Ha Ha Tonka State Park Named Most Beautiful Place In Missouri

In a recent article published by Condé Nast Traveler, the Lake of the Ozarks' Ha Ha Tonka State Park, located at 1491 State Highway D near Camdenton, was named the most beautiful place in Missouri.

The article, which listed the most beautiful and compelling place in each of the 50 states, urges readers to consider the list as a "starting point to the most epic cross-country trip ever."

According to Condé Nast: "Picking just 50 places isn't easy, but we polled our Facebook followers, did some digging and came up with this list of the must-see, must-visit spots in each state. Of course, it only scratches the surface of what this country has to offer, so consider it your starting point and start exploring."

Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks, named the "Best Recreational Lake in the Nation" by readers of USA Today, is worth a road trip all on its own. The Lake of the Ozarks covers 54,000 acres with 64 billion gallons of water stretching 92 miles end-to-end across a four-county area. The Lake boasts myriad attractions and events as well as over 200 restaurants and nightspots and more than 50 marinas for on-the-water fun along its 1,150 miles of shoreline.

However, Condé Nast honed in on the area and named Ha Ha Tonka as the "Show-Me" state's must-see, must visit destination.  Widely considered one of the shining jewels of the Missouri State Parks system, Ha Ha Tonka also was voted the fourth-best state park in America by readers of USA Today a few years back.

"We're thrilled that Ha Ha Tonka State Park has been recognized as the most beautiful place in Missouri," says Jim Divincen, administrator for the Lake of the Ozarks Tri-County Lodging Association. "The park truly is stunning and we hear time and time again from many of our vacationers that Ha Ha Tonka is the highlight of their trip. It's one of many reasons why five million visitors come to the Lake of the Ozarks each year."

According to Ozark folklore, the park's name  - Ha Ha Tonka - is derived from the local Osage Native American phrase thought to mean "laughing waters," in reference to the large natural spring that pumps out over 48 million gallons of water per day.

The park's main attraction is the ruins of the 20th century "castle" perched high on a bluff overlooking Ha Ha Tonka Spring and the Lake of the Ozarks. The skeletal stone structure was originally constructed as an opulent country escape for Robert M. Snyder, a wealthy Kansas City business man who perished in one of Missouri's first automobile accidents. Snyder never lived to see his dream realized but the home was completed by his sons and later operated as a hotel before being gutted by a fire in 1942. In addition to the outer walls of the estate, a stone water tower also remains to stand sentry over the park.

Over 520,000 visitors trek to Ha Ha Tonka annually to explore the ruins as well as the 14 different hiking trails and the numerous natural highlights, including the spring, which is the twelfth largest in the state. 

The park is Missouri's premier showcase of karst geology and features a massive natural bridge, a steep-sided sinkhole named "The Colosseum," a 150-foot deep sink basin with two bluff shelters that were used as hide-outs by bandits in the 1830s and 250-feet high bluffs that tower above Ha Ha Tonka Spring.

The park also is home to one of Missouri's best examples of a woodland landscape as well as several large glades.

Located on the Niangua arm of the Lake, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is accessible by water as well as by land and offers opportunities for fishing and swimming in addition to boat docks, picnic tables, pavilions and a visitor center complete with a topographical map of the park carved out of stone. Ha Ha Tonka is open year around from 7 a.m. until dark and admission is free. 

To learn more about Ha Ha Tonka State Park, visit  mostateparks.com/park/lake-ozarks-state-park .

In addition to Ha Ha Tonka, the area also is home to Lake of the Ozarks State Park. The largest in Missouri, Lake of the Ozarks State Park encompasses over 17,626 acres and is consistently Missouri's most visited state park. For all the details on Lake of the Ozarks State Park, visit  mostateparks.com/park/lake-ozarks-state-park.

Visitors that would like to find out more about lodging and dining options available at the Lake of the Ozarks, or to learn about all the different events and attractions, should visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau's (CVB) website at www.FunLake.com or call   800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253).

Fireworks & Fun Scheduled for Labor Day Weekend 2018 at Lake of the Ozarks

Fireworks, festivities and live music add to the Lake of the Ozark's usual blend of fun on the water and on land during the Labor Day Weekend celebrations, Friday, Aug. 31 through Monday, Sept. 3.

Multiple lake-area resorts host large-scale fireworks displays throughout the weekend as a colorful send-off to the summer tourist season.

