The Magic Dragon Tour: 8 Incredible Places To See By Boat, On Lake Of The Ozarks

Leisurely cruising down the Lake of the Ozarks, gawking at (and sometimes critiquing!) the mansions on the shoreline is a well-loved boating pastime. But in addition to homes, the Lake’s shoreline hosts plenty more peculiar sights: from a remote cove covered in flowers, to an edifice from the Lake’s pre-history, to—yes—some really, really big houses.

So we put together a list of interesting spots to see from the water, and thought: since the Lake is colloquially known as the “Magic Dragon,” perhaps we could use a dragon as the guide? Local artist Miranda Winston sketched a dragon silhouette over the Lake, and it made our customized Lake tour even more unique.

(Check out tinyurl.com/lozdragon to get your own LOZ Magic Dragon as a print, hat, or t-shirt. Contact irawinstonart@gmail.com for commission requests.)

The goal for you, boater? Visit every one of these, this summer. Let the Magic Dragon be your guide...

Flowerpot Cove

Where: Glaize Arm, 9MM — The “Ankle”

Tucked away in a calm cove back at the 9MM, the name Flowerpot Cove says it all. The dock is literally overflowing with countless tropical flowers, the large patio covers are painted with bright floral designs, and the standing umbrellas are a rainbow of color. It’s definitely worth the trip out to the Grand Glaize!

Castle at the 19MM

Where: Main Channel, 19MM — The “Chest”

The Lake boasts plenty of beautiful homes, but the Castle is one-of-a-kind. The huge property looks over the 19MM just a stone's throw from the Grand Glaize Bridge. With glossy windows all the way down and spires poking into the sky, this estate boasts all the grandeur and elegance of a real castle and it’s a can’t-miss sight! 

Villages At Shawnee Bend

Where:  Main Channel, 20MM — The “Heart”

Go pretty much anywhere on the main channel, and you’ll pass sprawling mansions and imposing estates perched atop cliffs along the shoreline. But for a slow-idle home-tour you won’t forget, putter into the coves around the 20MM Mile Marker. You’ll know them when you see them: The Villages At Shawnee Bend. Two or three coves of homes that any boater could enjoy.  Each one is unique and fascinating, with huge windows and elegant structure that would put any in-land mansion to shame. Anyone looking for design ideas for a new house or just enjoy house-spotting, The Villages At Shawnee Bend will be perfect for you.

House On Stilts

Where:  Main Channel, 26MM — The “Shoulder”

There’s a house on the shore of the 26MM that doesn’t look quite like the others: it’s on stilts. The house on stilts stands high over the shore with a circular top that looks a little like an acorn. And what’s best is that the 3-bedroom, 3-bedroom house is available for short term rentals! Come and check out the house on stilts from the water or if you’re looking for a place to stay, check out the view from inside!

The “Waterfall House”

Where:  Main Channel, 28MM — The “Elbow”

With it’s beautiful water feature and elegant statues, the Waterfall House is a long-time Lake favorite. Just past the 28MM “paperclip turn,” the Waterfall House’s namesake waterfalls rush down from a stone cliff-face studded with flowers. It’s a great spot for anyone looking for a fun spot to see at the Lake.

Ha Ha Tonka Cove

Where: Big Niangua Arm, 15MM — The “Hind Foot”

This favorite cove-out spot for boaters draws families seeking picturesque cliffs and a relaxing vibe. Kayakers and powerboaters share the cove, and adventurous youngsters scramble along the shore, looking for a place to jump into the water. Big boats beware: there’s a no-wake restriction for boats 40 feet and longer, starting at the 9.5 Mile Marker of the Niangua. So get ready to idle for five miles if you’re headed to Ha Ha Tonka cove in your large cruiser. This Lake spot is loved not only for the broad cove, but for what’s on land, too. Consider pulling up to the docks, hopping out, and going for a hike! You can explore the Island Trail, head back to the deep-blue and remarkably clear Ha Ha Tonka Springs, or trek all the way up to the Ha Ha Tonka castle ruins.

Morris Lighthouse

Where: Main Channel, 38MM — The “Back”

You’d expect to see a lighthouse on the edge of a stormy sea, but Lake of the Ozarks boasts one too! The Morris Lighthouse was built on a small peninsula that juts out into the Lake. After boats kept running into the little stretch of land, owners Dick and Marilyn Morris built a lighthouse so drivers would know where it was at night. The lighthouse is now a quaint and quirky feature of the 38 MM, an ideal landmark and waypoint for knowing just where you are on the Lake, and a great stop for anyone in the area.

(Love the lighthouse? The Morris house is for sale. Contact the Jane Kelly Team for more info...)

The Iron Smelter

Where:  Main Channel, 44MM, Bollinger Creek Cove — The “Wing”

This small stone structure just across from Mimosa Beach Resort, in Bollinger Creek Cove might just look like a strange decoration choice, but in fact it’s the remains of an Iron Smelter that predates the Lake itself! Osage Iron Works built the smelter in 1873 for processing ore in what was originally called “Iron Town”: a few cabins clustered around a mine shaft. As many as 150 miners and laborers lived there, but the company spent so much money building the smelter, they fell into financial woes and shut down after only a year. What was once an investment of $1.2 million in today’s money, the Iron Smelter is part of a fascinating history of the Lake area before the Lake existed.

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Republished from the 2022 issue of Shore Magazine. Read the magazine online or order a copy sent to your door, at ShoreBoatingMag.com.