Fast Boats Compete For Top Honors During 31st Annual Lake Of The Ozarks Shootout

The 2019 Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, America's largest and longest running powerboat race, returns to Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks, August 24 and 25.

This high-speed, action-packed fundraising event, which has been hailed as one of the "must-see boating events in the country" by Boating Magazine, has powerboats racing individually to see who can log the fastest speed and be crowned the overall "Top Gun."

"For anyone that likes boats or boating, you don't want to miss the Shootout," says Ron Duggan, Shootout coordinator and owner of Captain Ron's Bar and Grill. "At the Shootout you'll see every type of boat imaginable and it's a thrilling and exciting event. You have some of the fastest boats in the world captained by some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. The racers are so generous with their time and they love taking photos with the spectators and talking about and showing off their boats. It's a lot of fun for everyone. I don't think there's anything like the Shootout in the entire country."

Throughout the racing weekend, over 100,000 spectators turn out to watch these powerful vessels top out at speeds of over 200 miles per hour along the race course near Captain Ron's Bar and Grill, 82 Aloha Road in Sunrise Beach or at the 34.5 mile marker by water. The competitive field features roughly 100 boats competing in over 60 different race divisions, including professional, non-professional and manufacturer classes, among others.

American Ethanol is the reigning Shootout champion, claiming the Top Gun title the last four years running. In 2018, American Ethanol won with a speed of 204 miles per hour. Spectators and racers alike will be eager to see if American Ethanol will extend their winning streak and break the long-standing fastest-ever time logged at the Shootout of 244 miles per hour set by the Spirit of Qatar in 2014.

The Shootout races get underway on Saturday, Aug. 24 with personal water craft races from 9:30-10:00 a.m., followed by the official opening ceremonies and national anthem at 9:45 a.m. The powerboat races begin after the national anthem and continue until 4 p.m. In addition to the races, there will be other special events throughout the races such as acrobatic aerial performances by Brian Correll during the Shootout Airshow. From 9 a.m. until 5 p.m, there will be a vendor village selling various goods and souvenirs as well as a racing village with the latest in performance engines and boating accessories on display. Between the two villages, the public can visit over 60 different exhibitors. Captain Ron's also hosts live musical entertainment on Saturday with performances by I-70 Overdrive from 2-6 p.m., followed by Members Only from 8 p.m. until midnight. Inside at Captain Ron's, DJ Kyle will pump out the jams from 11 p.m. until 1 a.m.

On Sunday, Aug. 25, the villages open at 9 a.m. and the high-speed action picks up with races taking place from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.  The presentation of the 2019 "Top Gun" honors will take place during the awards ceremony at 4 p.m. at Captain Ron's.

Those that can't make it to the Lake of the Ozarks to watch the races in person have several opportunities to keep up with the action. New for 2019, the Shootout races will be broadcast with unparalleled high-definition quality across multiple stations throughout Missouri and online as well. According to Denny Benne, owner of Benne Media Group, the expanded coverage and quality of the production will help raise the profile of the Shootout and the Lake of the Ozarks across the state. "We have a great production team assembled that has worked with CBS, NBC, ESPN and Fox. We're very excited to be able to take the broadcast to a new level," says Benne. "Since this is a charity event, we want to reach more viewers and listeners than ever before. And, our goal is to give viewers an incredible product to enjoy." The Shootout will be carried in St. Louis on KPLR 11, in Kansas City on KMCI TV and in Springfield on KY3. Additionally, the races will be broadcast live on the local cable and streaming networks of LakeTV, CoMo Connect, Lake Expo, Fidelity TV, Facebook and ROKU. On radio, the Shootout will be broadcast on COOL 102.7 FM around the Lake of the Ozarks.

While the weekend's races draw the biggest crowds, there are many Shootout events leading up to the high-octane weekend. Other events and activities include the Mini Shootout the weekend of August 16 and 17, featuring remote-controlled race boats that reach speeds upwards of 120 miles per hour near the springs of Ha Ha Tonka State Park; the "Run What Ya Brung" Poker Run takes place throughout the day on Friday, Aug. 16; a Shootout Treasure Hunt on Monday, Aug. 19 in the sandy beaches at Captain Ron's; the Shootout Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony at Cannon Smoked Saloon in Sunrise Beach on Tuesday, Aug. 20; and the Float Your Boat contest where participants build the most sea-worthy vessels exclusively out of cardboard and duct tape on Tuesday, Aug. 20.

