Lake Ozark and Branson, Missouri
The Missouri Ozarks sprawl across the southern half of the Show Me State, beckoning vacationers with more than 1.5 million acres (600,000 hectares) of forests, rivers, and lakes. Hiking, fishing, golfing, scuba diving, spelunking, and mountain biking top the list of outdoor possibilities. For a memorable caving adventure with your buddies, explore some Lake of the Ozarks extraordinary grottos. There are numerous cave tours available, but one of the most fun can be found at the otherworldly Stark Caverns. Here, you and your friends can descend into a darkened cave during the Black Light Tour, and using a handheld black light, witness the fluorescent glow of certain minerals. For double the fun, and a great night out, solve cryptic puzzles, find clues, and work together to see if you can beat the clock at the moonshine-themed Escape Room in the cavern.
The namesake Lake of the Ozarks in central Missouri is a serpentine body of water with more than 1,100 miles (1,770 kilometers) of shoreline. That means a lot of secluded coves for swimming, fishing, and relaxing with friends. And talking of relaxing, if you’re away with the girls, why not revitalize body, mind, and spirit with a morning yoga class, followed by a spot of pampering and TLC during a zen-inducing afternoon spa treatment. Or if it’s a trip with the guys, enjoy activities such as golfing, boating, and fishing. There are nine public boat places around the lake where you can cast a line for the likes of blue catfish, striped bass, paddlefish, and bluegill, or you can sign up for a guided fishing trip.
If you’re in the southwest corner of the state, Table Rock Lake in Branson offers all the water activities, along with the live entertainment for which it’s famous (recent concerts featured diverse music, including Quiet Riot and Travis Tritt, Flo Rida, and Nelly). Both communities boast a wide range of dining and shopping options. You simply can’t go wrong with an Ozarks vacation.
