Food

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!

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

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!

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

KICKING OFF THE SEASON

Our first charter of the year was a fun one! Mizzou’s Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity joined us for a fun day on the water and everyone had a great time. The day started out cool and ended up bright and sunny. We started off with a stop at the Jerk Shack and wound up at Jolly Rogers Grub and Grog where they were told….

“t’ didn’t have t’ worry about walkin’ t’ plank since they came with Playin Hooky. Jolly Roger himself greeted everyone when we arrived and made aye no one port without havin’ pleanty t’ eat and drink. T’ surprise o’ t’ day came when Jolly Roger offered buy one get one free shots for all o’ those who came with Playin Hooky”….now that made everyone Jolly! You’ll be findin’ Jolly Roger here in t’ picture for aye. Arrgh!

For information about Jolly Rogers Grub and Grog visit: www.grubngrog.com

To book your charter today call 573-434-2627 or to find information on other waterfront bars & attractions around the lake go to: www.playinhookyatthelake.com