Lakeview Resort Celebrates 70 Years At Lake Of The Ozarks

Three generations of Drakes have owned and operated Lakeview Resort for 70 years. This season, the resort will host at least three Open Houses to celebrate the memories and guests who are loyal to Lakeview. Some have made annual trips to Lake of the Ozarks and Lakeview for 50 years. They are the reason the current owner and operator, Jake Drake, continues to enjoy the family business, begun in 1946 when Grandpa Jake fell in love with the area and sold his butcher shop to purchase the lake resort.

In the early years, Grandpa Jake continued to run his St. Louis butcher shop through the winter and the resort in season. When he finally moved to the Lake full-time, his extended family came with him so today’s owner, grandson Jake, remembers some of the cottages as Grandma’s cottage or homes to other relatives. He has seen and been part of many changes through the years. Lakeview has never changed its mission, however. It began as a family-friendly resort and continues to be one while growing with public taste and the times.

An Idyllic Lake View — Lakeview Resort has been a favored resort for many who find fun and relaxation at Lake of the Ozarks. Some families have been visiting the resort for 50 years.
photo by Al Griffin
photo by Al Griffin

For example, in the 1980s, the resort retired black and white TVs in favor of color. More recently, Lakeview switched tube-technology for flat screens and made Wi-Fi free for all guests. Lakeview has also installed DVD players and microwaves in every guest dwelling.

Most dwellings feature a rustic décor. Sparrow’s Nest dating from the resort’s earliest days is small, suitable for a couple. It has log planking, floor and ceiling, knotty pine cabinetry, and décor items one might find in a fine hunting lodge. Pamela Drake, Jake’s wife, is responsible for the majority of these changes.

Lakeview Resort Cottage — Most Lakeview Resort dwellings, whether cottage, condo, or duplex, have a view of the Lake.
photo by Al Griffin
photo by Al Griffin

Lakeview Resort Lodging — Most dwellings at Lakeview Resort feature a rustic décor. Sparrow’s Nest dating from the resort’s earliest days is small, suitable for a couple. It has log planking, floor and ceiling, knotty pine cabinetry, and décor items one might find in a fine hunting lodge. Pamela Drake, Jake’s wife, is responsible for the majority of these changes.
photo by Al Griffin
photo by Al Griffin

Another cottage, Unit 20, dating from the 1960s is larger. It features two bedrooms, tile floors, and a pullout leather couch to sleep as many as six guests. Guests will also enjoy a Jacuzzi and full, spacious kitchen. The flat-screen TV in that cottage swivels so that anyone soaking in the Jacuzzi can simply turn his head to see the game on TV, the gas fireplace aglow, or the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks beyond. Like Sparrow’s Nest and all the dwelling options at Lakeview, guests can preview the accommodations by looking at photos posted online for each one.

Some units are decorated in the style of a modern lodge. They feature wood floors, granite countertops, stainless kitchen appliances, and decks large enough for another dining table and chairs. The couch is again in leather, the upholstery of choice throughout the resort.

All units have dishes and utensils for cooking and eating. A Laundromat on property helps guests pack lightly. It is housed in a room adjacent to the indoor pool and hot tub. Above these, on the roof, are solar panels--another update at Lakeview Resort as it strives to “go green.”

Most Lakeview Resort dwellings, whether cottage, condo, or duplex, have a view of the Lake. The Bunkhouse, sitting high on the property above the outdoor pool, affords a view for as many as eighteen people under the roof each night. They have available a large country kitchen and seating for as many as 50 throughout the rental, making it one dwelling preferred for large family reunions. Children can play while adults catch up on the years that have passed between visits. Elsewhere on the property is a pavilion for 120 and another for 50. Each has a charcoal grill at the ready so that families or groups can gather to enjoy the lake and each other.

Two playgrounds, a sand volleyball court, and a basketball court stand ready for children and active adults. A glider suitable for inactive or tired adults promises comfort and relaxation on summer nights. Wooden swings and benches are also available throughout the extensive resort property. Many of these provide quiet places to listen to birdsong and watch boats progress across the water.

A new deck is currently under construction. When complete, it will be an 18 x 35 foot waterfront deck situated below the Indoor Pool and overlooking Bikini Pier. Guests can gather there to take the sun or the cool night air.

Indoor Pool At Lakeview Resort — Three generations of Drakes have owned and operated Lakeview Resort for 70 years, and in that time, the business has continued to grow and change.
photo by Al Griffin
photo by Al Griffin

Lakeview Resort also has a gently sloping boat ramp favored by many. Even when the Lake was at its lowest this past winter, Lakeview Resort’s ramp extended so far into the water that it could be used. Grandpa Jake put in that ramp many years ago, apparently with an eye to the future.

Today’s fishermen and women still use that ramp to launch their boats. Others without a boat can rent one from Lakeview Resort. They offer runabouts, paddleboats, tritoons, and fishing boats, but even those are not required to fish. Another of Lakeview Resort’s many amenities is an indoor, heated fishing house equipped with a TV so fishermen do not have to choose between the game and fish. He and she can have both.

One special annual event hosted by Lakeview Resort is Witchy Weekend held the weekend before Halloween. The resort provides hot dogs and hamburgers while guests are invited to bring a side dish to share. Each cottage can also compete in a decorating contest. The winner earns a free weekend at the resort as the prize. Children enjoy a Haunted Hayride and Haunted House as well as games. Many of those in attendance have been coming for years.

This year, in honor of the 70th Anniversary, Lakeview will again offer outdoor barbecues for at least three Open Houses. Guests can watch for Open House dates on Lakeview’s Facebook page or in local news sources like this one. Special t-shirts commemorating 70 years at Lakeview Resort will also be for sale later in the season.

Lakeview has always and continues to cater to fishermen and families. The property has features enjoyed by both. It also offers gentle sloping grounds so that people of any age and ability can walk from dwelling to pools or the office and boutique where staff will help guests discover places and events at the Lake. Maps and directions are at the ready, but as Jake Drake points out, “Lakeview Resort is one of the more charming resorts at the Lake of the Ozarks. It offers both tranquility and activity. We welcome you to join us in celebrating our 70th anniversary in 2016.”