Thursday, June 26, 2014

More Than Just a Large Body of Water

Photo From: http://mostateparks.com/park/lake-ozarks-state-park
Many people come to the Lake of the Ozarks for simply "the Lake." If that's the way you think, then you're missing out on a whole lot more.  The Lake of the Ozarks is actually home to the largest state park in Missouri, with some 17,600 acres of land!  It's also one of the busiest with over a million visitors per year.  Not only is this area a great place to visit, but also for second homeowners!

The "Lake" of the Ozarks


The Lake of the Ozarks is a favorite destination for many boaters and fisherman in the Midwest.  The state park features 2 public beaches, as well as 2 marinas with boat launches and boat rentals. During the Summer, you will find these places swarming with visitors on the weekends.  The park however, creates an oasis for boaters and anglers seeking to escape all the traffic on the main channel.  The park borders the Grand Glaize Arm and is largely free of condos, restaurants, resorts and other venues that bring in all those tourists.  Visitors of the park can find a secluded, tree-lined cove even on those busy holiday weekends!

Photo From: http://mostateparks.com/park/lake-ozarks-state-park
Trails and Scenery


The park has many features in addition to the water; any of the features you'll find at non-waterfront parks across the state, you'll be able to find here at the Lake of the Ozarks.  The park has 12 designated trails for hiking, backpacking, mountain biking or horseback riding that cover some 50 miles.  There is even an aquatic trail consisting of a series of buoys over 9.75 lake miles that allows visitors to discover the park's woodlands, glades and geologic features by water. You can even pick up a brochure that explains the scenery, such as the swallows that inhabit the rocky ledges or the cedars that would invade the glades without periodic prescribed burns.

The longest trail in the park is, The Trail of Four Winds, which takes hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders over 13.5 miles through woodlands with stunning views of the Lake.  You will even find a stable in the park for those who want to do the trail on horseback but don't have a horse. Several shorter trails also follow the shoreline.  If you are looking for a great view of the Lake, which many tourists are, take the 2-mile Rocky Top Trail that climbs to one of the park's largest glades and then heads through the woods to a cliff overlooking the Lake.  

Photo From: http://mostateparks.com/park/lake-ozarks-state-park
Ozark Caverns


Another feature of the park is the Ozark Caverns, showcasing the geologic wonders found in southern Missouri's karst topography.  Visitors can take lantern-light tours and learn all about soda straws, stalagtites, blind grotto salamander, different bat types and more!  The most notable feature of the caverns is the Angel Shower.  This continuous flow of water from a "showerhead" of stalactites to a crystalline basin 8 feet below is something you won't forget!

The Division of State Parks has closed many of its wild caves as a protection against the spread of white-nose syndrome that is killing bats in several states, but Ozark Caverns is one of four public tour caves that has remained open.  Even on holiday weekends when the Lake area is crazy, the caverns remain peaceful.

Next time you're in the area be sure to not only stop by the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks State Park, but also come by Mission Bay!  We offer Lake living at its finest with gorgeous lake view and lakefront homes at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Residents enjoy an exquisite clubhouse with heated indoor pool and outdoor pool and hot tub for entertaining family and friends, multiple common areas, parks and picnic areas, as well as a 1400' seawall and lakefront cart path to provide ease of access to community docks. With the new improved Highway 5, Mission Bay is just minutes from grocery stores, restaurants, and more!

Source: www.LakeNewsOnline.com
Photo Credit: www.MOStateParks.com

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Camdenton, MO 65020

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