Race fans will have the opportunity to check out these impressive speed machines up close and in-person during the popular "Shootout on the Strip" meet and greet party along the historic Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 21. This street party runs from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. and is a great way to meet the captains and crews of each participating vessel and take in incredible engineering behind the participating powerboats. There also will be fun and entertaining activities for children.

One of the highlights of the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout is the Wishing On A Ride program. For this event, powerboat captains donate their time to give special powerboat rides to over 150 children and adults from around the state with disabilities and/or serious medical conditions. Wishing On A Ride takes place from 12 noon until 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18 at Redhead Yacht Club and Marina and Performance Boat Center in Osage Beach and again on Thursday, Aug. 22 at Dock Three at Captain Ron's. This program is sponsored by the Missouri-Kansas Make a Wish Foundation, Oak Star Bank and Shore Magazine.

"It's an amazing event," says Tiffany Maasen, the organizer of Wishing on a Ride. "We're able to help 'Make a Wish kids' break out of their day-to-day routine of doctor appointments and medical treatments by giving them a special experience. It's something remarkable and fun that not only the kids get to enjoy but their families, too. They get to enjoy it together and it's just awesome. It's incredible how everyone comes together - from our sponsors to the host families, local resorts and the boat drivers - to ensure our Wishing on a Ride families have the most wonderful time at the Lake of the Ozarks. It means so much to these families and the joy it brings them is priceless."

While the Shootout is one of the most popular summer events at the Lake of the Ozarks, it also has the distinction of being one of the most successful fundraisers for the Lake area. Last year, the Shootout donated over $300,000 to 32 local charities and eight fire departments. Since Captain Ron's began hosting the Shootout in 2008, the event has generated nearly $1.5 million dollars for local Lake of the Ozarks charities.

For complete details on the 2019 Shootout, including information on lodging and parking as well as a full schedule of  activities , visit www.LakeOfTheOzarksShootout.com.  

For more ways to have fun at the Lake of the Ozarks and to get information on additional events, year around attractions, and lodging and dining options available at the Lake, visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau's award-winning website, www.FunLake.com, or call 1-800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253).

