Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri: 15 Stops on a 190 km Route
Explore Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri across 190.6 km, visiting top attractions including Ha Ha Tonka State Park with its castle ruins, Bridal Cave's natural formations, and Lake of the Ozarks State Park. The route connects premier golf courses at Osage National Golf Club and Cove Golf Course with scenic drives along the Ozark Mountain Parkway and lakeside dining at JB Hook's and Dog Days Bar & Grill.
- Distance
- 190.6 km
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Lake of the Ozarks
- End
- Dog Days Bar & Grill
- Stops
- 15
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Lake of the Ozarks — Popular summer holiday destination and main anchor for the region
- Ha Ha Tonka State Park — Blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue
- The Bagnell Dam Strip — Historic waterfront area featuring restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues along the dam that created the Lake of the Ozarks reservoir.
- Bagnell Dam Strip — Heart of Lake of the Ozarks nightlife and entertainment
- Bridal Cave — Natural cave formation near Camdenton, must-visit natural wonder
- Lake of the Ozarks State Park — Missouri's largest state park offering wide range of outdoor activities
- The Lodge of Four Seasons — Premier luxury resort on shores of Lake of the Ozarks with Spa Shiki
- Margaritaville Lake Resort — Fun and laid-back waterfront resort atmosphere perfect for families and couples
- Camden on the Lake Resort — Top-notch waterfront hotel with luxurious accommodations and amenities
- Ozark Caverns — Underground cave system within state park with guided tours
- Osage National Golf Club — Championship golf course with rolling hills and beautiful fairways
- Oaks Golf Course — Golf course with challenging play and stunning lake views
- Cove Golf Course — Golf course with challenging play and stunning lake views
- JB Hook's — Restaurant with incredible lake views and local dishes
- Dog Days Bar & Grill — Laid-back dining spot with live music and waterfront location
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Visit Lake of the Ozarks in summer as it is a popular summer holiday destination.
- Tip
- Rent a pontoon, speedboat, or jet ski to explore the lake's 1,100+ miles of shoreline. Anchor in quiet coves for swimming or picnicking.
- Tip
- Hike Ha Ha Tonka State Park's well-marked trails (easy to challenging) to reach castle ruins with panoramic lake views, sinkholes, natural bridges, and caves.
- Food
- Visit the Bagnell Dam Strip in the evening for restaurants, bars, shops, and live music. Options range from casual to fine dining.
- Timing
- Fish early mornings or late evenings when the lake is calm and fish are biting. Target bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill.
- Tip
- Tour Bridal Cave near Camdenton with guided tours through beautifully lit chambers with rock formations. The cave maintains a constantly cool temperature.
- Tip
- Explore Lake of the Ozarks State Park (Missouri's largest) featuring hiking/biking trails, two swimming beaches, and guided cave tours at Ozark Caverns.
- Tip
- Play at world-class golf courses like Osage National Golf Club, Oaks Golf Course, or Cove Golf Course with lake views and dining options.
- Tip
- Drive the Ozark Mountain Parkway for scenic views through rolling hills and forests. Fall offers especially breathtaking autumn colors.
- Food
- Try local specialties: fried catfish, barbecue, and fresh seafood. Visit JB Hook's for lake views or Dog Days Bar & Grill for live music.
- Timing
- Attend Lake of the Ozarks Shootout in late August for the Midwest's largest unsanctioned boat race with poker run, live music, and vendor booths.
- Where to stay
- Book a lakefront house with boat, or choose The Lodge of Four Seasons, Margaritaville Lake Resort, or Camden on the Lake Resort for resort amenities.
Video on this route
LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MISSOURI Travel Guide - Top 10 Best Things To Do