Bear Bottom Resort, located at 123 Bear Bottom Drive in Sunrise Beach, will entertain guests throughout the three-day holiday celebration with live music featuring the country-rock sounds of  Dirt Road Addiction from 7-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings. On Sunday, Bear Bottom features the impressive vocal performances of ChristiAna also from 7-11 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday nights, the resort will light up the sky with professional fireworks beginning  at 9:45 p.m. Fireworks also can be viewed from the water at the 38 Mile Marker of the Osage Arm of the Lake of the Ozarks. To find out more about the resort's holiday weekend activities or to reserve lodging for the festivities, call 573-374-6905 or visit www.BearBottomResort.com .

Tan-Tar-A Resort, at 494 Tan Tar A Drive in Osage Beach, will host its annual "End of Summer Celebration" from Friday, Aug. 31 through Sunday, Sept. 2. On Friday evening, guests can enjoy free face painting and free popcorn in the main lobby of the resort. There also will be s'mores and a bonfire outside on Windgate Plaza from 8-9:30 p.m. Throughout the day on Saturday, there will be a mini-golf extravaganza with a chance to win passes to the arcade and/or bowling alley, an all-American burger cookout at the lakeside pool from 12-6 p.m. as well as a variety of fun games and contests. Cody West performs live music from 7-10 p.m. at the Tiki Hut Pool Bar. Sunday's schedule of activities includes more mini-golf fun, limbo and hula-hoop contests, an all-American burger cookout, and visits from Uncle Sam the Stilt Walker and Sprinkles the Clown. Live music featuring the acoustic sounds of Grayson Wood will take place in Mr. D's Lounge from 9-11:30 p.m. Tan-Tar-A's festive weekend is capped off on Sunday evening with a huge fireworks display beginning at dusk. Fireworks can be viewed from the resort or from the Lake at the 26 Mile Marker on the Lake main channel. In addition, the Tropic Island luxury yacht, which docks at Tan-Tar-A's marina, will have a sunset Lake cruise to watch the resort's fireworks. The cruise boards at 7:00 p.m., departs the marina at 7:30 p.m. and returns following the fireworks shortly after 9:30 p.m. Tickets for the cruise cost $30 per person and include light appetizers.  Children three years of age and under are free. To book the Tropic Island fireworks cruise, call 573-348-0083. For complete details on Tan-Tar-A Resort's weekend activities or to make lodging reservations, call 573-348-3131 or visit www.Tan-Tar-A.com.

Aside from the Tropic Island, there will be two other opportunities to see fireworks from a luxury yacht. On Saturday, Sept. 1, visitors to the Lake of the Ozarks can enjoy a scenic sunset cruise complete with fireworks on the Celebration II. This vessel docks and departs from 1006 Bagnell Dam Boulevard, near Bagnell Dam on the historic "Strip" in Lake Ozark. And, on Sunday, Sept. 2, the original Celebration cruises from its Grand Glaize location, 5085 Davis Drive in Osage Beach, to enjoy the fireworks from that section of the Lake. Boarding for both Celebration cruises will be at 7 p.m. with departure at 7:30 p.m. Each vessel will return to its marina at approximately 10 p.m. following the fireworks, which will take place around 9 p.m. Tickets are $35 for adults, $25 for children from 3-10 years of age and free for kids under 3 years. To purchase tickets or to learn more about the two Celebration yachts, call 573-480-3212 or visit www.CruiseLakeoftheOzarks.com.

On Sunday, Sept. 2, The Lodge of Four Seasons, 315 Four Seasons Drive in Lake Ozark, hosts their "Family Labor Day Festival" for guests of the resort. For children, there's an indoor carnival with free activities in the Campana Hall from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. featuring games and contests as well as a cookie decorating station. There also will be waterslides outside on the lawn. During the carnival, there will be hot dogs and sweet treats available for purchase. For the adults, there will be wine samplings at HK's Restaurant from 1-3 p.m. And, there will be happy hour specials at Breezes from 4-6 p.m. and happy hour specials in the Lobby Bar from 10 p.m. until midnight. There will be water-focused activities throughout the day at the resort's cloverleaf pool and a barbecue buffet in Breezes from 4-9 p.m. The Lodge's spectacular fireworks begin at dusk and can be seen from the resort or by water at the 13 Mile Marker on the main channel of the Lake. To learn more about The Lodge of Four Seasons or to make reservations for lodging for the holiday weekend, visit www.4SeasonsResort.com.

