For visitors that love a thrill and enjoy getting some “hangtime” whenever they travel to a new vacation destination, Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks has several options for high-flying fun.
“There are several attractions at the Lake of the Ozarks that cater to our thrill-seeking travelers” says Lagina Fitzpatrick, executive director of the Lake of the Ozarks Tri-County Lodging Association. “You can go ziplining and parasailing, you can take a helicopter tour or go flying down Zambezi Falls at Big Surf. All of these activities are sure to get your heart pumping with excitement.”
Below are some highlights for adrenaline junkies looking to add some excitement to their Lake of the Ozarks vacation.
ZIP IN FOR A GOOD TIME
Adrenaline Zipline in Camdenton offers the Lake area’s only zipline canopy tour. Opened in the summer of 2022, Adrenaline’s Osage-8 Canopy Tour features eight different ziplines with tours lasting approximately 90 minutes. The zipline tours take visitors on a high-flying tour into the heart of the Ozarks. This family-friendly adventure showcases the natural beauty of the forested Ozark hills and can accommodate groups of up to 10 people. Adrenaline Zipline is open seven days a week during the summer months.
TAKE TO THE SKY
For a birds-eye view of the Lake of the Ozarks, visitors will want to book an aerial tour with Lake Ozark Helicopters. Tours provide a sky-high glimpse of Historic Bagnell Dam, the serpentine Lake of the Ozarks, “Million Dollar Row,” wineries, golf courses and the Lake of the Ozarks’ two state parks. Lake Ozark Helicopters offers six standard tours with the option to customize your trek. Their pilots are wonderful tour guides sharing information on the history of the Lake of the Ozarks as well as background information on the different landmarks and attractions highlighted during the tours. Lake Ozark Helicopters operates daily from the springtime through late October.
MONKEY AROUND AT THE LAKE
Malted Monkey, located on the Historic Bagnell Dam “Strip,” is one of the Lake’s newest family-friendly entertainment options and includes an outdoor ropes course that reaches up to 60-feet high across three levels and features over 45 obstacles. Customers at Malted Monkey get to navigate the three-story obstacle course, climbing, swinging and jumping their way from station to station and zipping along on the Sky Trail track. And, the ground-level cafe specializes in smash burgers and custom milkshakes for a refreshing treat when guests are finished with the ropes course. The Malted Monkey is open from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. every day during the summer months.
AN ELEVATED LAKE EXPERIENCE
Since 1983, Paradise Parasail, located next to the Bagnell Dam in Lake Ozark, has been taking customers up to 500 feet above the water for a thrilling yet peaceful ride and a one-of-a-kind view of the Lake of the Ozarks. Paradise Parasail first launched in Fort Meyers Beach, Florida in 1982 and then in Lake Ozark, Mo. the next year, establishing themselves as the first parasail company in both southwest Florida and Missouri’s Ozarks. For over 40 years, vacationers at the Lake of the Ozarks have enjoyed the thrill of being hoisted far into the sky, suspended over the Lake of the Ozarks. Once the parasailers are up in the air and have the opportunity to take in the unique view, they can choose to go for a full drop and plunge into the Lake of the Ozarks or they can opt for a more gentle descent where only their toes touch the water. Plus, a professional photographer will be on hand for commemorative souvenir photos. Paradise Parasail is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. ever day of the week during the summer months.
MAKING A BIG SPLASH
For the largest splashes at the Lake of the Ozarks, visitors will want to plan a day at Big Surf Waterpark in Linn Creek. This outdoor water park is open annually from Memorial Day through Labor Day and is a summertime staple for families around the Midwest. Big Surf’s iconic Zambezi Falls, a three-story tall half-pipe of rushing water, delivers lots of adrenaline-pumping thrills. The Challenger Flumes are dueling 300-foot water slides, twisting and turning their way down to a catch pool. When a guest needs a break from the thrilling rides, visitors can float leisurely down the Lazy River or choose The Rapids for a white water float. Other attractions include a large wave pool and the Space Bowl, which was the first-of-its kind in the country.
STANDING SENTRY OVER THE LAKE
The Lake of the Ozarks’ most popular Conservation Area is the Camdenton Conservation Service Center, located on Thunder Mountain overlooking Bridal Cave. Here, visitors can experience one of the most breathtaking views of the Lake of the Ozarks by climbing up the center’s 80-foot watch tower and taking in a true panoramic view of the Lake of the Ozarks and the abundant surrounding Ozark forests. In addition to the tower, this area has multiple walking/hiking trails and an archery range. All Missouri Conservation Areas, including the Camdenton Conservation Service Center, are free and open to the public.
JUMP INTO FUN
Guests at Jetz Trampoline Park in Osage Beach can partake in a number of trampoline-based activities and games. There’s the large Free Style Tarmac, Sky Diving Big Air Bag, Rodger Dodger Dodge Ball, B2 Bomber Basketball, Dog Fight Battle Beam, Crosswind Surf Board, Top Gun Ninja Course, Turbulent Fidget Ladder and a Little Jet Jump Zone for the smaller and younger kids. Jetz also has foam pits, balance beams and a slack line. While Jetz is certainly a favorite among the younger crowd, adults also enjoy bouncing around and playing on the obstacle courses. Open every day but Wednesdays year around, Jetz is an ideal indoor entertainment option for days when the weather isn’t favorable for a great time outdoors.
Your Lake of the Ozarks Adventure Awaits
Visitors at the Lake of the Ozarks can choose from full-service luxury resorts, family-owned resorts, charming bed and breakfasts, rustic cabins, campgrounds and RV parks, spacious vacation rental homes and condominiums, as well as hotels and motels to complete the perfect Lake stay.
For more fun vacation ideas, or to learn more about all the year around events, attractions, as well as lodging and dining options available at the nation’s “Best Recreational Lake” and “Best Lake for Water Sports,” call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB) at 1-800-FUN-LAKE, or visit www.FunLake.com.
