Fall Festival Season at Lake of the Ozarks

2022 Lake Area Fall Festivals

Each year the Lake of the Ozarks area is home to many fall festivals and with the cooler weather and the changing color of the leaves it is one of the best times to visit Lake of the Ozarks. For more information on fall festivals at Lake of the Ozarks as well as other events taking place around the Lake area please be sure to visit www.Funlake.com.

Lake Of The Ozarks Gets Dressed Up For The Holidays

Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks offers families and friends the opportunity to get together, relax and enjoy the holiday season with many festive events, impressive holiday light parks, incredible shopping and delicious meals.

The festive season at the "Best Recreational Lake in the Nation" begins in earnest with the Thanksgiving holiday. Many restaurants and resorts around the the Lake of the Ozarks take away the stress and mess of the holiday by offering delicious Thanksgiving meals for their guests. Camden on the Lake Resort in Lake Ozark, The Inn at Grand Glaize in Osage Beach, The Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, Margaritaville Lake Resort in Osage Beach, Old Kinderhook Resort in Camdenton and The Regalia Hotel & Conference Center in Lake Ozark are all offering Thanksgiving meals with all the trimmings. Most offer special lodging packages for the holiday as well, so visitors should check with the property of their choice for lodging specials, menus and available reservation times.

In addition to offering a delectable Thanksgiving meal, Old Kinderhook's annual Christmas Village opens for the season on November 29. The Christmas Village is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and features horse-drawn carriage rides, carols with Santa Claus and his helpers, gingerbread house-decorating stations, fun games, storytelling with elves, s'mores, bonfires and breakfast with Santa on Sundays. Thanksgiving weekend also marks the opening of The Ice, the only outdoor skating ice rink in Mid-Missouri. The Ice is open for casual skating sessions throughout the week and weekends. For more information on the Christmas Village and The Ice, visit OldKinderhook.com.

Visitors to the Lake of the Ozarks can enjoy the glow of thousands of holiday lights at the Lake area's four drive-through light parks, which open for the season around the Thanksgiving holiday and remain open through New Year's Day. The  Enchanted Village of Lights, the largest light park in Mid-Missouri, opens on November 22. The Enchanted Village of Lights is spread over 27 acres of the fairgrounds in Laurie and is open from 5 p.m. until  9 p.m. on weekdays and until  10 p.m. on weekends. Also in Laurie is the  Festival of Lights at the Shrine of St. Patrick Catholic Church, which opens on Thanksgiving Day. The Festival of Lights is open from 5 -10 p.m. throughout the holiday season. The  Unity Circle of Lights in Versailles is open from dark until  midnight, beginning November 29. And, on November 30, the Osage Beach City Park gets dressed in the holiday spirit and is open from 5-9 p.m. daily. Admission to all four light parks is free, but donations are welcome. For more information about the light parks, visit  FunLake.com. 

There will be many parades, holiday open houses and other festive fetes taking place in the different Lake of the Ozarks communities. The Laurie Lighted Christmas Parade takes place December 5 at 6 p.m. and winds through downtown Laurie; Camdenton's Christmas on the Square, which features a parade, 5K/10K run, choir performances and games and activities for children, takes place December 7 beginning at 10 a.m. in downtown Camdenton; on December 14, the city of Lake Ozark hosts its annual Christmas parade at 1 p.m. on Bagnell Dam Boulevard. Also on December 14, the city of Eldon hosts a lighted Christmas parade and the lighting of the "Magic Tree" in Rock Island Park. There also will be holiday music performed by the Eldon High School Choir and s'mores and hot chocolate will be available. And, of course, Jolly Ol' Saint Nick will be making an appearance at each event for the enjoyment of the young ones in attendance.  For a complete list of holiday open houses, Christmas parades, musical performances, plays, pageants and other activities, visit the event calendar at FunLake.com.

A favorite holiday tradition is cruising on the Celebration II luxury yacht for the annual Christmas on the Lake events. On Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from November 22 through December 28, vacationers can take in the spectacular sights of lakefront homes and businesses strewn up with colorful lights from the decks of the Celebration II while enjoying plated appetizers and live musical entertainment on a 2.5-hour cruise. The Celebration II docks at 1006 Bagnell Dam Boulevard and begins boarding at 5:30 p.m. For more information, or to make reservations, visit CruiseLakeoftheOzarks.com.

