Summering in the Ozarks

While the weather hasn’t got the memo, it’s (unofficially) summer in the Ozarks! How lucky are we to spend the summer in such a special place? I would put the natural beauty of the Ozarks up to any place in America.

The weather, well, that’s a different story.

If you’re looking for great places to visit nearby, here are a few of my favorites:

• Silver Dollar City – even on the hottest of days, there is plenty of shade to be found and water rides to cool down on. I’ve been when it was well over 100 degrees, so I speak from experience.
• Lake of the Ozarks – I grew up going to LOZ and I love the hustle and bustle that Lake of the Ozarks offers. I also love the natural beauty of places like HaHaTonka. Park back in the cove and swim in the crisp water coming from the natural spring.
• Table Rock Lake – It’s a completely different kind of beautiful and Table Rock Lake holds a special place in my heart, it is where I learned to water ski after all. Make it a goal to find Crisco, the Table Rock Lake goat. He will not disappoint.
• Lake Taneycomo – The water in Taneycomo is downright chilly! It feels perfect on a hot day. If you find yourself at The Branson Landing, go down to the docks and dip your toes in.
• Float trips with the family – Half of my family loves a float trip, half does not. One of my favorite ways to spend a summer day is floating down the Niangua at Bennett Springs State Park.
• Beebe’s Waterslide – This is one of those hidden gems of the Ozarks! If you are near Cassville, you must try Beebe’s Waterslide. It’s 300 feet long, and for $12, you can ride to your heart’s content.
  

Before long, the heat and humidity will settle in—classic Ozarks summer. Those steamy days will roll into muggy evenings lit by fireflies dancing in the dark. The best part about spending summer in the Ozarks? Some of the greatest joys of summer around here don’t cost a thing.