The Midwest's Best Kept Secret
The Lake of the Ozarks is more than just a lake. It’s a vast community of people from across the country, connected by a love for all the lake area has to offer. Each cove, each individual mile marker, has its own culture with a unique outlook on what the lake lifestyle means.
According to Lake of the Ozarks Regional Economic Development Council, ”lake of the Ozarks has experienced tremendous growth and development over the last 20 years and now boasts a population of more than 92,551 permanent residents and a thriving tourism industry.
The popularity of the Lake of the Ozarks region is accentuated by its central location in Missouri; it is a similar distance from the state’s largest population centers, St. Louis and Kansas City. Because of the unique ability to build at the water’s edge and the availability of diverse activities, the Lake Area is projected to experience continued growth and development.” ACCESS THE FULL STUDY HERE
The Lake Area Chamber of Commerce offers a helpful relocation guide available here.
Imagine sitting on a dock and looking out over the sparkling water as the sun sets… The sky is painted a rich red and gold. You can picture your kids making life-long memories on the water. Friends are laughing together on summer nights. Everything is right in the world.
This is the Lake of the Ozarks.
And that is just one picture of what life at the lake can look like. With more shoreline than the coast of California, the Lake of the Ozarks has something for everyone.
So, whether you’re an energetic business owner who loves the hustle and bustle of a city, or a retired couple looking for a calm cove where you can relax and build your family legacy, there’s a piece of the Lake waiting for you.
Get To Know The Two Sides Of The Lake
The Big Niangua Arm is known for calmer waters, perfect for a relaxing cruise on the pontoon or taking the kids out for an afternoon of tubing. Many large springs flow into this section of the lake, you may even be lucky enough to catch a rainbow trout in some coves.
The Main Channel is fast-paced and full of beautiful, gigantic yachts. Listen to the waves crashing and boats flying by – You’re in the middle of the action here!
Summer at Lake of the Ozarks
Clearly, Lake of the Ozarks is known for summer recreation on the water. Boaters from around the globe travel to the lake for vacation and the incredible boating offered on our beautiful lake. Second-home owners migrate from their city dwellings to our shores to enjoy time away with family and friends. And, of course, locals soak up the fun and sun better than anyone! With a multitude of resort-style pools at the many lakefront restaurants and bars, every day of the summer can feel like a perfect vacation whether you live here full-time, part-time, or just visit the area as a getaway.
Beyond the water and lakefront entertainment, you’ll also enjoy a host of other recreational activities around the area. Big Surf Water Park, located between Osage Beach and Linn Creek, offers smiles for all ages. Season passes are available for residents and frequent visitors to enjoy big savings. The Ozark Amphitheater hosts an incredible summer concert series under the stars and attracts some big names to the area. The Lake area also has multiple cave and cavern tours where the year-round temperature is a cool 56 degrees! If you enjoy hiking or mountain biking, you’ll find many beautiful trails with vast topography and incredible views of the Ozark hills and the Lake of the Ozarks.
The population increase over the summer months is noticeable. You’ll want reservations at your favorite fine-dining restaurants. Locals tend to do their grocery shopping Mondays through Wednesdays during the summer to avoid crowds that flock to the stores Thursdays and Fridays to stock up for their big summer weekends. Traffic coming into the lake on Fridays and leaving the lake on Sundays can be heavier than in other seasons, but it doesn’t take long to learn to navigate the side roads to avoid delays. The best part of the population influx is the incredible energy you’ll experience everywhere you go.
Lake of the Ozarks is a happy place year-round, but the energy through the summer months sizzles!
Lake of the Ozarks in the Fall
The Lake of the Ozarks isn’t just about the water. In fact, the lake itself is surrounded by miles of gorgeous terrain to explore. Many full-time residents say that fall is one of their favorite times at the Lake.
The wakes calm, the air feels fresh and crisp, and the trees turn incredible shades of red, orange, yellow, and even pink. In fact, the Lake of the Ozarks was recently awarded 2nd place in a competition for the best destination to view fall foliage in the United States.
The autumn season also welcomes pumpkin patches and fall festivals in several towns and cities around the Lake. On the West side of the Lake, the town of Versailles hosts the beloved Old Tyme Apple Festival every year with baking contests, classic cars cruising, street performers and live music, and the annual parade. On the East side, the City of Osage Beach Fall Festival offers live music, food and drinks, a petting zoo and pony rides, several booths from local vendors, and even a pie-eating contest!
Less than two hours from some of the most beautiful wineries in the state, you’ll love the short drive to Hermann, MO for Oktoberfest in the Fall… and that’s just ONE of their fun seasonal festivals. Live music, incredible food, great wine, local brews, and shopping galore, Hermann is a favorite destination for Lake of the Ozarks locals ANY time of year.
Must See While at The Lake of the Ozarks
The Lake of the Ozarks offers something for everyone of all ages and interst.
Check out some of our favorites.
Lake of the Ozarks Attractions