7 Things to do at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri: Caves, Springs & Jet Skis

The Lake of the Ozarks is a massive waterway in Missouri that people come from all around to visit. The lake is a fantastic place to explore and the surrounding area is full of state parks, caves, historic structures and other places to have adventures. I spent some time there in the summer of 2021 and really loved being able to get to know the area. Here are some of my favorite spots and let me know what I left off in the comments.
Read more at ThroughMyLens.com
Follow me:
Facebook: / throughmylensco
Instagram: / throughmylensco
Pinterest: / throughmylensco
Twitter: / throughmylensco
Gear:
See all the gear I use here www.amazon.com/shop/californi...
Music:
Epidemic Sound
www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
#throughmylens #lakeoftheozarks #missouri #hahatonkastatepark

[@Amory98]

Don't have to tell Marty Byrde to move here twice.

[@ThroughMyLens]

haha!

[@AZVIDS]

Except Ozark is filmed in Georgia😉

[@benthomson6665]

Lake Of The Ozark’s is the best. I think Missouri is the most underrated state when it comes to natural beauty. To all those who haven’t been there. GO!

[@danhonz4715]

Lake vet here. If you have never been to The Lake of the Ozarks and are an inexperienced boater. I would suggest being on the water no later than 10am, go find a cove off the main channel and swim for the day, as the main channel gets extremely choppy from 11am til about 6pm during the summer. I've got a condo on the lake and with a life time of driving a boat, we still use that approach. Pack coolers full of food, drinks and enjoy your day in the water

[@worldtravel101]

Does it get windy?

[@willful_oats]

​@@worldtravel101boat traffic, lots a large cabin cruisers and such stir up big wakes.

[@Versatile668]

Where i use to go all the time I miss this place so much I loved it here. Swimming all the time my favorite place.

[@hawkwrangler1950]

Take that dinner cruise from the dam, all the shops on the strip, Great restaurants throughout the lake, cheap Helicopter tour, swinging bridge

[@ShowMeAnAdventure]

Missourian here-so many summers spent water skiing, tubing, and jet skiing on Lake of the Ozarks! Or as we call it , simply “The Lake.” Lol 😂 Ha Ha Tonka is definitely one of our best state parks. 💕🌿 thanks for visiting and showing us off!!

[@ThroughMyLens]

So cool! Glad you have spent so much time there, I can't wait to visit again!

[@maxisussex]

It looks heavenly. I live in the UK but I read a book series set in a fictional Missouri town and they kept mentioning it so much I had to see what the fuss was about. Very lucky to be able to visit.

[@ShowMeAnAdventure]

@@maxisussex what was the book series?

[@maxisussex]

@@ShowMeAnAdventure It's called Hazard and Somerset. It's a crime series set in the fictional town of Wahredua. But they mentioned the lakes, Jeff city, Columbia and I think Springfield.

[@ShowMeAnAdventure]

@@maxisussex that sounds awesome! Thank you! Been to all three of those cities-and many small towns in between. 💕

[@oliverolover]

I love your videos. No matter how terrible the stuff on the news is, with all the bad things going on in the world, your videos are proof that there are still good things going on and good people doing them. Thanks Josh and Amy. Keep up the good work!

[@ThroughMyLens]

I really appreciate that!

[@mariebell4686]

Omg yes this is amazing I live there and I'm going to Ha Ha Tonka on Saturday and just the lake is the best thp

[@c-historia]

this video is definitely very beautiful, what an excellent landscape 🏞 I fell in love with the place because of the great TV series big LIKE

[@WisdomPrime]

I like this lake view 😍. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@MidwestDayTrips]

I love going to the Ocean, and I love beach towns. With that in mind, Lake Of The Ozarks is the only place in the midwest that I have personally been to that has that same "Beach Town" vibe. Definitely nice when the nearest Ocean Beach is about 12 hours away! Thanks for posting. I'm definitely looking forward to checking out Ha Ha Tonka.

[@coldwar45]

Ever been to Sheboygan Wisconsin? That’s another place where you get that vibe in the Midwest.

[@MidwestDayTrips]

@@coldwar45 Thanks for the recommendation!

[@LaRueDaKid]

Fun fact… my driveway growing up was directly across the .5 mile hill leading to Jacob’s cave:) so many memories. Loved the vid!

