Some of the Country's Best Fishing - Right Here at the Lake

Lake of the Ozarks rates as one of the best reservoirs in Missouri for catching a variety of game fish. Largemouth bass and crappie are the most sought-after fish at the Lake, but catfish, white bass, walleye and sunfish also offer plenty of action throughout the year.

"Anybody can come down here and catch a limit of crappie on nearly any day of the year," says James Bryant, co-owner of Bryant's Osage Outdoors in Laurie. "The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has done such a good job to keep a steady rate of fish on the Lake. The harvest rate here has to be massive but we still have crappie in the 1- to 1 1/4-pound class range, which is respectable anywhere in the country."

Bryant believes the 9-inch minimum length limit on crappie imposed by the MDC has helped keep crappie fishing consistently good each year. "I have not caught as many 10- to 11-inch fish anywhere as I have caught at the Lake of the Ozarks," he says. "When I first started fishing here, I thought crappie fishing was easy because of the fact that I always caught so many fish."

The MDC trapnetting survey in the fall of 2010 indicated crappie fishing at the Lake should be good for keeper fish in 2011 and beyond. The survey revealed 40 percent of the crappie netted by the MDC comprised of fish equal to or greater than the 9-inch length limit-- a significant increase over 2009. Judging by the number of small crappie collected, the survey also indicated a strong 2010 year class that will bolster the crappie population for years to come.

The Lake also contains a good number of keeper bass. Electrofishing surveys conducted by the MDC in 2010 indicated that the percentage of the largemouth bass population equal to or larger than the 15-inch minimum length limit was above average.

Professional bass angler Denny Brauer has competed in tournaments throughout the country and his travels confirm a belief that his Lake of the Ozarks home waters ranks among the nation's best bass fisheries. "You look at how old the Lake is, and a lot of lakes, once they age, the fishing there totally deteriorates, but with all the boat docks, rock formations and coves that Lake of the Ozarks has, it is just a fishery that continues to stay good," says Brauer. "The tournament results pretty well prove that. We see tremendous weights weighed in. It's a fun lake to fish and you can catch bass a lot of different ways."

The various arms of the Lake offer diverse water clarity and structure so bass anglers can catch fish on a wide range of tactics. "A fisherman can certainly seek out a comfort level there (and fish his strength)," Brauer says. "I have a lot of people call and ask me where they need to go on the Lake because on some lakes you need to go to some arms and avoid others. It seems like the Lake of the Ozarks has a pretty good bass population no matter where you go."

During the summer months, catfish and sunfish keep anglers busy baiting their hooks. "You can catch a ton of channel and blue catfish," says James Bryant. "When I just want to get away and just go fishing I love to run a trotline."

The bait-and-tackle shop owner suggests families can have plenty of fun fishing for catfish and panfish (crappie, bluegill and green sunfish) off docks and seawalls. "We sell more panfish equipment here than anything else in the store," says Bryant. "Pan fishing is the staple of the Lake of the Ozarks. That is what the Lake is all about. You don't have to have an expensive boat; you can enjoy fishing the Lake of the Ozarks from a lawn chair."

Customers at the various resorts on the Lake enjoy catching crappie, bass, bluegill and catfish from docks that the resort owners enhance by sinking brush piles in multiple locations. "We have a fishing dock and it produces crappie almost year round," says Michael Spriggs, owner of Point Randall Resort. "We have lots of retirees who come here for a week and don't have a boat. They just fish off our docks every day."

Tight lining for catfish off the resort docks offers Lake visitors a great chance for a bragging-size catch. "We have a picture on our wall of a kid who caught a 17-pound blue cat right off of our fishing dock," Spriggs says. "Last year we probably had more than ten catfish in the 5- to 10-pound-plus range caught here."

Several marinas and resorts rent boats to visiting anglers who don't own one and want to venture out on the water. Newcomers to the Lake also can have a relaxing and rewarding day on the water by hiring a Coast Guard-licensed guide.

AAA Traveler's Best of the Midwest 2010 Gives the Lake Top Honors

When families are planning a vacation, they want to head to the best destination for their interests, time and budget...a destination like Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks! The Lake area offers so much for families, including a wide variety of lodging and dining, exciting attractions, outlet and specialty shopping, golf and fishing, entertainment and recreation, water fun galore and more—plus unbeatable value for a family's vacation dollars. So it's no wonder the Lake of the Ozarks recently was named the Best Family Summer Getaway, among other "best"s in AAA's Midwest Traveler Magazine's "Best of the Midwest 2010" readers' survey. More than 2,500 readers of the publication, which covers Missouri, Southern Illinois and Indiana, voted in the survey; results were released in the May/June issue. The Lake of the Ozarks won first, second or third place in 10 out of the survey's 20 categories. Read the full article here: http://www.ouraaa.com/traveler/mid/2010/07/fBest.html

"The Lake of the Ozarks tourism family really appreciates the wonderful recognition of being named Best Family Summer Getaway," says Jim Divincen, executive director of the Tri-County Lodging Association at the Lake of the Ozarks. "The variety of the amenities offered here at the Lake of the Ozarks combined with our central location is a perfect fit for family travel."

Adds Tim Jacobsen, director of the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitors Bureau, "We are absolutely thrilled to have received such positive recognition by readers of this popular travel magazine. We want to express our thanks to everyone who voted and to everyone who may be encouraged to visit the Lake area as a result." Jacobsen continues, "We want to extend a huge congratulations to all the businesses and attractions at the Lake that were named 'the best' in their category, and special kudos to The Lodge of Four Seasons staff and management for placing in four separate best-of categories."

