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We Love These Things to Do in Lake of the Ozarks – Part 1

Our Favorite Outdoor Things to Do in Lake of the Ozarks

When it comes to the outdoors, we’re partial to getting out on the lake. To say boating is one of our favorite Lake of the Ozarks activities is an understatement. We love cruising the open water and bouncing around to our favorite bars and restaurants while making new friends. No matter how many times we leave the dock, we never tire of a day spent topside (learn more about that later in the post).

While we work tirelessly to ensure all our guests have a fantastic experience in Lake of the Ozarks, we do spend our downtime exploring the area. Some of our favorite things to do in Lake of the Ozarks include these outdoor activities that give us a glimpse into all the stunning natural sights this beautiful area has to offer.

Top Outdoor Things to Do in Lake of the Ozarks

Adventuring

Who doesn’t love an adventure? Lake of the Ozarks has tons of natural spaces to explore on foot. Ha Ha Tonka State Park and Lake of the Ozarks State Park are two of our outdoor favorites. When we want to get away from the sun, we venture down into Stark Caverns, Jacob’s Cave, or Bridal Cave in Thunder Mountain Park. Pack a lunch, and enjoy a picnic in one of these tranquil outdoor spaces.

Cycling

Although boating is a great way to get from one end of Lake of the Ozarks to the other, another option we love is cycling around the area. There are so many diverse trails to take; there are routes ranging from a few quick miles to an entire marathon of mileage. It’s a great workout and an even better way to stumble upon hidden gems off the lake.

Fishing

At Lake of the Ozarks, you can fish from anywhere — the side of a boat, the shoreline, or dockside. All you need is a sturdy fishing rod, full tackle box, and don’t forget your fishing license! Casting a line from land is the perfect way to enjoy the lake even during unfavorable weather.

Golfing

Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail features over a dozen courses ready to challenge your game. Many of these courses were designed by renowned designers, like Arnold Palmer and Robert Trent Jones. Some of these even offer great views of Lake of the Ozarks from the fairway. Grab your clubs, and hit the course for a round.

Get Out on the Lake!

Join Playin Hooky for a ride on Lake of the Ozarks. We offer a variety of fun cruises, day or night. From bachelorette parties to corporate events and family reunions, we’re ready to provide you with water taxis and charters to get you where you want to go in style.

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Lake of the Ozarks, contact us today at 573-434-2627 to schedule a water taxi, charter or cruise. See the way the Lake of the Ozarks was meant to be seen — from the water!

Our Guide for Fun Things to Do at Lake of the Ozarks

Fun Things to Do for First-time Visitors

Looking for fun things to do at Lake of the Ozarks? If you’re a first-time visitor, then you’re in for a real treat! Playin Hooky, the original water taxi service in Lake of the Ozarks, is ready to help you plan a vacation packed with awesome, fun activities that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Vacation Planning at Lake of the Ozarks

Located in the heart of the Midwest, Lake of the Ozarks offers a wealth of adventure and excitement, as well as relaxation. From outdoor adventures to easy-going afternoons, we encourage you to check out these fun things to do at Lake of the Ozarks:

Natural Exploration

Although on-water activities are quite popular at Lake of the Ozarks, our beautiful area also features plenty of other great ways to explore nature. Lake of the Ozarks State Park and Ha Ha Tonka State Park offers opportunities to fish, hike, canoe, swim and enjoy a picnic. If you’d like to sail a boat, you can do so from both areas, as well as the Bagnell Dam Access. Find a little shade by exploring Bridal Cave & Thunder Mountain Park, Jacob’s Cave, or Stark Caverns.

Dining & Drinking

Thirsty for a good time? You don’t have to look far for great watering holes. Casa de Loco Winery, Golden Rock Winery, Seven Springs Winery, and Shawnee Bluff Winery are all in the area. For dining, you have your pick of a number of fine and casual eateries on and off of the water. H. Toad’s at Camden on the Lake, Shady Gators, Jolly Rogers, Franky & Louie’s, Tap & Grill, and Backwater Jacks are just a few superb options with tasty food and fun, memorable atmospheres.

