Things to Do
Some things are seasonal and some businesses come and go, so use this as a suggestion list, but check ahead before venturing out.
Well, you could do nothing and instead kick back and watch nature happen. Or, you can check out the list of things we’ve gathered.
The Lake Area Community Orchestra puts on a free community summer concert Tuesday evenings from late May until early August. They also hold a holiday concert series on Sunday and Tuesday evenings from Thanksgiving to mid-December. A wide variety of musicians make up the community orchestra, from teenagers to old timers, coming from the communities around the lake.
Sit back and relax as sixty-five to eighty voices come together in the Greater Lake Area Chorale that draws singers from the tri-county area of the Lake of the Ozarks. With more than 40 years of history, the choir sings many styles of music at free concerts in the fall and spring.
The Lake Arts Council supports a variety of organizations in the area including the Lake Jazz Band, the Missoula Children’s Theater, Student Art Quest, Student Photo Quest, the Junior Duck Stamp competition and Art in the Park. With the goal of bringing a variety of entertainment to the Lake community, Lake Arts Council has brought in the Vienna Boys Choir, Springfield Symphony Orchestra, the Missouri Symphony Society and The Taiko Japanese Drummers.
Take one look at the lake area and you’ll see what photo opportunities the region has to offer. In 2002, the Lake Arts Photography Club was founded with the idea of offering education to photographers at the lake. Each monthly meeting covers a different topic from flashes and lighting to exposure and more. The club also takes excursions to the area’s state parks, churches, caves and cemeteries.
Sunrise Beach is its own little haven that is only a short drive from some of the best destinations in the Midwest. Day trips are simple and fun to plan when there’s something exciting waiting for you and your family in every direction.
Bass Pro
Just an hour and a half north on I-44 lands you in Springfield, MO, home of the original Bass Pro Shop. This granddaddy of all outdoor stores has almost 500,000 square feet dedicated to the beauty of the outdoors. The shopping experience is also an art museum with works from local artists and craftsmen on the walls and ceilings. The natural-looking environment is complete with waterfalls, springs and live fish. There are seven large fish tanks with one that holds two of the largest alligator gar in the world. The store also has an alligator pit with six young female alligators. The waterfall tank is home to native fish including large sturgeon.
Also located in the store are two museums. Stroll through the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum. On display, you’ll see Jesse James’ revolver and Teddy Roosevelt’s hunting rifle. The Archery Hall of Fame takes a historical look at archery throughout the U.S.
Jefferson City
Enjoy a trip to the capitol and visit Jefferson City, MO, an hour’s drive north of Sunrise Beach. The Runge Nature Center displays the wonders of Missouri’s habitats. It includes hiking trails, outdoor demonstrations of wildlife habitats and 3,000 square feet of indoor exhibits.
In the Capitol Complex, stroll through the Carnahan Memorial Gardens. The striking garden built in the 1930s features flowers, pools and meandering walkways.
Time magazine named the Missouri State Penitentiary “the bloodiest 47 acres in America” in 1967. The facility no longer holds inmates, but ghost tours are available for all those who are brave enough to take them.
Sedalia
One hour northwest of Sunrise Beach, you’ll find one of America’s original “cow towns” and home of the Missouri State Fair. Sedalia lies on a branch of the old Shawnee Trail, and its historic district with brick buildings from the 1800s earned the city the name, “Queen City of the Prairie.” While you’re here, visit Katy Depot, the 1896 rail depot turned visitor center. Sedalia is also home to the Daum Museum of Contemporary Art with a collection that includes artwork by Andy Warhol, Dale Chihuly, Helen Frankenthaler, Robert Motherwell, Peter Voulkos, Louise Bourgeois and Betty Woodman. Each June, Sedalia hosts the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival. During August, come out for the Missouri State Fair featuring motorsports, bull riding, rodeo events, concerts and more.
Columbia
The wine-lovers in your group will love Les Bourgeois Winery A-Frame, less than an hour and a half north of Sunrise Beach. This terraced bluff-top wine garden is known for its spectacular views of the Missouri River valley.