It wouldn't be the holiday season at the Lake of the Ozarks without the " Christmas on Main Street" musical variety show at the Main Street Music Hall, located at The Landing in Osage Beach. Holiday carols, gospel hymns, musical impersonations and comedy are all included in a great, family-friendly seasonal show offered by the cast of talented singers and musicians of the Music Hall family.  The Christmas on Main Street show kicks off on Friday, Nov. 29 and runs through Sunday, Dec. 22. Evening shows start at 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and there's a 3 p.m. matinee show on Sundays. For more information, including show dates, times and ticket prices, or to make reservations, call the Main Street Music Hall box office at  800-348-9501 or visit LakeMusicHall.com.

The Lake of the Ozarks also is an ideal shopping destination for marking items off Christmas gift lists of any length. The Lake is home to Osage Beach Outlet Marketplace, one of the largest brand-name factory outlet mall in Mid-Missouri, and The Landing on Main Street, a beautiful Victorian-themed village with over 20 boutique shops offering everything from home decor to chic clothing, kitschy souvenirs to homemade confections. There are also many antique shops around the Lake area and many unique shops and boutiques along the historic Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark. And, to make the deals even sweeter, m any of the Lake area lodging properties offer "Shop and Stay" or "Shop 'til You Drop" packages that include coupon books to the outlet mall worth hundreds of dollars in savings. Some lodging properties even throw in a pre-paid gift card for up to $50 for the outlet mall. To plan your Christmas shopping trip to the Lake of the Ozarks, visit FunLake.com and click on "Shopping" in the drop-down menu under the "Things to Do" tab on the website.

The holiday season reaches its climax with New Year's Eve. Visitors can ring in the New Year in style at many Lake of the Ozarks resorts and restaurants. Camden on the Lake, The Lodge at Four Seasons, The Lodge at Port Arrowhead, Margaritaville Lake Resort, The Regalia Hotel and Conference Center and Old Kinderhook, to name just a few, are all offering special New Year's dinners, dances, parties and/or special New Year's Eve lodging packages. For a list of resorts and restaurants offering New Year's specials, visit the event calendar at FunLake.com.

Anyone wishing to escape to the Lake for the holidays will find an ample selection of accommodations to fit families and friend groups of all sizes and budgets. Guests can choose from resorts, cabins, condos, vacation homes, hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts. Some offer special winter and holiday lodging rates where travelers can save as much as 40 percent off in-season rates.

To discover more ways to have fun at the Lake of the Ozarks and to get information on additional events, year around attractions, and available lodging and dining options, 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).

Enjoy the Colorful Scenes of Fall at Lake Of The Ozarks

For colorful fall foliage, a road trip to Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks is a can't-miss seasonal tradition for anyone that loves the colorful bounty of autumn.

Last October, readers of USA Today recognized the area for one of its many charms: its autumn colors. The Lake of the Ozarks was voted the second-best place in the country for viewing fall foliage, officially confirming what many locals already knew: there's nothing like autumn in the Ozarks.

The area is beautiful in any season, but in the fall it really shines. The landscape around the Lake of the Ozarks features many rolling hills, scenic overlooks and expansive views of the water, all offering wonderful glimpses of the thick hardwood forests that abound in the region and turn vivid shades of orange, red and yellow each fall.

"Those of us that live at the Lake of the Ozarks enjoy the beauty of the seasons on a daily basis, but for visitors, fall  can be a very special experience," says Jim Divincen, administrator for Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks Tri-County Lodging Association.  "Regardless of wherever you are at the Lake, you'll have lots of colorful surprises. Mother Nature puts on quite the show and many vacationers visit every October to enjoy it."

The peak of the fall colors at the Lake of the Ozarks typically occurs in mid- to late-October  when the maples, ashes, oaks and hickories are at the height of their fall display. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, the peak season varies from year to year depending on the weather and can last until early November. 

"I think there's going to be outstanding fall color this year," says Ann Koenig, a forester with Missouri Department of Conservation. "It's been a relatively mild year with not too many hot days and we've had steady rain throughout the state. It's been a good growing season for trees and that will lead to a lot of bright color."