Elsewhere on Sunday, fireworks at the Inn at Grand Glaize, 5142 Osage Beach Parkway in Osage Beach, will begin at dusk and will be viewable by land at the Inn or by water at the 1 Mile Marker of the Grand Glaize Arm of the Lake. For additional details on the holiday activities taking place at the Inn, or to make lodging reservations, visitwww.InnAtGrandGlaize.com.

If a vacationer's idea of a great holiday getaway consists of live music, there are several concerts taking place over the extended weekend.

The Horny Toad Entertainment Complex at  Camden on the Lake Resort, 

located at 2359 Bittersweet Road in Lake Ozark, hosts its annual "Contagious Labor Day Weekend," with repeat nightly live performances from one of the Lake-area's favorite  bands, Contagious. This full-service resort has a well-earned reputation for hosting great bands and great parties. Labor Day weekend will be no exception. The celebration kicks off on Friday and continues through Sunday night. Contagious, hailing from St. Louis, will play on the outdoor boardwalk stage overlooking the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. Contagious performs contemporary and classic hits from a wide array of popular artists spanning the decades. The music starts at 9 p.m. and concludes around midnight on all three nights. For more weekend details or to book a stay, visit www.CamdenOnTheLake.com.

Ozarks Amphitheater, the 10,000-seat outdoor music venue located at 2629 North Business Route 5 near Camdenton, celebrates Labor Day Weekend by welcoming back Aaron Lewis on Saturday, Sept. 1. Lewis, a Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum-selling recording artist, will be joined by country music star Drake White and up-and-coming country-rocker Alec Davis. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the show beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $30. On Sunday, Sept. 2, for fans of the Netflix original series, "Ozark," the amphitheater hosts a free marathon watch party to celebrate the release of the second season of this gritty crime drama. The open-air screening begins at 12 noon and runs until the tenth episode is complete. Binge-watchers can expect to pay $10 for all-day parking and concessions will be available on-site . The Emmy-nominated show is intended for mature audiences and tells the fictional story of the Byrde family and stars Jason Bateman and Laura Linney.  For additional information or to order tickets for the Aaron Lewis concert, and/or to learn more about the free screening of "Ozark," visit www.OzarksAmp.com.

This is a highlight of some of the fun that awaits visitors at the "Best Recreational Lake in the Nation" over the upcoming holiday weekend.

For all attractions, events, as well as all 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).

30th Annual Lake Of The Ozarks Shootout Promises Fast Boats & Fun Times at The Lake

Some of the world's fastest boats will be in Central Missouri for two days of speed and nine days of entertaining events during the 30th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, August 18-26.

Heralded as one of the "must-see boating events" in the country by Powerboat Magazine, the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout is the largest unsanctioned boat racing event in the nation. Over 100,000 spectators turn out for the Shootout each year to witness  some of the fastest offshore powerboats in the world race individually to see who can clock the fastest speed as they compete for the coveted honor of "Top Gun."

According to Tim Jacobsen, executive director of the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau, the Shootout is a fun and exciting family-friendly event.

"The Shootout is certainly one of the most popular summer events at the Lake of the Ozarks and for a good reason," Jacobsen says. "It's an event that's unique to our lake and it's an amazing experience to see these incredibly fast boats fly across the water and hit top speeds of over 200 mph. And, the atmosphere at Captain Ron's is great. Everyone in attendance gets pumped up and cheers for the boats as they try to break the speed record. It really is a 'must-see' event."

The Shootout, celebrating its 30th anniversary, brings in about 100 boats to compete for top honors along the lake race course in front of Captain Ron's Bar and Grill. Captain Ron's is located on Lake Road 5-50 in Sunrise Beach or the 34.5 Mile Marker by water. Last year, the American Ethanol powerboat was awarded the overall "Top Gun" honor for the third year running after its best run clocked in at 204 mph. The eight-person American Ethanol team will be back again this year to defend their title and try to break the current Shootout speed record of 244 mph, set in 2014 by the Spirit of Qatar.

"There's a lot of excitement with it being the 30th anniversary," says Ron Duggan, the event coordinator and owner of Captain Ron's Bar and Grill. "Because of that we're expecting a larger crowd for the weekend. We also have some big name competitors signed up to race this year, so it's going to be really exciting and a great show for the crowd."

The races take place on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 25 and 26 along the official three-fourths-of-a-mile-long track. There will be nearly 70 different race divisions with over 10 Top Gun class winners named over the course of the weekend. Divisions include professional, non-professional and manufacturer classes, among others.

