Lake Ozark MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lake Ozark, Missouri.
1. Ha Ha Tonka State Park
HISTORIC RUINS AND NATURE
Ha Ha Tonka State Park offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue with its European-style castle ruins. The park features a diverse geological landscape including sinkholes, cliffs, caves, and breathtaking views of the Lake of the Ozarks. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails, including the Spring Trail which follows a spring-fed stream to its source beneath a rocky outcropping.
2. Stark Caverns
UNDERGROUND CAVE ADVENTURE
Stark Caverns invites visitors to explore the fascinating underground world beneath the Ozarks. The caverns feature impressive rock formations, underground streams, and a rich geological history spanning millions of years. Guided tours are available to help visitors learn about the cave's formation and historical significance to the area.
3. Bridal Cave
LEGENDARY UNDERGROUND FORMATIONS
Bridal Cave offers a spectacular underground experience with its impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations. The cave gets its name from the Native American legend of an Osage wedding ceremony held inside its chambers. Tours of this natural wonder provide both educational insights and breathtaking views of one of America's most scenic caves.
4. Lake of the Ozarks State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest state park in Missouri, offering countless outdoor recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, swimming, camping, and boating across its expansive grounds. The park features beautiful shorelines, dense forests, and diverse wildlife that make every visit memorable.
5. Main Street Music Hall
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Main Street Music Hall delights audiences with its variety of live musical performances and comedy shows. The venue offers family-friendly entertainment in a comfortable indoor setting near the lake. Performances typically feature talented musicians and performers showcasing everything from country and gospel to comedy routines.
6. Ozark Distillery and Brewery
LOCAL SPIRITS AND BREWS
Ozark Distillery and Brewery produces handcrafted spirits and beers using traditional methods and local ingredients. Visitors can tour the facility to learn about the distillation and brewing processes from grain to glass. The tasting room allows guests to sample a variety of locally-made moonshine, whiskey, and craft beers.
7. Seven Springs Winery
SCENIC VINEYARD VIEWS
Seven Springs Winery offers visitors a chance to taste locally-produced wines while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The winery features a spacious tasting room and outdoor patio where guests can relax with a glass of wine and light fare. Tours of the vineyard provide insight into the winemaking process from grape to bottle.
8. Jetz Trampoline Park
INDOOR ADVENTURE ZONE
Jetz Trampoline Park provides high-energy fun for visitors of all ages with its array of trampolines and activity zones. The indoor facility offers a weather-proof entertainment option featuring jump areas, dodge ball courts, and challenging obstacle courses. Families and groups can enjoy hours of active entertainment regardless of outdoor conditions.
9. Jolly Charters, Calypso
LAKE CRUISES AND TOURS
Jolly Charters offers memorable lake experiences aboard their boat, the Calypso, allowing visitors to explore the Lake of the Ozarks from the water. Tours provide unique perspectives of the shoreline, coves, and surrounding landscape not accessible by land. Passengers can enjoy narrated cruises, sunset excursions, or private charters tailored to their interests.
10. Thunder Mountain Conservation Center
PANORAMIC TOWER VIEWS
Thunder Mountain Conservation Center features an 80-foot observation tower offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake of the Ozarks. The center provides educational opportunities about local wildlife, conservation efforts, and natural history. Visitors can also test their skills at the center's archery range, making it both an educational and recreational destination.
11. Bagnell Dam History Museum
DAM CONSTRUCTION CHRONICLES
Bagnell Dam History Museum chronicles the fascinating story of how the massive dam created the Lake of the Ozarks in the 1930s. The museum houses photographs, artifacts, and exhibits detailing the engineering marvel and its impact on the region. Visitors learn about the transformation of the area from a river valley to one of Missouri's premier vacation destinations.
12. Camden County Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
Camden County Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of the Lake of the Ozarks region through a collection of artifacts and exhibits. The museum highlights the area's Native American heritage, early European settlement, and development into a tourism destination. Visitors can explore displays featuring vintage photographs, tools, household items, and other historical memorabilia.
13. Miller County Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
Miller County Museum offers a window into the past with its comprehensive collection of local historical artifacts. The museum features exhibits on early settlers, agricultural development, and the transformation of the region following the construction of Bagnell Dam. Visitors can explore period rooms, farming equipment displays, and educational exhibits that bring local history to life.
14. High Tide Pool
FAMILY WATER ENTERTAINMENT
High Tide Pool offers refreshing aquatic entertainment for visitors seeking a break from the lake. The facility features swimming pools, water slides, and splash areas suitable for guests of all ages. Families can enjoy a full day of water-based recreation in a controlled environment with lifeguards and amenities.
15. Ozarks Amphitheater
OUTDOOR CONCERT VENUE
Ozarks Amphitheater hosts a variety of live performances ranging from major musical acts to local talent in an outdoor setting. The venue offers excellent acoustics and visibility with its amphitheater-style seating arrangement surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ozarks. Concert-goers can enjoy performances under the stars during the venue's seasonal schedule of events.