To help plan a trip to the Lake of the Ozarks to coincide with the most vivid colors, visitors can utilize the Department of Conservation's Fall Color Forecaster at nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/fall-colors. The Lake of the Ozarks' information is included under the column titled "Central Region."

There are numerous ways to enjoy the bright colors around the Lake of the Ozarks, both from land and on-the-water. 

The area's two state parks feature numerous walking and hiking trails that traverse hardwood forests, glades, meadows and offer wonderful views of the Lake of the Ozarks. Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Missouri's largest and most visited state park, boasts 14 different trails while Ha Ha Tonka State Park, recently named the most beautiful place in Missouri by Conde Nast Traveler, has 12 unique trails. Both parks offer a variety of trails that range in ease and difficulty, from paved walking trails to rugged cross-country treks.

Divincen, who is both an avid hiker and angler, says two of his favorite ways to enjoy the fall colors is getting out on the trails at Ha Ha Tonka and spending time on the water. "I really like the Turkey Pen Hollow hiking trail at Ha Ha Tonka," Divincen says. "There are some spectacular views and it's a beautiful experience. That, and catching a big bass out on the lake with the colorful shoreline as a backdrop is a memorable experience, especially with family and friends," Divincen adds.

Other popular ways to take in the scenery are self-guided driving tours, visiting the various scenic overlooks around the Lake, playing a round or two of golf on the Lake's 14 championship golf courses, taking a guided horseback ride along a rugged Ozark trail or enjoying a meal at one of the area's 60 lakeside restaurants.

For on-the-water fun, visitors can rent a boat from a local marina or hop aboard a scenic narrated cruise on one of the Lake's three different 150-plus-passenger luxury yachts. There also are professional fishing guides that help ensure vacationers find fishing success while also enjoying the pretty foliage around the Lake of the Ozarks, whether it's out in the middle of the Lake or in a secluded and quiet cove.

Travelers also will find the perfect accommodations at the Lake of the Ozarks for fall getaways of any length of time at affordable, shoulder-season prices.  There are full-service large-scale resorts and smaller family-owned and operated resorts as well as charming bed and breakfasts or comfortable cabins and cottages.  There is no shortage of fully furnished vacation rental homes and condominiums. For those who prefer sleeping under the stars, there are spacious campgrounds and RV parks interspersed throughout the area.

To discover more ways to have fun at the Lake of the Ozarks and to get information on additional events, year around attractions, and available lodging and dining options, 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).

Paddle Around Lake of The Ozarks for On-The-Water Fun!

For many people that enjoy spending time outdoors, nothing says summertime like a leisurely paddle on the various and celebrated Ozark waterways. At Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks, visitors can take their time exploring spring-fed tributaries as well as slow and secluded coves from paddleboards, kayaks, canoes or paddle boats.

While Lake of the Ozarks is regarded as one of the best boating and fishing lakes in the country, there are many other ways to have fun on the water, especially when it comes to paddling sports.

One of the many reasons the Lake of the Ozarks has been designated the "Best Recreational Lake in the Nation" is because it caters to paddlers of all types. The newest paddling sport to hit the Lake of the Ozarks is stand-up paddleboarding. Visitors of any skill level, from first-timers to the most seasoned pros, can get their paddles wet at a number of resorts, marinas and paddle-specific businesses.

"What makes the Lake of the Ozarks such a great paddling destination is that there are so many different coves," says Dave Bertels, co-owner of Super Dave's Paddle Craft Adventures in Sunrise Beach. "There are many opportunities for paddlers to duck into different coves where the water is super smooth and paddle around and explore the unique scenery. And, on sunny days, it's nice to be able to run along the cliff faces to stay in the shade. You can dip in the water to cool down and then keep paddling. You don't always get those opportunities on different lakes or with different paddle craft."

For those wanting to learn how to paddleboard, the Lake of the Ozarks is a great place to start. There are a handful of businesses that not only rent paddleboards but also provide lessons for those new to the sport.  Super Dave's Paddle Craft Adventures in Sunrise Beach, Sunset Beach Resort's Adventure Boat Rentals in Camdenton and Wake Effects in Osage Beach all  make sure to set every guest up for success. Each paddleboard rental comes with personalized instructions for those that need it on how to safely and successfully get on the board, stand up on the board, how to paddle efficiently and how to control the board before vacationers make their way out into the quiet cove s to enjoy their newly acquired skill . Lessons can take anywhere from five to 15 minutes depending upon the customer, and, extra assistance and coaching are provided if necessary.