Home of the University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia has an exciting and eclectic mix of unique restaurants, specialty stores, galleries and coffee shops. For more information on the wide variety of events and festivals held in Columbia throughout the year, visit visitmo.com.
Cole Camp
Oktoberfest in Cole Camp, MO features fun for the entire family including children’s activities, entertainment, German foods and festivities. Less than 45 minutes from Sunrise Beach, Jaycees Garden lights up during this mid-October festival welcoming people from across the Midwest.
Every May, there is a city-wide garage sale where area residents set up an all day garage sale in city park and in front of their homes. The Cole Camp fair is held the first weekend after Labor Day and is one of the oldest fairs in the state.
For a complete list of events in Cole Camp, visit colecampmissouri.com
Branson
Take the two hour drive south via MO-5 S, I-44 and US-65 S to Branson, a long-time vacation destination that draws visitors from all regions of the country. From a 70s Music Celebration, a Neil Diamond Tribute, a Musical Tribute to Patsy Cline, jamboree shows, Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, auto and centennial museums and more, Branson has live entertainment and attractions to please everyone in your family. While you’re there, don’t miss the Hollywood Wax Museum, Silver Dollar City, Mount Pleasant Winery, the National Tiger Sanctuary and Ripley’s Odditorium.
Springfield
The historic heart of Springfield is an art-lover’s paradise. Downtown Springfield is bustling year-round with visitors and locals enjoying casual dining, upscale restaurants, antique shops, trendy clothing, art galleries and a wealth of nightlife choices. Come to the First Friday Art Walk to experience live music, original art, hands-on activities and live art demonstrations in 23 participating galleries downtown. Or join in on a Public Art and Sculpture Tour where you can view colorful murals, sculptures and mosaics amid city streets and downtown buildings. Right in downtown, you’ll find the Springfield Regional Opera, the Springfield Little Theatre at the Historic Landers Theatre, the Springfield Contemporary Theatre, the Springfield Ballet, the Gillioz Theatre, JQH Arena, the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts and the Creamery Arts Center.
The Missouri River Wine Trail
Central Missouri’s wineries offer award-winning wines, fabulous food and live entertainment. Six specialty wineries dot Central Missouri, each presenting a unique take on Midwestern vineyards.
Cooper’s Oak Winery is located in the charming town of Higbee, Missouri and offers a rustic setting and a variety of wines boasting flavors of the beautiful surrounding farmland. Right next door is A&K Cooperage, makers of fine American Oak Barrels for over 40 years. Together, Cooper’s Oak Winery and A&K Cooperage are the only Bonded Winery and Cooperage on the same grounds in the United States.
Les Bourgeois Vineyards in Rocheport is known for its spectacular bluff-top view of the Missouri River Valley. Some of the state’s finest award-wining wines come from this family owned and operated winery, and Les Bourgeois is consistently voted “Boone County’s Best Place to Take Out-of-Town Guests.”
Nestled in the rolling hills of Osage County lies Westphalia Vineyards, where the Neuner family uses time-honored, natural processes to create handcrafted wines.
Visit the boutique winery, Serenity Valley Winery, located in Fulton to experiences award-winning wines created from juice from around the world. There is on site tasting, a special event venue and a Vintner who offers guidance as you make your own wine. Enjoy the new outdoor venue overlooking gorgeous Serene Lake.
The Bushwhacker Bend Winery in Glasgow is a unique, local venue situated on the bank of the Missouri River that offers delectable cheese and snacks hand-picked to accompany the vineyard’s wines.
The Canterbury Hill Winery & Restaurant in Holts Summit sits on top of a rock bluff with stunning views of the Missouri State Capitol and the rolling hills of Callaway County. Sip wine from the 18th century wine cellar and dine in the barrel room to experience the fine side of Missouri wine.
To map out and plan your Central Missouri wine tour, visit missouririverwinetrail.com.