According to Midwest Traveler, "It was a close race between the Lake of the Ozarks and St. Louis, but in the end 1,150 miles of shoreline won" for Best Summer Family Destination. The story continues, "Today, the Lake is one of the Midwest's most popular summer playgrounds due, in part, to its central location...a day's drive from anywhere in the Midwest...Lake of the Ozarks in Central Missouri is a place to build vacation memories, which is why many people in the Midwest make it a summer ritual for their families." The Lake of the Ozarks also won second place in the Best Small City for a Weekend Getaway.

In addition, The Lodge of Four Seasons won top honors for both Best Large Hotel and for Best Golf Course, The Cove. "This full-service resort hotel is synonymous with the Lake of the Ozarks," says Midwest Traveler. "Nestled along the shores of the popular Lake, the resort has been welcoming guests for 46 years to its sprawling community that features 357 guest rooms and 2-bedroom suites, 54 holes of championship golf, a full-service marina with boat and wave runner rentals, four swimming pools, a spa (the award-winning Spa Shiki) and multiple restaurants"—including HKs Steakhouse, which placed third as Best Steak Restaurant. Chef Michael Hollingsworth of The Lodge brought home second place honors as Best Chef.

Regarding the Best Golf Course, Midwest Traveler says, "After nearly a year of extensive renovations, Witch's Cove golf course reopened last spring as simply The Cove, but the course is still wickedly fun to play and devilishly difficult in places." The Cove was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. in 1971. The Club at Porto Cima, a private course at The Lodge of Four Seasons, earned second Best Golf Course honors.

"Winning this recognition is pretty exciting!" says Carl Clark, vice president of operations at The Lodge of Four Seasons. "It is so gratifying to be named Best Hotel by the readers of Midwest Traveler. We strive every day to provide a quality resort experience for our guests. Evidently that is working, not just at our hotel in general, but also in our steakhouse and golf courses as well, and we are very glad that people come and enjoy all the amenities associated with The Lodge of Four Seasons."

Another Lake of the Ozarks favorite, Tan-Tar-A Resort, Golf Club, Marina & Indoor Waterpark, was named third Best Large Hotel. General Manager Fred Dehner says, "Tan-Tar-A has been a real anchor for the Lake area for 50 years now, and it's been known as a fun family destination for all those years. I believe that's because we have so many wonderful amenities and activities all in one location. You never have to leave the property to have a memorable vacation! Above all, I want to say we are thrilled to receive this recognition, not just for Tan-Tar-A but for the Lake area as vacation destination."

What's the Best Place To Find Quirky Souvenirs according to Midwest Traveler readers? None other than that Lake of the Ozarks original, classic stretch of highway, the Bagnell Dam Strip. The former home of tic-tac-toe-playing chickens, the Strip, on Business Highway 54 just past the engineering marvel Bagnell Dam, offers visitors one mile of attractions and shops that have lured tourists to Lake Ozark for generations, featuring skee ball arcades and batting cages, fudge shops, flea markets, diners, t-shirt and swimwear stores, gift and souvenir shops, psychics, muffler men, a haunted hotel, and a wide range of retailers including the large and unique Dogpatch store, owned by Mike Page.

"Is there any place like the Bagnell Dam Strip in the Midwest? I don't think so!" Page says. "Think back to 1931. Here's this brand new dam and new lake in the middle of nowhere. No city engineer said, Let's build the town this way. It just developed! So what you see is what you get! And the businesses here tune into that; we know what people look for when they come here, those quirky souvenirs! So I was very pleased when I picked up my Midwest Traveler and read that survey voters zeroed in on the Strip's heritage and nostalgia."

Beyond the Strip, Lake-area visitors have a lot of shopping options--including Missouri's largest outlet center, the 110-store Osage Beach Premium Outlets, which came in second as Best Shopping District according to Midwest Traveler readers. "The center offers savvy shoppers savings of 25-65 percent every day," says Candice Wilson, General Manager. Stores include Adidas, Banana Republic, BCBG Max Azria, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Coach, Coldwater Creek, Gap Outlet, J.Crew, Nautica, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and many more. "Our village-style setting offers a pleasant shopping experience, and our professionally trained customer service staff provides store and Lake-area information. Plus, our online VIP Shopper Club is free to join and offers extra savings," Wilson says. "All this attention to detail and customer excellence hopefully is resonating with our shoppers. We appreciate and value all our shoppers and thank the readers of MidwestTraveler for this accolade."

The scenic natural beauty of the Lake of the Ozarks area also captivated Midwest Traveler readers who named Lake of the Ozarks State Park second Best State Park and Ha Ha Tonka State Park third best. Bill Bryan, director of Missouri's Department of Natural Resources' Division of State Parks, says, "Having two of our state parks receive such a recognition reflects how much people love their state parks, especially around the Lake of the Ozarks area. There are many outstanding state parks in the Midwest and we're honored the readers chose Lake of the Ozarks and Ha Ha Tonka out of all of them."

Lake of the Ozarks State Park in Osage Beach, Missouri's largest at 17,441 acres, is renowned for its 80 miles of shoreline and two public beaches, 12 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails and Ozark Caverns, offering several unique features and lantern-lit tours. Visitors are attracted to the mysterious castle ruins at Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton, as well as its classic karst topography, Ozark woodlands and glades that can be viewed over 16 miles of hiking trails.

Then there's Dale Blue, "the Barefoot Entertainer, who came in second in the Best Local Musician category. With his unique style of humor, blended with blues and classic rock, he never fails to get the crowd up and dancing at Dog Days Bar & Grill in Osage Beach, where he performs most Saturday nights.

