The Tightwad's Guide to Free Activities at the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

A person need not be stingy to appreciate getting something for nothing. When the something is an activity that can be enjoyed without cost, it is something everyone will love to do. Locating free fun at the Lake of the Ozarks is just around the corner. There is a variety of attractions to interest young, old and all ages in between.

The Lake of the Ozarks covers an area spanning three counties in mid-Missouri. Camden, Miller and Morgan counties all have historical museums. Additionally, Willmore Lodge has a museum devoted to the history of the lake and the construction of Bagnell Dam. No admission is charged at these museums. Morgan County Museum and Willmore Lodge are open year round, the others during the summer months, only.

Camden County Museum
Junction V Road and US Hwy 54
Linn Creek, MO
573 346-7191
Monday through Friday 10 AM to 4 PM Some Saturday events - call for schedule
The museum is housed in the old Linn Creek School.

Miller County Museum
West Hwy 52
Tuscumbia, MO
573 793-6998
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10 AM to 4 PM
Miller County museum is located in the old Anchor Mill Company Building.

Morgan County Historical Museum
120 North Monroe
Versailles, MO
573 378-5530
Tuesday through Friday 10 AM to 3 PM, Saturday 9 AM to Noon
The Morgan County facility is found in the Martin Hotel building
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Lake Area Chamber Visitor Center and Museum
Willmore Lodge
Bus. 54, Northeast of Bagnell Dam
Lake Ozark, MO
573 964-1008 or 800 451-4117
Monday through Friday 9 AM to 4:30 PM Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to 3 PM
Willmore Lodge was the Administration Center for Union Electric during the dam construction.

The lake area has two great state parks, Ha Ha Tonka State Park and Lake of the Ozarks State Park. The parks have much more than the usual picnic tables, grass and trees. Nature trails, swim beaches, scenic tours and the remnants of a castle await visitors to the parks. There is a charge for camping or putting boats into the lake at the public ramps, but most activities in the state parks are free.