{"id":40607,"date":"2024-08-29T10:11:54","date_gmt":"2024-08-29T15:11:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/?p=40607"},"modified":"2026-05-31T19:25:48","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T00:25:48","slug":"lake-of-the-ozarks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/articles\/lake-of-the-ozarks","title":{"rendered":"Explore Lake of the Ozarks: A Vacation Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With thousands of acres of water for boating, swimming and fishing; hundreds of shops and restaurants; waterfront resorts; championship <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/articles\/missouri-golf-courses\">golf courses<\/a>; and live entertainment, the Lake of the Ozarks is one of the top recreational lakes in the country. Located in central Missouri, the massive reservoir was created in 1931 by the construction of Bagnell Dam on the Osage River. The 55,000-acre lake has 1,150 miles of shoreline &#8211; more than the coastline of California. Towns surrounding the lake include Lake Ozark, Osage Beach, Camdenton, Sunrise Beach, Laurie and Gravois Mills.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/mdt-visitmo-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/medium-Lake-of-the-Ozarks.jpeg\" alt=\"Aerial view of the Lake of the Ozarks.\" class=\"wp-image-36018\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.5014919652878536;width:1175px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mdt-visitmo-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/medium-Lake-of-the-Ozarks.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/mdt-visitmo-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/medium-Lake-of-the-Ozarks-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/mdt-visitmo-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/medium-Lake-of-the-Ozarks-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/mdt-visitmo-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/medium-Lake-of-the-Ozarks-600x400.jpeg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Lake of the Ozarks offers the best of both worlds &#8211; a buzzing main channel and plenty of quiet coves.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-places-to-stay\">Places to Stay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Lake of the Ozarks has a wide array of places to stay, from campgrounds to condos. Reserve a cabin away from the hustle and bustle or find a full-service resort with restaurants, a golf course and spa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-resorts\">Resorts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/places-to-stay\/margaritaville-lake-resort-lake-of-the-ozarks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Margaritaville Lake Resort<\/a> \u2013 Midwest hospitality meets Jimmy Buffet&#8217;s laid-back vibe at this resort on the lake. Rent a boat or jet ski from the full-service marina, reserve a tee time for the championship golf course, savor delicious food and delectable drinks at eight restaurants and bars, pamper yourself at the spa and salon and more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/4seasonsresort.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Lodge of Four Seasons<\/a> \u2013 This iconic waterfront resort has been welcoming guests to the Lake of the Ozarks for decades. Enjoy a championship golf course, movie theatre, several fine-dining and bar options, a Japanese-themed spa, and indoor and outdoor heated pools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-other-lodging-options\">Other Lodging Options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/funlake.com\/places-to-stay\/bed-and-breakfasts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bed and Breakfasts<\/a> \u2013 Book a bed and breakfast and enjoy a comfortable bed and hot breakfast in a cozy atmosphere.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/funlake.com\/places-to-stay\/cabins\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cabins<\/a> \u2013 Combine a rustic feel and modern amenities with nature right outside your front door.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/funlake.com\/places-to-stay\/condo-rentals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Condo<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/funlake.com\/places-to-stay\/home-rentals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Home Rentals<\/a> \u2013 With a range of sizes to fit your family, renting a residence provides privacy and a home away from home.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/funlake.com\/places-to-stay\/hotels-motels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hotels\/Motels<\/a> \u2013 Choose from a wide array of hotels and motels that fit any budget. &nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/funlake.com\/places-to-stay\/rvcampgrounds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">RV and Camping<\/a> \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/articles\/missouri-camping-tips\">Camping<\/a> options at the lake include primitive campgrounds and RV parks with full hookups.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-things-to-do\">Things to Do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-water-sports-and-activities\">Water Sports and Activities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lake of the Ozarks is synonymous with water sports and activities. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/large-Lake-of-the-Ozarks-1-1200x800.jpeg\" alt=\"A couple sits on the edge of their boat, feet in the water, alongside their dog. The water is glistening and calm and a beautiful home sits on the banks with green trees surrounding the property.