Saturday's activities get underway with personal water craft races from 8:30-9:30 a.m., followed by the official opening ceremonies and national anthem at 9:45 a.m. The powerboat races begin after the opening ceremonies and continue until 5 p.m. Between powerboat races there also will be a powerboat parade by the local marine dealers as well as acrobatic aerial performances by Brian Correll Airshows. From 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., there will be a vendor village selling various goods and souvenirs and a racing village with the latest and greatest in performance engines and accessories on display. There will be over 60 different exhibitors present and both villages are open to the public. After Saturday's races conclude, there will be live music at Captain Ron's by Fat Mike and the Bartenders followed by Members Only. DJ Kyle will close out the evening after Members Only. The music will run from 6 p.m. until 1 a.m.

On Sunday, the vendor and racing villages will open at 9 a.m. and the high-octane action picks up with races taking place from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.  The presentation of the 2018 "Top Gun" honors will take place during the awards ceremony at 4 p.m.

Many spectators choose to get a front row seat for the races by tying up their boats along the course outside of Captain Ron's. There are typically around 6,000 boats filled with onlookers cheering on the powerboats. On land, visitors can view the races on televisions at Captain Ron's. And, those who can't make it in person can watch live online at www.KRMSradio.com . 

Although the weekend races are certainly the largest draw, there are many other events that lead up to the action-packed weekend. Other activities and events include the Mini-Shootout the weekend of August 18 and 19 in the Ha Ha Tonka cove in Camdenton, which features remote-controlled boat races; the Great Lake of the Ozarks Shootout Treasure Hunt on August 20 in the sandy beaches at Captain Ron's; a Shootout Volleyball Tournament also at Captain Ron's on August 21 and the Shootout Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony takes place at Cannon Smoked Saloon in Sunrise Beach on August 21.

The Shootout on the Strip meet and greet party takes place along the historic Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark the evening of August 22. The meet and greet is a great opportunity for the public to peek inside these incredible racing machines and meet the captains and crews of each participating vessel. There also will be fun and entertaining activities for children as well.

In addition, the heart-warming Wish Upon a Ride event takes place on August 23 from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. at dock three at Captain Ron's. For Wish Upon A Ride, powerboat captains donate their time to give special powerboat rides to over 150 children and adults with disabilities and/or serious medical conditions providing them with an incredibly memorable experience that brings smiles to their faces as well as their families'.

There's the popular on-the-water poker run on August 24 with registration and breakfast running from 7:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. at Big Thunder Marina in Gravois Mills. The poker run concludes at Shady Gators Bar and Grill in Lake Ozark, at 6 p.m. At the completion of the poker run there will be a dinner and award ceremony as well.

Over the years, the Shootout has become one of the most popular summer events at the Lake of the Ozarks, as well as one of the most successful fundraisers for the community. Last year, the Shootout donated $200,000 to 28 local charities and eight fire departments. Duggan is hoping to surpass that figure for 2018 and he's proud to say that in the 10 years the Shootout has been held at Captain Ron's, they've generated $1.43 million for local Lake of the Ozarks charities.

For complete details on the 2018 Shootout, including information on lodging and parking as well as a full schedule of  activities , visit   www.LakeOfTheOzarksShootout.org .  

For additional attractions, events as well as all lodging and dining 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).

Learn It, Do It And Love It at The Lake Of The Ozarks

When it comes to fun, there's no reason to sit on the sidelines and let the good times pass you by at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks. With the variety of entertaining activities, visitors can partake in their favorite pastimes or embark on a journey of discovery trying their hand at new experiences. There are many opportunities to "learn it, do it and love it" at the "Best Recreational Lake in the Nation." Read on for a few ideas on how to discover new hobbies, create new family traditions and make a visit to the Lake of the Ozarks both a relaxing vacation and an exciting educational experience as well.

GET HOOKED ON FISHING

Ask any angler why they love to fish and they'll tell you it's the excitement and that electric sensation that travels through the body as you feel your line go taught and a fish fighting on the other end. "Whoa, I've got one!" After that, you're hooked. 

For anyone that's had an interest in learning the ropes or introducing their children to the age-old pastime, the professional fishing guides at the Lake are a great resource for anglers of any skill level. Novices can learn the basics: how to  properly cast with a spinning rod or a bait casting reel, what type of baits work best for each species and during which time of year. They'll also pick up many simple tips on easily overlooked essentials that will help beginners catch more fish and have more fun. The guides are friendly and eager to show off their "backyard playground" that is the Lake of the Ozarks. What's more, it's a great way to spend a day out on the water, enjoying the scenery and wildlife and making new friends and memories.