AquaPalooza Returns July 18, 2015

AquaPalooza, the Lake's largest family-friendly boating and floating event, returns to Dog Days Bar & Grill at the Lake of the Ozarks on Saturday, July 18, 2015. One of the most popular summertime happenings at the Lake, AquaPalooza,  brings in thousands of people to Dog Days Bar and Grill for a free event, which is equal parts concert-on-the-water and boating party. The festivities run from noon until 5:00 pm and feature live music, games, prizes and much more. The music begins around noon, but on Saturday morning, spectators in boats and floats begin lining the cove outside of Dog Days, which is located at the 19 mile marker by water and 1232 Jefferies Road in Osage Beach by land, creating a colorful and  festive flotilla in front of the waterside stage to get the best vantage point of the live musical entertainment. Dog Days features a swimming area, boat slip rentals, as well as an impressive selection of delicious dining options and frozen concoctions, making it a one-stop-shop for an enjoyable day on and around the water. "There is nothing else like this at the Lake," said Tim Jacobsen, executive director of the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau. "It's a really cool event at a great venue and it's totally free to come watch the different bands. It's awesome to see how many people come out to enjoy AquaPalooza."  Jacobsen credits Dog Days' General Manager Luke Hagedorn, along with local community members, including fire, law enforcement and ambulance services, for coming together to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all attendees.  "Dog Days Bar and Grill always does such a great job to make sure it remains a safe and fun event for everyone," he added. Event organizers always go out of their way to book entertaining and energetic bands to make a fun and memorable day on the water. The 2015 lineup includes several fan favorites from across the state spanning a variety of genres. Members Only (pictured to the right) hails from Springfield, Mo. and plays chart-topping hits from the '80s. State Line Drive is an infectious country-pop band from Kansas City. Disco Dick and the Mirrorballs, also from Kansas City, will keep the crowd in a frenzy with up-tempo, funky disco hits. And, Double Vision, a Foreigner tribute band who also calls Kansas City home, will play all the classic songs from one of the best-selling bands of all time. But, the party doesn't stop there. The live music continues inside on Dog Days' interior stage as Pearl Nation plays from 5:00 -9:00 pm, followed by an unabridged encore performance by Members Only from 10:00 pm until 1:00 am. AquaPalooza is a Benne Media production and this year's title sponsor is Budweiser. Additional sponsors include the Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association, Hy-Vee, First State Bank Mortgage and Elite Roofing. As part of the Benne Media group, the Lake's Classic Hits station, Cool 102.7 FM, will broadcast the concerts live on air, in their entirety, and Mix 92.7 FM and KS 95.1 FM will be making live updates throughout the event. For more information about AquaPalooza and to register for a Yamaha VX Deluxe Wave Runner to be given away right before the last band takes the stage, go to the website at www.FunLake.com/AquaPalooza.  For those looking to schedule a full weekend around AquaPalooza, the Lake of the Ozarks offers many different attractions and lodging options to fit all budgets and travel plans. From large, full-service resorts to smaller, family-owned resorts, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds and RV parks, to chain hotels and independent motels, the Lake has it all. Many of the Lake's lodging properties also offer different discount packages, "shop and stay" packages as well as "stay and play" packages throughout the summer. For a complete list of lodging options, please visit the lodging page at www.FunLake.com.

Spring Harbor Hop at Lake of the Ozarks

Kick off the spring boating season at the Lake of the Ozarks - and win big prizes - during the 18th Annual Spring Harbor Hop poker run on Saturday, May 2.  Spring Harbor Hop participants will try to complete the best poker hand (or hands) by traveling by lake or by land to their choice of waterfront checkpoints across the Lake (there are over 40 businesses consisting primarily of bars, restaurants and marinas on the Hop). While all the stops for the event are boater friendly, participants also can enjoy the day and the scenery by land, driving from one location to the next. "The Spring Harbor Hop happens at a time when many flowers and trees around the Lake are in full bloom, so it's just gorgeous," CVB Director of Member Services Heather Brown says.  "Many people make a full day of it, as the event lets them enjoy the food and fun of the Lake, all while taking in our beautiful spring scenery. This year we're expecting as many as 1,400 people to come out to celebrate the beginning of the boating season." Players will begin their "hop" by making a suggested donation of $20 per hand and drawing their first card at any of the participating locations. Six additional cards will be drawn for each hand as participants visit the various Harbor Hop locations around the Lake. When the seventh card is drawn, the hand is complete and is turned in at that final location. An additional card to help improve the hand can be obtained at that final location for a $5 donation.  Prizes will be awarded for the top 10 poker hands at the Hop, as well as the four worst hands and 10 randomly selected winners. All eligible hands must be turned in by 7 p.m. Winners will be notified by certified mail. There also will be prizes for "section winners" who complete their entire hand in one of these four sections: Section I is the Gravois Arm of the Lake Section II includes Bagnell Dam to the 10 mile marker on the Main Channel Section III runs from the mile markers 13-26 on the Main Channel Section IV includes mile markers 31-38 on the Main Channel and Big Niangua Arm Most Harbor Hop locations open at 11 a.m., though some open as early as 9 a.m. Hours will vary from location to location, so "hoppers" should consult the list of locations and operating hours by visiting FunLake.com/HarborHop. Complete rules for the Harbor Hop can also be found on that site, or by calling the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau at 1-800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253).

Lake of the Ozarks Still Open for Business

All that is great about fall in Missouri is ready and waiting for travelers at the Lake of the Ozarks. The bass are biting, the leaves are putting on a color show and the temperatures are just right for favorite outdoor activities like camping, fishing and boating. While some recreation areas on US Army Corps of Engineers lakes have been affected by the federal government shutdown, all services and amenities on the privately owned Lake of the Ozarks are open and available.

