Lake of the Ozarks  [ View other REGIONS.]

Missouri's serpentine Lake of the Ozarks gives central Missouri a special appeal. Radiating outward from the lake are highways leading to an incredible variety of getaway fun.  (Please click on the member CVB's name on the map or in this description for more detailed information.)

Boasting more than 1,150 miles of shoreline "The Lake" twists and turns through scenic Ozark hills. Besides swimming, boating, water-skiing and fishing, you can tour area caves, choose from numerous premier golf courses, and enjoy country-music shows. Malls, factory outlets and specialty stores make this area a year-round Mecca for shoppers.

Near Camdenton is Ha Ha Tonka State Park and the ruins of a 60-room castle. South toward Lebanon is Bennett Spring State Park, where you can catch trophy rainbow trout.

German culture is preserved in Hermann, sometimes referred to as "Little Germany." Today you can sample award-winning wines and authentic food.

Up the river is Jefferson City, the state's capital since 1862. In the Renaissance-style Capitol Building visitors can watch the legislative process or visit the historical museum. Civil War heroes from the 62nd and 65th infantry divisions of the United States Colored Troops established Lincoln University in 1866. For a refreshing break, stop in at Central Dairy for legendary ice cream treats.

Fulton boasts a beautifully reconstructed Sir Christopher Wren church, "Breakthrough," a sculpture made from pieces of the Berlin Wall and the Churchill Memorial, commemorating Sir Winston Churchill's famous "Iron Curtain" speech given here in 1946.

Columbia is quickly becoming one of Missouri's great restaurant towns. Numerous festivals throughout the year focus on Missouri's heritage and visual performing arts. The Devil's Icebox cave at Rock Bridge State Park is a must-see for spelunkers.

Just west on I-70 is the quaint river town of Rocheport, one of many trailheads for the Katy Trail.

West of Rocheport is Boonville, the site of the first actual clash of arms between Union and pro-Confederate Missouri State Guard troops. Boonville has long been rumored to have had ties to the underground railroad. It is believed that a "station" existed in a cellar attached to the old Perry house.

From lake fun to historic river towns, there's plenty to keep you busy in Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks Region.

Lake of the Ozarks Region Links:

Columbia
Hermann
Jefferson City
Lake of the Ozarks
Lebanon
Pulaski County