"I absolutely love teaching the art of angling to newcomers," says Ed Franko, owner of Big Ed's Guide Service and co-owner of Bass and Baskets Bed and Breakfast in Osage Beach. "I enjoy taking someone that's never fished before and helping them learn not just how to catch a fish, but how to tie on a lure and learn every aspect of fishing from start to finish. The biggest thrill I get is seeing the happiness on my customers' faces, especially kids, when they've learned something new and have success by catching the first fish of their life. Their face just lights up and their excitement is contagious. It can be a life-changing experience. And, I've found you're never to old to learn something new. I've been doing this for years and I still learn something new every time I'm on the water."

"FORE" HELP WITH YOUR GOLF GAME, ASK A PRO

Some golfers make it look so easy. A perfectly fluid swing, an impossibly long and straight drive. An effortless chip and a short putt for an excellent score.

According to Rob Wilson, assistant golf professional at Old Kinderhook, everyone can get to that level. It just takes practice.

"Golf can be an intimidating and frustrating game, but it doesn't have to be," Wilson says. "Everyone has to start somewhere. With the right amount of patience and practice, any golfer can come a long way in a relatively short time, especially with the help of a golf pro. One has to remember, like anything in life, with a little dedication and practice you can go as far as you are willing to go. A pro can help you with your stance, your swing, your whole approach and can make a world of difference. Working with a pro in an easy-going, no-pressure setting can be a lot of fun and very beneficial, no matter what kind of golfer you are or if you've never played before at all."

Those that have ever desired to take up the game of golf, or work on minimizing their handicap, can benefit from a trip to the Lake of the Ozarks.  With 13 championship courses dotting the area, there's no better place to learn the finer points of the game. Nearly all 13 courses offer one-on-one golf tutorials with PGA professionals to ensure that visitors have a great first experience and/or improve their game while at the Lake. Personal attention and, in some cases, state-of-the-art video analysis will help iron out the kinks in any duffer's swing and help newcomers develop a solid foundation and appreciation for the game. All 13 courses also offer various practice facilities so golfers can work on long drives from the tees and master their short game on putting greens, chipping greens and more. Once a golfer spends a couple hours with a pro or working on their game on the practice range, they'll be ready to put their skills to the test on any of the courses at the Lake, from the most forgiving layouts to the most challenging. For more information on the courses at the Lake of the Ozarks, visit www.GolfingMissouri.com.

In addition, Old Kinderhook Golf Resort, near Camdenton, offers a crash-course on the game that will help golfers new and old. The resort's weekly Golf Clinic takes place every Friday and Saturday, now until September 3. The two-hour classes run from 6-8 p.m. on Friday evenings and 9-11 a.m. on Saturdays. Also included with the instruction are two rounds of golf on Saturdays and Sundays. For complete details on the clinic, call the Pro Shop at 573-317-3575 or visit Old Kinderhook's website at www.OldKinderhook.com.

LEARNING DONE LAKESIDE

If a visitor is looking for something a little more extreme than fishing and/or golf, then studying at Kirby's School of Wake may just be the exhilarating education they're hoping to find. The instructor at the School of Wake, located in Osage Beach, professional wakeboarder Kirby Liesmann, has studied with and shadowed some of the most accomplished professionals and coaches in the wakeboarding industry. Kirby puts his years of experience to use in helping others learn the sport. Since 2008, Kirby has taught hundreds of people how to safely pursue wakeboarding with one-on-one instruction through individual classes, day camps and group clinics during the summer months. Whether a wakeboarding student is just starting out and learning the basics or trying to nail some of the most thrilling advanced tricks, they'll find Kirby's relaxed, no-pressure teaching style fun and beneficial to them obtaining their goals and progressing at a speed they are comfortable with. For complete details on Kirby's School of Wake, including a schedule of clinics and day camps, visit www.KirbysSchoolOfWake.com.  

Super Dave's Paddle Craft Adventures, located in Sunrise Beach on the white sand beach near Frankie and Louie's Bar & Grill, offers a number of rental options for those looking to paddle around on the Lake, including kayaks, pedal boats and the newest craze to hit the paddling world, stand-up paddle boards. Stand-up paddle boarding, which is like a cross between surfing and kayaking, is one of the fastest growing sports world-wide and offers a unique and enjoyable experience as boarders glide across the surface of the water, providing a totally different perspective of being on the Lake compared with traditional skiing, boating or wakeboarding.  

