The Lake of the Ozarks is the most beautiful, fun-filled place to visit in the Midwest. We are home to the
best waterfront dining at the Lake of the Ozarks, the most talented live musicians, the most scenic views, and we have the means to show you the best vacation you've ever had. That's all before even leaving Shorty Pants Lounge!
The Lake of the Ozarks hosts a little bit of something to entertain and satisfy everyone in your group. Here are a few things you should make a point to get out and experience while you are here.
Lake of the Ozarks
This gigantic body of water is the reason everyone flocks to this area as soon as the weather starts warming up. The lake has a surface area of 55,000 acres, over 1,150 miles of shoreline, and the main channel alone stretches 92 miles from end to end. That leaves plenty of room for lots of people to get out and enjoy all that it has to offer.
Boating
If you don't own your own, there are lots of places to rent a boat for the day or even the week while you are here. There are lots of quiet coves to chill out in and numerous places to stop along the shoreline when you need a few minutes back on dry land. Going out on a boat allows you the chance to try some water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing. You can also rent wave runners from most of these places and really get going out there.
Swimming
You shouldn't pass up actually getting into the water while you are here. You don't have to have a boat for this. The Lake of the Ozarks State Park has 2 public beaches for you to enjoy.
Fishing
There are always fishing tournaments going on someplace around the Lake if you are in to competition, but if you just want to kick back, relax, and spend the afternoon with a pole in the water, this is a great place for that.
Parasailing
For the very best view and an exhilarating experience, parasailing is truly something special to try while you are here. You'll enjoy the lake from high above and see it in a way that not everyone gets a chance to. Definitely a good memory to take with you.
Water Parks
Even if you don't feel like getting into the actual lake, you can still spend the day playing in the water.
Big Surf Waterpark
This is an outdoor fun zone filled with all kinds of rides and attractions. They have plenty of water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and a kid's area where you can splash and swim your day away. There are also picnic areas and lounge chairs to relax in .
Timber Falls
This is an indoor water park located at Tan-Tar-A Resort. (Just up the road from Shorty Pants Lounge on KK!) Here you can enjoy 600 feet of waterslides, a lazy river, and an activity pool without being directly out in the sun.
Family Fun
Lake of the Ozarks isn't just all about water. There are tons of things to do on land, too.
Mini-Golf & Go-Karts
A favorite family activity for decades at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Miner Mikes & Busters
These are full of video games for both the little ones and the adults, plus a giant maze of tubes to barrel through and in indoor roller coaster for the kids.
Lazer Force Laser Tag
For 20 whole minutes, you and your team maneuver a blacklit maze, trying your best to shoot your opponent's vests before they can get yours. It's not only a game, it can be quite a workout!
Bagnell Dam Strip
Located beside Bagnell Dam, the historic Bagnell Dam Strip is full of all kinds of fun. Arcades, skeeball, restaurants, bars, boat rentals and parasailing, souvenir shops, old-time photos, and more! Every month you can find scheduled activities going on, including the award winning Hot Summer Nights every 2nd Friday of the month in the Summer. You can find enough to do and explore here to fill an entire day.
Parks
If it's not too terribly hot out, there are beautiful spots to hike and explore here.
The Lake of the Ozarks State Park
It covers thousands of wooded acres and has 12 trails winding through the park to discover. You will also find the 2 public beaches mentioned earlier within this large park.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park
This fascinating area has more than 15 miles of trails, natural bridges, a spring, and caves. It's most popular feature is the stone ruins of a turn-of-the-20th century castle high atop a bluff with a breathtaking view.
Golf
Golfers love the Lake of the Ozarks. You can find more than a dozen courses to play all around this area. Many have famous designers like Arnold Palmer and Robert Trent Jones, Sr. These will both challenge you and keep you entertained all day long.
Shorty Pants Lounge
Last but not least, you just have to experience our very favorite place to be at the Lake of the Ozarks. During a busy Summer season, we practically live here at the restaurant, so we make it the most pleasant, entertaining, tasty experience possible for everyone that sets foot on our property. We feature a family-friendly atmosphere, with seating both inside and on our scenic deck. Our delicious Cajun cuisine dominates the menu, along with a variety of other items, and our skilled bartenders know how to make the most thirst-quenching cocktails at the Lake. Shorty Pants Lounge also has some of the most amazing musicians performing each week to entertain you while you lounge on the deck. We also have a fully stocked gas dock that has been voted the
Best Gas Dock at the Lake of the Ozarks 6 years in a row! You're going to dine out at least a few times while you're here. We promise to make it an experience you will truly miss once you head back home.
We've only scratched the surface of the fun times to be had here at the wonderful Lake of the Ozarks. What a great reason to visit us more than once. Make it a goal to check off every activity on this list. While you're adventuring, be sure to stop by
Shorty Pants Lounge to chill out after a long, exciting day. We'll get you re-energized and ready to go again the next morning. Have fun!