Adrenaline Rush

Ready to turn things up a notch? Get a great view of the area with Lake of the Ozarks Helicopters tours or let Paradise Parasail take you gliding in the sky. Of course, many people think shooting a challenging round of golf can get the heart pumping too! The Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail features 13 courses for you to work on your short game.

Family Fun

Families with children of all ages will love the fun things to do at Lake of the Ozarks. Accommodating activities include the Big Surf Waterpark, The Funny Farm Petting Zoo, Sugar Creek Mini Golf, Putt’ N’ Stuff Family Fun Center, and the Ozark Homestead Riding Stables.

Leisure on the Lake

Do you want to maximize your lake time? Most first-time visitors do! Let Playin Hooky take you topside. We offer fun cruises, as well as a water taxi and charter service to make your time on the lake unforgettable. Our Coconut Shuttle takes you to an epic pool party at Coconuts Caribbean Beach Bar & Grill while our Daytime Bar Hop Cruises let you bounce around to the best bars in the area. For a unique experience, come aboard for our evening Howl at the Moon Bar Hop cruise and party all night. Your group can also choose to charter one of our vessels and we’ll take you wherever you desire.

Contact Playin Hooky for Fun Things to Do at Lake of the Ozarks

There are so many fun things to do at Lake of the Ozarks that you’ll be coming back year after year! Check out our Vacation Planning page for more help planning your trip to Lake of the Ozarks or contact Playin Hooky at 573-434-2627 today!

Tips for a Fun-filled Lake of the Ozarks Bachelorette Party

Your wedding will be one of the happiest days of your life — but your bachelorette party should also be one of the best weekends ever! Whether you’re a bride-to-be searching for the perfect place or a maid of honor planning an unforgettable getaway, a Lake of the Ozarks bachelorette party is the ideal way for you and your closest friends to let loose before the big day.

The team at Playin Hooky knows a thing or two about having a good time. As the number one water taxi and charter service on the lake, Playin Hooky has helped countless groups have a safe yet incredible experience while staying in the Lake of the Ozarks. Are you hoping to plan a fun Lake of the Ozarks bachelorette party? Here are a few tips, suggestions, and some helpful information to make your stay on the lake smooth sailing.

Why choose Lake of the Ozarks for your bachelorette party?

Besides the water and fun in the sun, location and reasonable costs are just a few of the reasons to have your bachelorette party here.

Even if you’re a Missouri native, you may be unaware at just how much fun the Lake of the Ozarks offers. Those that live in the Midwest will enjoy a convenient drive only a few hours from Omaha, Tulsa, Kansas City, Des Moines, and St. Louis. Even groups traveling from as far as Nashville, Dallas, Indianapolis, or Chicago can enhance their bachelorette party by bookending the journey with a fun road trip.

Not only is Lake of the Ozarks unbelievably gorgeous and the party capital of the Midwest, but you’ll also be pleasantly surprised at just how affordable of a destination this is. Bachelorette party planners of all budgets have access to extraordinary services and unspoiled natural views that will create a weekend of excitement and beauty.

Fun things to do at Lake of the Ozarks for your party

Most bachelorette parties visit Lake of the Ozarks to soak up the sun, get on the water and party. We offer a variety of fun cruises to do all three, including:

Coconut Shuttle: Want to dive into the best pool party of your life? Let Playin Hooky take you on a 30-minute boat ride to Coconuts Caribbean Beach Bar & Grill for a day of great entertainment, fantastic food, and cold drinks!
Day Time Bar Hop Cruises: Join us for a tour of the best bars on the lake. We’ll sail you straight to some of the most popular waterfront bars.
Night Time Howl at the Moon Bar Hop: Prepare for a howling good time bathing in the moonlight as we visit the best nightlife on the lake.
Aqua Shuttle: If you want to choose your own adventure, hop on our Aqua Shuttle for an evening of fun on the lake.

Of course, there are plenty of exciting off-water activities to enjoy in Lake of the Ozarks. Many local hotels offer relaxing spa services. Wineries, state parks, and caves in the area are yours to explore as well. You can even schedule a helicopter ride, parasailing trip, or excursion on horseback if you desire.

Where should your bachelorette party stay in Lake of the Ozarks?

