Lake of the Ozarks is a summertime place, no doubt. Although... the spring boasts beautiful weather, awesome fishing and hunting, and forests full of blooms. And the fall offers perfect temps, radiant colors, and surprisingly excellent boating. So really, three of the four seasons present ample opportunities for enjoying the great outdoors.
The question is, what is there to do in the winter?
Frankly, many people answer the question with "Go to Florida." And while a midwinter trip to the Sunshine State is a great way to soak up Vitamin D and warm temps, the Lake area has plenty to offer when you return.
Whether you're a new Lake winter resident or a long-time local, here's a list of excellent winter activities in the Lake area.
What To Do In The Winter At Lake Of The Ozarks
The Ice at Old Kinderhook
Outdoor ice skating? Yes please! The Ice is a perfect place to spend a winter evening, intermittently working on your skating skills and warming up by the outdoor fire pits or with a cup of hot chocolate and snack from the nearby snack shack. The Ice is open from Thanksgiving through Feb. 25, 2024.
Hours, through Jan. 2:
Monday – Friday, 5 – 10 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday 1 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Hours may be reduced in Jan. & Feb.
Visit their website for hours and prices.
Crappie Fishing
Too cold for the fish to bite? Not so, according to guide Terry Blankenship. December is one of his favorite months to go crappie fishing. The crappies school up and can be found at the back of coves and along docks, he said. They often are roaming, feeding up for winter. But if fishermen can locate the baitfish, the crappies usually aren’t far away. (This excerpt is from Shore Magazine's 2020 issue, an article penned by outdoors writer Brent Frazee. Read more Shore at ShoreBoatingMag.com.)
Need a guide? Try Terry Blankenship, Jack Uxa, Kyler Beckman, or Travis Lepley. We have it on good authority those guys know how to catch a crappie or two, and can help you too. Mike Baker has plenty of Lake of the Ozarks crappie guide videos here, too.
Ha Ha Tonka Hiking
The Lake area's most popular hiking spot is stellar for winter hikes, too. Plenty of winter days can climb into tolerable outdoor temps. Just dress accordingly, and go get some fresh air!
Here's a link for directions, a list of popular places to visit, and a map of the area.
Caving! Bridal Cave & Stark Caverns
Open year-round, Bridal Cave and Stark Caverns offer wintertime exploration fun for young and old, and the underground temperatures can be a nice warm reprieve from frigid Ozark winters.
Learn more: Stark Caverns -- Bridal Cave
Escape Room at Lake Escape!
Ready to escape? Experience the truly immersive escape rooms at Lake Escape, on the Bagnell Dam Strip. You'll have 60 minutes to work with your team to solve the puzzle and escape the room(s).
Current incredible escape rooms:
Curse of the Pharoah's Passage (NEW)
Blue Cat Cabin
Lakeview Heist
Dr. Lakenstein's Laboratory
Midnight On The Bayou
LakeEscapeLOZ.com -- and tell them LakeExpo sent you!
Jetz Trampoline Park
Get your jump on! It's the perfect place for stir-crazy kids (and adults) to jump and play. Open every day except Wednesdays. Closed Dec. 24–27.
Jolly Mon Indoor Waterpark at Margaritaville
Open weekends through the winter, visit the Lake's indoor waterpark and imagine for a moment it's summer already. Just ignore the icicles outside.
Normal Hours:
Fridays: 12pm - 10pm
Saturdays: 10am - 10pm
Sundays: 10am - 7pm
Monday - Thursday: Closed
-
SPECIAL HOLIDAY HOURS
Friday, Dec 22: 12pm to 10pm
Saturday, Dec 23: 10am to 10pm
Closed Sunday, Dec 24 and Monday, Dec 25
Tuesday, Dec 26 thru Sunday, Dec 31: 10am to 10pm
Monday, Jan 1, 2024: 10am to 7pm
Arcades & Go Karts at Miner Mike's
Open Saturdays 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the winter, Miner Mike's is a haven from the summer heat as well as the winter blues!
With arcades downstairs (mostly for the kids) and upstairs (mostly for adults), plus surprisingly fast electric go karts at the all-indoor Buster's Garage, there's hardly a better way to pass a frigid winter day!
Closed Dec. 23 – 26 and Dec. 31, and Jan. 1, 2024
SPECIAL HOLIDAY HOURS: Open Wed. – Sat., Dec. 27 – 30
Play Pickleball!
The Osage Beach YMCA hosts pickleball games, six days a week! If you've wanted to start playing — or you're already obsessed — you can get your fix, here.
Osage Beach YMCA Pickleball Schedule
Tuesday and Thursday
(Beginners and Intermediate only)
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
(Intermediate and Advanced play only)
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
(All Levels Welcome)
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Disc Golf
It's not just a summer sport! Grab the discs and head to one the Lake area's multiple public disc golf courses.
Camdenton -- Dragon Ridge Disc Golf Course
Eldon -- Eldon Air Park Disc Golf Course
Eagle-Watching at Bagnell Dam
It's a great time of year for bald-eagle watching. The eagles can often be seen soaring and fishing in the Osage River. Eagles are most active between 7–9 a.m. and 4–5 p.m.
Shoot Sporting Clays
Like golfing with a shotgun! The Blackberry Ridge Sporting Clays course at Missouri Trapshooters Association is perfect for shooters of any skill level. Read more.
You can bring your golf cart/ATV (or rent a golf cart) or walk the course as you prefer. You can also drive your vehicle within easy walking distance of the course.
Just check in at the clubhouse and then be on your way for some fun shooting! Individual shooting, private parties, corporate events and fund raisers are all welcome.
Open Wednesdays – Sundays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Polar Plunge at PB2
When the water is frigid, why not jump in? On Feb. 24, this fabulous fundraiser for Missouri Special Olympics brings hundreds of participants to Lake of the Ozarks' Public Beach #2. Sign up here.
Get Fit
There's no better time to do it: Pick up an Anytime Fitness membership and get moving!
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