"The difference between an incredible day out on the water with a paddleboard and a really

frustrating one can be as simple as spending a few minutes to get comfortable with the board and having someone with experience show you what to do," says Bertels, who has taught nearly 15,000 people to paddleboard at the Lake of the Ozarks. "A little bit of quality instruction makes all the difference. Most people catch on really quickly and there's no slowing them down after that. They get it and then they're hooked. Helping people fall in love with paddleboarding is the best part of the job for me," Bertels concludes.

Anyone looking to take their paddleboard experience to another level can try Wake Effects' different paddleboard-based yoga and fitness classes, including an introductory class that teaches both how to paddleboard as well as how to do yoga on a paddleboard. For more details on Wake Effects' paddleboard yoga and fitness classes, visit   wakeeffects.com/paddle-rentals-sports/.

Of course, there are a variety of options for those more interested in kayaking or canoeing as well. In addition to the three businesses mentioned above, there are numerous places that help visitors get out on the water in a self-propelled fashion.

Mother Nature's River Retreat in Mack's Creek offers three options for scenic canoe floats down the Big Niangua River, one of the Lake of the Ozarks' spring-fed tributaries: a three-mile, four-mile or seven-mile float. Shuttle services also are available.

The area's two celebrated state parks offer kayak rentals and outstanding locations to paddle around. Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Missouri's largest and most visited state park, offers kayak, paddleboard and paddleboat rentals at the marina located at Public Beach #1 in Osage Beach. Once vacationers have their paddle craft, they can launch their vessels and spend the day exploring the park's Aquatic Trail, a nearly 10-mile stretch of water that runs from Grand Glaize Beach to the park's main campground. Buoys are placed at various Lake locations to mark this unique water trail and a  special corresponding Aquatic Trail interpretive map provides information about what boaters see at each stop. The diversity of the park and its natural communities are showcased with stops to view woodlands, glades, streams and geological structures. Boaters can learn how swallows use the bluffs in the park, how chert is formed and why glades are being lost to cedar invasion. The Aquatic Trail map is available at various locations in the park and is recommended before embarking on this on-the-water adventure.

At Ha Ha Tonka State Park near Camdenton, which was voted one of the best state parks in the nation by readers of USA Today, visitors can rent single or tandem kayaks from the park's visitor center. The park features launches and wonderful paddling opportunities at the Ha Ha Tonka Cove near Ha Ha Tonka Spring, Missouri's 12th largest natural spring. Paddlers can take in impressive views of the towering limestone bluffs as well as cool, clear blue waters of the spring. The cool, spring-fed water in the cove at Ha Ha Tonka is a popular spot for swimmers and paddlers at the Lake of the Ozarks.

All paddle craft rentals are generally based on an hourly rate, though some marinas and businesses offer half-day, full-day or weekly rates. Prices vary from business to business, so visitors may want to call ahead to check on prices and availability of rentals.

In addition to all the places mentioned above, many Lake of the Ozarks resorts rent a variety of watercraft for a fun day (or days) out on the water. Some even offer complimentary use of paddle craft for their guests. Visitors should check with the lodging properties of their choice to see what kind of vessels are available for their use. 

For a getaway of any length to the Lake of the Ozarks, the accommodations available are as varied as the shoreline around the Lake. Visitors will find full-service, luxury resorts; smaller, family-owned and operated resorts; spacious, multi-bedroom condominiums and vacation homes; charming bed and breakfasts; rustic cabins, campgrounds and RV parks in addition to well-known hotels and motels.

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).

Celebrate the Beginning of Boating Season with The 22nd Annual Spring Harbor Hop!

The annual Spring Harbor Hop, Saturday, May 4, marks the beginning of the boating season at the Lake of the Ozarks.

The Spring Harbor Hop, a highly-anticipated seasonal tradition at the Lake of the Ozarks, combines some of the best things about springtime in the area - warm weather, scenic beauty, boating, dining, live music and fun - along with the chance to win big prizes. 

According to Tim Jacobsen, executive director for the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau, the Spring Harbor Hop brings out around 1,000 participants.