\" class=\"wp-image-40728\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mdt-visitmo-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/large-Lake-of-the-Ozarks-1-1200x800.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/mdt-visitmo-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/large-Lake-of-the-Ozarks-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/mdt-visitmo-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/large-Lake-of-the-Ozarks-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/mdt-visitmo-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/large-Lake-of-the-Ozarks-1-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/mdt-visitmo-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/large-Lake-of-the-Ozarks-1-600x400.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/mdt-visitmo-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/large-Lake-of-the-Ozarks-1.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Experience the lake&#8217;s tranquility at sunset. And don&#8217;t forget to bring your furry friends &#8211; they&#8217;ll love it too! <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/funlake.com\/things-to-do\/marine-and-boating\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/funlake.com\/things-to-do\/marine-and-boating\">Renting a boat<\/a> is the perfect way to spend a day on the glistening water. Hop on a wakeboard or jet ski for a fast-paced thrill or soak in the rays at a more leisurely pace in a kayak or canoe. For fishing enthusiasts, the lake is filled with bass, crappie, catfish and more. To make your expedition easy to tackle, head to a local bait shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to get on the water but prefer to stay dry, take a cruise with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/things-to-do\/celebration-cruises\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Celebration Cruises<\/a>. Choose from the narrated or evening sunset voyage. In addition, the company also has a Lake Hopper Water Shuttle cruise \u2013 a highly sought-after excursion \u2013 where guests can boat from bar to bar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more water-infused fun, head to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/things-to-do\/jolly-mon-indoor-waterpark\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park<\/a> at Margaritaville Lake Resort. Featuring a three-story tree house (with gadgets, bridges and a giant tipping bucket), water slides, and a lazy river, the park offers endless excitement. If you\u2019re not a guest at the resort, don\u2019t worry! You don\u2019t have to stay at the resort to get in on the fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-lake-of-the-ozarks-state-park\">Lake of the Ozarks State Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Absorb the stunning beauty and tranquility of nature at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/things-to-do\/lake-of-the-ozarks-state-park\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lake of the Ozarks State Park<\/a>, the largest state park in Missouri. While on shore, navigate the winding trails through open woodlands to the stunning blufftop views of the lake. With a marina, two swimming beaches and paved boat ramps, water activities are abundant. Rent a boat and spend the day fishing or skiing, relax on the beach or take a kayak out to explore the shoreline. Experience the park&#8217;s subterranean world on a tour of Ozark Caverns. The cave&#8217;s fascinating features include Angel Showers, an unusual phenomenon where water appears to flow out of the solid rock ceiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ha-ha-tonka-state-park\">Ha Ha Tonka State Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Geological wonders and the remains of a huge, circa 1905 European-style stone castle add an air of mystery to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/things-to-do\/ha-ha-tonka-state-park\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/things-to-do\/ha-ha-tonka-state-park\">Ha Ha Tonka State Park<\/a>. The views of the Lake of the Ozarks from atop the park&#8217;s towering bluffs are majestic. More than 15 miles of hiking trails take you past caves, a spring, sinkholes, a natural bridge and down to the lake. The park also offers fishing, kayak rentals and picnic shelters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-bridal-cave\">Bridal Cave <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tour guides take you underground where <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/things-to-do\/bridal-cave-thunder-mountain-park\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/things-to-do\/bridal-cave-thunder-mountain-park\">Bridal Cave<\/a> stays 60 degrees year-round. See fascinating rock formations including a stalactite adorned \u201cchapel\u201d where thousands of weddings have taken place. Above ground, there&#8217;s a rock shop, observation decks, observation tower, a lakeside picnic area and a boat dock.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-bagnell-dam-historical-museum\">Bagnell Dam Historical Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This\u00a0historic log building\u00a0was completed in 1930 by the Union Electric Company (now Ameren Missouri) and served as an administrative and entertainment center for the Bagnell Dam construction project that created Lake of the Ozarks. The building is now refurbished and serves the Lake area and its visitors as a museum, cultural activities center and offices of the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-shopping\">Shopping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shopping is popular activity at the lake. From small boutiques to outlet malls, the lake offers a wide range of retail options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/funlake.com\/shopping-lake-of-the-ozarks?rec=608\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Landing on Main Street<\/a> \u2013 With more than 20 unique shops, you\u2019ll find gifts and delectable Ozark candies. It&#8217;s a great place to buy souvenirs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osagebeachoutletmarketplace.