Are you looking for things to do in Osage Beach MO? I’ve got you covered, I grew up in the Midwest and know this area well.
Osage Beach or as I know it “The Heart of Lake of the Ozarks” is a truly wonderful destination. It is one of the Midwest’s best lake destination vacations.
Located in central Missouri this area has something to do for everyone. From amazing State Parks to incredible water sports and wonderful shopping. It’s the perfect spot for any vacation.
When it comes to Missouri tourist attractions Osage Beach has a lot to offer.
10 Things To Do In Osage Beach MO Not To Miss
Visit Lake Of The Ozarks State Park
Lake of the Ozarks State Park is just a short drive from Osage Beach, and you have to visit.
The park has 85 miles of shoreline and two public beaches. It is the Missouri Ozarks at their best.
There is so much to do here including a boat launch, horseback riding stables, and wonderful hiking trails.
It’s the perfect place to go with your family as the children will not get bored.
There is so much space for them to run around.
There is always something happening from guided hikes, and youth camps to performances in the open-air amphitheater.
Bring a picnic and make a day of it some of the best beaches in the Ozarks are here including Grand Glaize Beach.
Here’s other recommendations when you visit Lake of the Ozarks.
A visit here is one of the things to do in Osage Beach MO.
Sunset Beach Resort is the perfect lake getaway and one of the best Hotels in Osage Beach MO.
The Inn at Grand Glaize is a wonderful hotel next to the Lake Of The Ozarks
Best Things To Do In Osage Beach MO: Enjoy Main Street Music Hall
Main Street Music Hall is a bit of an icon in this area. This entertainment venue is a mix of vibrant music and Broadway-style shows.
When the sun sets this is the place to go and the 1,000-seat Victorian theatre is such a wonderful location.
Get together with your friends and enjoy an evening having fun and going a bit wild.
This is one of the Missouri attractions that everyone will love.
Osage Village Inn is perfect for a girls’ holiday.
Red Roof Inn Osage Beach is a motel that offers great value.
Spend Some Time At A Distillery In Osage Beach MO
If you find yourself at Osage Beach with your partner and have some hours to kill then how about a distillery tour?
Ozark Distillery produces some incredible creations.
Corn Whiskey Moonshine Apple Pie Moonshine, Blackberry Moonshine Vanilla Bean Moonshine and Butterscotch Moonshine to name a few.
You will also find more traditional spirits here too.
Tours and tasting are available but check the times when you are there as they do change.
The brewery is a new addition and I can tell you the bourbon barrel stout is worth going for alone.
Lake of the Ozarks Brewing Company and The Sanctuary Brewery are also great options to visit too.
Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks is a wonderful place to stay with a loved one. This is one of the most popular Hotels in Osage Beach MO.
Quail’s Nest Inn & Suites is in 3 acres of park like grounds.
Explore Bridal Cave And Thunder Mountain Park
About a 20 minutes drive from Osage Beach you will find Bridal Cave And Thunder Mountain Park.
Whether you have small explorers or love nature yourself it’s the perfect way to spend some time in Osage Beach.
This is nature at its best millions of years in the making and it’s stunning. Special tours are run and you can even get married here if you want.
That’s why this is one of the best things to do in Missouri.
Children can mine for gemstones and feed fish from the dock in the summer. This is one of the only caves in MO that is accessible by boat.
There is everything you would expect from a cave here and a little bit more. This is one of the best Missouri attractions.
Days Inn by Wyndham Osage Beach Lake of the Ozarks is a five-minute walk from lake access.
Tan-Tar-A Estates is a wonderful family vacation spot.
Best Missouri Attraction: Have Fun At Miner Mike’s Inc
If the weather isn’t so great and you have children, teens, and others to keep occupied then a trip to Miner Mike’s Inc. might be right up your street.
This family fun center is a huge indoor facility that offers, games, rides, simulators, and much more.
The main attraction is the high-tech playground, Buster’s which has gems such as NASCAR racing, and Harley Davidson riding simulators.
Whatever games you love playing chances are they have it here only it will be bigger better and more fun.
One of the best things to do in Osage Beach MO especially if you have children.
Hawk’s Nest Lodge offers great value for the family.
Schmidt’s Creek Hotel is a beachfront location.
