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.