by Kendall Smith

Created on: October 18, 2007   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Lake of the Ozarks is located in the central Missouri and is within a day's driving time of major cities in Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, & Texas. Lake of the Ozarks is considered Missouri's premier vacation destination. There are so many different attractions and activities it would be impossible to see it all. You need to do a little research and some planning to insure you have the best vacation possible.

You need to be prepared for anything so remember to plan both inside and outside activities. Map out the locations of the attractions you want to see and restaurants you want to eat at, with a list of days and times of operation. This will help minimize the time you spend lost or just wondering what you are going to do next. Trust me with as mush as Ozark Lake has to offer you don't want to miss any of it.

Let's start with your accommodations. Do you want to stay in a hotel, a condo on the lake or maybe a cabin? You can rent a houseboat or stay in a charming Bed and Breakfast. The key is finding the right place for your needs. You want to be close enough to the action that you don't have to spend all your time commuting, but you want to be far enough off the beaten path that you can enjoy the scenic beauty of your surroundings.

If water sports are your passion Lake Ozark is the place for you. This man made lake features 92 miles of main channel. You can rent a houseboat and set anchor in one of the literally thousands of quiet coves that make up the 1375 miles of scenic shoreline.

The Ozark Lake region of Missouri has three spectacular caves that you can explore. Bridal Caves in Camdenton, Missouri which got it's name from local folklore that tells of a legendary Osage Indian wedding ceremony held in the cave in the early 1800s. Jacob's Cave in Gravois Mills and Ozark Cavern's which is part of the Missouri State park system and located in Linn Creek.

For the vacationer who loves to Golf, Ozark Lake offers 14 championship golf courses. You can have your choice of 9 or 18 holes of golf while enjoying the beautiful scenic view and fresh mountain air. If you are going to The Ozarks mainly to golf you may want to consider Dogwood Hills Golf Course because it is part of Dogwood Hills Resort. Robert Trent and Season's Ridge Golf Courses are both part of the Lodge of the Four Seasons.

Big Surf Water Park Located in Linn Creek is just one of the 4 amusement parks located near Ozark Lake. This park features many water slides a wave pool and even a kiddie pool for your little travelers. Check out Big Shot Action Fun Park also located in Linn Creek. Osage Beach offers Hillbilly Town Amusement Park and Miner Mike's Adventure Zone. Don't forget Putt 'n Stuff Fantastic Fun Center, they have both Put-Put Golf and a go-cart track.

If Country Music is what you are craving you have come to the right place. I am sure you will be able to find more entertainment than you can handle at one of the many Theaters located around Ozark Lake. Osage Beach has The Main Street Theatre, Main Street Opry and Ozark Opry.

I have just scratched the surface on the many things you can do when you vacation at the Lake of the Ozarks. For more attractions and listing of special event visit the Chamber of Commerce website.

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