There are several excellent accommodations in the area, including Camden on the Lake Resort and The Lodge of Four Seasons. Getting around Lake of the Ozarks from any hotel is easier than you’d believe.

Even if you don’t book one of our fun cruises, our water taxis and charters are available for your group if you chose to AirBnB or rent a house. We can pick your group up at your dock from the Bagnell Dam to 14 mm & up the Gravois Arm to Coconuts and whisk you away to your destination.

We want to help make your Lake of the Ozarks bachelorette party a truly memorable experience. Give Playin Hooky a call today to learn more about our cruises and to plan the fabulous bachelorette party that your bride deserves!

Build Fun into Your Lake of the Ozarks Corporate Event

Get Out on Water

Who said business trips can’t include a little fun in the sun? If your group has free time during your Lake of the Ozarks corporate event, we invite you to add a little fun to the schedule with Playin Hooky! We regularly pick up guests and corporate groups from Camden on the Lake Resort, The Lodge of Four Seasons and other locations around the lake. Our water taxi and charters are the perfect way to experience Lake of the Ozarks the way it was meant to been seen — from the water. Get your group or team out onto the lake and make the most of your Lake of the Ozarks event.

Charter Services for Company Gatherings

When you’re planning your next corporate event, conference, or retreat, it can be challenging to identify off-hours activities for your attendees to enjoy. It can also be hard to find a service that can cater to large groups without a problem. Don’t let these disrupt your team-building activities — let Playin Hooky treat your group to the most fun and memorable experience they’ll ever have at the lake!

Playin Hooky charters operate every day of the week from May 1st through October 1st, ensuring that your group can maximize free time whenever it’s available. Our water charters can be a great way to open or close your event or conference. They also offer the most flexibility for groups who want to experience Lake of the Ozarks without having to plan an excursion alone. We have two Coast-guard-certified boats that can accommodate between 36 or 49 passengers, or 85 passengers if you need both boats.

Water Taxi

Our water taxi services provide flexible options for corporate groups to travel around the lake. We offer a variety of opportunities for groups to visit other areas of the lake. For example, we can cruise from The Lodge of Four Seasons or Camden on the Lake to Tap and Grill Lakeside Brew Haus for dinner and entertainment. Playin Hooky’s water taxi services are ready to take you there!

Other Fun Things to Do in Lake of the Ozarks

If this is your first time visiting the Lake of the Ozarks, you and your team are in for an experience you’ll never forget! Here are a few of the most popular activities in the area:

Golfing: The Lodge of Four Seasons features two world-class golf courses, The Cove and The Ridge. Ranked as two of the best in the state, guests who book a golf package at The Lodge will also gain access to the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, The Club at Porto Cima.
Local Wineries: Lake of the Ozarks has plenty of nature to view off of the water too! Visit the Shawnee Bluff Winery, conveniently located down the road from The Regalia Hotel & Conference Center, and sip the finest wines in the area!
Lakeside Dining: Change up your corporate group’s scenery and treat them to a dining experience with picturesque views of the water and the sunset. H. Toad’s at Camden on the Lake and Shady Gators both excellent choices with delicious food and fun, high-energy atmospheres.

Voted #1 water taxi and charter service on the lake, Playin Hooky is the original water taxi service in Lake of the Ozarks. Over the last decade, we’ve offered a safe and accessible on-water adventure for adults and children alike. Contact us today at 573-434-2627 to learn more about our private corporate charters, water taxi services, Bar Hop Cruises and other Lake of the Ozarks activities.

MILLSTONE, Days Gone By……OR ARE THEY?

If you ask anyone who has been coming to the Lake of the Ozarks for several years what some of their favorite memories are, they will likely mention Millstone.

After the completion of Bagnell Dam in 1931, Robert and Catherine Elliot of Kansas City, Missouri purchased land from the Pistol Club, an organization of kansas city businessmen. There they built their dream home, Elliot Lodge, which would later become known as Millstone Lodge. The lake home featured a stone fireplace that incorporated three millstones brought in from the surrounding hills by Catherine, known to the early Lakers as ‘Bagnell Kate’. The millstones reflect the early history of the Ozarks when clear running streams were used as a power source to grind corn.

