A Vacation Insiders Guide
Osage Beach & Lake of the Ozarks
MEET YOUR HOSTS PETE & SHAREN...
We're Pete and Sharen, and we love lake living. Even more, we love sharing the lake with our guests. Back home in Gurnee, Pete is a senior executive vice president and Sharen is a speech pathologist. But at Lake of the Ozarks, we're your warm hosts.
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OUR STORY Discovering Lake of the Ozarks was a happy accident—we hail from the northern suburbs of Chicago and never expected to call Missouri our second home. But when we received a special offer for a getaway, we decided to check it out. As avid boaters, we had made Lake Michigan our goto getaway. But one trip to Lake of the Ozarks had us head over heels: we loved its stunning sunsets, breathtaking bluffs, and expansive waters. It was a welcome change from Lake Michigan, whose warm season is short and waters are chilly even in the summer.
When you stay with us, you can expect all the comforts of home with all the luxuries of a hotel. Our beds are triplesheeted. Our living spaces are designed for kicking back together. And our decks offer a front-and-center view of the lake thats all yours to enjoy.
OUR LAKE OF THE OZARKS We've carefully selected getaways that place you at the center of Osage Beach's natural beauty. From sunset boat cruises to afternoon adventures on paddleboards or jet skis, Lake of the Ozarks offers plenty of ways to make vacation memorable. Rather stay dry? Gaze out at the waters from our deck or from a table at one of many vibrant bars and restaurants dotting the lakeside bluffs. Hit the trails at Lake of the Ozarks State Park for up close and personal views of the lake and caverns. Or tee-off at world-class golf courses. And that's just the beginning. Let us show you around!
After that trip, we purchased our first condo—over seven hours from our home near Chicago—and rented it out when we weren't vacationing there ourselves. Since then, we've acquired another vacation home. The condos are our happy places, and we take great pride in sharing the Lake of the Ozarks we know and love with fellow boaters and vacationers.
And so, without any further intro, here's our Lake of the Ozarks in 3's...
OUR GUIDE TO LAKE OF THE OZARKS... A Quick Orientation... Breathtaking lake views and tranquil natural scenery surrounds you in Osage Beach, where both of our welcoming rentals are located. Get here with ease: our town is easily accessible by car or boat, and is an hour from Columbia Regional Airport. Our rentals are just 2.5 hours from St. Louis. so we're perfect for a city dweller's escape or added adventure for those visiting the Twin Cities. Once you're here, kicking back is easy. Ample parking is available onsite, so you'll never have to worry about finding a spot in the street. Woods, a neighborhood favorite grocery store, is just a mile away. And the sparkling centerpiece of our town—Lake of the Ozarks—is just outside your door.
Our 3 all-time favorite places to eat... Sergio's Taqueria Dig into the best Mexican food on the lake. Sergio's Taqueria serves up authentic dishes like carne asada and tacos al pastor, plus mouthwatering margaritas— all at a price that won't feel like a splurge. Try not to fill up on the chips and salsa!
Bandanas Bar-B-Q This fun and casual BBQ joint serves up one of our favorite local dishes: an awardwinning slab of baby back ribs. Bandanas Bar-B-Q is known for their rich hickory flavor, large portions, and smiling service. Be sure to try the fried okra and check out the array of sauces.
3 for the Adventurers Helicopter Tours...
See the lake from a whole new perspective with Lake Ozark Helicopters. Keep it short and sweet with a fivemile shorty hop, or go for the ultimate experience and fly over wineries, golf courses, and bridges. Tours depart daily.
JB Hook's Perfect for special occassions, this fine dining establishment is tucked on the lake. At JB Hook's, expect refined service and delectable steak and fish—the grouper fingers are a local favorite. Come at sunset and ask for a table near the window for spectacular views.
3 for the Whole Family Big Surf Waterpark...
We could spend a whole day winding around Big Surf Waterpark on the Lazy River, but thrill-seekers might opt to zoom down the 300-foot waterslides or three-story half pipe. Splash Island is a big hit among the little guys.
Parasailing...
Lake Cruises...
Water Toys...
Musical Shows...
Glide through the air at 300 feet with Lake Ozark Parasail. Sit back and enjoy the breezes and bird's-eye view, or be a bit more daring and go for a dip in the water. Want to show off your adventure? Ask about the GoPro package.
Ever wanted to ride a giant hot dog across a lake with two of your pals? Cruise around on a 28-foot pontoon boat? Hop the waves on a jet ski? Aqua Toys Rentals is just across the cove, and their prices are the best in town.
Learn about Bagnell Dam's history or catch dazzling firework displays from the comfort of a Celebration Cruises boat. We recommend watching the stunning lake scenery pass by on a lunch or dinner cruise.
After a day on the lake, catch a groovy 70s or toe-tapping opry show at Main Street Music Hall. Visiting during November or December? The Christmas on Main Street show is bound to fill you with holiday spirit.
3 Experiences Not to Miss... Go Underground at Bridal Cave... Escape the heat and go deep below the earth's surface at Bridal Cave. Its name is inspired by local folklore about two Native Americans who wed in the cave, where they were kept in captivity by the jealous son of another tribe's chief. Today, guided tours will take you past massive onyx formations and the eerily blue Mystery Lake. To feel like a true explorer, come on Saturday for lantern tours.
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Hit the Trails at Ha Ha Tonka... There are 12 trails to choose from at Ha Ha Tonka State Park, and none of them disappoint. Hike past castle ruins, get a glimpse of natural sinkholes, and catch sight of sheer bluffs and an enormous natural bridge. Don't want to strap on your hiking boots? You can still enjoy the park's natural beauty. Pack lunch and dig in at one of many picnic tables with outdoor grills.
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Try Moonshine at Ozark Distillery... Made from corn grown right here in the Bullion State, the moonshines at Ozark Distillery have just the right amount of kick. Stop in for an hourlong tour led by their friendly staff, and be sure to stick around for the four complementary samples. We love the cinnamon and butterscotch moonshines, but they also distill vodka and bourbon if you're looking to sip on something more traditional.
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Our 3 hidden gems...
The Swinging Bridges...
Pay attention, Instagrammers: the Swinging Bridges of Grumley are bound to inspire some of your most "liked" photos yet. Built in the 1920s, these wooden bridges—the Grand Auglaize Bridge and the Mill Creek Swinging Bridge—are technically driveable, but we recommend parking the car and taking a scenic stroll.
The Aquatic Trail...
See a different side of Lake of the Ozarks State Park when you cruise the Aquatic Trail. An interpretive guide along this nearly 10-mile boat route details the woodlands, geological formations, and glades that you'll pass. Bring your own boat or feel free to ask us for recommendations on where to rent one.
Seven Springs Winery...
There's nothing quite like admiring the fall foliage with a glass of Seven's Red Heaven in hand on the patio at Seven Springs Winery. But even if you're not travelling here in autumn, there are plenty of other reasons to visit— like the live music, diverse wine list, collection of microbrews, and delicious light fare menu.
Thanks for staying with us!
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