4 Day Itinerary in Amazing Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Table of Contents
Story and photos by Scott Kendall (unless otherwise indicated)
Lake of The Ozarks in Middle Missouri
Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri has been named the number one recreational lake in the United States by USA Today, and for good reason. With more shoreline than the Pacific Coast of California, the Lake of the Ozarks offers visitors fantastic boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking and other water activities.
There are also tons of great restaurants, from casual to fine dining, natural attractions, a wide variety of accommodations, fantastic golf, lots of friendly folks, and so much more. Join us on our fun-filled time at Lake of the Ozarks in central Missouri.
Our 4 Day Itinerary and Map for Lake of the Ozarks
Our Lake of the Ozarks vacation started at the fabulous Old Kinderhook Golf Resort in Camdenton. Highlights included dinner at the excellent Trophy Room Restaurant, 18 holes of fantastic golf, and relaxing in our luxurious room overlooking the 18th hole. We also made short trips for a hike to Rocky Top Trail in Lake of the Ozarks State Park and a boat ride – courtesy of Lake of the Ozarks State Park Marina – on the Grand Glaize Arm of the lake. I then went up for a short helicopter ride with Lake Ozark Helicopters, which gave me some impressive overhead views of the lake and area. We finished our first full day with dinner and cold beer at Tucker’s Shuckers in Osage Beach.
Following a great time at the fabulous Kinderhook Golf Club we had a wonderful visit to Seven Springs Winery for a wine tasting and light lunch. Our favorite was the Vignoles, and Julie and I each enjoyed a glass on the back tiered patio with spectacular views.
Leaving Old Kinderhook, we drove the short distance to the family-friendly Lake Breeze Resort on the water to check into our cozy two bedroom cottage. The night was filled with a boat ride with the owners of Lake Breeze and dinner and music at the fun The Fish & Company on the water.
Early the next morning, we had fun ziplining at Adrenaline Zipline in Camdenton, explored the amazing Bridal Cave, and had lunch at the fun Frankie & Louie’s Bar & Grill. We chilled for a few hours at Lake Breeze Resort, and had our last meal in Lake of the Ozarks at the fabulous JB Hooks Restaurant and Bar. Early the next morning, we headed north to Jefferson City to bike part of the Katy Trail. See my article on riding the Katy Trail and exploring the wonderful town of Fulton, including the fabulous Loganberry B&B, Westminster College, the always exceptional Beks Restaurant, and the intriguing Churchill Museum.
In addition to this article, see the Lake of the Ozarks CVB website for more great information in planning your visit to this magical area of mid-Missouri.
Golf, Luxury, and Fabulous Dining at Old Kinderhook Resort
Our first two days were at the fabulous Old Kinderhook Golf Club and Resort in Camdenton, Missouri. Old Kinderhook Resort is a beautiful master-planned community, with a fabulous 18-hole golf course built through the rugged hills of the Ozarks. The Old Kinderhook Lodge and other rental units at the resort offer a variety of luxury and comfort among the natural beauty of the resort.
I started my eighteen holes on my own, but about halfway through was invited to join Steve and Jason, friendly folks playing just ahead of me. I gladly accepted their invitation and enjoyed chatting with them the rest of the course. They were both very courteous and encouraging and added to my enjoyment of playing the course.
I especially enjoyed the short 152 yard hole 7. With no fairway, when you hit from the tee you better get on the green – or else! I managed to hit the far right side of the green on my tee shot and rolled to the apron just off the green. Two poor chips and three putts later, I was in the hole.
I also enjoyed the challenging 18th hole, with a large water hazard along the left of the fairway and on both sides of the green. I lost two balls on this hole, and stopped counting strokes once I reached ten. Despite playing my normal spotty game, I enjoyed the course immensely and can’t wait to go back and play Old Kinderhook again.
The Trophy Room at Old Kinderhook Golf Resort
Our first meal at Old Kinderhook was at The Trophy Room, the lovely onsite restaurant overlooking the golf course. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, diners have beautiful views and comfortable surroundings. The menu features a variety of steak, seafood, and other specialties.
Julie and I were both in the mood for seafood. She ordered the grilled salmon, while I had the tasty shrimp and grits. Our server, Reagan, was so cute and accomodating. With a smile on her face and an enthusiastic attitude, she answered our questions and made several good suggestions. We enjoyed the evening, sipping on our Sauvignon Blanc as we enjoyed our meal, the view, and our conversation with Reagan.
Hiking Rocky Top Trail at Lake of the Ozarks State Park
In addition to tons of water activities, there are many nice hiking trails in Lake of the Ozarks State Park. We enjoyed some exercise and great views hiking the scenic Rocky Top Trail at Lake of the Ozarks State Park. One leg of the trail goes through rocky terrain and wooded areas to fantastic views of the lake. The lower leg follows the shoreline with more wonderful lake views.