The owners of Super Dave's, Lisa and Dave Bertel, fell in love with paddle boarding after being introduced to the sport while on vacation in Florida. According to Dave, it was tough going for him at first. "The first time I tried it, everyone else just took off with no problems at all, and I just kept falling in. I'd get back up on the board and fall right back in. Get back on, fall back in," Dave says. After a few more tries and a lot of laughs from his friends at his expense, Dave was up and paddling and never looked back. "Once I figured it out, I absolutely loved it. It's a blast," he says. "I told my wife, Lisa, we have to bring this to the Lake. It'd be perfect."

In 2012, the Bertels opened Super Dave's at the Lake of the Ozarks and began renting paddle boards  and all sorts of other paddle craft. In addition, the Bertels started  teaching customers all about the sport so that visitors will have better luck than Dave did his first time out. "I love seeing the pure joy that people derive from trying paddle boarding," Dave says. "A lot of people are afraid at first or think it's going to be hard. Then they get the hang of it and have a blast. Often times it's the most reluctant person in a group we're teaching that's always the last person back in because they've had the best time. We're all about having an adventure and having fun. Teaching new people paddle boarding and watching them fall head over heels for the sport makes our job the best job in the world," he concludes.

The crew of two at Super Dave's makes sure to set each intrepid adventurer up for success. Each  paddle board rental comes with personalized instructions from either Dave or Lisa where they teach their customers how to safely and successfully get on the board, stand up on the board, how to paddle efficiently and how to control their board before making their way out into the quiet Lake cove. This can take anywhere from five to 15 minutes, depending upon the customer, however, additional assistance and coaching is provided if desired. "We want to make sure everyone is successful and has a great time," Dave says.

Each rental from Super Dave's, whether a kayak, pedal boat or stand-up paddle board, costs $15 per hour. All paddle craft rentals come with up to 30 minutes of instruction to make sure customers feel comfortable with their vessel and have a safe and enjoyable time on the water. Super Dave's is one of the only paddle craft rental companies located in a large no-wake cove at the Lake of the Ozarks, providing a carefree day of fun on the water. To learn more about Super Dave's Paddle Craft Adventures, call 239-233-3038 or visit them on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/SuperDavesPaddleCraftAdventures/.

LEARNING IS NATURAL AT THE LAKE

Looking to learn more about the Lake's natural state? Lake of the Ozarks State Park and Ha Ha Tonka State Park both feature park naturalists who can enhance visitors' experiences at the parks with a wealth of knowledge about the flora, fauna, geographical and topographical makeup of the parks and the natural areas available within. 

During the summer months at Lake of the Ozarks State Park, park naturalists lead guided hikes and present evening programs to showcase the diversity of the park's natural areas as well as how the Missouri State Park system is working to restore these landscapes. There's also an interpretive center complete with displays and brochures located near the entrance to Ozark Caverns, an impressive show cave offering hand-held lantern tours. Along the half-mile guided round trip through this cave, explorers/visitors will see evidence of early spelunkers, claw marks in the sediment fills left by animals that sought shelter in the cave thousands of years ago and other natural cave formations, including an impressive "Angel Shower." Tours of Ozark Caverns are offered seasonally, from mid-May through mid-September. Complete details for Ozark Caverns, its tour schedule and admissions prices, can be found by going to TinyURL.com/OzarkCaverns.

At Ha Ha Tonka State Park, which was recently voted the fourth-best state park in the country by readers of USA Today and The Most Beautiful Place in Missouri by Condé Nast Traveler, visitors can learn more about this celebrated park by visiting the  outdoor interpretive area and the visitors center located at the park office. The visitor center features a large relief map of the park carved from stone. Park brochures, trail maps and interpretive materials are available inside the park office.

Self-guided trail maps, species note cards and brochures help hikers at both parks learn about and identify different plants, trees and animals that can be found along the 25 trails located within the two parks. Informative placards also are placed throughout the parks making a trip to the Lake's state parks both an enjoyable and educational excursion in the Ozarks' natural beauty. Thousands of people visit the parks each year and many come back time and time again and always see, learn or experience something new. Both parks are open year around, though the hours of operation for the visitor centers vary by season. For more information about both state parks, visit the state parks page on www.funlake.com/state-parks.

