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GET AWAY TO IT ALL
Lake of the Ozarks

by Val Stockton

A weekend at the lake isn’t what it used to be. Sure, you might find that secluded getaway tucked in a quiet cove, the one with the rowboat moored to a short length of wooden dock and a tire suspended from a long branch overhanging the water. You might just find that idyllic weekend that memories are made of. But if that’s all you’re looking for, you’re missing out on everything central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks has to offer.

More than just a summer retreat, the Lake of the Ozarks is a year-round mecca for tourists, vacationers, and business people. The 54,000 acre artificial lake and the communities that surround its 1150 miles of shoreline attract roughly 3 million visitors a year. The Lake area is home to two state parks, a variety of accommodations ranging from resorts to rentals, and more attractions than a week’s vacation will allow time for. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing

round of golf, excitement on the water, fine dining and entertainment, or wholesome family fun, Lake of the Ozarks has something for everyone.

Another Season Blossoms

While most people wait for Memorial Day to kick off their summer, fun blooms in April at the Lake. The Lake of the Ozarks 54th Annual Dogwood Festival in Camdenton April 15 through 18 celebrates the arrival of spring and jump starts the action in the Lake area. This year’s Dogwood Festival promises to be one of the most exciting ever. Scheduled events include a carnival, arts and crafts exhibitions, pageants, a lawn tractor pull, live music, the Dogwood parade in downtown Camdenton, and the annual Dogwood Classic Golf Tournament. Plus, there will be plenty of food, from pancake breakfasts to ham-and-bean dinners. The Camdenton Chamber of Commerce sponsors the yearly event. Call them for scheduling details at 800-769-1004, or visit their website: www.camdentonchamber.com/Dogwood.htm.

April holds even more in store for Lake area visitors. If golf is your game, the Lake area boasts 14 golf courses— enough to play for two weeks straight and never visit the same hole twice. True competitors might partake in the Osage Beach Public Safety Golf Tournament April 22 at Sycamore Creek, the Clown Golf Classic at the Oaks Golf Course at Tan-Tar-A Resort on the 25th, or the His-and Hers Tournament at Indian Rock Golf Club on the same day. Road warriors and gearheads won’t want to miss the 16th Annual Magic Dragon Street Meet on the Bagnell Dam strip in Lake Ozark April 30 to May 2. The event is the largest of its kind in central Missouri, featuring more than 700 street rods, customs, street machines, sleds, and motorcycles. For those seeking their fun away from dry land, Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach hosts the 23rd Annual Marine Dealers In-Water Boat Show April 9 through 11. April 24, the Crappie USA Tournament will lure fisherman to Deer Valley Park in Sunrise Beach.

Water Water Everywhere

Measuring 92-miles from end to end, stamped on the Ozarks plateau like a Chinese dragon on the map, the lake itself is without question the area’s biggest attraction. On any given summer weekend, one can expect to see thousands of watercraft of all shapes and sizes. From luxury cruisers and yachts to speedboats and personal watercraft, sailboats to bass boats, dozens of marinas serve craft of every speed. Marine dealers and rental agencies dot the area, making getting out on the water easy and accessible. Water skiing and parasailing are both popular pastimes, but that doesn’t rule out a relaxing cruise followed by dinner at one of the lake’s many waterfront restaurants.

Anglers will be more interested in the activity below the waterline. Fishing opportunities abound all year long at Lake of the Ozarks. White and largemouth bass, stripers, catfish, and crappie are among the species biting just below the surface. Professionals and recreational fishermen alike have pulled state record setting catches from the lake, including a 6-foot long, 134-pound paddlefish.
For those inclined toward edgier recreation, the Midwestcoast Summerfest will bring 100 of the region’s best wakeboarders to Lake of the Ozarks State Park in competition June 5 and 6. The event also features more than 30 vendors showcasing the latest watersports’ gear as well as live music. In addition, the Lake of the Ozarks YMCA will provide a full schedule of children’s activities.

For the Land Lubber

What else is there to do at the Lake of the Ozarks? How about everything! Attractions abound on solid ground, including theme parks, miniature golf, go-karts, shopping, art galleries, music, museums, caves, wineries, and the nightlife along the Bagnell Dam strip. Both Ha Ha Tonka and Lake of the Ozarks State Parks offer camping, hiking, and other recreational opportunities for the outdoors type. And you’ll never go hungry with restaurants that offer everything from fast food to fine dining and a variety of cuisine.
Music lovers can experience Lee Macy’s Ozark Opry or the Main Street Music Hall in Osage Beach anytime, or catch one of the Lake area’s great music festivals. Whether you like gospel, bluegrass, rock ‘n’ roll, dixieland, or the blues, you’ll find it at the Lake of the Ozarks. After dark, live music and dancing are the name of the game all along the lake.

No, a weekend— or a week, or a month— at the lake isn’t what it used to be. The Lake of the Ozarks offers much more than the hidden bungalow, the tiny rowboat, and the old tire. But you can find that, too.