Shortly after World War II, the Elliots sold the lodge to the Laner family. Mr Laner was killed in an auto accident not long afterwords and the lodge sold again, becoming a commercial venture. In 1989, Dick Walls, owner of Boone Tavern in Columbia, purchased Millstone and refurbished the facilities and grounds. Under Mr. Walls’ ownership, Millstone was Lake of the Ozarks best known resort and marina

With new owners and management, today Millstone Harbor, previousely Millstone Marina, is getting an extensive makeover with new upgraded electrical service, fuel pumps, updated docks, bathrooms, parts & service department. According to Dave Doherty, general manager at Millstone, their service department can handle anything from fishing boats to large yachts and houseboats. Dave grew up spending his summers at Millstone working for his aunt and uncle, Red and Norma Morrison. Red and Norma ran the marina from 1964 to 1979.

Besides, parts and service, Millstone Harbor is also the largest marina at the lake with over 300 boat slips, a fuel dock, a new restaurant, the Tap & Grill, and the premier water taxi and charter service at the lake, Playin Hooky Water Taxi & Charters LLC. Offering water taxi, group and corporate chaters, a bar hop cruise, and their new service, the Aqua Shuttle.

Playin Hooky’s Aqua Shuttle is a water shuttle currently running Friday and Saturday evenings between six bar & grills: the new Tap & Grill Bar, Shady Gators, Lazy Gators, Franky & Louie’s, Pickleheads via Franky & Louie’s, Bobbers and H-Toad’s. For $20 each, guests can purchase a wristband which will allow them to hop on and hop off all evening from 6:00 pm to 1:30 am at the various bar & grills.

Years ago Millstone was the place to go when you came to the lake to have a good time and relax. Its going to be fun watching this great part of Lake history being brought back to life. The best times are yet to come!

If you have a great story or pictures about Millstone let us know, we would love to share them!

For more information on boat slip rental and service, contact:
Dave Doherty (573) 372-6272
email: captcdd@gmail.com

Historical information obtained from;
Millstone Condos
Millstone Harbor

Welcome to Lake of the Ozarks!

The best part of our business is all the great people we get to meet!

This family gets together every year at different locations, and this year they chose the Lake of the Ozarks to play hooky!
We really enjoyed taking Philip and his family around to several waterfront bars for great food and entertainment. Everyone from the grandparents to the grandkids had a blast and made memories to last a lifetime. Thanks for allowing us to be a part of your adventure and we look forward to seeing you next year!

ONLINE BOOKING NOW AVAILABLE!

We are pleased to announce that Playin Hooky Water Taxi and Charters, LLC now has an online booking page making it easier than ever to make a reservation for our Fun Cruises, including our Friday and Saturday 4 Hour Bar Hop Cruise, Coconut Shuttle and 4th of July Fireworks Cruise.

Now with our Online Booking Calendar everyone can see how many seats are available for each Cruise and make a reservation for one person or a whole group using PayPal. This is especially convenient for Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties where one person has made arrangements for a Cruise and each person in the group wants to pay separately.

We look forward to continuing to serve the Lake of the Ozarks and offer a fun and safe way to keep the party going while we search the Lake for the best entertainment and drinks at the Lake!

For information on our cruises, please visit: playinhookyatthelake.com/cruises.html

To visit our booking page, please visit:
www.ozarkwatertaxiandcharters.com/?page_id=59

We look forward to seeing you at the Lake!

Summer Fun!

We’ve had a great time on our Bar Hop Cruises these past few weeks. Even with the unpredictable weather, with the canopy on the boat we just kept the party going! Most show up early before the cruise and hang out at the pool bar at H-Toad’s till its time to depart. When we arrive at Jolly Rogers the girls love to dance on the boat/bar. The next stop is Jerk Shack to get hot wings and a Bob Marley frozen drink. Then everyone takes a splash at the Coconuts pool party. Last we stop at Bumps Barefoot for one more drink and play sand bag toss. After arriving back at H-Toad’s check out the new Chill Bar with exciting smoking drinks and live entertainment. What a great day! All for $30. Call for reservations, several dates are already sold out 573-434-2627.