For more information about all the "bests" at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks, plus fun events, shopping, attractions, lodging and dining at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks, please call 1-800-FUN-LAKE or visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau's web site a www.funlake.com.

Eco-Friendly Lodging at Lake of the Ozarks

From family-owned to full-service resorts, campgrounds to bed-and-breakfasts, several lodging properties at the Lake of the Ozarks are “going green” by implementing a variety of environmentally sustainable practices. This is good news to the growing number of “green consumers” who seek eco-friendly accommodations and attractions when they travel.

The results of a national survey called “Survival of the Greenest,” released earlier in the year by PGAV Destination Consulting in collaboration with the Missouri Botanical Garden, show that green consumerism is not a passing fad. In fact, report indicates that nearly 75 percent of 18-34 year olds say they are more likely to visit an attraction that is pursuing environmentally friendly practices; and 69 percent of attraction visitors are more likely to visit (and 59% to more frequently visit) attractions that pursue green practices rather than patronize those that continue doing business as usual.


Family-Owned Resorts Go Green

Such figures are not lost on Lake-area lodging proprietors such as Michael Spriggs, who, with his wife, Paulette, owns Point Randall Resort in Lake Ozark. “We have been focusing on green practices for about two years,” Spriggs says. “We’re motivated by doing our part to save the earth, and also we know that travelers do look for lodging that has green practices.” The resort has reached several of its environmental goals, Spriggs says. For example, Spriggs’ father, who previously owned the resort, put in a filter treatment plant that uses no chemicals, just bacteria filters and UV light.

He adds, “One of the biggest things you can do is check your property for leaks. My dad replaced almost every entry door with metal which insulates better than wood. And we have weather-stripped all the entry doors and windows, and replaced all the window treatments with wood shades and blackout drapes which are good insulators. These are real energy-efficient upgrades.”

Spriggs says he tries to “recycle everything” at Point Randall. He’s also in the process of replacing the siding on all buildings with recyclable fiber cement board, all incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lightbulbs and all shower heads with low-flow models that save water and energy. The resorts’ laundry facilities use low-water consuming washing machines. In the future he may install tankless hot water heaters, among other green improvements. “My energy bills really have gone down, but that’s not the point,” Spriggs says. “The point is we are doing our part to be environmentally friendly.”

At another small family-owned resort, Lakeview Resort in Sunrise Beach, third-generation co-owner Jake Drake takes part in AmerenUE’s organized shoreline cleanups and also continually removes debris from at least a mile of shoreline, including his resort’s. “We remove anything we see floating in the Lake and store the larger items until we can turn them in,” he says.

Drake notes now more than ever, guests ask him if the resort recycles. “So we do offer on-site recycling for guests to drop off paper, aluminum and plastic,” he says. “Also in housekeeping we recycle all plastic and cardboard.“ Local recycling centers require no caps, crushed bottles and flattened boxes, Drake says. “It takes an effort to recycle here. You have to want to do it. But I want to, to keep the earth as clean as possible for my kids and other children,” he says.

Green Full-Service Resorts

The Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark soon will be recognized as “Certified Green Lodging” by the Missouri Hotel Lodging Association. Director of Sales Gayla Welsh says The Lodge’s environmental policy is “to promote pollution prevention and continual environmental improvement by encouraging associates and guests to develop and implement environmental management systems.” The result, Welsh says, will be “the potential for a higher quality environment“ that will help “improve cost control and community relations.”

The Lodge has instituted measures in every department to achieve MHLA Green Certification, Welsh says. For example, in Housekeeping, the resort uses biodegradable, phosphate-free laundry detergents, purchases supplies in bulk, uses ozone washing machines that don’t require hot water, and offers guests the option to not have linens changed daily. Outdoors, The Lodge has instituted a vegetation management program, uses natural grass and soil as buffers to protect water bodies and mulches instead of bagging grass clippings.

In addition, The Lodge uses timers for all interior lights, recycles all cardboard, computer disks and printer cartridges and has minimized paper use in the Administrative Offices. Comparing 2008 to 2007, the resort used fewer cubic yards of waste, recycled more material per occupied room, used fewer cubic feet of water and used fewer kilowatt hours of electricity.

Tan-Tar-A Resort, Golf Club, Marina & Indoor Waterpark in Osage Beach has instituted a comprehensive energy conservation and recycling program, says Ann Walters, sales manager. “Our energy conservation program includes, among other steps, replacing incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient CFLs, installing motion sensors on storage-room lights, using timers on lights in public spaces and hallways, turning off lights and computers in offices at the end of the day, setting water heaters to 120 degrees and reprogramming meeting-room thermostats when those rooms are not in use.”

Tan-Tar-A saves water by offering guests the option to re-use linens and towels. The resort also has installed water-saving shower heads, sinks and toilets in guest rooms.

At Tan-Tar-A, aluminum cans are collected from the golf courses and public trashcans and recycled. Aluminum cans collected from other areas also are recycled; proceeds are donated to a local Girl Scout troop that makes Red Cross hygiene bags for natural disasters. Resort staff also recycle as much paper as possible and are encouraged to reduce paper waste by emailing and filing to the computer whenever possible. Also, restaurants and the catering department use non-disposable plates, tableware and glasses and cloth napkins.

