Missouri State Parks welcome you, but the mosquitos say otherwise.
I grew up going to "The Lake". Family reunions, visiting grandparents, all of these things could be knocked out with one four hour car ride the Lake of the Ozarks. Forts built in the woods, walking up and down hills, the public beach, and HaHa Tonka were some of our favorite haunts, and when you grow up in such a large family, it's easy to keep yourself busy. But then people grow up, and the reunions aren't as frequent, and you leave for college. That 4 hour drive becomes an hour and a half and trips to "The Lake" take on a different meaning... sorority formal. And then you graduate and stay in the area, and you rediscover the original vacation destination: Lake of the Ozarks.
A few summers ago, my best friend and I set out on a road trip to the happiest place on earth, Ozarkland. I told her that it was my intention to purchase at least 2 pounds of salt water taffy, find a tacky magnet, and spend the day in a place that I hadn't been in quite a while. Kelsey wanted peanut butter fudge.
We both wanted a break from adulthood.
Loaded down with snacks and at least 3 drinks each, we headed out. I pointed out some places that I remembered from childhood and showed her where my grandparents used to live and the tower I was too scared to go to the top of. We spent time together as friends that didn't involve watching scary movies and ordering pepperoni/pineapple pizza from Casey's.
Also, it was really hot, so we didn't go everywhere we wanted, but we did hit some of the best spots in the area and here are our honest reviews.
HA HA TONKA
Address: 1491 Missouri D, Camdenton, MO 65020
If you do one thing when you're in the LOZ area/Camdenton, go to Ha Ha Tonka. With a natural bridge, picnic sites, castle ruins, hiking trails the natural beauty of this park in early summer (or any time of the year) creates a new experience every time you visit. Hiking trails range from easy to rugged, fishing access points are scattered throughout the park, 20 picnic areas are perfect for friends and family gatherings, a lake access on the Big Niangua at mile marker 14 1/2, playgrounds and while there are no designated swimming areas, you can enter the water at your own risk in several locations. Make it a day trip, make it an afternoon trip, but make sure you visit at some point.
Unfortunately, you can't explore the castle ruins like you could when I was younger, but the views of the ruins, the lake and the surrounding area provides a beautiful photo opportunity.
Note... BRING YOUR BUG SPRAY AND SUNSCREEN.
OZARKLAND
Address: 30 Camden Court, Camdenton, MO 65020
You name it, they've got it. Novelty gifts, candy, moccasins, t-shirts, it's like a knock off Cracker Barrel gift shop. That doesn't stop me from going in there every time I'm in the area, loading down a bag full of salt water taffy, picking up a dumb souvenir, and spending some time in the air conditioning. Personally, I think the Camdenton location is way better than the Osage Beach location, but either is fine when it comes to spending money you shouldn't on things you don't need.
BAGNELL DAM
Point of Reference: https://visitbagnelldam.com/
They've since closed the really old arcade that my dad used to take us when he wanted to play 10 cent skee-ball, and it's gone a little corporate, but the Bagnell Dam Strip has plenty to offer wayward tourists. Batting cages, bars and candy shops galore, spend some time walking with your best company and checking out shops and stops along the way. Honestly, most of these places just remind me of the t-shirt shop on Jersey Shore, but whatever floats your boat.
A few other things to do... Lake of the Ozarks is an awesome Bachelorette Party destination! While none of the following occured during my trip with Kelsey, we had a blast doing some of these things on Kate's bachelorette party the previous May.
Celebration Cruises
Condo rentals/Airbnb's (We stayed at The Knolls)
Shorty Pants Lounge
Wineries
Boat/Jet Ski rentals
Outlet Mall
Outside of town... Bennett Springs State Park (45 min. drive)
Notes... even though the lake might seem the most fun during peak tourist season, you can have a lot of fun before memorial day and after Labor Day while avoiding traffic. Not that Kelsey and I listened to my mom's advice because we headed down on a June Saturday, but mother does know best.
Ciao,
Courtney
Comentarios