This is just a highlight of some of the opportunities visitors will find at the Lake of the Ozarks to jump into new experiences and create lasting memories and new traditions. For more ideas, or to learn more about all the fun events, attractions, as well as lodging and dining options available all year at the  "Best Recreational Lake" in the Nation , call the  Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB) at  1-800-FUN-LAKE , or visit the CVB's award-winning website,  www.FunLake.com . 

2018 Lake Race Brings High-Speed Action To The Lake Of The Ozarks

A week of speed-themed activities bookends one of the fastest-paced events at the Lake of the Ozarks, the 2018 Lake Race, Saturday, June 2.

The Lake Race is one of two powerboat races that take place at the "Best Recreational Lake" in the Nation and features some of the fastest boats from all over the country as they compete for big prize money and bragging rights.   

Leading up to the main event, there are several Lake Race festivities, including the "Festival of Speed" on Thursday, May 31. The Festival of Speed takes place at Big Thunder Marine Showroom, 3401 Bagnell Dam Boulevard in Lake Ozark, and features both indoor and outdoor exhibits of many models, shapes and sizes of fast boats. The Festival of Speed runs from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.

On Friday, June 1, the lower area of the historic Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark, from west end of the "Strip" to the dam, will shut down to traffic and transform into the Lake Race headquarters. There will be a  Lake Race Street Party at 5 p.m., complete with a family-friendly race "village" where the public can meet the racers and check out all the impressive power boats.

The official Offshore Powerboat Association-sanctioned Lake Race gets underway on Saturday morning with the opening ceremonies beginning at 10:40 a.m.  at Beavers at the Dam restaurant, 1076 Bagnell Dam Boulevard. All the high-speed excitement kicks off at 11 a.m. as competitors thunder across the officially designated four-mile race course to see who can clock the fastest  time. The races last until 5 p.m., at which point all competitors will have completed their heats. There will be designated anchor spots along the course for attendees viewing the races from their boats. On land, spectators will be able to watch all the thrilling action from prime viewing spots along Bagnell Dam as well as at many of the sponsoring establishments as boats run from the zero-mile marker to the four-mile marker of the Lake of the Ozarks. 

The winners of the 2018 Lake Race will be announced that evening during the award ceremony held at Camden on the Lake Resort, 2359 Bittersweet Road in Lake Ozark. Afterward, back at the Bagnell Dam Strip, there will be an after-party with live music and entertainment.  

In the days following the boat race, other events include the Lake Race Poker Run from Camden on the Lake on Friday, June 8, the Lake Race 5K fun run/walk race along the Bagnell Dam Strip on Saturday, June 9 and the "Paddle Battle" kayak race at Super Dave's Paddlecraft Adventures located at Frankie and Louie's Beachfront Bar and Grill, 1028 Deer Valley Park in Sunrise Beach, on Tuesday, June 12.

For more details on all the 2018  Lake  Race events and a full list of viewing locations and participating sponsors, visit www.LakeRace.com.  

To get additional information about all the fun  events,  attractions  as well as  dining  and lodging options available  at the "Best Recreational Lake" in the nation, call the  Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau  (CVB) at  800-FUN-LAKE , or visit the CVB's award-winning website at  www.FunLake.com . 

Big Summer Concerts Coming to Lake of the Ozarks for Summer 2018

Live music is an integral part of living the "Lake life" at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks. On any given day during the summer months, visitors can enjoy live music performed by local artists and big name acts at nearly all of the 200 restaurants and bars, as well as resorts and entertainment complexes at the "Best Recreational Lake" in the Nation. And, two of the area's biggest outdoor venues host legendary recording artists during their summer concert series.

Shawnee Bluff Vineyard, located off Highway 54 at 8 Tolwood Road in Eldon, has for years hosted many nationally-acclaimed musical acts. The 2018 concert series at the sprawling 40-acre vineyard kicks off with "Chicks with Hits," a concert featuring celebrated female country vocalists Terri Clark, Pam Tillis and Suzy Boggus on Saturday, May 12. 

On Friday, June 1, Shawnee Bluff hosts an evening of alternative rock heavyweights from the 1990s. Gin Blossoms, who dominated the '90s air waves with their pop singles "'Til I hear It From You," "Hey Jealously," "Allison Road," and "Found Out About You," will be joined by Tonic and Vertical Horizon. In Addition, t he month of June sees several big-name country bands play the vineyard stage. Diamond Rio comes to the Lake of the Ozarks on Friday, June 8, followed by Steve Earle and The Dukes on Friday, June 22. In celebration of the 30th anniversary of his hit country-rock album "Copperhead Road," Earle and The Dukes will be playing the celebrated album in its entirety as well as many of his other hits. The Grammy-nominated Cam brings her brand of wildly successful pop country to Shawnee Bluff on Saturday, June 30.