Lance Utley, sales manager at The Resort at Port Arrowhead and the Country Club Hotel in Lake Ozark, says going green in a number of ways has helped the properties save money, “and also gives us an advantage over the competition.” For example, he notes, an increasing number of groups search for green facilities in which to hold their meetings. “Little things can make a big difference in attracting conferences and meeting groups,” he says. “For example, they’ll tell me they do not want to use Styrofoam and plastic for meals or break-out sessions, so our properties have gone back to using full china service. We have found it’s not only more green, it’s more cost-effective, too.”

Also, at both properties, guests have the option to reuse bedding and towels. “That really helps cut down on water usage and extends the life of the bedding,” Utley notes.

In addition, at the Country Club Hotel, “we are very conscious of setting the air-conditioning system to be cooler at night, when people actually are in their rooms,” he says. “All employees are trained to turn off the lights. We installed motion sensors on the public bathroom lights and that’s been a huge savings.” The properties also cut their electricity bills by almost $15,000 by reducing the period of time the swimming pools were kept lit and heated. “We had been keeping them open beyond the actual swimming season strictly for cosmetic purposes,” Utley says.

Green Campgrounds and B&Bs

Trailer Life Directory, the official directory of the Good Sam Club—the world’s largest RV owners community—recently gave Osage Beach RV Park its new green designation. Pat Jones, who owns the park with her husband Larry, explains: “Good Sam Parks that implement at least three green strategies will receive a green leaf next to their listing in the 2010 directory, which will come out in January.” Some of the green strategies the Joneses employ include using biodegradable cleaning chemicals, not heating their swimming pool, changing to CFL light bulbs and encouraging guests to use bicycles instead of golf carts. At the RV park, which ranks in the top 300 of Good Sam Parks’ nearly 12,000 members, Jones says, “We’re just doing what we have always done for 20 years,” in terms of encouraging good environmental practices.
Bed-and-breakfasts at the Lake of the Ozarks also are doing their share to improve the environment. For example, at the Inn at Harbour Ridge in Osage Beach, owner Sue Westenhaver says, “I recycle everything I can think of. I think it’s the right thing to do.” She brings aluminum cans to her church, which donates the recycling proceeds to charity. Table scraps are recycled in the Inn’s worm farm; the worms help the herb garden flourish. Coffee grounds help the hostas thrive. And Westenhaver conserves water by offering guests the option to not have bedding and towels changed daily.

Other Lake-area lodging properties also are pitching in to help save our planet. For more information about eco-friendly lodging and attractions, as well as shopping, dining, festivals and events, please contact the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau at (800) FUN-LAKE or visit www.funlake.com.

Hiking & Biking at Lake of the Ozarks

The shimmering Lake of the Ozarks in Central Missouri is a major attraction for those who enjoy boating, fishing, swimming and skiing. However, especially with the rise of eco-tourism, thousands of visitors come to the Lake of the Ozarks area to explore its many miles of hiking and biking trails.

Lake-area hiking and biking trails are primarily located in Lake of the Ozarks State Park and Ha Ha Tonka State Park. In some cases, hikers and bikers, as well as equestrians, share the same trail. But strolling or cycling, Lake of the Ozarks trails offer a different perspective of Ozarks ecology and natural beauty.

The Trails of Lake of the Ozarks State Park
With 11 trails ranging from one mile to 16.5 miles long, Missouri’s largest state park (17.441 acres) attracts hikers, from casual strollers to serious trekkers. Altogether the park has 37 miles of trails winding through a diversity of landscapes—from lush fens to fields of wildflowers to breathtaking bluff top panoramas. The best way to start a hike is to stop by the Trail Center on Highway 34 for information about the trails and their features. The Park Office also has trail guides available. All of the park’s trails are open to the public. Entrance signs identify each trailhead and intersections are marked with colored directional arrows.

Favorite trails include:
Woodland Trail. This moderate six-mile hiking trail that starts behind the Trail Center meanders through the Patterson Hollow Wild Area. Hikers will see diverse habitats including old homesteaders’ fields, dense oak and hickory forests, dry streambeds, spring-fed seeps, nearly barren ridge tops and lush ravines. The solitude of the wild area can provide an outstanding opportunity to observe nature.

Trail of Four Winds. Hikers, bicyclists and equestrians share this 16.5-mile trail that takes visitors through some of the most scenic and challenging landscapes in the park. The trail winds through forests, open grasslands and bottomland hardwoods, and takes visitors along the Lake and past an unusual rock formation. A wooden boardwalk for leads to an overlook that provides a panoramic view of the forested valley below.

Squaw's Revenge Trail. The two-mile trail, used by hikers and equestrians, takes hikers or horseback riders through forested hills to bluff tops above the Lake where visitors enjoy a breathtaking view of the Grand Glaize arm. This trail formerly was used as a Civil War supply road. A group of Confederate soldiers carrying supplies here fell to a nighttime Union ambush; they’re buried in a small family cemetery in the Glaize Valley, which hikers pass by. The yucca plants, not native to Missouri, indicate settlers were here in the past.

Fawn's Ridge Trail. Hikers enjoy this easy, two-mile wildlife road that winds along the side of a wooded ridge and circles a hilltop. It’s not unusual to see early-morning songbirds and, as the name suggest, white-tailed deer. The first half-mile of the trail is accessible to people with disabilities or families with small children in strollers.

Rocky Top Trail. The first loop of this moderate, three-mile figure-eight trail travels through the most diverse glade in the park and along savanna and dry woodland slopes, then back along a pretty Lake cove. The second loop includes an overlook on a towering bluff and a typical Osage River Hills ridge top.

