Top Things to Do at Lake of the Ozarks

More than 5 million visitors come each year to play at the lake. Boat to dockside eateries, such as Shady Gators, or hop in the car to explore small towns like Osage Beach and Lake Ozark. See our top picks for what to do, where to eat and where to stay.

By

Midwest Living editors

Updated on May 31, 2023

Do

Bagnell Dam Strip

Taste fudge or dine at a family-friendly restaurant. Play arcade games like Skee-Ball. Buy a souvenir T-shirt or attend a car show. It's all on this main drag in Lake Ozark.

Bridal Cave

An Osage Native American tale of heartbreak, love and marriage centers here. Hour-long tours showcase mineral formations, like soda straws and draperies, and subterranean Mystery Lake, at the Camdenton attraction.

Bridgeport Boat Rental

Choose from speedboats, pontoons, Jet Skis and more in Osage Beach.

Grandma's Candy Kitchen

Give your sweet tooth what it wants—hand-dipped chocolates, 20 flavors of homemade fudge and 40 kinds of saltwater taffy—at this icon on The Strip in Lake Ozark.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

More than 15 miles of trails and the striking ruins of an early 20th-century stone mansion—along with caves and natural bridges—draw visitors to the 3,700-acre Camdenton spot.

Lake of the Ozarks State Park

Sandy beaches, 12 hiking trails, horseback riding, boat rentals and lantern-lit tours of Ozark Caverns attract visitors to this leafy park in Kaiser.

Lake Ozark Fishing Guide Service

Guides happily teach newbies how to bait up, but they'll also show experienced anglers the best spots.

Willmore Lodge

When you swing by Lake Ozark's historical visitors center for maps and brochures, leave time to explore the museum exhibits highlighting Bagnell Dam's construction.

Eat and Drink

Baxter's Lakeside Grille

By the toll bridge in Lake Ozark, Baxter's has one of the best sunset-viewing spots. Pair skewers of grilled shrimp with a Baxter's Sunset: mango margarita and raspberry daiquiri served side by side.

H. Toad's Bar and Grill

This waterfront spot serves chops, filets, seafood and pastas, but the crowd is here in Lake Ozark for dancing to live music Friday and Saturday nights.

Old Kinderhook Resort

Two classy dining options await guests at this Camdenton golf resort, part of the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail. The Hook Cafe serves breakfast and lunch; The Trophy Room plates entrees like pan-seared Chilean sea bass and marinated flank steak with jalapeño-cheddar grits.

On the Rise Restaurant

A cafe amid Osage Beach's big-box stores serves breakfasts of baked vanilla bean French toast or lobster and chive omelets, plus gourmet lunches.

Shady Gators

Family-friendly by day; spring-break party by night. The Lake Ozark spot plays to the Cajun theme with menu items such as blackened catfish.

Shorty Pants Lounge

On a quieter part of the lake near Osage Beach, you'll find authentic Cajun cuisine in a sophisticated setting. Try the Jack Daniels glazed chicken or the creamy crawfish and shrimp étouffée.

Tucker's Shuckers

Slurp down fresh oysters— raw, chargrilled or fried— and draught beer at this popular spot on the strip. Also on the menu: burgers, sandwiches, lobster and steak.

Stay

Bass Point Resort

A relaxed vibe and affordable cabins and houses have kept this family resort on the lake's quieter west side in business for more than 60 years. Boat, swim or play disc golf.

Lake Breeze Resort

Cottages and condo-like units take advantage of a grassy lakeshore. In addition to a pool, there's a sand beach, firepit, playground and boat rentals.

The Lodge of Four Seasons

Beyond its lobby with a sunken fireplace, you'll discover a polished retreat with 358 rooms and suites, a large marina, restaurants, golf, four pools, and a spa.