nothing quite like quality family time at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Since many of you are bringing little ones to the lake for a family vacation, we wanted to share some activities that can be enjoyed by the entire family! These are activities that your kids will be begging to return to year after year.

  • Horseback Riding: Check out Broken Gate Trail Rides or give Circle R Stables a call at 573-348-8687.
  • Cave Exploring: There’s nothing quite like exploring the world underground. Missouri is nicknamed “The Cave State”, having more than 5,600 recorded caves, including 20 show caves, which are open to the public for guided tours. During your stay, be sure to visit Bridal Cave, Ozark Caverns, or Jacobs Cave.
  • Water Parks: Yes, the entire family can get wet and wild without even going to the lake! Take a dip at Bear Bottoms Water slides, Big Surf Water Park, or Timber Falls Indoor Water Park. Bear Bottoms boasts Missouri’s Number 1 and Number 2 longest open flume body water slides.
  • Miniature Golf: No need to drive a golf ball far at either of these destinations. It’s all about the putting! Putt ‘N’ Stuff Family Fun Center and Sugar Creek Miniature Golf are both great options if you kids or grandkids are looking for a day away from the water.
  • Family Fun Center: After spending a few days on the lake, Miner Mike’s Indoor Family Fun Center is the perfect way to cool off and have some serious fun! Miner Mike’s is a 35,000 sq. ft family fun center that features exciting rides, challenging games, simulators and great food. Also, be sure to check out Buster, Miner Mike’s adorable mule!

As always, if you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to give us a ring at 866-273-2169. And of course, be sure to check out all of our comfy homes that can accommodate any size family.