[@cindystuder9090]

My mother's family used to visit almost every year. 4 generations staying in tiny cabins at some of those resorts. We always had such a good time. The Blue Dolphin resort or Vallahalla resort. All gone now. I also attended Camp Rising Sun for yearly FFA camp. The last time we were at the lake was 1998. Good memories. Hate all the condos and miss the mom and pop run tiny resorts.

[@cindystuder9090]

Also to add, there used to be a cave called The Indian Burial Cave. It was owned by Lee Mace. It's been shut down for years but it really was quite the place to see.

[@sharipotter88]

Same, I grew up in Springfield so we were always around there. And it's too busy now 😢 I hope they can respect nature

[@paulsmith9198]

It is great the Missouri state parks don't charge admission. Lake of the Ozarks State Park also has miles of hiking trails to explore.

[@noneofyourbusiness43]

STFU. That is for Missourians only. Tourist scum nor the chamber of commerce fucks that invite them are not welcome.

[@nostalgio697]

Beautiful places and sceneries

[@ThroughMyLens]

Glad you liked it!

[@nostalgio697]

@@ThroughMyLens I live in Saudi Arabia, since our country is mostly desert, lakes and greeneries are like heaven on earth for us.. I visited the States twice for short periods but unfortunately didn't have a chance to visit around and enjoy such marvellous places. Worth to mention, your narration and way of describing things are calming and very clear for non-english native speakers.. way better than most of the tv documentaries..

[@uhuraenterprise6372]

​@@nostalgio697Then you would also love Sweden. All we have is forests and lakes. I would love to visit the States sometime. There are so many things I wanna see over there. Take care!

[@VanHornInstitute]

Having lived at “The Lake” up until I was 16, I can comfortably say everything on this list is a 100% must-do. However, don’t be afraid to go looking for some underrated restaurants around the area, there’s some amazing hidden gems that not many know about!

[@ChanceB02]

Nice Josh!!!!

[@DK-ig8ci]

There's another entrance you can take to get to the spring trail keep going on D then take next right then another right you'll see the parking lot and pavilions. Those stairs are no joke.

[@sabine3769]

Great video

[@Roadtosomethingnew1]

Gotta love some good cave tours

[@jamescroley3823]

I got down there every summer it’s my favorite place to go I love it town there I’ve been every where down there and during the 4th of July there’s a resort that’s right next to the lake that has a huge fire works show it’s amazing to see at night but if you do make sure you know the lake very well or have someone driving the boat who knows the lake I’m goin down there this summer durning June July and august

[@timberwolf5631]

Great video! I live at the lake. It's beautiful here. I noticed that you didn't mention The Strip at Bagnell - that has family fun plus a couple of bars. Be very careful about hiking in Ha-Ha-Tonka: there are lots of places to take a fall. Also watch out for water moccasins and copperheads, as they are poisonous. Also in Ha-Ha-Tonka, down at the spring trail-head, you can picnic, swim (swim shoes are a good idea), go fishing (you need a permit for that, though) or take out your kayak for free. Careful driving at dusk and dawn because deer will get in your way. Go eat at Chance's R in Sunrise Beach (no, there isn't a beach there and I have no clue why they call it that) - good food, reasonable prices, seating in the dining room or at the bar.

[@hayeshumphries311]

I've live in Overlan Park all my life....every weekend my family would go to our condo Regatta Bay just south of the infamous Amheiser Busch family compound cove....I agree with your recommendation thst you go out early, 8-9am and ski and tube, etc....then find a cove, drop anchor, and just relax, eat lunch, put the tunes on, and swim/layout!!! After that we'd usually leave either at 2:30-4pm....shower, dressed, ready by 5, go to the Warrenberg Theaters (so run down but had so much charm that no one cared)....then to the Potted Steer, Blue Heron, Maggie Mae's, Little Rizzos pizza, or tres hombres....or...if you're in the mood for some quality authentic Ozark experience...BIG DICKS HALFWAY INN!!!

[@timberwolf5631]

@@hayeshumphries311 LOL! We do have some funny bar names around here. I watched a great fireworks show this year at Bear Bottom. :)

[@thebruckners]

I grew up in southwest Missouri and would suggest for your next visit to the state to check out Table Rock Lake and the surrounding Ozarks. Table Rock Lake is MUCH less commercialized than Lake of the Ozarks, and nearby I guarantee you will be amazed at Marvel Cave in Silver Dollar City theme park. The beauty of the Ozarks is incredible. And take your dad ; )

[@debbie4503]

Table Rock Lake❤️ I spent a lot of time there with my Mom and Dad! I love it!