 "Visitors can come to the Lake knowing they will find all of our boat ramps, campgrounds, resorts and activities open and ready to accommodate them," Lake of the Ozarks Tri-County Lodging Association Executive Vice President Jim Divincen said.  "Autumn is a beautiful time at the Lake.  We hope travelers will come and see for themselves all the Lake of the Ozarks offers in the fall."
  
The three counties in the Lake area offer lodging options including family and fishing resorts, luxury resorts, condos and lake homes, bed and breakfasts and hotels and motels. Public and private campgrounds offer hundreds of sites, with options from primitive, no-frills tent sites to fully equipped RV sites. For those who enjoy rustic camping without pitching a tent, some campgrounds and parks offer rental options from cabins (including treehouse cabins) to yurts.

The fall season is one of the best times of the year to ensure outstanding fishing success at one of the country's best bass fishing lakes. Fishermen and fisherwomen can launch their boats at boat ramps in the state park, some resorts or campgrounds, rent a boat at an area marina or fish right from the docks. Bass tournaments on three October weekends offer the opportunity to win prizes for the biggest catch.

Visitors can complete their fall vacation with golfing on championship courses, shopping at the state's largest outlet mall and sampling a portion of the Lake's restaurants and nightlife. Travelers can plan their worry-free fall vacations by visiting the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau at FunLake.com.

Lake Event Photos: July 2013

Summer is now almost halfway over, and we have been out shooting photos at a couple of Lake of the Ozarks' favorite events, The 6th Annual Support Our Troops Poker Run and the increasingly popular, Aquapalooza 2013.

The Support Our Troops Poker Run, now in its sixth year has grown to include over 120 boats with over 500 people from all over the United States. As a poker run for charity, the Support Our Troops Poker Run has raised over $70,000 for charities that directly benefit soldiers and their families. Numbers for the 2013 event aren't in quite yet, but judging from the photos, this year was very successful. View the set of 50 photos taken from on the water at http://bit.ly/1c3j9Hn

Aquapalooza, the Lake's biggest family boating and live music event, came back to Dog Days bigger and better than ever before. 2013 featured the young up and coming musician Nic Cowan, The Brian Collins Band, The Devonshires and from Kansas City, Rock Paper Scissors. Great live music and family fun on the water is what Aquapalooza is all about, and 2013 did not disappoint. We shot hundreds of photos of the musicians, fans, families and scenery over the 5 hour event, and have narrowed it down to the best 160 of them. Enjoy the images here: http://bit.ly/143lOQE

We maintain an ever-expanding photo library of nearly all of the Lake's big events as well as Lake of the Ozarks seasonal scenic beauty, attractions and activities. To view the broad catalog of our event photos, simply visit http://funlake.zenfolio.com/lotoevents - If you happen to find a photo that you would love to have your own copy of, we will be happy to supply you with a password to download the original, high resolution file. Just send us an email at photos@funlake.com with the specific image information (Event, Date and Photo Number) and we'll respond as soon as possible.

Aquapalooza 2013

Get ready for Aquapalooza, the single largest one-day family boating event and on-the-water concert at Lake of the Ozarks on Saturday, July 20, 2013 from Noon to 5 pm. Best of all... it's FREE!

Presented by the Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association, the Lake of the Ozarks CVB, Budweiser, and the Benne Media Group, Aquapalooza is hosted by Dog Days Bar and Grill on Jeffries Road in Osage Beach at the 19 Mile Marker. Aquapalooza is an afternoon of family-friendly fun and music on the water. This year's event will feature up-and-coming musicians Nic Cowan and the Brian Collins Band, the classic rock of The Devonshires and, from Kansas City, the acoustic vocal trio Rock Paper Scissors. For information, photos and links to performing artists' websites, visit www.funlake.com/aquapalooza