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Osage Beach Outlet Marketplace<\/a> \u2013 Peruse the impressive offerings at this outdoor shopping center that&#8217;s home to dozens of top-brand stores.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-hit-the-bagnell-dam-strip\">Hit the Bagnell Dam Strip<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Bagnell Dam Strip is packed with activities and shopping for the entire family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/Dogpatch-Arcade\/451918868164700\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dogpatch Arcade<\/a> \u2013 Rack up tickets and earn prizes at this popular arcade. More than 200 games and challenges provide hours of entertainment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hillbilly Statue \u2013 Capture a picture with the 25-foot-tall statue. Donning patched overalls, the statue has a face that resembles Mad Magazine&#8217;s Alfred E. Neuman.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/things-to-do\/lake-ozark-helicopters\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lake Ozark Helicopters<\/a> \u2013 Book a helicopter tour for a bird&#8217;s eye view of the lake and surrounding hillsides.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/puttnstuffgolf.com\/gran-rally\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/puttnstuffgolf.com\/gran-rally\/\">Gran Rally Go Carts<\/a> \u2013 Challenge family and friends for some wheel-to-wheel action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/things-to-do\/the-malted-monkey\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Malted Monkey<\/a> \u2013 Ascend the three-level ropes course, including a small-scale zipline, that rises 60 feet into the air. Treat your sweet tooth with a post-climb visit to the milkshake bar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/oldtimephotos-lo.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Old Time Photos<\/a> \u2013 Choose from 100 costumes, props and two floors of backdrops for an unforgettable photo session.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/things-to-do\/paradise-parasail\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/things-to-do\/paradise-parasail\">Paradise Parasail<\/a> \u2013 See the lake from 500 feet above the surface. Once you take in the view opt for your choice of \u201cdip\u201d \u2013 enough to get your toes wet or a thrilling free-fall dunk in the water.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/large-Malted-Monkey-2-1200x800.jpeg\" alt=\"A person rides on a zipline and smiles at the camera with lush trees lining the backdrop.\" class=\"wp-image-40613\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mdt-visitmo-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/large-Malted-Monkey-2-1200x800.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/mdt-visitmo-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/large-Malted-Monkey-2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/mdt-visitmo-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/large-Malted-Monkey-2-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/mdt-visitmo-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/large-Malted-Monkey-2-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/mdt-visitmo-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/large-Malted-Monkey-2-600x400.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/mdt-visitmo-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/large-Malted-Monkey-2.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Visit the Malted Monkey for activities the whole family will enjoy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-golfing\">Golfing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With 13 golf courses, the lake area is a picturesque choice for your next golfing adventure. The Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail challenges golfers at every skill level. Constructed by notable designers including Arnold Palmer, Tom Weiskopf, Ken Kavanaugh and Robert Trent Jones Sr., the courses feature multiple elevation changes, water features, rock outcrops and more. While golfing at the lake, expect nothing less than first-class facilities, amenities and services, plus above-par views of the Ozark Mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check out this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/itineraries\/lake-of-the-ozarks-golf-trail\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">itinerary<\/a> for information on where to play, stay and dine so you can focus on preparing for tee time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/large-Old-Kinderhook-Resort-1-1200x800.jpeg\" alt=\"An aerial view overlooking a golf resort shows bright green grass, rolling hills with trees in the background, and resort cabins lining the outer rim of the golf greens.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Walk out onto your condo balcony for a lush golf-course view.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-places-to-eat\">Places to Eat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The lake area has dozens of places to dine, from pub fare to gourmet cuisine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/tuckersshuckers.