Have Fun At Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park
If you want to keep the family occupied and the weather is great then the Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park is the place to be.
This 20,000-square-foot indoor water park has more than enough to keep everyone happy for the day.
With 600 feet of water slides, an activity pool, an oversized whirlpool, and a lazy river for tubing and floating hours of fun await.
The highlight of the park is a three-story wilderness treehouse that features all kinds of water activities including a 600-gallon tipping bucket which will keep most children occupied for a while.
This is one of the best Missouri tourist attractions for families.
Rockwood Resort Motel is a great family spot just outside the town.
Holiday Inn Express Osage Beach is a great option for families
Missouri State Parks: Have An Adventure In Ha Ha Tonka State Park
If you want to explore some more nature then 25 minutes away is Ha Ha Tonka State Park. This is one of the most unusual state parks and you will be glad you didn’t miss it out, trust me.
It’s a geologic wonderland with sinkholes, caves, bluffs, natural bridges, and one of Missouri’s largest springs.
But perhaps what makes this state park even more intriguing is the ruins of a turn-of-the-century stone castle overlooking the park.
There are countless trails and some wonderful picnic sites. The views from the top of the bluffs are incredible.
I just adore this park I think it is one of the best national/state parks in Missouri and you won’t want to miss it. The Missouri Ozarks don’t get much better than this.
WorldMark Lake of the Ozarks is located off the banks of the Lake of the Ozarks.
Lodge of Four Seasons Golf Resort, Marina & Spa is perfect for something a bit special and a little further out of town.
Look Around Willmore Lodge Bagnell Dam History Museum
Most tourists to Osage Beach visit the Bagnell Dam, it is on most people’s must-see list.
And while it’s certainly impressive I highly recommend a visit to the museum which is housed in the historic Willmore Lodge.
The Lodge was built in 1930 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and houses several interesting places including the museum.
Admission is free and the museum offers some great insights into the area and of course the construction of the dam.
I also recommend walking down to the lakeside garden and gazebo which has a wonderful view of the Lakes of the Ozarks.
As for viewing the dam I’m told the next place to view it is from the boat ramp just down the road from the official lookout at the top.
Also, the park at the bottom has a good view. You can also drive over the dam, the kids will love it.
Baymont by Wyndham Osage Beach provides easy access to Bagnell Dam.
The Resort at Lake of the Ozarks is a wonderful spot for couples.
Explore Restaurants In Osage Beach MO
I couldn’t talk about Osage Beach without mentioning food. The restaurants in Osage Beach MO are wonderful.
For a real experience head to Stewarts Restaurant, there is one near the dam, and get a cinnamon roll they are as big as your head. They pride themselves in being home to the biggest buns on the lake.
I’m also told the Chili Digs art Albertson Cree Mee are some of the best in America.
The Redhead Lakeside Grill and Yacht Club, Tirebiters Peanut Pub ,and Half Sauced Barbeque are also worth a mention. And Wobbly Boots Roadhouse has lovely lake views.
Ozark Inn and Suites provides value accommodation in the area.
Buddy’s Harbor has a private beach a little further out of town.
Shopping in Lake Osage MO: Find That Special Ozark Gift
If you are looking for something special to remind you of your vacation or just want to indulge while you are away then you will find lots in and around Osage Beach. Shopping in Osage Beach MO is pretty great.
Before I go any further if you have found a reference to Osage Beach Outlet Marketplace please don’t go there as it is now permanently closed.
Lake & Land Trading Company, Harmy’s Cheese Store & More, and Blair & Co. Confectionery are some tourist favorite shops in the area.
The Landing on Main Street is also a popular shopping area and is the place to go for a bit of everything. From clothes to gifts you will find it all here.
Scottish Inns Motel – Osage Beach provides a value stay.
If you are looking for something special and don’t mind driving then Alhonna Resort is wonderful.
As you can see there are so things to do in Osage Beach MO and the surrounding area. It is a wonderful part of the country and so beautiful and there are so many Missouri attractions.
Whether you are looking for restaurants in Osage Beach MO, shopping in Osage Beach MO, or hotels in Osage Beach MO I hope this article has helped.
Things To Do In Osage Beach MO: Packing List
If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to Lake Osage, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves are another solution.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for when exploring.
And the replacement carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you as well.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
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