Top 10 “Must Do’s” at Lake of the Ozarks This Summer

Lake of the Ozarks is known for summer fun!  Whether it is on the water or on land there is lots of fun “Must Do’s” at the Lake. Many people think of the Lake and assume you have to have a boat to have fun. It is actually just the opposite. Well, let me rephrase that… yes, having fun on the water is a lot of fun but there are many more things to do while at the Lake this summer.  Here are the top 10 “Must Do’s” at Lake of the Ozarks this summer:

1.   Golf! Lake of the Ozarks is one of the premier golfing destinations in the Midwest with over 15 golf courses; the Lake is a must for a golfer.  Not only are there lots of courses to choose from, they are all unique and offer something different. The Lake’s golf courses are set in some of the most picturesque settings in the Midwest. Between courses being next to the Lake, on rolling hills, and rock bluffs, these courses will not only amaze you with beauty but challenge your skills as well.

2.   Shopping is one activity you can indulge in this summer at Lake of the Ozarks. For holiday or anytime shopping, you’ll find what you’re looking for -or what you didn’t know you needed at the Lake. It’s not unusual for people to come to the Lake strictly to shop! From a major outlet-mall with name brand designer stores to small, unique boutiques, the Lake has it all.

3.   Find your style of entertainment! After a day of fun at Lake of the Ozarks, enjoy a night out. Lake-style nightlife includes music galore, karaoke bars, live country, blues, jazz and rock-and-roll bands. The Lake also offers sports bars, tiki bars, mellow lounges and lakeside hangouts, plus romantic moonlight cruises, live opry and comedy clubs. Everyone will find their style of fun!

4.   Must see events. There is always something to celebrate at Lake of the Ozarks.  This summer you can look forward to the Hot Summer Nights car show series, Canine Cannonball, BroStock professional wakeboarding competition, Aquapalooza, Jacob’s Cave Swapping Days, Fireworks, Lake of the Ozarks Invitational Offshore Super Series Race, Wave Runner Rodeo, The Midwest Wine & Brew Festival, Lake of the Ozarks Shootout and many more this fall. More information on any of these events can be found at www.funlakeevents.com.

5.   Water time. Your own boat is always welcome at Lake of the Ozarks. Bring it along and launch it where you are staying or at one of the area’s nine public access ramps. If you don’t have a boat, no problem. There are many marinas around the Lake that offer boat rentals. There really isn’t a reason not to get on the 54,000 acre Lake. If being your own captain is not up your alley, there are many excursion boats or charters you can take to have some fun on the water!

6.   Come hungry and leave full! Nearly half of the Lake’s restaurants are located directly on the water or offer a fantastic view of it. Some of the finest cuisine in the Midwest can be savored right here at the Lake. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, your appetite will fare well. With over 200 restaurants in the Lake area you can find gourmet cuisines, Ozark barbecue, buffets, down home cooking, ethnic food and more.

7.   Fishing at Lake of the Ozarks is one thing that all fishermen can agree on. With more than 1,150 miles of shoreline and 54,000 acres of water, there is no doubt you will catch some fish. The Lake is loaded with a variety of fish species: largemouth bass, spotted bass, black and white crappie, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, hybrid stripers, paddlefish, walleye and bluegill. Most species can be caught year-round; they just change their habits depending on the season. If you don’t know where to start, call one of the many fishing guides at the Lake to give you a hand.

8.   The great outdoors. Lake of the Ozarks is home to two State Parks with one being the largest State Park in Missouri. There are hundreds of trails to explore from easy to moderately strenuous, castle ruins, horseback riding, fishing, boating, caves, parks and much more. Not to mention, the endless beauty of what Lake of the Ozarks is all about. It is such a great way to wind down and enjoy nature.

9.   Lots to do with any of our many attractions. For fun on or off the water, the water, the Lake of the Ozarks offers non-stop activity. In addition to our outdoor, marine, golfing and shopping opportunities, the Lake is home to several unique and fun attractions. There are tons of action-packed amusement facilities throughout the Lake area with activities such as go carts, miniature golf, bumper cars, playgrounds, lazer tag, parasailing, horseback riding, water parks, disc golf parks, music show and more. If history is what you crave, then one of the many museums will be a fun time. There is no lack of things to do at the Lake.