Some shorter hikes in Lake of the Ozarks State Park include: Lazy Hollow Trail, a half-mile trail through a peaceful Ozark hollow; the half-mile Shady Ridge Trail that winds along the Lake shore; the Bluestem Knoll Trail, a moderate three-quarter-mile loop through native grasslands, providing a glimpse of Missouri’s past 200 years ago; Lake View Bend Trail, a one-and-a-half-mile trail along the base of steep cliffs that provides a wonderful water view and puts on a spectacular show of spring wildflowers; and the one-mile Coakley Hollow Trail, which takes hikers over a boardwalk to Coakley Hollow Fen, and past a natural glad, dam and mill site.

Before or after a hike, Lake of the Ozarks State Park offers visitors a wide range of activities, including swimming at two public beaches, camping, fishing, boating and caving.

The Trails of Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Hikers at 3,600-acre Ha Ha Tonka State Park near Camdenton will find 13 trails covering 16.5 miles and leading past beautiful bluffs, dark caves and a “castle” on a cliff—actually, the ruins of a stone mansion built by a wealthy Kansas City businessman in 1905 and destroyed by a fire a year later. The one-quarter-mile Castle Bluff Trail takes hikers to the ruins and offers a view of Ha Ha Tonka Spring and the Lake from the 250-foot bluff. Eleven other trails, from one-half to seven miles, offer 16 miles of diverse hiking, from accessible, paved walkways to rugged, rocky pathways. A Trail and Natural Area Guide is available at the Visitor's Center at the park entrance. Some of the more popular trails include:

Quarry Trail. This moderate two-mile trail starts at the castle and takes hikers past panoramic Lake views and two old quarries.

Dell Rim Trail. Although it’s just one-half mile long, this trail features a wooden boardwalk and descends a series of steps to an overlook above the Whispering Dell Sinkhole, and down to the spring.

Colosseum Trail. This one-half-mile trail winds under the park’s famed Natural Bridge formation and through the Colosseum sinkhole—just two of the park’s amazing examples of karst topography.

Spring Trail. Hikers have a love-hate relationship with this one-and-a-half-mile trail. It travels through some of the park’s most breathtaking scenery—and includes a strenuous 316-step, 200-foot ascent to the bluff above the spring.

Island Trail. Hikers enjoy the rugged three-quarter-mile loop to the unique Balanced Rock formation.

Boulder Ridge Trail. Pass through a unique landscape of large, lichen-covered boulders along a ridge on this moderate one-and-one-half-mile trail.

Acorn Trail. Pre-settlement savanna characterizes this three-quarter-mile trail featuring interpretive stops.

Devil’s Kitchen Trail. This rugged one-mile trail guides hikers past Devil’s Promenade (a horseshoe-shaped cliff), a sinkhole and other unique geologic features.

Turkey Pen Hollow Trail. A rugged seven-mile trail winds through the scenic Oak Woodland Natural Area.

Dolomite Rock Trail. Visitors can pick up a brochure about this new half-mile trail that winds along a stream and ascends to a large hilltop glade.

Oak Woodland Trail. A short accessible trail with four interpretive stops.

Cycling at Lake of the Ozarks
“The Lake of the Ozarks area is increasingly becoming a cycling destination,” says Nicole Dougan, who, with her husband, Dan, owns the Lake-area’s mountain-biking headquarters, Oz Cycles at 1735 Bagnell Dam Blvd. In Lake Ozark. “The reason is our three trails that appeal to cyclists of all ages, styles and levels.” These singletrack trails range from six to 16.5 miles long, offering cycling excitement as well as exquisite scenery.

Trail of the Four Winds, located inside Lake of the Ozarks State Park, is the best-known trail in the area. Also a hiking and equestrian trail, it consists of loops that determine how far a cyclist travels, from three-and-a-half to 16 miles. The most popular route is an 11-mile loop with a one-mile climb at the end. The trail climbs through thick oak forests, travels along the Lake, runs over ridge tops and down into valleys. “It’s just a great trail, but not for beginners,” Dougan says. “Cyclists from Utah and Colorado come here just to ride this trail and it leaves them surprised and impressed.”

Honey Run Trail. Also located in Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Dougan notes this seven-mile trail is the only bike-specific trail in Missouri designated as such within the state park system. Built to meet the high standards of the International Mountain Biking Association, it consists of a pair of loops on easy terrain. “It’s a lot of fun, and fine for beginners,” she says. “More advanced cyclists also like it because although it doesn’t have a lot of stunts it does have some interesting technical areas.”

Bittersweet Trail. Located in the Lodge of Four Seasons area, this nine-and-a-half-mile, figure-eight trail was built and is maintained by mountain bikers. It crosses several creeks and offers a variety of stunts. “Beginners and families with children also enjoy the nice paved greenway starting at the Village of Four Seasons City Hall,” Dougan notes.

Information and trail maps are available at Oz Cycles, where visitors can rent bicycles and find out more about the weekly Phat Tire Hillbillies bicycle club ride every Tuesday evening. Visit www.oz-cycles.com or call (573) 964-7000.

And to find out more about hiking and biking, lodging and dining, shopping and events and more at the Lake of the Ozarks, please call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) FUN-LAKE or visit www.funlake.com.

2009 Events & Festivals at the Lake

At Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks, we celebrate mountain men and Native Americans … wine and barbecue … dogwood trees and Christmas trees … apples and apple butter … boats, cars and motorcycles … and a lot more. You’ll find there’s always something to celebrate at the Lake!

“We offer a wonderful array of festivals and special events throughout the year,” says Tim Jacobsen, executive director, Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau. “A lot of people come for a particular festival or fair and frequently end up coming back to the Lake for a longer stay to enjoy our lodging, dining, shopping, golf, boating or fishing and other attractions.”