[@raallen1468]

@@debbie4503 Table Rock Lake is known as the "Family Friendly Lake" unlike LOTO.

[@cindystuder9090]

Lake of the Ozarks used to be the family place to go. My family would have 4 generations at the lake almost every year staying in tiny cabins at family owned resorts. Just wait. Table rock will get there. They always do.

[@LaRueDaKid]

I grew up in Lake of the Ozarks and I loved your video. If I could just say one thing to those who’d like to vacation here; I would recommend learning boating/water sport safety before renting, for obvious reasons, but also the locals aren’t too keen on those who don’t know the etiquette of the lake. Just a heads up:)

[@scampslikeusva1958]

Very cool video. You always have great footage and provide great information. I had no idea that there were so many caves in Missouri! I can't wait to visit them.

[@tomdulle1707]

scampslikeusVA only Kentucky has more caves than Missouri. They are everywhere! And he's only showing you the tour caves at the Lake on this video. If you ever visit Branson, you can visit The Silver Dollar city amusement park, which has a massive cave-Marvel Cave-inside the park. The two most popular caves to tour in Missouori are along the old Route 66, today I-44. They are Onandaga Cave and Meramec Caverns.

[@scampslikeusva1958]

Great info, thanks for sharing. I hope to see them all day. Missouri is one place I'd definitely like to spend more time in and I'd like to do the full Route 66 trip, so there should be opportunity. Now you've given me some stuff to research so again thanks.

[@coltoncavanaugh4614]

On the strip behind the arcade there is an overlook of the lake, but there is also a very big cross section of a red wood tree that was over 1000 years old when it was cut down in the 1960s. Very cool to see if you’ve never seen one before, and is kind of a secret or hard to find location as I haven’t seen it listed on any google maps or anything like that. And there is only a small sign on the strip that’s very easy to miss that directs you there. Great video too glad to see Willmore lodge getting some recognition!👍

[@hannathompson7998]

Visiting soon, going to look for that, thx!

[@cindystuder9090]

I have a picture of my dad in the late 60s standing by that trunk. He was a high school teacher chaperoning the senior class trip.

[@rhondaz356]

As always, a very helpful, interesting, thoughtful, summary of suggested places to go... great visuals, as well.🤠👏

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thank you kindly!

[@hypepod_99]

I have a lake house on the lake around the 41 and so far the farthest ive gon is the 18 to fix our Tritoon and we did it during a weekday so it wasn't as busy down there and around the 30 down is the busier part of the lake and on a weekend a pontoon is not recommended because of the big boats and big wake but ( The cave bar and grill) is a really good restaurant there is a big pool 3 1/2 ft with two swim up bars one of them is closer off for adults only, the food is very good and the staff are great u would recommend, the next restaurant is ( Captin Ron's) it is probably my favorite out of all the places ive been to, there is usually a person on the dock to help and if there isn't when im there i like to help if i can, there is a big beach for family or kids to swim in and there is a bar right next to it for the parents or adults to hang out, drink and supervise, inside is really nice they have very good garlic knot's and my favorite is the chicken tenders or ( walk the planks) as they have it on the menue, there are two vollyball pits a playground and on the weekends there is a bouncy house for kids to play in. Next is ( Bear bottoms resort) they have two big water slides going down the whole resort an arcade and some pools by the end of the water slide ( they are usually crowded) one of them have a swim up bar, the food is pretty good and the service is okay. ( I wont say it now but i have a really funny memory of a time i went there lmk if you want me to add it). Next is my favorite place to get drinks and my grandmas favorite place for margaritas ( The red fox) they have a really good Shirley temple the only thing i get when i go and fun servers, the inside smells like smoke but its really just a Bar, they have there own brand bbq sauce which in my opinion is the best ive ever had. Up last is a pretty fun place to play pool or i think on the weekend you can play poke and stuff is ( The boondocks) the have a good size pool outside with two hotubs on either side. The food is really good and overall a pretty good environment there chicken tenders are pretty good to, ( thats like the only thing i get cause who doesn't love chicken tenders). Any ways thats pretty much it for my experience so far if you ever come down in my cove everyone like to go to the back and "cove out" so yea

[@sherryettinger4798]

Don’t forget to check out Ozark Amphitheater in Camdenton,Mo They put on AMAZING shows with popular music artists and have other events throughout the year!