10. Relax! Last but not least if you just need to slow down and relax, Lake of the Ozarks is the place to do it. If all you do is sit outside and take in the beauty of the rolling hills and Lake, you will find a relaxation. You can pick any resort, hotel, motel, condo, campsite, or a bed & breakfast and just sit outside and enjoy the beauty. 

If you have been to the Lake before, then we don’t have to remind you to visit again. If

you have never been to Lake of the Ozarks, pack up and enjoy a weekend or longer if

your schedule allows. To make the most of your Lake experience, you can request or

view the Official Vacation & Service Guide at www.funlake.com/vg or visit

www.funlake.com.

First Big Weekend of the 2013 Season for Lake of the Ozarks

Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks is heating up the late spring season with the first big weekend of 2013 with two of the Lake Area's favorite events. By land or by lake, there is something for everyone the weekend of May 3rd through May 5th.

Celebrate automotive excellence and enjoy great family fun at the Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals' silver anniversary on May 3-5 on the historic Bagnell Dam Strip (Business Hwy. 54) in Lake Ozark. The Street Meet Nationals, now in its 25th year, is a nationally-known, open-class car show, featuring all makes, models and years of cars, trucks and motorcycles. Each year, thousands of spectators attend this automotive festival to view over a thousand of the country's finest custom autos and motos. The Magic Dragon Street Meet's other attraction, the Generation NEXT Magic Dragon (located at Monarch Plaza in Lake Ozark), returns for its third year. GenNext runs May 3-4 and is specifically designed for the next generation of car enthusiasts. The GenNEXT location features tuner cars (Scion and other imports) and other highly customized foreign and domestic rides. Each Magic Dragon festival location features vendor villages, music, DJs and plenty of fun for the entire family. Admission is free. Judging-by-classification also is set to return to the Street Meet Nationals this year. Entry fee for these judging contests will be $5, with judging classes to be announced in the upcoming weeks.  For more information on this event, call 800-451-4117 or visit the Magic Dragon website at MagicDragonCarShow.com. 

The Spring Harbor Hop, May 4, starts the 2013 boating season at Lake of the Ozarks. This event, sponsored by the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau, is a boating festival in which participants "hop" (by water or land) to and from waterfront restaurants and marinas to draw playing cards and build a winning poker hand for prizes. Players can donate $15 per seven-card hand and start the hop by drawing their first card at any of the sponsoring restaurants and marinas along the Lake's main channel, the Big Niangua and Gravois arms. For more information about the Harbor Hop, call800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253). For a full list of participating Harbor Hop locations and event hours, visit FunLake.com/HarborHop.

15 Free "Hidden Treasures" at Lake of the Ozarks

Lake of the Ozarks is the Midwest’s premier lake resort destination, offering world-class boating, golfing, shopping and fishing, and a wide variety of lodging, restaurants, state parks, and other recreational activities to suit any budget and taste.  Yet, there are “hidden treasures” at that Lake that many visitors don’t know about but are worthy of exploring.  Many may think these treasures would be costly but it is exactly the opposite.  I am talking about the FREE things to do at the Lake that will take your breath away. 

Here are the Top 15 Free “hidden treasures” at the Lake of the Ozarks

1.    Lake of the Ozarks State Park: The Lake of the Ozarks has the largest State Park in Missouri with over 17,441 acres of things to do.  At the park you will find two public beaches, boat launches, camp sites, Lee C. Fine Airport, hiking trails, horseback riding and much more.

2.    Ha Ha Tonka State Park: This is an amazing park and a must see place to visit at the lake.  This park contains over 3,600 acres with 12 hiking trails, 8 caves (not open to the public), picnic areas, playground, exhibits, and castle ruins.

3.    Mother’s Shrine: The Shrine is known as “Mothers' Shrine” and is probably the most meaningful shrine in the country, featuring the Mothers' Wall of Life with names of mothers engraved in the black granite.  A beautiful outdoor shrine with a 14 ft. sculpture of Mary standing above the fountains.