Time with Mark Twain in Hannibal
Visit Hannibal, Missouri less than three hours northeast of Sunrise Beach, and explore the settings that inspired Mark Twain. Adventure through the caves he wrote about and take a tour of the author’s childhood home. Take a river trip or relax on the lake named in his honor. Have a waffle cone at Becky’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor and Emporium, and see all the ways that the writer lives on in Hannibal.
Enjoy the vacation lifestyle year-round in the Lake of the Ozarks, a region with celebrations that fill the warmest summer days as well as the cold winter months. The area boasts many events that return every year, so you can plan to enjoy your favorite ones again and again!
Each April, welcome spring at the Dogwood Festival in Camdenton, an event approaching 60 years. Soon after is the Magic Dragon Street Meet. Held at the historic Bagnell Dam Strip, it’s the largest open-class car show in Central Missouri.
Don shorts and topsiders and kick off the boating season at the Spring Harbor Hop. Look forward to the Hot Summer Nights monthly summer cruise nights kick off. Even four-legged friends have events to enjoy, including the Canine Cannonball featuring dog jumping sanctioned by Dock Dogs.
Locals and visitors eagerly await Franky & Louie’s Annual Poker Fun Run held right in Sunrise Beach in June of every year. The Poker Race shares its name with the outdoor restaurant Franky & Louie’s.
Come out in July for AquaPalooza, a free music event growing in popularity every year. With a mix of local artists and ones visiting from around the country, there’s something to satisfy any music lover.
Summer isn’t complete without vibrant fireworks shows. The lake is the perfect place to take in the holiday fireworks with several shows for Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. There is nothing quite like viewing fireworks from the water to complete a memorable vacation at the lake.
The Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest offers a lively weekend for motorcycle aficionados. The Lake of the Ozarks Air Show with skydiver, flight formation team and bomber performances is quickly growing into a must-see event.
Enjoy clear fall days strolling through community festivals or at Harbor Hop on the water. The annual Hillbilly Fair in September brings carnival rides, music, food, a beer garden and a Hillbilly dress contest to nearby Laurie.
View autumn’s bounty at the Old Tyme Apple Festival in Versailles. This event was voted the region’s “Best Festival” in Rural Missouri Readers’ Choice Awards.
The holidays are a wonderful time for togetherness in the Lake of the Ozarks region. Enjoy with drive-through light parks, parades, craft shows, pageants and concerts celebrating the season.
After the New Year when the bustle of the holidays has died down, there is still plenty to do. February brings the annual Mardi-Gras Pub Crawl and the Polar Plunge event.
To view an updated calendar of events at the Lake of the Ozarks, visit funlake.com.
Life is different on the lake. From cool mornings watching the mist rise off the water and sunny days spent kayaking and jet skiing, to evenings set to the rhythms of cicadas, stress and concerns are quickly replaced with relaxation and peace of mind.
Whether you’re looking to rent a canoe for the day or a sailboat or outboard motorboat for the duration of a trip, getting out on the water is easy with rental shops dotted along the shores of the Lake of the Ozarks. With over 40 restaurants and bars right on the water, many visitors and residents prefer to visit their favorite hang-out spots by boat.
Turn up the excitement with the ultimate rush of parasailing. With prices starting at just $35 a person, most offer child and group rates. Jet skis are also available for rent at many establishments along the shores.
Your inner-explorer will appreciate the coves, bends and beaches of the 40,000-acre lake with over 1,150 miles of shoreline. Friends and family will enjoy fishing for bass and crappie, and you’ll enjoy bringing everyone together to make memories.
Marinas in and Around Sunrise Beach
The Lake of the Ozarks is one of the premier locations for exceptional boating. Whether you bring your own boat or rent one when you arrive, get out on the water to enjoy the lake lifestyle to its fullest!
There are four marinas located right in Sunrise Beach that offer boat rentals, supplies, fuel and more:
- Pirate’s Point Marina at Hurricane Deck Bridge
- Silver Sands Marina & Resort on Silver Sands Drive
- Lighthouse Marina Inc on Lighthouse Marina Road
- Lake Shores Marina on Lakewood Shores Drive
- Toad Cove Yacht Club on Bittersweet Road
Across the lake, there are nine public access boat ramps, so you can put your boat in close to your house or venture over to the other end of the lake to explore an entirely new area.