We walked for about one and a half hours on a beautiful Spring day. There are some moderately challenging climb through the rocky trail, but most of the trail would be considered easy. At the trailhead for Rocky Top Trail there is a playground for the little ones in addition to bathrooms, a stone pavilion, and plenty of parking. We even saw a deer peacefully grazing on the green leaves in the park.
Aquatic Trail on the Grand Glaize Arm in Lake of the Ozarks
On a beautiful Monday afternoon, Brian Fredrick, the Lake of the Ozarks State Park Assistant Superintendent, took us on the scenic and interesting Aquatic Trail. Starting at PB #2, we boarded a beautiful boat provided by Lake of the Ozarks State Park Marina. LOTO is one of the best places to get boat rentals for Lake of the Ozarks. We explored the Grand Glaize Arm of the lake, while Brian provided an intriguing narrative describing the geology, history, and sights along the way.
Brian showed us geological formations that included caves, the “window”, and cliffs some adventurous jump off int to deep blue waters. We saw campgrounds, private homes, hotels, swimming areas, fishermen, and other interesting sights on the Aquatic Trail. One of our favorite places was Flower Cove. A private family designs, plants, and maintains the colorful blooms and artistic landscaping for the enjoyment of boaters passing by. In fact, it was named one of the “8 Incredible Places to See by Boat on Lake of the Ozarks” by Shore Magazine.
There is nothing like floating on the cool blue waters of Lake of the Ozarks and admiring the natural wonders of the area.
Fantastic Wines and Views at Seven Springs Winery
Seven Springs Winery is a beautiful rural winery located in the rolling hills between Camdenton and Osage Beach. With 160 scenic acres, visitors can hike over two miles through the beautiful terrain, or sit and relax inside or on the gorgeous back patio to enjoy the spectacular views.
Seven Springs grows their own Vignoles and Norton grapes, and offers Missouri wines, Sangria, and a few micro-brews for beer lovers. They also offer a variety of paninis, wraps, burgers, meat and cheese platters, and other light fare.
Our favorite was the Vignoles, a flavorful mid straw colored white with fruity notes of peach, melon and citrus. Under the shade of a large umbrella on the terraced patio, we enjoyed our Vignoles while admiring the gorgeous landscapes of this outstanding winery.
Family Friendly Lake Breeze Resort
Lake Breeze Resort in Camdenton is the perfect place to enjoy Lake of the Ozarks. A small family-run resort with 19 units, Lake Breeze Resort is managed by Gena and Bruce, a delightful couple. All units are on the waterfront with gorgeous views of the lake. The resort has its own pool as well as boats and other equipment for water activities. They even have a special space called The Terrace overlooking the lake to host small weddings, reunions, and other group celebrations.
We loved that our unit, like most units, had a kitchen with a stove, refrigerator, and other kitchen basics. We grabbed a few groceries and cold drinks, which made it convenient to cook or enjoy a meal or snack in the comfort of our room. The back patio featured seating, a grill, and, of course, fantastic views.
Guests are welcomed with a Starter Pack, which contains complimentary coffee, paper towels, popcorn, and useful information. Many restaurants are within a short drive, including The Cave, which can be seen from the terrace across the lake. And if you have any questions or needs, Gena, Bruce, and their team are always happy to help you out.
Waterfront Dining and Music at The Fish & Company
The Fish & Company is one of the best restaurants on the water in Lake of the Ozarks. Friendly hostesses helped us tie up the boat in the marina, and we followed the short pier to a large, inviting restaurant on the water. We happily listened to live tunes as we sipped our frozen drinks and waited for our food.
I ordered the Taco Salad, a nice combination of fresh lettuce and ground beef in a freshly made tortilla shell. Others in our party ordered the shrimp basket with fries, a bucket of snow crab legs, and a juicy burger. The Fish & Company also serves a variety of salads, pizzas, sandwiches, chicken, and steak.
Music blasted from the live duo, mostly country and western, but also with some classic rock tunes mixed in. My wife and some new friends danced to Garth Brooks’ Friends in Low Places and then to an upbeat Mony Mony from Tommy James and the Shondells and some AC/DC. Such a fun evening at The Fish & Co!
Adrenaline Zipline in Camdenton
Adrenaline Zipline in Camdenton is the first canopy zip line course in Lake of the Ozarks. This fun, safe, course through the treed property in Camdenton is a wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors for a while.
Jackson and Autumn were our guides for our trip through the trees. With safety the number one concern, both guides ensured we were always harnessed in throughout the course. We started with a brief but thorough safety demonstration, and felt very comfortable and safe from start to finish.
In addition to the fun zip lines, there is a wooden suspended bridge to test your balance and agility – all while being locked into your harness and safety line, of course. Adrenaline Zipline is a fun 90 minutes for all members of the family.
Bridal Cave, Home of Over 4,000 Weddings
Bridal Cave, so named because of the over 4,000 weddings performed in the cavern and the Pavilion, is a fascinating geological formation on the shores of Lake of the Ozarks. The one hour group tour was just right for us, with plenty of interesting formations and narrative, but not overly long. One of the highlights of the tour was the brilliant blue “mystery lake” viewed from a platform within the cave.