4.    St. Patrick’s Church & Museum: Historic St. Patrick’s Church is the oldest church in Morgan County and the oldest stone church in the three counties surrounding the Lake of the Ozarks.  St. Patrick’s Church was built by Irish Catholics, a first generation German-American and a Protestant Scotsman. The church was designed to hold 80 people and was ready for worship by 1870. The small living quarters were added to the old church in 1936 for the circuit riding priest. These quarters have been turned into a museum that contains many of the vestments, photos and artifacts of the early church.  The last regular church service was held at this Historic Old Church July 20, 1952. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Sites, March 2, 1979. (Information provided by St. Patrick’s Church website.)

5.    Camden County Museum: Located in what was once the Linn Creek School, each classroom has been devoted to a specific theme, ranging from archives to a weaving room, where woven rugs can actually be purchased.

6.    Miller County Museum: This museum serves as a monument for the folk life of central Missouri society, with its Indian heritage, early home accessories, machines, crafts, schools, churches and agriculture.

7.    Morgan County Museum: Located in the old Martin Hotel in Versailles, the Martin Hotel was established more than 150 years ago.  There are 28 rooms decorated with exhibits, including a Chapel, a doll room, a military room and a tool room.

8.    Bagnell Dam Historical Museum: This historic log building was completed in 1930 by the Union Electric Company (now Ameren Missouri) and served as an administrative and entertainment center for the mammoth Bagnell Dam construction project that created Lake of the Ozarks.  The building is now refurbished and serves the Lake area and its visitors as a museum, cultural activities center and offices of the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.

9.    Bagnell Dam Overlook: This overlook has a breath-taking view of the Bagnell Dam in Lake Ozark, but it also shows the difference in elevation between the Lake of the Ozarks and the Osage River.  The overlook has several areas explaining various historical facts along with a turbine that was recently retired after seventy plus years of use.     

10. Eldon Airpark Disc Golf Course: Disc Golf is a great individual or family sport.  It is played like regular ball golf but with disc (or frisbies).  Eldon has a great 9 or 18 hole course (you can move the baskets) that can be played at any time. 

11. Camdenton Disc Golf Course:  Camdenton just finished building its disc golf course last year.  This course is located at its city park and has more of a rugged terrain.  This is an 18 hole course dug deep into the valleys of Camdenton.

12. Swinging Bridge and Shallows: This is a marvel all on its own and truly a Lake of the Ozarks “hidden treasure”.  As a kid I used to swim here, and it is still around to admire.  This bridge is comprised of 400 feet of wooden planks to go across the Auglaize Creek.  This location is great for fishing, site seeing, swimming or even a picnic.  Travel down the country side to see this “hidden treasure”, truly a great way to showcase the beauty of central Missouri.

13. Tunnel Dam and Whistle Shallows: Lake Niangua at Tunnel Dam is 3 miles long and is at the end of the Big Niangua River.  This area retains the rustic charm of the Ozarks with majestic hills and dense forests.  The gravel bars make perfect spots for afternoon picnics, swimming or just relaxing in the water.  The shallow water in this area is ideal for kayaks or canoes.  This is also a good area for wade fishing or fishing from the bank.

14. Aquatic Trail:  This trail is administered by the MO Department of Natural Resources as part of the Lake of the Ozarks State Park; it is nine miles, which is a two hour boating excursion that runs from Public Beach #1 to Grand Glaize Beach.  One may start from either end and a booklet with a map with a detailed explanation is available at the park office.  You will see everything from a logging chute, caves, naturally solar heated bluff and much more natural phenomenon’s.  

15. MO Department of Conservation Area: North of Camdenton there is a 40 acre conservation area, with an 80 foot viewing platform that is open to the public which allows visitors to get a bird’s eye view of the Lake.  In addition to the tower, there is a 1-1/4 mile hiking trail and an archery practice range (no onsite archery equipment available).

As you start to plan your weekends and decide what to do and where to go, just remember that Lake of the Ozarks is only a short drive away with many fun activities.  There are a variety of free “hidden treasures” to explore as mentioned above that can appeal to anyone who loves to boat, take in the beauty of the outdoors and more.  For more information on any of the activities mentioned above please visit, www.funlake.com or call 573-348-1599.