- Bagnell Dam Access – Lake Ozark
Lake Road 54-50
South of Bagnell Dam off Hwy. 54
573-346-2210 - Coffman Beach Access – Rocky Mount
Lake Road Y-20
14 miles SW of Eldon off Hwy. Y
573-346-2210 - Gravois Mills Access – Gravois Mills
On Highway 5 next to the bridge
573-346-2210 - Shawnee Bend Public Access – Sunrise Beach
Hwy. 5 to Hwy. F on Hwy. TT
2 miles from Community Bridge
573-346-2210 - Pa He Tsi Access (Public Beach #2) – Osage Beach
Lake of the Ozarks State Park
Off Hwy. 54
573-348-2694 - McCubbin’s Point – Osage Beach
Lake of the Ozarks State Park
Hwy. 54 to Hwy. A off Lake Road A-33
573-348-2694 - Public Beach #1 – Lake Ozark
Hwy. 54 to Hwy. 42
Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Exit #134
573-348-2694 - Larry R. Gale Access – Roach
Hwy 54 to Lake Road AA to Lake Road AA-101D
573-346-2210 - Brown Bend Access
Hwy. 7 to Hwy. DD to Hwy. FF
on Lake Road FF-14
573-346-2210
Outdoors
From bluffs on top of the world to caves deep below it, there’s a lot to explore at the Lake of the Ozarks. Sprawling forests and rolling hills paint a scenic backdrop to the lake’s shores. Enjoy hundreds of miles of hiking trails, scenic vistas and two state parks, including the largest one in Missouri. Beginners and families with young children will appreciate the easily accessible short-distance trails. Moderately strenuous and longer trails cater to the hiking enthusiast, the mountain biker and even the horseback rider.
The sportsman is kept busy with a multitude of fish and game, and the birdwatcher can stay occupied year-round observing the many species that reside in the area.
Lake of the Ozarks State Park has several primitive camping areas that are ideal for those wanting to enjoy the expanse of clear skies around the warmth of a campfire. For those not ready to leave all of their comforts behind, there are several full service RV parks throughout the lake area as well.
Golf
Golf season is always open at the Lake of the Ozarks with golf courses crafted by world-class designers. Minutes from the property, enjoy the 300-plus acres of Indian Rock Golf Club’s bermuda fairways, pro shop and Clubhouse Pub. Tee times are accepted up to 30 days in advance so planning your round is convenient.
Also in Sunrise Beach is The Club at Porto Cima, a lakefront private club experience with a course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Learn about membership opportunities on the club’s website.
The Lake’s 15 golf courses are on some of the most picturesque settings in the Midwest. Challenge yourself on courses designed by Arnold Palmer, Tom Weiskopf, Floyd Farley, Ken Kavanaugh, Robert Trent Jones Sr., Robert Von Hagge, and Bruce Devlin.
Explore the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail at golfingmissouri.com.
Some Scenic Areas You Don’t Want to Miss
Where else in Middle America could you go to see the ruins of a castle? Ha Ha Tonka State Park features the skeleton of a grand retreat built to rival European-style castles. The park is located five miles southwest of Camdenton on State Road D. It features 16 miles of hiking trails that wind through the 3,600-acre park. With eight known caves, picnic areas, and a playground, it’s easy to enjoy a whole day in the park and still not see all of it.
The park’s natural surroundings are as impressive as the onsite castle, with places like Turkey Pen Hollow, Devil’s Kitchen, sinks, caves, underground streams and natural bridges. Visit one of Missouri’s largest springs that feeds an average of 48 million gallons of water a day into the Niangua Arm of the Lake.
Missouri Department of Conservation Area — Camdenton
This 40-acre conservation area lies north of Camdenton and boasts an 80’ viewing platform open to the public. Get a bird’s eye view of the lake and then enjoy the 1-1/4 mile hiking trail and an onsite archery practice range.
