by Bobbi Hunter

Created on: May 23, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Springtime and early summer at the Lake of the Ozarks located in Central Missouri is a spectacular site as the dogwoods and redbuds bloom.

The region of the lake covers more than 54,000 acres and the shoreline is 1,150 miles, which is larger than the state of California. It is indeed quite impressive. The temperature is around 60 degrees in spring and in the mid to upper 90 degrees in the summer.

HOUSEBOATS

If you decide that, you want to be on Osage Beach one night and Sunrise Beach the next a houseboat may be your thing. Houseboat sizes vary with rental companies. The average sizes are 56 foot, 59 foot and 65 foot. Enjoy a lovely starlit evening while in the comfort of your own home away from home.

If renting a houseboat is not your cup of tea, you may be interested in taking a Tropic Island Cruise. Enjoy a luxury experience aboard a 150-passenger yacht. See tropicislandcruises.com for more information. There is also a scenic or dinner cruise to choose with celebrationlakeozark.com. Do not pass up their scrumptious meals.

CAMPING

Lake of the Ozarks State Park is Missouri's largest state park and has a 17,300-acre playground! You can camp in your tent, a yurt, an outpost cabins or your RV. The campground is located near the amphitheatre, beach, and marina. Just down the road are riding stables.

HORSEBACK RIDING

There is plenty of horse riding options at Lake of the Ozarks with many stables available. Choose from morning rides, lunch rides while stopping for a picnic by a beautiful pond or a ride at sunset through romantic meadows.

CAVE EXPLORING

Bridal Cave is known for its natural chapel and has had more than 13,000 marriages performed there. It is located in Camdenton, Missouri, on the shoreline of the Lake of the Ozarks. The land by the cavern has unique geological features, and it has great, colorful onyx formations. Be sure to check out the caves underground lakes.

QUIRKY ATTRACTIONS NEARBY

Beetle Bailey Statue. Beetle Bailey sits with a beer in hand! Located in Columbia, Missouri, 54 miles from Lake Ozark.

Jim the Wonder Dog Memorial Park. The memorial is all about Jim the Wonder Dog, who could predict the future. Located in Marshall, Missouri, 73 miles from Lake Ozark.

Stubby Stonehenge. These replica Stonehenge's are vast along the United States vacation landscape. Stubby Stonehenge is the only one that declares to be useful as a clock! Located in Rolla, Missouri, 49 miles from Lake Ozark.

Whether it is spring, summer or winter you are sure to find an activity just to fit your budget and individual ambition. Be sure to check out the very cool outdoors and attractions at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri.

Learn more about this author, Bobbi Hunter.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.