Vacations are not a luxury. They are a necessity for a well-balanced and healthy life. Taking a vacation is as important as eating well and getting exercise. Vacationing and taking breaks from work reduce stress. It is vitally important for our health, both physical and mental. There are many important reasons for taking a vacation, as hard as it may be to take a break from work. Some are:
- Stress reduction
- Heart disease prevention
- Better sleep
- Improved productivity at work
- Improved ability to focus
- Illness prevention
- Strengthening relationships
- Getting thinner
Vacationing at Lake of the Ozarks is a thrilling experience. Conveniently located in the heart of Missouri, the Lake of the Ozarks is the Midwest’s premier lake resort. The lake is a large reservoir, created by impounding the Ozark River in the northern part of the Ozarks in central Missouri. Although it is only 75 years old, the area is rich in history. The Osage Indians first settled in the Ozark hills, but Lewis and Clark were the first to describe the natural wonders of the Ozark Mountains. Civil war, westward expansion, and railroads all helped to develop this area.
The area was formed by a private enterprise construction of Bagnell Dam in 1931. Before that, Robert Snyder, a natural gas mogul from Kansas City sought it as a retreat. He bought more than 2,000 acres along the Niangua Creek. The ruins of Snyder’s beautiful retreat is one of the lakes’ great attractions.
Three museums: Camden County, Miller County, and Morgan County Museums, as well as the historic Willmore Lodge, preserve much of the history of the Lake area. Each has its own collection of exhibits and artifacts of the time long before Bagnell Dam was built.
Diverse businesses support this popular vacation destination. Businesses in and around the Lake of the Ozarks area make vacationing an easy experience, with everything you could ever need at your fingertips.
The Lake offers world-class boating, golfing, shopping, and fishing. Lake of the Ozarks vacations are defined by the Lake and its many waterfront accommodations, restaurants, recreational and entertainment venues. There is a wide variety of lodging, state parks, and other recreational activities to suit any taste or budget. At the Lake of the Ozarks, you can be as laid back or as lively as you want to be.
Along the shoreline of this huge lake is the state park where you can swim, boat, and fish. On the shore, hikers, backpackers, equestrians, and bicyclists can ride through open woodlands, sunny glades, small springs and streams with gorgeous views of the Lake of the Ozarks. There are two swimming beaches and boat rentals. Park stores sell all of the necessary supplies for a day in the water. Year round accommodations include campsites, Outpost Cabins., and yurts. Although the State Park’s natural beauty remains untouched, visitors are just minutes away from extensive shopping, restaurants, and a variety of entertainment opportunities.
It has been said that Lake of the Ozarks is America’s boating capital. At water level, even in summer, 1,100 miles of beautiful shoreline offers private relaxation for boaters. There are nearly a dozen public landings with lots of parking and easy access private ramps.
Although boat rentals are widely available, this vacation destination is the perfect place to bring your own boat. It can be launched at one of the area’s nine public access ramps at Bagnell Dam, Gravois Mills, Sunrise Beach, Lake of the Ozarks State Park, as well as other locations. There is a two-lane ramp at Public Beach #1. Daily launch fees are $5 for vessels up to 30 feet in length and $7 for vessels over 30 feet in length. Annual launch permits are available. For vessels less than 30 feet, it is $50 and for vessels more than 30 feet it is $60. Campground users can launch free at any ramp with a current, valid camping permit. There are no motor restrictions. The boat launches at Grand Glaize Beach and Public Beach #1 are open all year round and the Pa He Tsi launch is open March through October.
For those bringing their own boat, there is an excellent online resource to help you find everything you need to enjoy your time in the water. Boat Planet offers free destination guides specific to boaters. According to Michael Kiel, CEO of Boat Planet, “whether you’re looking for the best waterfront restaurants or the best coves for watersports, our boater guides will point you in the right direction.”
Vacations are for relaxation and there is nothing more relaxing than boating on one of Missouri’s largest, most beautiful lakes.
Have you vacationed at Lake of the Ozarks? What was your most enjoyable activity while there?