[@alyciaharrison8742]

Have you been to Lury Cavens? In VA

[@nickdeleeuw7626]

I'm here to find Ruth Langmore's trailer

[@smalltrip3599]

Wow~ I was thinking of going to Missouri soon. That's a really good places!! Thanks forsharing👍

[@noneofyourbusiness43]

die screaming

[@raallen1468]

Don't forget, the favorite pastime. Drinking 24/7/365 while boating. 🥂🍺🥂🍺💥

[@Ken-lp5zv]

And local strip club on Bagnell Dam Blvd. Fun place

[@pjmartin6690]

I have vacationed in Lake of the Ozarks but that was years ago and what I really liked was just up the hill from Bagnal Dam is Dog Patch! Souvenir shops, art galleries, restaurants, fresh fudge shops, an arcade, and more! Another cool thing around the dam is you can take a quick trip on a seaplane! But I love your adventures and thanks soooooo much for sharing them!!!!

[@cindystuder9090]

Did you visit when dog patch was a hillbilly themed haven? Those were the days. 😂

[@pjmartin6690]

@@cindystuder9090 It was around 1970/71 when I went there the first time. It was so much fun! When did you go???

[@justin_your_cousin9273]

0:56 is that the dock where Ruth and her dad were hiding under?

[@cajunlady4893]

Thanks for this awesome Video I plan to visit in Dec.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Have fun!

[@cajunlady4893]

@@ThroughMyLens Thank you. 1 week of adventure there. I love Christmas season lights and decorations. Hoping it will be festive in Branson at that time

[@raallen1468]

@@cajunlady4893 Branson, MO @ Christmas time is fabulous! Most of the shows do a Christmas version. Make plans to visit Silver Dollar City, then, also.

[@cajunlady4893]

@@raallen1468 thank you Sounds awesome I have tickets purchase to see the show six And the celtic dancers I do have plans to visit Silver dollar city. I also want to see Dixie Stampede

[@-Ms.L]

💚💚

[@Curtismpac5769]

That is the lane that I go to and my papa lives there

[@wspinpics9969]

Very nice. Just moved into the area and love it!

[@noneofyourbusiness43]

die

[@lilypad5924]

Tennessee actually has the most caves in the US. Beautiful state and gorgeous lakes and parks

[@LucasKimCARP]

Is march a good time of the year to go? I'm thinking about spending spring break there with my girlfriend. We want to do some hikes and see some cool caves and nature stuff. And does anyone know a good cheap place to stay?

[@thankyoupagemagic8484]

March will be chilly as the warmth really comes to missouri in May.

[@houseofbaboshka6456]

As I may have said before... You guys are FAB :)

[@ferboferbo1788]

Please visit my hometown savannah ga. You won't be disappointed

[@ThroughMyLens]

It’s on the list. I really want to go there!

[@Curtismpac5769]

That is the lake that I go to my moms dad has a big lake house there

[@authorjoannawhite]

I live here just about 10 mins from Bagnel dam and I enjoyed your video lol. I've actually only been to Jacob's Cave and Stark Caverns though so it sounds like I need to go to Bridal Cave lol.

[@maisykay6969]

We saw that HUGE mansion .

[@thenorthboy]

Nice sharing stay connecte

[@Girl.with..the_Schelich13]

I’m going there with friends this summer

[@sassyinfla4839]

Where should we stay?

[@gmelinfrias6280]

Thank you for the video. I am new here in Missouri and really want to explore the area. Any recommendation where to stay and be able to go to these place? Thanks.

[@noneofyourbusiness43]

GTFO. The chamber of commerce is not the citizenry. We don't want you nor your money. Get out or else.

[@Oliviux78]

Is the swimming temperature there good?

[@thankyoupagemagic8484]

yes, during the summer.

[@lisasmith9311]

My Dad Bill Swan made the Indian chief along with Paul Bunyan,the chief,A&W root beer family,Bobs big boy the Ford bronco the Ford Mustang horse which is what the emblem was copied from and many other iconic fiberglass statues

[@simplelangperorock]

Where can I visit Darlene and Ruth?

[@magmablock]

Gonna retire there someday

[@pamelahetzel6523]

What can you do if it raining?

[@danhonz4715]

For tourists I would suggest going to "the strip" which is located directly after the Dam. There are lots of restaurants, arcades for the kids, shops etc... Also check out Minor Mike's.

[@noneofyourbusiness43]

die

[@mixeddrinks8100]

went there many years ago to see a friend in the military stationed nearby, very unique lake, you can sort of tell it is man made, has that Lake Powell feel to it but greener and bigger. On a sidenote you had the footage for near a year?! how are you storing all your video footage...

