Unwind and Play at Lake of the Ozarks

A wonderful sunset over Lake of the Ozarks Photo courtesy of Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau

There’s plenty of fun for visitors of all ages and interests

By Christopher Silbernagel

Avisit to Missouri’s serpentine-shaped Lake of the Ozarks is guaranteed to be a fun-filled trip that will please laid-back travelers and adventure seekers alike. From fishing and boating to golfing and live music, there truly is something for everyone.

Recreational activities

With a surface area stretching across 54,000 acres, the Lake of the Ozarks has plenty of space for fishing and water sports. For a relaxing outing, grab a pole and cast a line to see what you can catch. Fishing guide services are available to help you find specific species such as bass, crappie and more. If you’re looking for an aquatic adventure, rent a paddleboard, kayak, personal watercraft or boat at one of the lake’s many marinas. Any person born after 1984 must successfully pass a Missouri Boater Education class/test before operating any motorized vessel on the lakes of Missouri.

Out to hit the links? The area has golf courses designed by some of the sport’s biggest names, including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tom Weiskopf. Old Kinderhook Resort in Camdenton provides sweeping vistas and a championshiplevel layout that makes full use of the terrain for 18 unique holes. You can’t go wrong with either of the two courses at Margaritaville Lake Resort. Known for lush fairways and beautiful scenery, the courses are ideal for golfers of all skill levels. The stunning Cove Golf Course at the Lodge of Four Seasons delivers a challenge to test your skills. The serene lake makes the perfect backdrop as you focus on your game.

State parks and other natural attractions

Lake of the Ozarks State Park offers groups plenty to experience. Cycling, hiking and horseback riding provides scenic lake views along paths running through shaded woodlands and sunny glades.

Visit one of Missouri’s famed caves – Stark Caverns – to witness geologic wonders. Choose from a variety of tours, including an old-fashioned lantern expedition and a modern black light display that features the cave’s fluorescent minerals. Prehistoric fossils and Native American artifacts give visitors a glimpse into the cave’s rich history. Paths through the cave are paved, making most of it wheelchair accessible.

Music and amusements

Take a comfortable guided tour with Celebration Cruises. In the afternoon, a narrated lake cruise covers the history of Bagnell Dam, Lake of the Ozarks and the surrounding landscape. The evening cruise package focuses on the gorgeous sunset, while the candlelight dinner package provides a special dining experience with an upscale menu. After your cruise, head to the Bagnell Dam Strip to peruse gift shops, candy stores, arcades and more.

For the over-21 crowd, Ozark Distillery is a family-owned business that produces handcrafted, small-batch spirits using traditional methods. Stop by the tasting room for a sample or take a tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at the operation. If wine is more to your liking, Shawnee Bluff Winery offers tastings and panoramic views of the lake in addition to live music events.

There are plenty of music and entertainment options within a short distance of the lake. Main Street Music Hall is great for guests of all ages with performances from topnotch singers and musicians. Classics and country favorites paired with comedy and impersonations make for a feelgood show – no matter your musical tastes. The Ozarks Amphitheater hosts world-class performers such as the legendary Willie Nelson and the Christian rock band Skillet.

Start planning your trip at funlake.com. •

Lake of the Ozarks waterfront dining Photo courtesy of Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau

SCAN FOR INFO

Eighty miles south of St. Louis on I-55 is charming Perryville, Missouri and the surrounding county. Visit the American Tractor Museum for an appreciation of the equipment that feeds America. Pay respect to the veterans that defended our nation at Missouri’s National Veterans Museum.

PERRY COUNTY HERITAGE TOURISM

Trish Erzfeld trish@perryvillemo.com 573-517-2069 visitperrycounty.com

Perry County, Missouri Explore Faith, Freedom and Heritage

Day 1:

Check in at one of Perryville’s four group-friendly hotels.

This evening is a Beer/Wine Pairing Dinner. Let Chef Matt prepare you a dinner of amazement that pairs multiple courses of your meal with the perfect craft beer or wine experience. Take a food journey customized for your group with Matt Ruesler of food locally grown and prepared.

Day 2:

Continental breakfast at your hotel before departing.

American Tractor Museum: Opened in 2020, this museum celebrates the iconic machine and backbone of America. Tour this amazing collection walking you through the evolution of the machine that plowed, planted and harvested the American dream for centuries. See one of the most unique and largest collections of its kind featuring rare manufacturers such as Rumely, Waterloo Boy, Case, Illinois, Indiana, Huber, Plymouth, Avery and many more. Guided tour available.

Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial: If you have never had the opportunity to visit the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C., here is your chance. This awe-inspiring EXACT full-scale sister wall to the Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C. offers veterans, civilians and those currently serving a place in the Midwest to reflect on the sacrifices of all service men and women. A museum and gift shop are on site. Guided tour available.

Lunch- Preordered buffet lunch or bag lunch at the previous site.

The Lutheran Heritage Center & Museum

professionally interprets and beautifully preserves the history of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod religion and the German descendants of the Altenburg and Frohna area since 1836. It highlights their quest to get here and their trials, tribulations and triumphs. The historic Log Cabin College was the first college west of the Mississippi. Tour the museum, college site and more than 100-year old Trinity Lutheran Church.

Dinner in Altenburg. Enjoy an authentic German home-cooked meal featuring several German favorites of the area. This meal is served family style with a food guide telling you about the dishes, their traditions and how they became favorites. Learn how to spread cooked cheese on homemade baked bread the way it was meant to.

Day 3:

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous

Medal & Rosary Walk: Nationally recognized, the Shrine and church have welcomed visitors since 1818. It’s designed as a 1/3-scale replica of the motherhouse in Cistrio Rome that serves as the historic seat of the American Vincentians. The shrine is decorated with beautiful paintings and intricate design work on the walls and ceiling to make it a masterpiece. Don’t miss the candle room of thousands of lighted candles in prayer.

Rosary Walk is a 35-minute walk option for visitors. Easy stroll, flower gardens, natural areas, WWI grotto, plenty of benches, shade and breathtaking marble and bronze statues from Italy. • All meals/menus can be arranged through

Trish Erzfeld, Director of the Perry County

Heritage Tourism.