Sunrise or sunset; winter, summer, spring or fall...all are perfect times for visiting the Lake of the Ozarks. Steeped in natural beauty, it is no wonder artists flock to the area for inspiration and a respite from the everyday hustle and bustle. With more than 1,200 miles of shoreline consisting of heavily-wooded coves along a broad channel, there’s opportunity for quiet reflection in a secluded cove or exciting boat rides down the channel. 

As you journey through the numerous small towns that nest along the shores of the lake, you are flanked by rolling hills of dense, untraveled forests. Along the lake’s edges you spot towering cedar-lined bluffs, sprawling golf courses, abundant wildlife and numerous resorts, marinas and restaurants.One of the attractions of this lake, since its creation in the early 1930s, is the fact that it is a privately owned (owned by a local electric company) and permits homes and commercial establishments to the water’s edge. Residents and visitors come from around the country to fulfill their dreams of living and staying right on the water.

Lake of the Ozarks is also one of the country's top outlet shopping destinations. Name-brand merchandise, specialty gifts and unique treasures are featured. Additionally, there are art galleries, trading posts, antique shops, traditional crafts, jewelry, household accessories, extensive nautical collectables, and a variety of crafts and one-of-a-kind gifts.

Lake of the Ozarks is the premier fishing lake in Mid-Missouri and home to some of the Midwest's most prestigious fishing tournaments. With the Osage, Niangua and Little Niangua rivers running through it, the lake has exceptionally clean water, making all fish caught within its waters safe to eat. It is stocked with bass, catfish, crappie, perch, walleye, bluegill and many other species. Both experienced and novice anglers find success fishing from its many docks or aboard a boat in some quiet cove. With almost 1,200 miles of shoreline, its many coves offer sanctuary to numerous fish growing to impressive sizes. Several state records come from Lake of the Ozarks, and there are many chances to catch your trophy.

Hiking is another favorite activity for those who flock to the hills and shores of Lake of the Ozarks to commune with nature. Several state parks, including the Lake of the Ozarks and Ha Ha Tonka state parks, offer towering trees, hilly topography, hidden caves, creeks and rivers, and an abundance of animal life including deer, raccoon, possums, and beaver. Covering a combined area of more than 20,000 acres, the two parks rank among the top recreational facilities in Missouri.

Although numerous birds flock to the shores of the Lake of the Ozarks, one of the most sought-after and celebrated is the American Bald Eagle. Second only to Alaska as the state with the most wintering eagles, Missouri and the Lake Ozark region feature rare glimpses of these majestic birds in their natural habitat and environment.

In the late fall and winter, these majestic birds can be seen soaring high above the Osage River and Bagnell Dam. The aerial ballet is quite spectacular as huge eagles with wingspans of more than eight feet plunge to the waters below the dam to capture fish. Others circle each other high in the sky, simulating waltz-like movements. 

Spotting an eagle’s nest is quite an occasion as some grow to be 10 feet wide and may weigh several tons since the eagles return to breed and add new nesting materials year after year. The birds make their new nests an average of 2 feet deep and 5 feet across.

Every year in January the lake area celebrates Eagle Days with special exhibits featuring captive eagles and observation sites open to the public. Birdwatchers and casual observers flock from miles around to catch these majestic birds performing their aerial stunts or sitting imperiously on branches among the trees.  

In addition to the eagles, the hardwood forest surrounding the Lake of the Ozarks provides year-round sanctuary to many other species of birds, including the northern cardinal, nuthatch, tufted titmouse, gold finch and eastern bluebird. In the warm months the ruby-throated hummingbird, Baltimore oriole and American robin can be seen. Many types of waterfowl, including ducks, geese, pelicans, egrets and herons, fish the coves and inlets along the shore.

It is not unusual to think you have stepped into a time warp as you cruise the streets of the lake area. Cars of the '50s and '60s often gather here for shows and fun throughout the year. One of the largest of these shows is the Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals held each spring.

This popular car show features more than 500 entries including street rods, custom cars, trucks, street machines, led sleds, and cycles from throughout the United States. Presented by the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, the 2005 Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals is held along the historic Bagnell Dam Boulevard in Lake Ozark, where specialty shops, boutiques, games and restaurants are featured.

In addition to the sights and sounds of thousands of people and hundreds of street meet entries, the festivities also include live entertainment, fun things for the kids to do, a "For Sale" corral, morning and evening boat cruises, swap meet, poker run, door prizes and more. The local restaurants get into the swing of things offering specials for the occasion.
For more information, call the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-451-4117 or 1-573-964-1008.

In early fall of every year, the Mountain Man Rendezvous is held at the foot of Bagnell Dam, Men and women dressed in 19th century attire gather to celebrate the mountain men and traders of yesteryear. For an entire weekend, visitors are transported back to an earlier time as they witness authentic black powder shoots, tomahawk and knife throwing contests, fire starting and tall tale telling. There’s also a Trader’s Row where hand-crafted gifts, folk art and artifacts from the past are exhibited. Visitors experience the sights and sounds of an authentic frontier rendezvous including the smell of campfires, outdoor cooking, and the enchantment of walking in the footsteps of early pioneers.

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