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The Ozarks
Lake Ozark State Park
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As you can see from the beautiful fall color, the
time is drawing near to once again hit the road. We’ve truly enjoyed
our stay here at Ozark Trails Campground. Peggy and Eddie are great
folks and if you ever see an ad for a work camping position here at
Ozark Trails, run don’t walk to sign on with them. Or, if your just
looking for a place to hang your hat away from the hustle and bustle
of the highly developed tourist attractions, the campground offers a
restful alternative within close range of all the wonderful things there
are to see and experience in this area.
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The 17,203-acre Lake of the Ozarks State Park,
the largest park in the Missouri State Park System, offers swimming
beaches, fishing, boat rentals, campsites, camper cabins, hiking trails,
aquatic and equestrian trails, a cave, an airport and even the solitude
of an undeveloped cove.
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The park contains ten trails ranging in length
from one-half to six miles. These trails lead through forests, lush
ravines, sunny glades and along towering bluffs overlooking the lake.
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The two equestrian trails (Trail of the Four Winds
and Squaw’s Revenge) wind through the east end of the park. Trail rides
are offered at the park stables for a nominal fee and horses are matched
to the ability of each rider. Gerry and I truly enjoyed our ride on
Rowdy and Joe over the Squaw’s Revenge Trail. Additional information
on Ozark Homestead Stables can be obtained by calling 573-348-6670.
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Ozark Caverns, located in the south end of the
park, is best known for "Angel Showers", a formation of stalactites
and waterfalls. The never-ending shower of water seems to come out of
the solid ceiling of rock. The one-half mile long tours are conducted
with hand-held lanterns. Ozark Caverns is located just off County Road
A, about eight and one-half miles from U.S. 54. Tour schedules vary
throughout the season. For further information, call 573-346-2500.
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The area surrounding the Caverns has been designated
as Coakley Hollow Fen Natural Area. This area contains spring-fed streams,
seeps, caves, fens, glades and deep valleys. Visitors can follow a self-guiding
trail through this special area that includes a boardwalk over the fen
and a wooden swinging bridge over the stream.
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Additional information on Missouri State Parks
can be obtained by calling 1-800-334-6946 or by logging onto http://www.dnr.state.mo.us/dsp/homedsp.htm
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If you’re looking for unique area shopping, check
out Dog Patch, located on Business 54, Lake Ozark. While there, don’t
forget to see Ol’ Bob’s Cabin or book a reservation at Casino Pier for
a scenic cruise of the lake. Additional information on Casino Pier can
be obtained by calling 573-365-2020.
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If you’re looking for a scenic drive, Gerry and
I recommend a day trip to Hermann. Just take Highway 50, east of Jefferson
City, to Route 100. The drive along Route 100 is sheer heaven as it
winds through hills, bluffs and curves.
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Hermann is a German community founded in 1836.
Several wineries thrive in this area and visitors can tour the wine
cellars and smokehaus as well as sample award- winning wines. Gerry
and I were quite impressed by the selection of wines available at the
Hermannhof Winery. Brochures, special event calendars and winery information
can be obtained by logging onto http://www.hermannmo.com.
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Before leaving, Gerry and I would like to give a special salute to these area businesses: |
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Advantage Systems
Thanks Ron for the quality work on our RV & Jeep signs. |
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Lake Embroidery
Quality, affordable embroidery by a group of great gals. |
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Steele Visuals
Dave & Kizzy, you two are just the greatest! If you ever need a website or a logo designed, be sure to contact Dave at http://www.steelevisuals.com. |
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Till next time from a new destination,
 keep smiling. |
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