Top 7 Things to Do at the Lake of the Ozarks

When you think about the Lake of the Ozarks, the first thing that comes to mind is likely hitting the water. While boating, swimming and watersports are part of what makes the Lake such a great place to visit, the area has so much more to offer! From other outdoor activities to shopping and dining, the Lake of the Ozarks has something for everyone to enjoy. Go for a stroll down the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip, explore the castle ruins at Ha Ha Tonka or head underground at Stark Caverns. There are endless possibilities for fun and making memories at the Lake! Keep reading for our list of the top 7 things to do at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Photo Credit: Lake of the Ozarks CVB

1. Stroll Along the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip

No trip to the Lake of the Ozarks is complete without an afternoon spent exploring the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip! This stretch of road is lined with old-timey shops, fun attractions and well-reviewed restaurants. From playing ski ball at the Dogpatch Arcade to sampling fudge at Grandma’s Candy Kitchen, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. After an afternoon of exploring, sit down for a nice meal at one of the many local restaurants along the Strip. You can find everything from Thai food to seafood and American staples. If classic cars are your thing, be sure to check out one of the monthly “Hot Summer Nights” events!

2. Take a Sunset Cruise

You can’t come to the Lake of the Ozarks without hitting the water at some point, and if you don’t have a boat of your own, what better way to do it than with a chartered cruise! Celebration Cruises near the Bagnell Dam offers both Noon Narrated Cruises and Evening Sunset Cruises. While you can settle for just the cruise, they also offer lunch and dinner packages, plus there’s a full bar on board. You can also check out their highly sought after Bar Excursion Cruise, where the boat shuttles you around to some of the Lake’s hottest waterfront bars!

3. Visit the Castle Ruins

One of the top things to do at the Lake of the Ozarks is hiking! Ha Ha Tonka State Park offers stunning views of the Lake, great hiking trails and the ruins of a turn-of-the-century stone castle. This is one stop you won’t want to miss! Make a day out of it so you can take in all that the park has to offer, from sinkholes and caves to a natural land bridge and Missouri’s 12th largest spring. If you’re feeling adventurous and up for a challenge, make your way up the 316 wooden steps from the spring head to the top of the bluff. It’s a great workout for sure! Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy while you’re there!

Photo Credit: Lake of the Ozarks CVB

4. See the Lake from a Different View

The Lake of the Ozarks is impressive by land, but you’ll get a whole new perspective when you hop in a helicopter and fly over it! Lake Ozark Helicopters offers a variety of unique aerial tours of the Lake area. Choose from a quick Shorty Hop or the Ultimate Tour, which takes you over Bagnell Dam, Millionaire’s Row, multiple golf courses, 7 Springs Winery and more!

Photo Credit: Lake of the Ozarks CVB

5. Go Underground at Stark Caverns

The Lake of the Ozarks area is home to several popular caves, but none more exciting than Stark Caverns. The hour long underground tour features impressive rock and beautiful colors. See Moonshiner’s Dam, the Wishing Well, and their own Grand Canyon, as well as a variety of stalagmites, stalactites and fluorescent minerals. According to their website, the caverns are 80% wheelchair accessible, with wide walking paths and areas to rest. They even opened an Escape Room inside the cave!

6. Set Sail on a Pirate Ship

A one of a kind treasure hunt experience awaits you at Jolly Charters! The Treasure Hunt Excursion description reads, “Join the pirate crew and set sail for adventure and buried treasure! From Calypso’s Port of Call at Jolly Rogers, this one hour forty-five minute family-friendly excursion takes you from covered stage to sailing the lake aboard the pirate ship Calypso to search for buried treasure at Cannonball Bay and back again with much adventure in between. Don’t settle for an ordinary boat ride when you and your family can set sail for adventure and be a pirate!!!” If hunting for treasure’s not your thing, they also offer a sunset cruise.

7. Step Back in Time at Willmore Lodge

There’s no better way to learn about the history of the Lake of the Ozarks area than by visiting the Bagnell Dam History Museum at Willmore Lodge! You’ll learn about the construction of the Bagnell Dam and the rich history of this unique waterfront community. Take a stroll down to the lakeside gardens and gazebo while you’re there. You won’t find a better view of the Lake than here! Plus, admission is free!

No matter your interests, the Lake of the Ozarks is sure to keep you entertained for a long weekend or even a whole week! Start planning your Lake of the Ozarks getaway today with the help of Your Lake Vacation. Our reservationists are standing by ready to assist you in choosing the perfect accommodations at the Lake of the Ozarks. Whether you just want to visit with your significant other or you want to bring the entire family, we have everything from one bedroom condos up to 7 bedroom homes! Give us a call today at 573-365-3367 or visit us online.