To get here from the junction of Hwys 54 and Old Hwy 5 in Camdenton, go north 2.2 miles on Old Hwy 5 and left .7 miles on LR 5-87.
Marvel at the engineering behind Bagnell Dam and the difference in elevation between the impounded Lake of the Ozarks and the Osage River. Beyond the overlook of the dam and the city of Lake Ozark, enjoy the fish and wildlife you’ll observe at this area.
The overlook is located on Bagnell Dam Blvd. just northeast of the dam.
Swinging Bridges and Shallows
Named for a wood-planked suspension bridge that crosses the Auglaize Creek, this area is great for picnicking, swimming, tubing and fishing.
To get here, take Hwy 42 west from Osage Beach or State Road A west from Linn Creek to Swinging Bridges Road.
Just south of Osage Beach lies a 17,441-acre playground with 85 miles of shoreline, two public beaches, a boat launching area, the Lee C. Fine Memorial Airport, hiking trails, a horseback riding stable and four organized youth camps.
Tunnel Dam and Whistle Shallows
Twenty miles west of Camdenton lies 3-mile long Lake Niangua at Tunnel Dam, an area with rustic charm, dense forests and majestic rolling hills. A great area for wade fishing or fishing from the bank, the shallow water is also ideal for canoes and kayaks. Spend the day relaxing in the water, swimming or enjoying an afternoon picnic.
Take Hwy 54 west past Camdenton to the junction of J and U. Go left on U (and immediately right), 2.5 miles to Edith, then right on Whistle Road.
Across the Lake of the Ozarks, there are “wild” and “tamed” show caves where you can learn about geology, hydrology and anthropology in underground classrooms within fragile ecosystems.
Bridal Cave, a scenic 20-minute drive south of Sunrise Beach, features pristine beauty beneath Thunder Mountain. Or drive north on MO-5 for 25 minutes to reach Jacob’s Cave, the largest cave in the Lake area that is a “walk through” cave and is completely accessible to persons with disabilities.
What started as a social group for winter residents 45 years ago has grown into a network between 200-300 women from the lake area who are both full-time and part-time residents. The group of women gathers for activities that foster social relationships and community awareness. Events include a Membership Tea, card and game nights, luncheons, dining out, Community Awareness meetings, book clubs and antiquing groups. The club’s major fundraiser is the annual Home Tour held on the third Saturday in May, one of the premier events in the lake area.
Laurie-Sunrise Beach Rotary Club
The Laurie-Sunrise Beach Rotary Club offers members the opportunity to volunteer locally, regionally and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace and eradicate polio.
With the mission of raising funds that are reinvested 100 percent to local charities, Sharing and Caring focuses on providing funds to a network of quality non-profit agencies to strengthen health and human services in the lake area.
Organized in 1988, the Kiwanis Club Ozark Coast serves the Osage Beach and Lake Ozark region. Filled with service-minded men and women from all segments of the community, the Kiwanis Club of Ozark Coast meets every Thursday, 12 to 1:00 PM for lunch, fellowship, discussion of club business, and a program presented by community businesspeople on topics of interest such as community issues, public affairs, service or entertainment.
Shopping:
The Lake of the Ozarks area offers a shopper’s delight with everything from your favorite brands to local artisan products.
Bryants Osage Outdoors, approximately five minutes away in Laurie houses the local post office and has great gift items, food items, fishing gear and more.
The Landing on Main Street in Osage Beach is a great stop for a shopping experience with its own Lake of the Ozarks twist. Find retail stores offering everything from clothes and shoes to local art. If you’re looking for souvenirs, look no further than the Landing.
The local hardware store Porters on North Main Street in adjacent Laurie is the place to go for any fixer-up projects, big or small.
Osage Beach Premium Outlets draw deal-hunters from miles around. Discover the abundant selection of name brands and real savings.
Small, unique boutiques dot the area offering items for the family, the home, the holidays and more! Plus, plenty of outfitters ensure that you never face the outdoors unprepared.
