Lake of the Ozarks is known as the place to be for summer fun. But as the temperatures cool and the trees begin to turn, opportunities for enjoyment still abound. Here are some ideas for activities that take advantage of fall's perfect weather and stunning foliage at the Lake.
1. Visit A Pumpkin Patch... Or Three
MECCA Farms
MECCA Farms is one of the Lake’s top pumpkin patch destinations! With a 150ft slide, corn crib for kids to play in, obstacle course and more pumpkins then you can shake a stick at, MECCA Farms offers a full day (or longer!) of fun for the whole family. MECCA Farms is a great spot for anyone looking for something to do this weekend.
Where:Â Located just outside of Camdenton.
When: Open every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. until the end of October.
Admission:Â $8/person (covers most attractions); kids 2 and under get in free
For more info, click here:Â https://www.meccafarm.com
The Cave Pumpkin Patch
Just 10 miles down Highway 42, outside Osage Beach, The Cave Pumpkin Patch in Brumley is another great option for families looking for fall fun! A field full of pumpkins, playground equipment, outdoor games, a hay ride, snacks, and even places for water balloon fights and paintball! The cave door perched on the hillside is painted up like a big Jack-O-Lantern.
Where:Â 123 Swinging Bridges Road, Brumley, MO
When: Every Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission:Â $10/person; kids 2 and under get in free
For more info, click here:Â https://www.facebook.com/The-Cave-Pumpkin-Patch-529179543929476/
Fischer Farms
A bit more of a drive, but still well-worth it, head to the Fischer Farms Pumpkin Patch! Located in Jefferson City, Fischer Farms offers a 10-acre corn maze, plenty of animals to delight the kids, and hayrides. With fresh produce, pumpkins and mums for sale, Fischer is also a perfect spot to get all your fall shopping completed.
Where:Â 1905 Old Mokane Rd. Jefferson City, MO 65101
When: Open Fridays 4-9pm, Saturdays & Sundays 12-6pm through October
Admission:Â $10/person, and kids 2 and under get in free
For more info, click here:Â https://www.facebook.com/FISCHER-FARMS-PUMPKIN-PATCH-CORN-MAZE-113643828649451/
2. Take A Hike!
Ha Ha Tonka State Park: The obvious choice! Walking the million (ok, it's only 316, but it feels like more) wooden steps from the castle down to the gorgeous blue springs, and then back up... it's a perfect way to enjoy the colors of fall, perfect temperatures, and beautiful views of the Lake.
Lake Of The Ozarks State Park: Several trails offer varying lengths and terrain. Until we get a freeze, you'll still want to spray down with something to keep the ticks and chiggers at bay. Start your hike at the Trail Center. Click here to view a map.
View an interactive map of all Missouri State Park trails.
Lake Area Municipal Parks:
Peanick Park (Osage Beach, Hwy 42)
Osage Beach City Park
Camdenton City Park
Laurie Fairgrounds
3. Cave In!
The fall is the perfect time to go caving at the Lake!
The Lake of the Ozarks' Most Popular Caves:
The Lake's caving scene offers the perfect outdoor experience when the temperatures are beautiful.
Ready to take your caving to the next level? Check out the area's advanced caves for more serious spelunkers, in the article below.
Missouri has more than 7,400 documented caves; so its nickname, "the cave state," is well-ea…
4. Do Some Paddling
There's never a bad time of year to paddle one of the nearby streams in the Lake of the Ozarks area, but fall paddling can be particularly picturesque. The water and air might be too chilly for a dip in the river, but when temps are in the 60s, you won't be breaking much of a sweat anyhow.
The most popular streams to paddle in the Lake area are the Niangua River and the Little Niangua River.
For the Niangua River, check out NRO Campgrounds: it's an hour or less from the heart of the Lake area, and they offer all the rentals you'll need — canoe and kayak — for a memorable day on this Ozark stream. Portions of the river wind through valleys, which makes for especially picturesque paddling when the foliage is turning. Varying paddling trip lengths and everything you need to know can be found here.
Or paddle the Little Niangua, here's a guide to the significant waypoints. You'll probably want to bring your own kayak or canoe for this one, as the aforementioned Niangua River is more equipped with campgrounds and outfitters.
Of course, with the diminished boating traffic on the Lake this time of year, putting your kayak in any cove or public access point can be the start of an enjoyable paddle trip; you just won't have a current to carry you along. One of the Lake's most popular paddling spots is Ha Ha Tonka Cove: they even have a kayak launch. Read more here.
Â
5. Fall Foliage Boating!
The fall is the most underrated season for boating at Lake of the Ozarks. As most boaters don't live here full-time and those with inboard motors are winterizing for the season, the Lake is virtually empty, especially during the week.
In September and often for at least the first half of October, the water is warm enough for a swim or watersports. And once it's too cool to get in, the crisp air and warm sun pair with the golden hickory and crimson maples to paint a perfect day on the water.