Congratulations and Thanks to all the Bachelor and Bachelorette parties! We look forward to seeing you the next time you’re at the lake!

Planning a Bachelor or Bachelorette Party?

PLANNING A BACHELOR OR BACHELORETTE PARTY AT LAKE OF THE OZARKS?
So you’re coming to the Lake of the Ozarks with friends to celebrate a bachelor or bachelorette party and just found out you’re in charge of planning! Where do you start? And most of all, you don’t want to disappoint the bride or groom. Have no fear, with a little planning and organization everyone will have a great time. The lake area has so much to offer. There are great places to stay, and a great selection of restaurants both on the water and off.

LODGING
Think about where you want to stay, you have a lot of choices around the lake. If you want to be where the action is check out Camden on the Lake. You can park your car when you arrive and not have to move it until it’s time to head home. They have everything, two restaurants, four bars, a pool with a swim up bar, banquet rooms and much more. And don’t forget the great summer concerts on site at H. Toad’s Bar & Grill, formally known as the Horny Toad. On schedule for this summer is Nelly, Bret Michaels, Contagious and many more. After you get settled in and want to explore, Shady Gators, a waterfront bar & grill serving lunch, dinner and drinks is right across the cove and within walking distance.

PARTY ON THE WATER!
Most of all, you can’t plan a complete trip to the Lake of the Ozarks without getting out on the water. There are several waterfront bar & grills providing friendly service, great food, drinks and entertainment. Located at H. Toads/Camden on the Lake, Plain Hooky Water Taxi & Charters, LLC offers several options to have a safe and fun time on the lake. Offering water taxi, charter service, a shuttle to Coconuts Caribbean Beach Bar & Grill and our famous Bar Hop Cruise all aboard a USCG certified 36 passenger Catamaran!

BAR HOP CRUISE
The Bar Hop Cruise runs Friday and Saturdays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm and goes to four popular waterfront bars. Coolers with your favorite drinks are welcome. This has been real popular with the Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties as well as couples or small groups that want to get out on the lake and have a great time for a small price. Making your reservation is easy, just use our Online Booking Calendar where you can pay as a group or individually.

If your group would rather have a private cruise and have the boat to themselves, you can charter the 36 passenger Catamaran, Playin Hooky II, by the hour and the captain will chauffeur you wherever you would like to go.

For those who want to spend the day at Coconuts Caribbean Beach Bar & Grill, Playin Hooky offers a Coconut Shuttle that departs from Camden on the Lake at 11:30 am and returns from Coconuts at 6:00 pm. Coconuts is a great place to spend the day.

No matter how long your stay, when it’s time to go, everyone will leave wanting more!

You can find more information on lodging and attractions around the lake at: www.playinhookyatthelake.com

Also check out Camden on the Lake for information on the resort and concert schedule. www.camdenonthelake.com

NEW SERVICE

NEW SERVICE AT THE LAKE

Last year we were proud to bring to the Lake of the Ozarks the first Bar Hop Cruise at the Lake on Fridays at 1:00 PM. We also brought the first Shuttle to the Lake, the Coconut Shuttle, which runs from H.Toad’s/Camden on the Lake Saturdays at 11:30 AM up to Coconuts and returns from Coconuts at 6:00 PM.

This year we are excited to bring another fun day on the water with our Bar Hop Cruise on Saturday!

After searching the lake for the best drinks on the Lake on Fridays, some of our guests couldn’t get enough and wanted to go again on Saturday. So we’ve put together another great Bar Hop Cruise that’s sure to please everyone. Our Friday and Saturday Bar Hop Cruises go to four popular waterfront bar and grills, some of which are:

Beaver’s at the Dam
Bumps Barefoot Bar
Coconuts Caribbean Beach Bar & Grill
Docknocker’s Dive Bar
Franky and Louie’s
Jerk Shack
Jolly Rogers Grub & Grog
Momma’s Market

Weekly 4hr Bar Hop Cruise
Friday & Saturdays at 1:00 PM
Departs from H-Toad’s/Camden on the Lake
(Located at dock A near the pool)
Limited seating available

Seats are filling up fast so call Now!

573-434-2627
https://playinhookyatthelake.com/index.html