With dozens of antique shops and flea markets, the Lake of the Ozarks is the place to shop for just about anything you could want. Find furniture, imports, housewares, collectibles, pottery, stationery, wine, liquor, outdoors items, sports equipment, books, boats, motorcycles and more. Plus, many of the area’s lodges and museums have gift shops, so you can always have a little piece of the Lake of the Ozarks.
The areas numerous festivals and fairs throughout the year are the perfect place to buy crafts and local art brimming with the character of the area.
Find everything you need—and a few things you didn’t know you needed—at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Dining & Nightlife:
You won’t have to drive far after a day on the water to find great food. Whether you’re looking to enjoy quiet conversation or to turn dinner into a fiesta, there are restaurants that fit any mood in Sunrise Beach.
On the way to Cove Corner Estates, it’s impossible to miss the Mid-Best Distillery in Gravois Mills. Master distiller Mike Anderson and his business partner Brian Dixon bring their passion for finely hand-crafted, small batch spirits to the Lake of the Ozarks. Try the smooth, backwoods spirits that include rum aged on cherry wood, peach moonshine, blackberry moonshine, cherry moonshine, cinnamon moonshine and wheat whiskey. The grain for these Missouri-made batches is sourced locally from Versailles.
JJ’s at the Copper Pot offers upscale dining atmosphere with dishes from the field and from the stream. Since opening in 2009 it has received various accolades including Best Chef and Best Fine Dining. Enjoy happy hour in the lounge Tuesday and Wednesday with live entertainment during the weekend.
Chances ‘R’ Restaurant & Lounge is a west side institution that has won the Cleveland Magazine Silver Spoon Award for Best Food and Drink Value at the Lake three years in a row. The local establishment has a tradition of great food and service and is known for its big portions and extensive menu. Chances ‘R’ also serves up a breaded pork tenderloin sandwich that the Missouri Pork Board nominated in the Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest. Come out on Saturday nights for live entertainment or any night to try one of their many homemade desserts.
Twenty minutes from Sunrise Beach in Lake Ozark, you’ll find an old firehouse converted into the 7-barrel brewing operation, Horseshoe Bend Brewing Company. The only micro-brewery at the lake serves up a rotating selection of beers including Bru-Berry, Bagnell Brown, Bittersweet, Black Gold, Brown Recluse, Cherry Mashup, Howling Hef, Kove ‘N Out Kolsch and Manganese Oxide. Brewmaster Chris Case worked as a chef professionally before opening the brewery, and he brings this kitchen mastery to a menu of wood-fired oven pizzas and paninis.
Head over to Shrimp Daddy’s for some red beans and rice, filets, and shrimp. Finish things off with some warm pecan pie. This Cajun restaurant features traditional favorites with a unique twist. Laissez les bons temps rouler at this little restaurant right off State Hwy 5 in Sunrise Beach.
Enjoy family friendly fun with flair at Sunrise Cantina Bar & Grill. Take in the stunning lake views while dining on the best Mexican food in town. Daily lunch specials and happy hour deals keep things exciting. If you don’t feel like sitting in the dining room simply order from the kitchen and pick your food up at the full service bar.
With more than 40 restaurants right on the water at the Lake of the Ozarks, it’s as easy to find a great meal in an inviting atmosphere by boat as it is by car. Savor some of the best cuisine in the Midwest at the area’s 100+ restaurants offering everything from contemporary gourmet creations by world-renowned chefs, tasty Ozark barbecue, all-you-can-eat buffets, ethnic offerings and down-home favorites.
Nightlife at the lake is a music-lover’s delight. Enjoy live country, blues, jazz and rock-and-roll bands year round. Take the mic in your own hands at one of the area’s many vibrant karaoke bars. Surround yourself with fellow fans at a sports bar, or enjoy flavorful drinks with friends at the tiki bars, mellow lounges and lakeside hangouts across the area. Romantic moonlight cruises are the perfect setting for date night. And with live opry and comedy clubs, everyone can find their style of fun at the Lake of the Ozarks!
Browse the full Lake of the Ozarks Restaurant Guide at funlakediningguide.com.