The vacation life in Lake Ozark
Lake Ozark is the gateway to one of the biggest vacation destinations in Missouri. Built in 1931, the 54,000-acre Lake of the Ozarks is one of the largest man-made lakes in the nation and the world. Directly east of it is the city of Lake Ozark, a vibrant town of around 2,000 people with homes, resorts, hotels and many attractions around the reservoir. “Everything is centered around the lake,” says Jessica Bruce, a resident and broker with RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks. “It’s kind of mountainous with tons of trees and a couple of really stunning hiking trails. It’s very beautiful.” With natural amenities, waterfront restaurants and a variety of housing options, Lake Ozark draws residents who are seeking a lakeside community with plenty of nearby amenities, as well as nearby highway access.
Golfing, parasailing and boating experiences by the Osage River
Given that the community takes its name from the massive Lake of the Ozarks, it’s perhaps not surprising that the lake serves as the centerpiece of recreation in Lake Ozark. On the lakeside, there are marinas and boat rentals by Jennings Branch Cove, while Bagnell Dam has a boat ramp that allows for launching into the Osage River. Celebration Cruises has dinner and party boats with a full-service bar, and Paradise Parasail takes its passengers on sky-high adventures along the coast.
Those who prefer their recreation to be on dry land have plenty of options from which to choose. Two public golf courses sit within Lake Ozark. The 18-hole Ridge Golf Course sits on the west end of town and the Osage National Golf Resort has a 27-hole course with a pro shop. Sugar Creek Mini Golf has two 18-hole courses that go through green hills, rocks and waterfalls. The Willmore Lodge is a log building from the 1930s that’s used as a museum and visitor's center. The museum houses a multitude of documents, photographs and other archival memorabilia associated with the building of the Bagnell Dam, which created the lake. There are also many campgrounds and RV parks north of the Osage River, with options ranging from rustic to glamping.
Condos, cabins and Craftsman homes with boat docks
Most single-family homes are situated on the west side of the lake, and many feature private docks on the lake. “There are no boatside restrictions, which is why it’s become one of the most popular lakes in the nation,” Bruce says. “You can walk right from your home, out your backyard, onto your personal dock and go boating wherever you want.” Cabins, split-levels and brick mason homes have vaulted ceilings, walk-in closets and up to 1-acre lots, typically selling for $275,000 to $500,000. Craftsman and ranch-style homes with patios often have direct lake access and range from $500,000 to $900,000. Large contemporary and raised ranch homes are 4,000 to 5,500 square feet with four to five bedrooms and prices of $1 to $3.5 million. Condos on the east side by the golf resort range from 700 to 1,000 square feet and cost between $160,000 and $250,000.
Ducks, drinks and summer fun by Bagnell Dam
Eagle Days kicks off Lake Ozark’s annual slate of community events. Held at the Osage National Golf Resort, the gathering gives birdwatchers the opportunity to see bald eagles up-close during their migration. The Bridge Marathon 10K & 5K takes place on the Bagnell Dam in April, and lakegoers enjoy watching the fireworks pop off over the lake on the Fourth of July. In August, the Kiwanis Club of Ozark Coast drops thousands of ducks into the lake for the annual Great Bagnell Dam Duck Drop race, while foodies look forward to experiencing the Midwest Wine & Brew Festival at The Lodge of Four Seasons in August. “There’s a massive change in population during the summer,” Bruce says. “There’s always a concert, a fun run, a powerboat race or a car show going on in Lake Ozark.”
Seafood restaurants and souvenir shops
There are plenty of shops and restaurants, both by the lake and south of Horseshoe Bend Parkway. The Malted Monkey is an American restaurant with an outdoor ropes course and a milkshake bar, while Stewart’s Restaurant is a brunch spot famous for its three-pound cinnamon rolls. JB Hook’s serves steak and seafood right on the lake, and Tucker’s Shuckers is well known for its fresh oysters and 28 beers on tap. There are many shops, boutiques and souvenir stores along Bagnell Dam Boulevard, and Woods Supermarket is the local grocery store.
Schools in Osage Beach
Lake Ozark is zoned for the School of the Osage District, which earns a B-plus and is rated the top school district in Miller County by Niche. “The schools are stunning,” Bruce says. “The teachers are some of the highest paid in the state.” Kindergarten through second-grade students can start at Heritage Elementary before moving on to the upper elementary school, both of which have B ratings. Osage Middle School is over 5 miles southeast in Osage Beach and earns a B, while Osage High School has a 95% graduation rate and earns a B-plus.
Two highways, OATS Transit and the Lake Regional Hospital
Horseshoe Bend Parkway merges into Missouri Route 242 and runs over 2 miles east to U.S. Route 54. From there, travelers can drive around 5 miles north to Bagnell or 2 miles south to Osage Beach. OATS Transit provides public transportation throughout Miller County on weekdays, and the Lake Regional Hospital, located in Osage Beach, is the closest 24-hour emergency room.