Here’s a look at Lake-area festivals, fairs and special events, now through the end of the year:

Summer Events
Summertime is prime time for Lake-area fairs and festivals, including these favorites:

JULY 31-AUG. 1, 17th ANNUAL LAURIE HILLBILLY BBQ COOK-OFF. Sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, this popular event offers prizes and bragging rights for the best BBQ. A dance, beer garden, prizes, raffles and a kids’ BBQ contest—as well as the delicious aromas--attract the crowds to Laurie.

AUGUST 8-9, 3RD ANNUAL ART & AMBIANCE FESTIVAL. One of the newer festivals at the Lake, this event, held at Stone Crest Mall, brings together some of the fine artists, artisans, authors, galleries, museums and culinary experiences representing the Lake-area’s 95-mile Art & Ambiance Trail. Visitors will enjoy wine tastings, book signings, museum exhibits and live music.

AUGUST 28-30, 21st ANNUAL LAKE OF THE OZARKS SHOOT-OUT BOAT RACE. Named one of the nation’s eight must-see boating events by Powerboat magazine, the Shoot-Out is largest unsanctioned boat competition in the U.S., as more than 100 boats individually race to be named the Lake’s fastest boat. This thrilling spectacle takes place at Captain Ron’s, just south of the Hurricane Deck Bridge.

Fall Events
Autumnal events at the Lake of the Ozarks kick off with a busy weekend featuring four fun festivals.

SEPT. 17-20, 3rd ANNUAL LAKE OF THE OZARKS BIKEFEST. Thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts will gather at the Lake for an action-packed weekend featuring poker runs, scenic rides, vendors, contests and concerts. Area bars, restaurants and attractions take part by offering special activities for participants.

SEPT. 18-20, 40th ANNUAL HILLBILLY FAIR. Laurie’s Hillbilly Fair in Laurie offers good-old-fashioned family fun with a parade, carnival rides, arts and crafts, live entertainment, horseshoe pitching, tractor pulls and yummy festival fare.

SEPT. 18-20, 22nd ANNUAL OSAGE MOUNTAIN MAN RENDEZVOUS & MUZZLELOADER SHOOT. This fascinating and educational event in Lake Ozark pays tribute to the mountain men who opened the West in the 19th century. It’s a living-history re-enactment that brings together traders, trappers, gunsmiths, artisans and storytellers in a frontier encampment circa 1800-1840. An eclectic Traders Row offers a variety of wares and gifts. Cover your ears during the French Artillery cannon shoots and the amazing anvil toss!

SEPT. 19-20, OMA & NOMA DAYS. Named for the sisters who were the first to drive across Bagnell Dam in 1931, this family-friendly festival offers historical displays and pony rides, a vintage auto show and frog-jumping contest, a talent show and dog show, checkers matches, Little Miss and Mister pageants, even a peanut spitting contest. Area shops, attractions and restaurants also will offer specials and merchants will be dressed in period fashions.

SEPT. 25-27, OFFSHORE SUPER SERIES NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP POWER BOAT RACE. The world’s fastest boats compete in eight classes for the national championship near the Horny Toad Entertainment Complex in Lake Ozark. A full array of concerts, parties and other fun events are planned, but the spotlight will be on the 45-plus boats running up to 185 miles per hour on a six-mile course.

OCT. 3, 30th ANNUAL OLDE TYME APPLE FESTIVAL. Juicy red apples, crisp fall weather and fall colors are the ingredients of this family-friendly fall favorite in Versailles. The festival a-peels to kids of all ages, and at its core is the historic Morgan County Courthouse, where continuous entertainment will be presented throughout the day. A parade, apple pie auction, craft and food booths, car show, fiddle contest and museum tours round out this fun event.

OCT. 9-10, FALL FESTIVAL & APPLE BUTTER DAYS. Autumn and apples go together like families and fun and that’s what visitors can expect at this charming annual festival at the Camden County Museum in Linn Creek. The highlight is watching—and helping—museum volunteers make apple butter the old-fashioned way in a big copper kettle. Visitors can purchase the delicious results and also shop the crafts booths and purchase raffle tickets for a hand-made quilt.

OCT. 10, 24th ANNUAL FALL HARBOR HOP. This on-the-water poker run offers boaters and visitors one more opportunity to cruise the Lake of the Ozarks and provide a late-season economic boost to Lake-area businesses. More than 2,500 people and 45 waterfront bars and restaurants participate.

‘Tis the Season…

Mid-NOVEMBER, 2009 - JAN. 1, 2010, THE LAKE OF THE OZARKS CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAYS. The Lake area up lights the season with a variety of special events, including the Lake Holiday Lights Drive-Thru Light Park in Osage Beach; Enchanted Village of Lights and St. Patrick’s Festival of Lights in Laurie; and the Versailles Unity Circle of Lights. Visitors also will enjoy the Main Street Music Hall Christmas Show, plus numerous Lake-area Christmas parades, dances and concerts.

And Beyond…

In 2010, visitors to the Lake of the Ozarks can look forward to another calendar full of exciting events and festivals, including the Mardi Gras Pub Crawl, Polar Bear Plunge & Strut, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Great Lake of the Ozarks Gospel Sing, Dogwood Festival, Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals Car Show, Spring Harbor Hop and Crossover Christian Music Festival, just to name a few!

Remember, no matter what time of the year you visit the Lake of the Ozarks, you’re sure to catch a fun festival or special event. For complete information about festivals and events, as well as Lake-area lodging, shopping, dining and attractions, please contact the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau at (800) FUN-LAKE or visit www.funlake.com.

