7 Best Things to Do in Osage Beach, Missouri
Located a 45-minute drive south of Missouri’s Jefferson City, the Lake of Ozarks is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the USA. One popular recreational area along the 92-mile Lake of Ozarks is Osage Beach in Camden County. Anyone thinking of planning a vacation to Osage Beach should take a quick look at this article. Below, we’ll share with you some of the greatest things to do in Osage Beach and explain how to get there.
Main Attractions In Osage Beach
1. Hike, Bike, and Kayak Around Lake Of Ozarks State Park
Any list of things to do in Osage Beach should include a stop at the nearby Lake of Ozarks State Park. This massive park is a nature lover’s paradise. Whatever outdoor activity you’re into, you’re sure to find it here in the Lake of Ozarks State Park. In addition to hiking and biking trails there are campgrounds, fishing areas, streams for boating, and even a few caves to explore here. People not interested in “roughing it” should at least drive around the Lake of Ozarks State Park’s many scenic roads. This park, located at 403 Hwy 134, is the untouched Missouri wilderness at its finest.
2. Walk Around The Impressive Bagnell Dam
As mentioned above, the Lake of Ozarks is one of the largest man-made lakes in the USA. To appreciate the scale and size of this project, visit the Bagnell Dam by Osage Beach. It’s an incredible experience to watch the gates of this dam open up and witness the incredible amount of water and fish that pour through. You’ll get the best sense of how massive this dam is if you venture below the main bridge. Plus, many travelers to this region have reported eagle sightings. Any birdwatchers reading this article should consider a visit to the Bagnell Dam area.
3. Take A Tour Of The Ozark Distillery
Need a drink? Ozark Distillery has got you covered. This old distillery has become internationally famous for its hand-crafted spirits, especially its moonshine. Employees at this family-owned distillery only use traditional methods and locally grown ingredients to make their brews.
You can book a 45-minute guided tour and tasting at this distillery almost any Saturday. Check OzarkDistillery.com to book a tour and to find out the latest news at the company. Believe it or not, TripAdvisor places the Ozark Distillery tour in the number one slot for things to do in Osage Beach.
You’ll find Ozark Distillery at 1684 Highway Kk.
Other Things To Do In Osage Beach
4. Shop At Osage Beach Outlet
People in need of some retail therapy must spend a few hours in the Osage Beach Outlet. Just a few of the hot clothing stores in this outlet mall include American Eagle Outfitters, Under Armor, and OshKosh B’gosh. A few other stores you’ll find here are Yankee Candle, Kitchen Collection, and Harry & David. Anyone searching for a great deal on exceptional products won’t be disappointed with a trip here.
5. Book Your Trip During A Special Festival
In 2015, Osage Beach created a Community Programs Committee to put together fun annual events for locals. Even if you’re not a local resident, you could take part in some of Osage Beach’s exceptional annual events. Probably the most famous festival at Osage Beach is the Fall Festival in October. During the Fall Festival you’ll find plenty of outdoor games, bounce houses for children, live music, and a super fun pie-eating contest.
Yet another annual even is the Holiday Light Park which takes place from November 25th through December. Visitors during this festive season can check out incredible light displays of jolly old Saint Nick. To learn more about this and other special events, visit OsageBeach-mo.gov to see the city’s events calendar.
6. Get Your Golf On
Osage National Golf Club
Golf enthusiasts will find plenty of things to do in Osage Beach. The best reviewed golf courses in the state include the 27-hole Osage National Golf Club, the par 72 Bear Creek Valley Golf Club, and the 18-hole Sycamore Creek Golf Club. All of these courses and more are highly praised by members of the online golfing community. People just looking to practice their skills, relax with friends, or play a professional round of golf will find something to enjoy in one of Osage Beach’s many golf courses.
7. Visit Local Restaurants
If you’re into BBQ and/or Italian cuisine, then you’ll fall in love with Osage Beach. Many of the best-reviewed restaurants in this region fall into either one of these two categories. To most popular (and affordable) local eateries include Wobbly Boots, Sergio’s, and HalfSauced Barbeque. For people who are looking for a fine dining experience, check out names like JB Hook’s Restaurant, Michael’s Steak Chalet, and Jeffrey’s.
By the way, try your best to wake up early on your trip to Osage Beach! There are dozens of exceptional cafés and pancake houses serving up hearty breakfasts in this area.
How To Get To Osage Beach
The closest airport to Osage Beach is the non-primary commercial Waynesville-St. Robert Regional Airport (IATA: TBN). TBN is about a one-hour drive away from Osage Beach. People flying into Missouri from out of state, however, will have more luck flying into the state’s primary commercial airports like Columbia Regional Airport (IATA: COU) or the Springfield-Branson National Airport (IATA: SGF). Of these two, COU is a bit closer to Osage Beach.
It should take you a little over one hour to drive from COU to Osage Beach. You’ll have to get onto US Highway 63 South and US-54 West headed towards Osage Beach Parkway North. After about 60 miles, you should arrive at Osage Beach.
Final Thoughts
Osage Beach isn’t the first name that comes to mind when thinking about great American beaches. As you can see from this list, however, there are plenty of fun things to do in Osage Beach with the whole family. From shopping centers and exceptional restaurants to the charms of the great outdoors, you’re sure to have a memorable trip in Osage Beach.