The rest of the summer sees other successful country artists as well as legendary rock bandsSara Evans plays on Saturday, July 7 and Survivor, best known for their double-platinum hit "Eye of the Tiger," plays on Saturday, July 28. Half of country music's biggest hit making mother-daughter team of the '80s and '90s, the Judds,Wynonna and The Big Noisewill entertain crowds at Shawnee Bluff on Saturday, Aug. 25. September sees the Bellamy Brothers playing on Friday, Sept. 7 and the vocal talents of the Oak Ridge Boyson full display on Friday, Sept. 28. The Shawnee Bluff Vineyard summer concert series concludes with the raucous rockabilly sounds of  Reverend Horton Heat on Saturday, Oct. 13.
playing the vineyard stage. Country Music Award-winning performer.

Nearly all shows are billed as being all-ages shows with doors opening at 5 p.m. Headliners take the stage at 8 p.m. during each concert, followed by professional fireworks displays at the close of the evening. Tickets for the shows range from $20 - $89 per person. For more details on the performers, or to order tickets, either call 573-365-1100 or visit www.ShawneeBluffWinery.com/concerts.

Aside from these notable acts, Shawnee Bluff Vineyard also features local artists every Sunday throughout the summer and their second location, Shawnee Bluff Winery in Lake Ozark, features live music every weekend throughout the year. For more information on both locations - the Vineyard and the Winery - as well as a full events calendar, visit  www.ShawneeBluffWinery.com. 

The Lake of the Ozarks' largest outdoor venue, Ozarks Amphitheater , marks the beginning of its 2018 summer concert series Memorial Day weekend with one of the most popular and successful country bands of all time, Alabama , on Saturday, May 26. Alabama, who charted over 40 number-one hits in their hayday, is joined by Montgomery Gentry.

In June, the amphitheater, which is located at  2629 North Business Route 5 in Camdenton, hosts a weekend double-header starting with the humorous tunes of comedian and country artist Rodney Carrington on Friday, June 15. The next day, the Grammy-winning progressive heavy rock outfit Mastadon join the experimental funk-rock band Primus on Saturday, June 16.

July sees Jamey Johnson, the 11-time Grammy nominated torch-bearer of current outlaw country, and Craig Campbell play on Friday, July 6. Fans of the late Tom Petty will enjoy Free Fallin: A Tribute to Tom Petty on Friday, July 20, complete with costume changes and accurate replications of Petty's biggest hits.

On Saturday, Aug. 11, two celebrated groups come to the Lake with performances by alternative Big Head Todd and the Monsters and the latin-infused rock and roll sounds of Los Lobos.
rock band 

For Labor Day Weekend, Ozarks Amphitheater welcomes back the Grammy-nominated, multi-plantinum recording artistAaron Lewis on Saturay, Sept. 1. To close out the summer concert series, Get the Led Out, hailed as the "American Led Zeppelin," brings the British rockers hits to life with their musically-precise two-hour set on Saturday, Sept. 22.

For most shows at the amphitheater, doors open at 6 p.m. with music starting at 7 p.m. Depending on the artist, tickets for each show run from $20 per person up to $600 for VIP seating for four.  For more information on the Ozarks Amphitheater, or to order tickets for the upcoming concert series, please call 573-346-0000 or visit www.OzarksAmp.com .

Of course, the previously mentioned concerts are not the only opportunities to see live music at the Lake of the Ozarks this summer. In addition to events taking place at the different restaurants, bars, resorts and entertainment complexes, Main Street Music Hall, 5845 Osage Beach Parkway in Osage Beach, has been entertaining audiences for over 20 years with their different musical programs. The Music Hall's shows take place from late April through December and include the Best of Main Street Opry variety show as well as the Reelin' in the Years revue that includes hits from the '60s, '70s and '80s. Details on the Main Street Music Hall can be found at www.LakeMusicHall.com or by calling 573-348-9500.

For more live music taking place around the Lake this summer, visitors should head to the event calendar at www.FunLake.com or check the websites or Facebook pages of their favorite restaurants, bars and other venues.

To get additional information about all the fun events, attractions as well as dining and lodging options available  at the "Best Recreational Lake" in the nation, call the  Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau (CVB) at  800-FUN-LAKE, or visit the CVB's award-winning website at www.FunLake.com .