Lake of the Ozarks
Around Lake of the Ozarks
Illustration made for Popchat
Countryside and towns · Missouri · 92k people
Lake of the Ozarks
“The Lake”, “LOTO”
Where the hills meet the water.
Lake TealOzark GreenSunset Orange
Welcome to the Lake of the Ozarks! Whether you're here for the boating, the fishing, or just the laid-back vibe, you'll find a community that loves the water. Come share your stories and tips with us.
Clubs for Lake of the Ozarks
No clubs for Lake of the Ozarks yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Lake of the Ozarks. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Lake of the Ozarks. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Bagnell Dam Hydroelectric dam on the Osage River that created the lake.
- Lake of the Ozarks State Park Missouri's largest state park, with beaches, trails, and camping.
- Ha Ha Tonka State Park Known for castle ruins, natural bridges, and caves.
- Bridal Cave Popular show cave with guided tours and underground lakes.
- Willmore Lodge Historic log lodge, now a museum and visitor center.
- Lake of the Ozarks The massive reservoir itself, a boating and recreation hub.
- Outdoors Boating and water skiing
- Outdoors Fishing for bass and catfish
- With kids Visiting state parks
- With kids Touring Bridal Cave
- Evenings Party cove hopping by boat
- Evenings Lakeside bars with live music
- Locals love Marinas
- Locals love Lakeside bars
Through the year
- Lake of the Ozarks Shootout August Powerboat racing weekend on the main channel.
- Camdenton Dogwood Festival April Spring festival with parade, crafts, and food.
- Eldon Apple Festival September Celebrates the apple harvest with cider and baked goods.
- Versailles Fall Festival October Autumn celebration with live music and local vendors.
- Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest September Motorcycle rally with concerts and scenic rides.
Hot, humid summers and cold winters. Best time to be out is spring and fall. Best: Spring and fall are ideal for being out, with mild temps and fewer crowds.
Talk like a local
- “The Lake”
- Refers to the Lake of the Ozarks area.
- “Party cove”
- A cove where boats gather to party.
- “The Strip”
- The commercial strip near Bagnell Dam.
- “Shootout weekend”
- The weekend of the powerboat race.
Getaways
- Jefferson City State capital with historic buildings and the Missouri River.
- Sedalia Home of the Missouri State Fair and historic downtown.
- Columbia College town with vibrant dining and arts scene.
- Truman Lake Another large reservoir with quieter boating.
Local flavour
Rooting for Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Blues, Missouri Tigers
Eat and drink
- Fried catfish A staple at lakeside restaurants and fish fries
- Barbecue Smoked ribs, pulled pork, and brisket from local pits
- Ozark pudding A regional dessert with apples and nuts
- Pork tenderloin sandwich A Missouri classic, often served breaded and fried
Where people go
- Marinas Docks, boat rentals, and fuel stops
- Party coves Shallow, protected areas where boats gather for socializing
- Lakeside bars Deck bars with live music and sunset views
- State parks Lake of the Ozarks State Park and Ha Ha Tonka State Park
- Bagnell Dam The dam that created the lake, a local landmark
- Caves Bridal Cave and other limestone formations
- Resorts Family-owned lakefront lodges and condos
- Golf courses Courses carved into the hills overlooking the lake
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Nearby
Every areaJefferson CityMissouriMissouri's riverfront capital, where the heart of the state beats.SedaliaMissouriWhere the fairgrounds glow and the prairie rolls.ColumbiaMissouriFriendly, lively, and full of tiger pride.Truman LakeMissouriWhere the lake is the heart of every dayLebanonMissouriSmall-town heart, lake-country soul.Fort Leonard WoodMissouriSmall-town charm with a big Army heart.RollaMissouriSmall-town charm at the crossroads of the Ozarks.MarshallMissouriA welcoming community in the heart of Missouri
Camden, Miller and Morgan counties, MO. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.