"The Spring Harbor Hop is a great way to kick off the spring season at the Lake of the Ozarks," Jacobsen says. "We typically have some beautiful weather and the trees and flowers in bloom along the shores of the Lake make for a wonderful spring Saturday. On top of that, you get to visit an outstanding variety of the area's most popular restaurants and marinas, enjoy some good food, great live music and have fun with your friends. It's something I look forward to every year."

Harbor Hop participants can travel by water or by land to their choice of over 40 lakeside restaurants, bars, resorts and marinas in order to complete the best poker hand (or hands). Hoppers must travel to at least seven different locations to draw cards, but can visit as many of the participating venues as they wish.

The rules of this poker hop are simple. Participants begin the Harbor Hop by making a suggested donation of $20 per hand and drawing their first card(s) at any of the participating venues. From there, six additional cards are obtained by visiting at least six additional Harbor Hop locations to draw one card, per hand, at each location. Once the seventh card is drawn, the hand is complete and turned in at the location where that card was drawn. In order to help improve the hand(s), one additional card per hand can be obtained at that same location for a $5 donation. 

The top 10 poker hands, as well as the four worst hands, will be awarded cash prizes. There will be 10 randomly selected winners as well. In order for a poker hand to be eligible for prizes, it must be turned in to one of the official Harbor Hop venues no later than 7 p.m. the day of the event. Winners will be notified by certified mail. In addition, there 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 13 mile marker on the Main Channel.
• Section III runs from the 13.5 mile marker to the 26 mile marker on the Main Channel.
• Section IV includes mile markers 28.5 through 38 on the Main Channel as well as the Big Niangua Arm.

Most of the Spring Harbor Hop locations open at 11 a.m., though some open as early as 9 a.m. Hours vary from location to location, so attendees should consult the list of locations and operating hours at www.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).

Additional events, as well as year around attractions and information on all lodging and dining options available at the Lake, can be found on the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau's award-winning website, www.FunLake.com, or by calling 1-800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253).

Make Central Missouri’s Lake Of The Ozarks Your Home-Away-From-Home For The Holidays

With many fun and festive events, spectacular shopping, impressive holiday light parks, delectable dining, entertaining musical shows and the entire community dressed up for the season, Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks is the perfect home-away-from-home this holiday season.

The festive season at the "Best Recreational Lake" in the Nation begins on Thanksgiving but holiday visitors can get a head start on the festivities as early as Friday, Nov. 16 with the lighting of the Enchanted Village of Lights. This 27-acre drive-through light park is located at the Laurie Fairgrounds in Laurie on the westside of the Lake of the Ozarks and is open through January 1, 2019. Over 8,160 vehicles and 25,600 people visited the Lake's most popular light park last year. The Enchanted Village of Lights is open from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on weekdays and open until 10 p.m. on weekends. Admission is free to the light park, though donations are welcome as they go toward maintaining and expanding the light displays for future years.

In addition to the Enchanted Village of Lights, the Lake of the Ozarks' three other light parks open Thanksgiving weekend. Vacationers can experience the glow of holiday lights at the Osage Beach City Park, the Festival of Lights at St. Patrick's Shrine in Laurie, and the Unity Circle of Lights in the Versailles city park at the junction of Highways 5 and 52. Admission to all light parks is free but donations are welcome. For more information about the light parks, including hours of operation, visit www.FunLake.com/lake-holiday-light-parks.

Thanksgiving also marks the opening of Old Kinderhook's annual Christmas Village and The Ice, Central Missouri's only outdoor ice rink. The resort's annual Christmas Village opens on Friday, Nov. 23, featuring visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, elves, carolers, ginger bread house-making stations, horse-drawn carriage rides, and more. The Christmas Village will take place every weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) until Christmas Eve. The Ice at Old Kinderhook will also be open for the season for casual holiday skating sessions and a "pond hockey" league. The hours for The Ice are from 1-10 p.m. Thanksgiving weekend. The rest of the winter, The Ice is open from 5-10 p.m. on weekdays and 1-10 p.m. on weekends. For more details, visit www.OldKinderhook.com.

Another longstanding Lake of the Ozarks holiday tradition kicks off on Friday, Nov. 23. Christmas on Main Street, at the Main Street Music Hall at 5845 Osage Beach Parkway in Osage Beach, features holiday carols, gospel hymns, comedy and musical impressions. The Christmas on Main Street shows take place at 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays, from November 23 through December 22. For more details, including show dates, times and ticket prices, or to order tickets, call the Main Street Music Hall box office at 800-348-9501 or visit www.LakeMusicHall.com.

