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106 FunLake.comLake of the Ozarks State ParkMany Lake Area visitors don%u2019t realize a 17,441 acre playground lies just to the south of Osage Beach. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is Missouri%u2019s largest and can provide a pleasant diversion while vacationing in the Lake Area. The park has 85 miles of shoreline and two public beaches, plus boat launching areas. Lee C. Fine Memorial Airport has a 6,500 by 100 ft runway, plus terminal building, parallel taxiway, fuel and tiedown service. Hiking trails, horseback riding stable, playgrounds, picnic areas, three organized youth camps and Camp Pin Oak Lodge (used for special events such as weddings) are offered.The Grand Glaize Arm of the Lake separates the park with over 85 miles of shoreline. You will discover many of the park%u2019s facilities along this water corridor from Public Beach #1 at the end of Hwy 134 to Grand Glaize Beach (Public Beach #2) 1.5 miles south of the Grand Glaize Bridge on Hwy 54 in Osage Beach.Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy after swimming at the free sand beaches found in both areas. For large groups, reserve a picnic shelter for a fee to guarantee its use or take your chances and use it on a first-come, first-serve basis when not reserved. Launch your own boat at the available ramps (minimal launching fee at Grand Glaize Beach, Pa He Tsi, and Public Beach #1; free launch at McCubbins Point). Rent a boat at PB#1 and Grand Glaize Beach. Fish from a dock with crappie beds for no charge, as long as you have the appropriate fishing license!Discover unusual natural features along the park%u2019s lakeshore on Lake of the Ozarks Aquatic Trail. (See map on page 60.) This unique %u201ctrail%u201d, designed for boaters, has stops marked by buoys that cover over nine miles of the Lake. A free booklet explaining the significance of each of the 14 marked shoreline highlights is available at the park office. Naturalists present programs in an open air amphitheater about natural features found in Missouri%u2019s state parks. Guided hikes and a variety of other programs are provided, as well. Contact the park offices for a schedule.Camping is available inside the park at more than 220 campsites, ranging from primitive to full electric. There are also eight camper cabins and two yurts available. Many Lake visitors escape the summer%u2019s heat by exploring 56%u00b0 Ozark Caverns. Follow Highway A (between Osage Beach and Camdenton) for eight miles and follow the signs. After paying a small fee, hand held lanterns are provided which enhance the sense of discovering a whole new world of underground beauty. The spectacular Angel Shower, a never-ending flow of water which seems to fall from the solid ceiling of rock into massive bowl shaped stone basin on the cave floor, is one of the many features pointed out by your guide. Unusual animals, adapted to this world of darkness, can be seen, as well.Ozark Caverns Visitor Center helps visitors understand the ecosystems found in Missouri%u2019s caves. Traditional, Speleology (advanced) and Children%u2019s Tours are available; call ahead to arrange Speleology or Children%u2019s Tours. Ozark Caverns Hours & FeesApr 15 %u2013 Oct 15: School group tours available by appointment only.May 15 %u2013 May 31: Tours are at 11am; 1pm; 3pm Saturday and Sundays OnlyJun 1 %u2013 Aug 15: Tours are at 11am; 12:30pm; 2pm; 4pmSeven Days a WeekAug 16 %u2013 Aug 31: Tours are at 12:30pm; 2pm Tuesday through SaturdaySep 1%u2013 Sep 15: tours are at 11 am; 1pm; 3pm Saturday and Sunday onlySep 16 - Oct 15: School group tours are available by appointment onlyOct 16: Closed for the season. Fee: 5 yrs and Under Free; 6-12yrs $6; 13-17yrs $8; Adults (18 and over) $10Lake of the Ozarks State Park Office: (573) 348-2694mostateparks.com/lakeozark.htmOzark Caverns Office: (573) 346-2500Outdoors & Fishing