The Lake is centrally located in Missouri, and in the country, making travel easy for everyone in the group. More importantly, the Lake of the Ozarks has activities and accommodations that meet the needs of all reunion attendees.
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| The Sawatski family holds its reunion at Lone Oak Point Resort Condominiums every July. |
The area hosts family, military and school reunions year after year, according to Nicole McGinnis, group sales manager for the Tri-County Lodging Association and the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau. McGinnis said she also has assisted with reunions of car clubs and other groups with like interests, as well as former neighbors who have gone their separate ways and want to reconnect. "The Lake has something for everyone at a reunion," she added. "We offer a small-town feel with big-city influences. That makes everybody comfortable at the Lake."
Small family-owned resorts cater to reunions, offering comfortable accommodations at moderate prices with amenities on property and large spaces for gathering the whole group together.
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| Lakeview Resort in Sunrise Beach offers an idyllic setting for family reunions, complete with fun activities and amenities everyone can enjoy. |
"Our family-owned resorts offer a 'back-to-the-basics' kind of feel," McGinnis said. "They are perfect for groups who want comfort at a price everyone in the group can afford." She noted, however, that they are just one of many options used by reunion planners, who can also choose options from primitive campsites, bed and breakfasts, lakeside condominiums and vacation homes. With restaurants, spas and a full menu of other amenities, luxury resorts offer reunion groups the opportunity to find everything they need in one location.
Those who prefer to explore the area will find activities for every age and interest. For those who like to hit the links, the Lake has 15 championship courses, 13 of which make up the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail. Shopping at the state's largest outlet mall or in quaint, small specialty shops appeals to others. For the younger members of the group, the arcades, go-karts, indoor or outdoor waterparks and mini golf fill the bill.
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The Lake of the Ozarks' area state parks feature many beautiful trails and great opportunities to get outside to enjoy nature's splendor.
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Outdoor-lovers will find miles and miles of trails for hiking and biking in Lake of the Ozarks State Park, the state's largest, and in Ha Ha Tonka State Park, which features the ruins of a 1900s castle. Fishing and boating are also popular activities. Many of the resorts, as well as Lake of the Ozarks State Park, offer rentals of boats and personal watercraft and there are launches at the resorts and other locations around the Lake for those who bring their own boats. Fishing guides provide all the necessary equipment for an outing and also know the spots in the Lake where the fish are biting.
Working with a representative, like McGinnis, from the Convention and Visitor Bureau makes planning a reunion easy. A form on the FunLake.com website asks questions about the group and its needs. The questionnaire is then sent to lodging facilities that meet the group's requirements. Bids from lodging facilities interested in hosting the group are sent directly to reunion planners.
McGinnis advises planners to allow plenty of lead time, as there are multiple reunions each weekend during the summer season when children are out of school and favorite venues fill up quickly. Military and school groups with older members may find the spring and fall seasons offer more choices in location.
Whether the group wants to enjoy quiet nature or be in the heart of the action, the Lake of the Ozarks offers the perfect venue for gathering together and reconnecting with friends and family.