There are several low ceilings and narrow openings on the path that must be maneuvered on the tour. As our guide reminded up many times, “Watch you Head” to avoid bumps and bruises. With constant attention and care, it is very safe, but do be careful. Also, be aware that the temperature is around 60 degrees year round in the cave, so dress appropriately. We really enjoyed our visit to the fun and fascinating Bridal Cave in Lake of the Ozarks.
Frankie & Louie's Beachfront Bar & Grill
Frankie & Louie’s Beachfront Bar & Grill is everything you would expect from a waterfront restaurant at one of America’s top recreational lakes. In addition to a large menu of bites and drinks, visitors can sun on the beach, float on a rental kayak or paddle board, or dock you boat at one of the slips at the marina.
I enjoyed my coconut shrimp salad with a flavorful orange marmalade sauce, while my wife ordered the chicken salad. Sitting outside on the covered patio with fans providing a comfortable breeze, we enjoyed relaxing at Frankie & Louie’s. Other favorites include fresh baked pizzas from Louie’s Pizza Kitchen – my choice would be the Supreme with hamburger, sausage, pepperoni, black olives, peppers, red onions, mushrooms and cheese. The Buffalo Chicken, Hawaiin Style, and others looked like great choices. The extensive menu also has a number of salads, seafood, burgers, and a fun little Kids Menu. Frozen drinks, beer, and a variety of other drinks are available.
Adjacent to the restaurant is Super Dave’s Paddle Board & Kayak Rentals and Lessons. A one minute walk takes you from the restaurant to Super Daves and a plethora of paddle boards, kayaks, and pedal boats. Trained staff give renters a hands on lesson to ensure they have the right sized equipment and know how to operate them. After the lesson, paddlers can venture into the no wake cove to test out their newfound skills.
JB Hooks Fine Dining on the Lake
JB Hooks on Lake of the Ozarks has long been a favorite fine dining venue on the water for locals and tourists. With legendary steaks, seafood, and other fine dining options, JB Hooks offers panoramic views and exceptional service. The large dining room with floor to ceiling windows offer great views of the lake from almost every table. We were seated at a window table, and enjoyed watching the sun set on the horizon over the lake as we enjoyed our dinner.
Julie and I both had the pan-fried seabass served with a flavorful pesto sauce, with mashed potatoes and green beans as sides. For dessert, we had the house cheesecake with a strawberry sauce drizzled on top. Reservations are suggested to ensure a table at this very popular restaurant.
Helicopter View of Lake of the Ozarks
On Monday evening I went up in a helicopter with Lake Ozark Helicopters to get a bird’s eye view of Lake of the Ozarks. It was an amazing thirty minutes in the air flying over the lake. Matthew, the pilot, pointed out many points of interest and gave me the opportunity to take lots of great photos.
At the time of construction, Lake of the Ozarks was the largest manmade lake in the United States and one of the largest in the world. Although built for hydroelectric energy production, the lake quickly became a major focal point for recreational activities. Numerous private homes, restaurants, and businesses have popped up over the years, and now the lake is full of activity year round, especially during the summer months.
Tucker's Shuckers Restaurant and Bar
Tucker’s Shuckers is a very popular restaurant and bar at Lake of the Ozarks. They are certainly known for their oysters, but shrimp, seafood, and numerous other offerings on the menu ensure everyone will be taken care of. I greatly enjoyed my fish tacos and sweet potato fries, washing down my excellent meal with a cold Modelo. Julie had the grilled salmon. Burgers, Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches, steaks and other entrees on the menu also looked inviting.
Several screens in the bar and restaurant area streamed live sports and an entertaining Guinness World Records television show. Happy hour is 3 – 5 pm Monday through Friday. Come join the fun at one of the newest restaurants in Lake of the Ozarks, Tucker’s Shuckers.
Lake of the Ozarks, America's Favorite Recreational Lake
Find out why Lake of the Ozarks was named by USA Today as the number one recreational lake in America. Whether you stay for a few days or a few weeks, you will find endless activities, restaurants, bars, golf courses, and gorgeous scenery at Lake of the Ozarks in the rolling hills of mid-Missouri.
See the Lake of the Ozarks CVB website for more great information in planning your visit to this magical area of mid-Missouri.
Thanks to Marjorie and Kyle at The Beenders group for putting together this fantastic press trip. Thanks also to Old Kinderhook Golf Club, The Trophy Room Restaurant, Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Lake Breeze Resort, Lake of the Ozarks Boat Rentals, Seven Springs Winery, Bridal Cave, and Adrenaline Zipline for hosting us. All opinions are my own.
Scott Kendall is the Founder, Editor, and frequent contributor to PlayStayEat. He is a former Navy Officer, teacher and tennis coach who is an avid traveler and writer. Scott has traveled extensively throughout the United States and overseas to Italy, France, England, Croatia, Slovenia, and others. In addition to his contributions to PlayStayEat, much of his published work can be seen at scottkendalltravels.com.