Nightlife at Lake of the Ozarks

After a long day on the water, a night on the town keeps the good times going at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks. Lake-style nightlife includes sports bars, tiki bars, mellow lounges and lively dance clubs—plus romantic moonlight cruises, a comedy club and a family-friendly opry show. And there’s music year-round – including live country, blues, jazz and rock-and-roll bands plus karaoke. As a result, on just about any night, visitors to the Lake of the Ozarks will find a fun and diverse nightlife scene.

In the peak summer season, dozens of nightclubs attract a lively crowd. One of the largest and most popular is the Horny Toad at Toad Cove, opened in 1998. There’s a lot going on here: Originally a small Lakeside restaurant, the 30,000-square-foot waterfront entertainment complex today features the Horny Toad restaurant, Jeremiah's nightclub, Frisky Frog sports bar, plus a bandstand, arcade, mini-mart, gas dock, and boutique. Last year, a luxury resort and yacht club were added to the property. Horny-Toad-owned Peckers Dueling Piano Bar, located nearby, is another popular nightspot.

Jeremiah’s Nightclub at The Horny Toad attracts a younger crowd, age 21 to 35, says Ashton Leslie, marketing manager. “It’s the largest nightclub at the Lake,” she says. “We bring in the most popular DJs from Kansas City and St. Louis and have different specials every night.” Another real crowd-pleaser at Jeremiah’s is the huge outdoor video wall. “It’s so big you can watch it from the water,” Leslie says. “We broadcast sports and people dancing inside the nightclub, plus live feeds during our concerts.”

Those concerts include a summer outdoors series featuring regional and nationally known groups. This year's lineup includes April Wine and Pat Travers, the Little River Band, Bret Michaels, Billy Squier, Shooting Star, Head East, Rick Derringer, and Lynyrd Skynyrd and Beatles tribute bands. “Literally, you can enjoy an entire day of events at the Horny Toad, from breakfast until 1:30 in the morning,” Leslie says.

Another well-known Lake nightspot that has changed dramatically over time is The Clown, originally a floating restaurant opened in 1960. Today, like the Horny Toad, it has transformed itself into an entertainment complex with six bars featuring The Clown, Poop Deck, Tiki Bar and Topsider Night Club, a high energy, top-40 dance club with a DJ nightly. The Topsider is well known for its light and video shows on weekends. “It's an extensive high-tech light system that's mounted on a moving truss that goes up and down and tilts, and it's programmed along with the music. We create a two-to-three minute show, using a scene from a movie like ‘Batman' or ‘Star Wars' that has big crescendos to showcase our lights,” says owner Kym Ebling. “You just have to see it for yourself.”

Other notable nightspots at the Lake of the Ozarks include Risky’s Nightclub, featuring a poker tournament on Tuesdays and live music on Thursdays; Pickled Pete's, with karaoke on Saturdays; Shady Gator's Bar & Grill, offering live music at the Lake's only triple-decker Tiki Bar plus the unique Friday Night Foam Party; Camp Bagnell, presenting live country, rock oldies and karaoke on weekends; Dog Days Bar & Grill, home of “The Barefoot Entertainer” Dale Blue and national touring acts; the Halfway Inn, with karaoke on Saturdays; Shooters 21, featuring a dockside sports bar; Shorty Pants Lounge, the “Luxury Laid-Back Lake Experience;” Backwater Jack’s, “a taste of Florida at the Lake,” featuring Reggae Sundays; Captain Ron’s, offering weekly Beach Parties and Beach Volleyball, Martinis and Jazz Night and live entertainment; and Bambooze Bar & Grill, with an outdoor stage and tiki bar. And there are many more popular bars, lounges, dance clubs and hot spots throughout the Lake area.

In addition to hard rock and foot-stomping country, the late-night Lake also offers blues and jazz. The Lake of the Ozarks Blues Society presents open jam sessions on the second Tuesday of the month at member clubs around the area, and the Ozark Jazz Society also sponsors monthly events featuring Dixieland, ragtime and big band swing music. At the Country Club Hotel, D’Vaughn Pershing performs on weekends. This versatile pianist has played and conducted for Andy Willams at the Moon River Theatre in Branson, as well as for the original cast recording of the “Rocky Horror Show” plus numerous television shows and symphony orchestras.

Another entertaining way to fill an evening at the Lake is to enjoy a moonlight excursion. The 80-foot, 150-passenger Celebration is the Lake's largest and most luxurious climate-controlled motor yacht. It offers dinner cruises on Saturdays, and dinner and live music on Tuesdays. The Tom Sawyer is a replica of a 19th-century paddlewheeler, featuring sunset dinner cruises.

A favorite for family entertainment at the Lake is the Main Street Music Hall in The Landing on Main Street. Now in its 15th season, Main Street offers an updated, contemporary take on the traditional country opry show. At Main Street, audiences enjoy music that ranges from new and old country to rock and roll to gospel, with patriotic tunes and knee-slapping comedy also in the mix.

And speaking of comedy, up-and-comers and well known comedians on nationwide tours stop by the Blue Room at the City Grill every Wednesday night where the cover charge is just $8 if you dine at the City Grill the night of the show, or $10 at the door. The rest of the week, there's a deejay and dancing. “All the great dancers come here,” says Kenny Homm, whose family owns this well known spot. “You can have a fabulous time just watching them.” The on-site sports bar features 33 TVs and the restaurant offers casual fine dining.

When the karaoke machines are turned off and tiki torch flames die down, visitors head back to their condos, resorts, motels, B&Bs or campgrounds to get ready for another fun day on the Lake – followed by another fantastic night on the town. For more information about the Lake of the Ozarks' nightlife scene, plus lodging, dining, attractions, shopping and events, call 800-FUN-LAKE or visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau's web site at www.funlake.com.