[@baleycasady7438]

shopping at Osage Beach, Walmart & self checking out is one of the worst things to do @ Lake of the Ozarks.

[@Curtismpac5769]

Hey by the way there is a sunken city under the water I know that because I go there

[@uhuraenterprise6372]

Take me with you the next time

[@jasongeer9402]

Fantastic caverns, Johnson shut-in, elephant Rock, Bennett springs Truman lake Stockton lake Bull shoals TableRock and more

[@dovbarleib3256]

Well there would be no Lake without Bagnell Dam.

[@cloudthemustang8485]

We have a family dock, lake house, apartment, 3 jet skis, 2 boats, a tube, and I believe 2 water skis. I was at the July yearly lake trip for the past 2.5 days. My recommendation for a jet ski is to wait for a boat to get going, floor it, and get 2-5 seconds of air.

[@Hernie9]

Go Eat at The Fish

[@toddnichols47]

Have a boat on the dock and we have a house the house house and we go to all t

[@postprophet6384]

I had a house about a mile from ha ha tonka there’s a lot of beauty in the summer with the castle and trails natural springs but the lake in general is meth ridden. Many many tweakers from far and wide seek this place to find their own slice of fortune or backwood fame and there’s always jobs for boat detailers bar tenders and bail bondsman but not much else especially in the winter. The whole motto of the lake is come on vacation leave on probation. If your a local there’s nothing to do in winter and nothing but tourists in summer. Camden county jail should be the number one place to visit on the list because many many people end up there for some reason, and they love visitors. They may be one of if not the crookedest county’s in the state, and raided by the fbi several times. But they love their guests. Im talking about pepper spray tasers and beatings, maybe a little assault by the guards in the shower with the strap down chair.. most of the crooked, and sekts offndr guards have been fired in groups or several quit. But the jail is supposedly more like a Hilton compared to other MO county jails . Lol 😂

[@uhuraenterprise6372]

Wow, I don't know what to think about Lake of the Ozarks😅. Fun reading though for a Swede who don't know anything about meth ridden places. You see, meth haven't really gotten any grip on my country. Sure might happen in the future, who knows. Thank you for enlightening me in you're own funny way👋

[@seanpule266]

Thing #8: open a casino and launder money.

[@rayharris847]

You must have took that video on a Tuesday. Don't even believe that's how smooth the water is. It's overcrowded and the water is rough. I hate Lake of the Ozarks. Go to Pomme de Terre or Table Rock

[@gnggng.]

If you're boating, make sure you avoid a bald lunatic called "Mr Clean".

[@uhuraenterprise6372]

Got it

[@corneilshamalcom1591]

F

[@Ken-lp5zv]

There is a great strip club right down the street from Bagnell Dam. Girls really put on a Midwest show for locals and tourists. Really busy on holiday weekends and tough to get in due to fire codes, but well worth the wait.

[@krishgupta4942]

Who else here after Ozark web series

[@BenDover-lg4wv]

Great place for money laun- I mean building a casino

[@montemaguire4596]

WaRniNg.... Don't get caught on the lake on a pontoon boat. When the storms Rollin fast .I watch a P.B. stand straight up with 2 people on it then came down hard. The waves get about 3 feet tall

[@noneofyourbusiness43]

no no no, definitely be there for the storm! Its the best view! And be sure to live stream yourselves dying! Tourist bullshit has no place here! If you ain't from here, don't come here!

[@TrulyMargo]

Everything said is good but for someone that lives there tbh the place is really boring 🥲

[@DarkBrown16]

I can launder money and sell drugs here too right?

[@thenorthboy]

💕

[@Amory98]

Haha, if you've a cartel with a gun to your head. Perhaps buy a boat casino too to keep things original! 😂

[@ThroughMyLens]

haha the Ozarks is now known worldwide from that show

[@lareverie8285]

God damn it Darlene!

[@uhuraenterprise6372]

​@@ThroughMyLensWhat show?

[@ravichaula9395]

Number 8: Open casino and launder money for Mexican drug cartels 😂

[@austinolson772]

Dumb list.

[@thankyoupagemagic8484]

dumb comment.

[@austinolson772]

@@thankyoupagemagic8484 thankyoupagemagic = dumb person

[@maxisussex]

Such a lovely place, I wish it were easier to visit. I must say though, as a European I was amused at the description of a house built in 1930 as historic.