WHAT: 2023 Fall Colors
WHEN: Mid-October through early November
WHERE: Throughout the Lake of the Ozarks area
There’s nothing like autumn in the Ozarks. The landscape around Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks features many rolling hills, scenic overlooks and expansive views of the shimmering water. The picturesque setting is arguably at its finest when the surrounding hardwood forests turn vivid shades of orange, red and yellow each fall. For colorful fall foliage viewing, a trip to Lake of the Ozarks is an autumn essential.
The unique Ozark topography and colorful forests entice many locals and visitors to get their cameras out and attempt to capture Mother Nature’s glorious display. In fact, the Lake of the Ozarks is so highly revered for it’s colorful fall foliage that it was named by USA Today and The New York Times as a must-visit destination for the best fall colors.
The best tool for tracking autumn colors in the Lake of the Ozarks area is the Department of Conservation’s Fall Color Forecaster, which can be found online at
mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/fall-color. The Lake of the Ozarks’ information is included under the column titled “Central Region.”
The peak of the fall colors at the Lake of the Ozarks typically occurs in mid- to late-October when the maples, ashes, oaks and hickories are at the height of their fall display. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, the peak season varies from year to year depending on the weather and can last until early November.
There are numerous ways to enjoy the bright colors around the Lake of the Ozarks, both from land and on-the-water. Hiking, golf or going for a scenic drive around the area are the favorite on-land activities while cruising the Lake of the Ozarks by boat is one of the most memorable ways to experience autumn in the Ozarks.
Anyone traveling to the Lake of the Ozarks for the fall colors will have plenty of options when it comes to overnight accommodations. There are full-service large-scale resorts and smaller family-owned and operated resorts as well as charming bed and breakfasts or comfortable cabins and cottages. There is no shortage of fully furnished vacation rental homes and condominiums to choose from. There also is a selection of familiar hotels and motels at the Lake. For those who prefer sleeping under the stars, there are spacious campgrounds and RV parks interspersed throughout the area. For a complete list of accommodations available at the Lake, visit the “Lodging” tab at www.FunLake.com.
Visitors also can learn more about all the fun events, attractions and activities, as well as lodging and dining options available year around at the “Best Recreational Lake” and “Best Lake for Water Sports” in the Nation at www.FunLake.com or by calling the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau at 1-800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253).
