They say, there is no free lunch... but there are free things to do at Lake of the Ozarks.
From wood planked bridges to mini adventures.... Lake of the Ozarks offers many day trips that offer beautiful scenics and picnicing opportunities that are sure to give you a vacation the whole family will remember.
Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Hwy 42 & Lake of the Ozarks State Park Glaize, Osage Beach
The main park is the largest in the state of Missouri. Covering over 17,000 acres of land, the lake is a favorite destination for vacationers. There are many campsites with a view of the lake and also caverns in the area to explore. The park also has trails that can be enjoyed by mountain bikers, horse back riders, and hikers.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park Camdenton, MO 346-2986 Trails • Picnic • Castle Ruins
The park offers 15 miles of trails that lead through woodland areas, views of the lake, caves, and the castle ruins. The castle at Ha Ha Tonka was built by Robert Snyder. Snyder was originally from Kansas City; he fell in love with the area while visiting and began buying large pieces of land. He eventually owned 2500 acres. It was on this land that he designed a castle in the old European style. In 1905 he even hired Scottish masons and the building began. The project was unfortunately not completed when Snyder died in an auto accident in 1906. His children carried on the building and later leased the building as a hotel when they experienced financial difficulties. In 1942 a fire started in the fireplace and destroyed the house and stables. What is left of the castle and land was purchased by the state of Missouri in 1978 and is now the Ha Ha Tonka Park.
Castle Ruins
Natural Spring
Thunder Mountain Conservation Area Lake Road 5-88 Trail • 80ft. Tower • Archery Range 346-2210
This small refuge offers a picnic area and hiking trails. There is an area for shooting and a small archery range. Visitors can also explore the 80 ft tall fire tower.
Camden County Museum, Linn Creek Phone: 346-7191 Area history in photos and artifacts
At the historic schoolhouse museum at the Lake of the Ozarks, guided tours are offered (by appointment), historical journals and publications, geneaology services and vintage exhibits. The exhibits include tools, clothing, furniture, firearms and Civil War memorabilia as well as the new Indian relics display. From earliest indian settlements to formation of the to present times.
Miller County Museum, Tuscumbia: Phone: 793-6998
The Miller County Museum & Historical Society has become the repository to archive the history and genealogy of Miller County. We welcome your submission of historical and genealogical information as well as items of extreme interest that relate to and document the history of Miller County.
The Bagnell Dam created what is now the largest man made lake in America, Lake of the Ozarks. The project was started in 1929. It suffered many financial setbacks due to the Great Depression but was completed in 1931. The goal of the project was to supply power to the city of St. Louis. Over the 28 months it took to build, 4600 workers were involved with the project. Views of the lake can be enjoyed from the overlook area and more information about the dam can be found at the Miller County Museum nearby.
National Mother’s Shrine Laurie, MO Phone: 374-6279
A magnificent Shrine dedicated to Mary, Mother of the Church features an awe inspiring fourteen foot stainless steel sculpture of Mary, which stands in a natural amphitheatre surrounded by beautiful fountains.
In 1931 the two swinging bridges were built to replace the bridges that were covered by water after the creation of the dam. The bridges took three months to complete and though the smaller one has been renovated, both remain in use. Camp areas are nearby and the shallow water provides a great area to enjoy a picnic.
Tunnel Dam Whistle Shallows
Seven miles south of Ha Ha Tonka State park is the Tunnel Dam and Whistle Shallows. This part of the Niangua River is surrounded by wooded hillsides. The dam created Lake Niangua covering 360 acres of land. The dam itself was created in 1930 and was chosen for the 500 foot long natural cave that already existed. The shallow waters near the dam create a great place to enjoy a picnic near the water.
This association is professionally managed by:
U.S. Resort Management, Inc.
For more information about U.S. Resort Management, Inc. services visit their website at: www.usresort.com
