Climax Springs offers a residential feel by the Lake of the Ozarks
Located just off the Lake of the Ozarks, Climax Springs provides tranquility in an area otherwise bustling with activity. “It’s definitely the quieter side,” says Sheri Rieke of The Rieke Group with Keller Williams Lake of the Ozarks Realty. Buyers in this small Missouri community can get a spacious lot on or off the water. It’s a nostalgic environment that attracts plenty of full-time residents, near a landmark that welcomes several million visitors annually. “Every road and area down here is so diversely different,” says Reike, who has almost 10 years of realty experience. “It’s definitely more of what the lake used to be like.”
Massive lake provides opportunities for a range of water sports
The 54,000-acre Lake of the Ozarks is the region’s signature feature. Many of the area’s properties have direct water access, and multiple marinas are close by, opening the gates to a multitude of activities. “Definitely fishing and boating,” Reike says. “And then all of the sports that go along with boating — tubing. Surfing now has gotten really popular down here. And wakeboarding.” Paddlefishing is particularly popular in some parts of Climax Springs, Reiki says. Distinct for their long, paddle-shaped snouts, paddlefish are particularly active in March and April. “That draws people from all over,” Reiki says. Besides the lake, residents are just under 30 miles from the more than 3,700-acre Ha Ha Tonka State Park. The park features more than a dozen trails and one of the largest springs in Missouri. Climax Springs Park, at the center of the community, is home to the small, original spring that inspired the area’s name.
Lakeside landscape lends itself to a diverse mix of homes
Most of the housing in the area is by the water. However, options vary widely, whether lakeside or inland. Some of Climax Springs’ houses date to the 1920s, while others were built in recent years. Styles range from manufactured homes to multi-level Craftsman-style estates. Many of the lots here are at least a quarter of an acre. Houses less than 2,000 square feet go for $215,000 to $630,000. Larger homes sell for $650,000 to $1.3 million. Many of Climax Springs’ properties are filled with full-time residents, instead of seasonal tenants. “It’s really amazing the amount of full-time residents you see out there,” Reike says. “And I do think a lot of it is because it’s a quieter, more community-geared atmosphere.”
With fireworks and racing, the lake hosts high-powered events
The Lake of the Ozarks and the surrounding area serve as a site for various events. One is the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout in August, which is considered the largest powerboat race of its kind in the country. Some of the boats hit speeds upwards of 200 miles per hour. There are also multiple fireworks displays by the water every Fourth of July. The show at Bear Bottom Resort is among the closest to Climax Springs, just over 20 miles away. Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest draws over 125,000 each September. Bikefest includes programming at Lake of the Ozarks Harley-Davidson, 30 miles from Climax Springs.
Camdenton is a hub for commercial amenities like grocery shopping
Climax Springs residents don’t have to stray far for a bite to eat at spots like Come On In Cafe, a local fixture for breakfast and lunch. Red Fox Store & Marina, on the water, has popular margaritas. Climax Grocery offers a selection of food items. The city of Camdentown, just over 20 miles east, is the place for more big-box retailers and chain restaurants. Camdentown has a Walmart Supercenter and a Gerbes grocery store. Also, a Bomgaars department store, full of home, lawn and garden items. Restaurants in Camdentown range from Sonic Drive-In to Subway.
Climax Springs High offers dual enrollment through multiple colleges
The Climax Springs R-IV School District carries a C rating on Niche. The district includes the B-minus-rated Climax Springs Elementary for prekindergarten to sixth grade and the C-plus-rated Climax Springs High for Grades 7 to 12. Climax Springs High has partnered with Ozarks Technical Community College and State Fair Community College for dual enrollment courses.
Missouri Route 7 is a key thoroughfare
Home to businesses including Come On In Cafe and Climax Grocery, Missouri Route 7 provides a straight shot east or west out of Climax Springs. The thoroughfare connects to Route 5 to take drivers into the heart of Camdentown. Kansas City is 130 miles away using Route 7, Interstate 49 and U.S. Route 71.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