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tucker\u2019s Shuckers<\/a> \u2013 Try the oysters \u2013 raw, grilled, baked or fried. The menu has a variety of entrees including gluten-free and vegetarian dishes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/redheadlakesidegrill.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Redhead Lakeside Grill<\/a> \u2013 Voted \u201cBest Waterfront Dining\u201d at the Lake of the Ozarks, this restaurant offers impressive views. Choose from indoor or outdoor seating, or bring your bathing suit and lounge at the poolside bar. Satisfy your appetite with jerk chicken, tacos, a steak sandwich, or mac and cheese.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/yankeepeddlerstearoom\/photos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Yankee Peddlers Tea Room<\/a> \u2013 Take a break from shopping at The Landing on Main Street at this quaint eatery. Order from the salad, sandwich and soup menu, and then top off your meal with one of their exquisite pastries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/large-Yankee-Peddlers-Tea-Room-2-1200x800.jpeg\" alt=\"A chicken salad sandwich with wheat bread sits on a blue plate. Kettle-cooked chips sit beside the entree.\" class=\"wp-image-40609\" style=\"width:867px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mdt-visitmo-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/large-Yankee-Peddlers-Tea-Room-2-1200x800.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/mdt-visitmo-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/large-Yankee-Peddlers-Tea-Room-2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/mdt-visitmo-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/large-Yankee-Peddlers-Tea-Room-2-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/mdt-visitmo-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/large-Yankee-Peddlers-Tea-Room-2-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/mdt-visitmo-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/large-Yankee-Peddlers-Tea-Room-2-600x400.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/mdt-visitmo-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/large-Yankee-Peddlers-Tea-Room-2.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Try the chicken salad and kettle chips at Yankee Peddlers Tea Room.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a id=\"_msocom_1\"><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With thousands of acres of water for boating, swimming and fishing; hundreds of shops and restaurants; waterfront resorts; championship golf courses; and live entertainment, the Lake of the Ozarks is one of the top recreational lakes in the country. Located in central Missouri, the massive reservoir was created in 1931 by the construction of Bagnell [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4870,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"972,973,974,975,976,977","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6,7,8,9,10,11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-40607","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-ent-and-nightlife","category-family-fun","category-food-and-drink","category-outdoors","category-shopping","category-sports-and-recreation"],"pp_statuses_selecting_workflow":false,"pp_workflow_action":"current","pp_status_selection":"publish","acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.4 (Yoast SEO v28.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Explore Lake of the Ozarks: A Vacation Guide<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Visit the Lake of the Ozarks for fun in the sun and days packed with boating, swimming, golfing, fishing, shopping, dining and more.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/articles\/lake-of-the-ozarks\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Explore Lake of the Ozarks: A Vacation Guide\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Visit the Lake of the Ozarks for fun in the sun and days packed with boating, swimming, golfing, fishing, shopping, dining and more.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/articles\/lake-of-the-ozarks\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Visit Missouri\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/VisitMO\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-08-29T15:11:54+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-06-01T00:25:48+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/medium-Lake-of-the-Ozarks.jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"reghanmartin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@visitmo\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@visitmo\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"reghanmartin\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.visitmo.com\\\/articles\\\/lake-of-the-ozarks#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.visitmo.com\\\/articles\\\/lake-of-the-ozarks\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"reghanmartin\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.visitmo.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/35335de4e114cbfe58a31d56c8bbed4d\"},\"headline\":\"Explore Lake of the Ozarks: A Vacation Guide\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-08-29T15:11:54+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-06-01T00:25:48+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.visitmo.com\\\/articles\\\/lake-of-the-ozarks\"},\"wordCount\":1398,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.visitmo.com\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.visitmo.com\\\/articles\\\/lake-of-the-ozarks#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.visitmo.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/medium-Lake-of-the-Ozarks.jpeg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Entertainment &amp; 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