Visitors can take in the spectacular sights of lighted lakefront homes and boat docks during the Deck the Docks holiday dinner cruises aboard The Celebration motor yacht from November 24 through December 29. The Deck the Docks cruises feature dinner and live musical entertainment and occur on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Boarding for these two-hour cruises begins at 5:30 p.m. at 5085 Davis Drive at the west end of the Grand Glaize Bridge in Osage Beach. Proceeds from these holiday dinner cruises go to benefit the Dogwood Animal Shelter. For additional details on different cruises, prices or how to book a reservation, visit www.CruiseLakeOfTheOzarks.com.

In addition to the events and attractions listed above, there are many festive events taking place throughout the month of December at the Lake of the Ozarks. For a complete list of holiday open houses, Christmas parades, musical performances, plays, pageants and more, visit the event calendar at www.FunLake.com.

Those looking to create a memorable holiday excursion to the Lake of the Ozarks can easily find the perfect accommodations for groups and families of all sizes. Accommodations at the Lake include resorts, cabins, condos, vacation homes, hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and RV parks. And, with special winter and holiday lodging rates, travelers can save as much as 40 percent off in-season rates. For all the different lodging options available around the Lake of the Ozarks, click on the "Places to Stay" tab at www.FunLake.com.

The holiday season at the Lake of the Ozarks concludes with several New Year's Eve celebrations at many resorts, restaurants and bars. There will be live music, dinner and at dancing Camden on the Lake, The Inn at Grand Glaize, The Lodge of Four Seasons, Old Kinderhook and Tan-Tar-A Resort, just to name a few. 

For other holiday attractions, events, as well as all dining and lodging options available at the Lake of the Ozarks, visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau's award-winning website, www.FunLake.com. Or, call 800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253).

Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks Voted Second Best Destination for Fall Foliage in US

It was announced on Friday, Oct. 12 that the "Best Recreational Lake" in the Nation, Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks, was voted the second-best "Destination for Fall Foliage" in America, according to a recent USA Today readers poll.

The survey, conducted by USA Today and www.10Best.com, asked readers from across the country to choose their top spot for viewing the stunning colors of fall. Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks finished in the polling behind Michigan's Upper Peninsula, but beat out eight other destinations, including the Pocono Mountains, Door County in Wisonsin, the White Mountains in New Hampshire and others.

"Every autumn, we have many visitors return to the Lake of the Ozarks area for the changing of the seasons," says Tim Jacobsen, executive director of the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau. 

"The majority of our fall visitors come from Missouri, but we get a lot from all over the Midwest and the west coast, as well, because they don't get to experience fall like we do here in Central Missouri. They plan their entire vacations around it. Perhaps with this recognition, we'll see more visitors from around the country traveling to our beautiful destination to enjoy our stunning scenery. We would certainly welcome them."

Traditionally, the peak of the fall color at the Lake of the Ozarks occurs in mid- to late-October, when the maples, ashes, oaks and hickories - which abound around the area - are at the height of their fall display. The peak season varies from year to year depending on the weather and can last until early November.

The Lake of the Ozarks features 1,150 miles of shoreline, much of it lined with pristine stretches of hardwood forests that turn vibrant hues of red, orange and yellow. The Lake stretches across four counties, running 92 miles from end to end, so this expansive area makes for prime "leaf-peeping" action every year.

There are many excellent ways to experience the splendor of the season at the Lake of the Ozarks. On land, visitors can take self-guided scenic driving tours, hike in the area's two state parks, play a round at one of 14 championships golf courses or enjoy the scenery from a delicious lakeside restaurant. On the water, "leaf-peepers" can take in the sights on a leisurely cruise on the Lake of the Ozarks or by fighting fish in a colorful cove. 

However visitors decide to spend their time at the Lake, they will want to bring their cameras because they'll be in for a treat during one of the most visually stunning times of the year in the Ozarks.

For other attractions, events, as well as all dining and lodging options available at the Lake of the Ozarks, visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau 's award-winning website, www.FunLake.com. Or, call 800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253).