Fishermen find fall a great time to wet a line.
Want especially grand fall foliage on the water?
Here are two places:
1. Get to the Glaize Arm.
Lake of the Ozarks State Park's undeveloped shorelines boast all the colors.
2. Head upstream.
Just before the big bend at Bear Bottom Resort and the iconic Morris lighthouse, a cliffside full of cedars and maples is absolutely breathtaking when the colors are at their peak. Keep going upstream for more spans of undeveloped shoreline and cliffs streaked with fall's bright colors.
6. Closing Weekend At Lakefront Restaurants & Bars
Friends clinking glasses with beer in pub
Closing weekends at popular lakeside bars and restaurants are not to be missed. Most of the patrons tend to be locals at this point, with a few city visitors looking for that last blast of the summer season. Bargains are the order of the weekend with many businesses running half-price deals on food and drink to clean out their inventory before closing for the year. It is a bittersweet, reflective time to sit on the deck in the crisp, fall air with the last frozen drink in hand and think back on sunny boat rides in 90 degrees.
Check your favorite Lakefront bar's Facebook page, of course, and watch LakeExpo.com for a list of what restaurant bars will be closing for the season, and when.
7. Visit A Winery
The Lake area is without an official "wine trail," but that just means wine-lovers can DIY it. There is no better time to visit wineries than the autumn season. Pack a wine picnic bag, or eat on site, either way, you can’t go wrong. The essential wine picnic bag contains crackers or crusty bread, cheese of various kinds, a little relish or mustard, something pickled, plates, knife, and napkins. Once you get to the winery, all you have to worry about is picking the vintages that you want to enjoy. Fall also often brings special seasonal wines that you can’t get other times of the year, such as spiced, or fruit selections such as apple pie, or cranberry.
100 Grand Vintners Lane, Lake Ozark
Open at 11 a.m. Mon – Sat and 12:30 p.m. on Sundays; Closed on Wednesdays
Discover the charm of Mathany Family Vineyards, where every bottle is a testament to their dedication to sustainable practices and quality. They've created a welcoming place where locals and tourists can kick back after a long day and sip wine they feel good about. Enjoy their beautiful grounds and experience the journey of their winemaking from vine to bottle. Try the newest cider on tap too!
846 Winery Hills Estate, Linn Creek
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and until 6 p.m. on Sundays
Seven Springs Winery, now under new ownership, is nestled on 160 acres of rolling Missouri foothills between Camdenton and Osage Beach. Just a short drive from both towns, it offers a covered porch and patio for enjoying scenic views while sipping Missouri wines, Sangria, and select micro-brews. With its own Vignoles and Norton grapes, visitors can also explore over two miles of hiking trails, all while experiencing exceptional wines.
5900 Fern Ridge Lane, Stover
Open Friday 1-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday 12-6 p.m.
With several private event spaces and a large outdoor area, Timber Ridge Winery is great for celebrations. Enjoy delicious local wines, craft beer, and participate in fun events like sip-and-paint classes. The friendly atmosphere and beautiful setting are worth a visit! There are even four hookups for campers, so stay awhile by the fire, toss some cornhole, and relish the wine.
314 E 1st St., Stover
Hours change in November to Friday 2-8 p.m. and Saturday 12-6 p.m.
For a family-run experience, visit Dale Hollow Winery. This winery is known for its scenic views and award-winning wines, crafted from grapes grown on their 10-acre vineyard. Open from February to December, they host live music and food trucks, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing day out. Their motto, "Wine is Personal," reflects their commitment to creating wines for every palate.
2430 Bagnell Dam Blvd., Lake Ozark
Open Thursday-Monday, 12 to 8 p.m.
This winery is perfect for celebrating all of life's moments, big or small. Overlooking the Lake, Shawnee Bluff offers wine tastings, delectable food, and stunning views from on Studio Hill, adjacent to the Inn. Now operating from the Tasting Barn, Shawnee Bluff Winery is a must-try staple at Lake of the Ozarks.Â
442 Riverbird Lane, Camdenton
Open Thursday-Sunday, 12 to 8 p.m.
This gem is a sister to Shawnee Bluff! Located at the historic Hugo Urbauer Lodge, this gorgeous venue features an upscale menu with delicious wine tastings and breathtaking views of the Niangua River. Try a range of Missouri wines and more while simply enjoy the Ozarks! Riverbird Winery is also perfect for weddings and private events. Follow them on Facebook for seasonal specials and live music.
Got more ideas for fall outings at the Lake? Email us at editor@lakeexpo.com
![[VIDEO]: Ferris Wheel Now Standing Tall At The Oasis](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/lakeexpo.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/45/645bc455-286b-4556-b486-8f36b333dff4/6ab5949ebf5bf.preview.png?crop=1263%2C1263%2C0%2C60)