It’s summertime at Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks—the time when our golf courses, state parks, marinas, attractions, and, of course, our sparkling Lake are hopping with visitors. Some stay at a small, family-owned resort they’ve been coming to since they were kids (and now they’re bringing THEIR kids)…others stay at a full-service resort where they never have to leave the premises...plus we have condos, vacation rental homes, romantic B&Bs, campgrounds, and houseboats too!

IT’S HOT OUTSIDE, BUT COOL INSIDE OUR CAVES…That is, a comfy 50-60 degrees year-round in the Lake of the Ozarks’ “walk-through” caves (there are more than 300 “wild” caves in the Lake area). Since 1948, more than 2,100 couples have said “I do” at Bridal Cave in Camdenton, where guided tours over concrete pathways take visitors past Mystery Lake, giant columns, delicate straws and massive draperies. Accessible by boat or car, the cave complex also features Thunder Mountain Mining Company, the area’s largest Lakeside gift shop. Visitors carry lanterns to tour Ozark Caverns, located inside Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Missouri’s largest state park. The ADA-accessible cave is known for its “Angel Showers” formation, an endless shower of water that seems to flow from a solid rock ceiling, as well as well-preserved prehistoric claw marks, “soda straws,” helictites, stalagmites and many species of cave-dwelling creatures. Speaking of state parks, Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton continually ranks as the Lake-area’s highest guest-satisfaction attraction! It’s no wonder, with its intriguing castle ruins and fascinating karst geography featuring caves, sinkholes and natural bridges. Under the ground or high above it on a towering bluff, our amazing caves and natural wonders bring thousands of vacationers to the Lake of the Ozarks every summer!

OUTDOORS OR IN, WATER PARKS OFFER REFRESHING FUN… At the Lake of the Ozarks, it’s great to swim in the Lake or a pool—but our two water parks offer even more thrills and spills. Opened in 1988, Big Surf Waterpark in Linn Creek has a huge Wave Pool with waves up to five feet…the nearly vertical Zambezi Falls half-pipe water tube ride…the 300-foot Challenger Body Flumes…wild Rapids…a 185-foot flume that sends you whirling into the Space Bowl…a relaxing Lazy River…plus Tropical Splash Island just for the little ones and much more. At Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, the highlight of Timber Falls Indoor Water Park, opened in 2003, is a three-story tree house complete with suspension bridges, tunnels and water blasters, topped with a huge wooden bucket that tips over about every two minutes and splashes those below with 700 gallons of water. Visitors also scream with delight at Timber Falls’ water slides, activity pool, Lazy River and more. Kids from 1 to 101 are sure to enjoy a few hours or an entire day at both Lake-area parks!

FOOD WITH A VIEW… When they’re not in or on the water, vacationers love looking at the shimmering beauty of the Lake of the Ozarks—and a popular way to do that is to dine at one of our 50-plus Lakefront or Lakeview restaurants. From traditional local eateries to fine gourmet dining, family-style cafes to ethnic favorites, Ozarks BBQ and catfish joints and more, you’ll find them all, on or looking over the water at the Lake of the Ozarks. Views range from a cozy cove to a limitless panorama of miles of channel. In the summertime, it’s a wonderful way to savor a spectacular Lake sunset or watch the great variety of boats go by as you relax over a meal, snack or cocktail at the Lake!

THE GOLFING’S GREAT AT THE LAKE… Summertime is a fantastic time for a golf getaway at the Lake of the Ozarks thanks to the Golf-A-Round program. With just one call golfers can reserve the accommodations they want plus guaranteed tee times on one of our 16 championship courses—including courses designed by Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf and Ken Kavanagh--all for one special price that’s less than booking a room and golf separately. The discounted price will include a double occupancy room, green fee and shared cart rental for 18 holes a day. Play at any of the participating golf courses regardless of where you stay. Lodging options range from resorts and hotels to condos and houses, from economical to luxurious. Just call the lodging facility of your choice to arrange your Golf-A-Round package now, or visit www.golfathelake.net.


COMING UP THIS SUMMER…For more information about these and other Lake-area summertime events, please visit www.funlake.com.

• July 4…Independence Day Celebrations, Lakewide, including fireworks displays at various locations around the Lake. For a complete listing, visit www.funlake.com or call (800) FUNLAKE.
• July 10-22…Quilt Show, Camden County Museum, Linn Creek, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For information please call (573) 346-7191.
• July 31-Aug. 1…17th Annual Laurie Hillbilly BBQ Cook-off. Sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, this fun weekend features a dance, beer garden, cash prizes and the hypnotic aroma of barbecue wafting throughout Laurie. For details call (573) 374-877
• Aug. 8-9…Art & Ambiance Fair at StoneCrest Mall, Osage Beach, features some of the finest art galleries, museums, artisans, wineries and culinary experiences the Lake has to offer. Entertainment daily! For information call (573) 348-3106.
• Aug. 28-30…Lake of the Ozarks Shootout Boat Race and Poker Run at Captain Ron’s, Sunrise Beach. The largest unsanctioned boat race in the nation features boats roaring by at more than 200 miles per hour! Powerboat Magazine calls it one of the eight “must-see” boating events in the nation. Who will win the coveted Top Gun title? Call (573) 374-5852 for information.

Summertime is prime time at the Lake of the Ozarks! For travel-planning information, please call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau toll-free at (800) FUN-LAKE or visit www.funlake.com.