June 25, 2019 by Boat Planet
It is almost time for one of the busiest holiday weekends at Lake of the Ozarks. The 4th of July celebrations go all weekend long at the Lake and we are here to help you plan out your Independence Day.
Get your red, white, and blue ready and read on to check out our boater’s guide to coving out, pool parties, live music, and firework displays:
Photo Credit: Bombay Boat Rental
A Captain’s Log to Fireworks Displays on the Water
When it comes to awesome fireworks displays, Lake of the Ozarks doesn’t disappoint. Get ready to ooh and aah as we showcase the best fireworks displays at Lake of the Ozarks!
Margaritaville Lake Resort on the 26MM, Main Channel. Fireworks start at 9 PM on Thursday, July 4, 2019. Viewing the fireworks by land on Margaritaville’s property is reserved for guests only, but there is an option for boaters. Boat over to the island directly across from Margaritaville’s Landshark Bar & Grill pool that sits lakeside. For best visibility, stay close to the Tropic Island Cruises yacht. After all, their paying passengers expect a great view of the fireworks.
Millstone Marina on the 7MM, across the Main Channel from Shady Gators. This fireworks display will be put on by Bob Elliot and the team again this year. Fireworks begin at 9:30 PM on Saturday, July 6, 2019. If you'd like to be a sponsor of this event, stop by the Sea Store to donate.
The Lodge of Four Seasons on the 13MM, Main Channel. Fireworks start at dusk on Thursday, July 4, 2019. Insider Tip: Find the large yacht called “Celebration” and idle alongside it for the best view.
Old Kinderhook on the 12MM, Big Niangua Arm. Fireworks start at dusk on Friday, July 5, 2019. Old Kinderhook’s docks are for guests only. For the best view, drop anchor to the right of the condo complex that sits to the right of Old Kinderhook’s docks.
Inn at Grand Glaize on the 1MM, Grand Glaize Arm. Fireworks start at dusk on Thursday, July 4, 2019. Enjoy the view from the water at the Inn at Grand Glaize boat docks, or dock your boat and sit poolside, at the tiki bar, or from the outdoor lounge.
Bear Bottom Resort on the 38MM, Main Channel. Fireworks start at 9:45 PM on Thursday, July 4, and also on Saturday, July 6. Watch the fireworks display anywhere on the water in front of Bear Bottom Resort. Insider Tip: Bear Bottom Resort has fireworks every Saturday at 9:45 PM through September 2, 2019.
Point Randall Resort on the 2MM, Main Channel (McCoy Branch Cove). Fireworks start at 9:15 PM on Thursday, July 4, 2019. Viewing by land is reserved for resort guests only. Insider Tip: Point Randall Resort has 1000 feet of shoreline.
Runaway II Resort and Campground on the 45MM, Main Channel. Fireworks start at dusk on Thursday, July 4, 2019. Insider Tip: The uncovered boat docks surrounding the gas pumps are public. Feel free to dock and grab a bite to eat at Shark Bite Bar & Grill.
Captain Ron’s Bar & Grill on the 34.5MM, Main Channel. Fireworks start at dusk on Friday, July 5, 2019. Captain Ron’s is a great place to relax. Get there early, enjoy a bite to eat and take in a game or two of beach volleyball. Insider Tip: The M80s (80s dance band) are playing from 7 PM to 11 PM.
Celebration II Cruise on the 0MM, Bagnell Dam. On Thursday, July 4, 2019, board Celebration II at 7 PM, depart at 7:30 PM, and return around 9:30 PM. The fireworks display takes place at Cha'teau Deblac. There will a full-service bar and snacks available for purchase, as well as a gourmet turkey sandwich snack box for $10. Cost is $35 per person. Insider Tip: Cha'teau Deblac is the fourth home built on Lake of the Ozarks, so it is filled with a rich history.
Head down to the 8MM for an amazing fireworks display put on by Walch's Pyro Cove. The fireworks display takes place Thursday, July 4, 2019, beginning at dusk. Donations made at their dock is appreciated, but not necessary (we heard they may have PayPal as well).
Do you want to enjoy a spectacular fireworks show on the water, but leave the piloting to someone else? Then reserve a spot on Tropic Island Cruises at Margaritaville Lake Resort, 26MM, Main Channel on Thursday, July 4, 2019, from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM or Playin’ Hooky Fireworks Cruise on Thursday, July 4, 2019, from 8:30 PM to 10 PM, departs Millstone Marina, 7.5MM, Main Channel.
Photo Credit: ICE Portal
Cool off, Kickback, and Listen to Live Music Poolside
Lake of the Ozarks hosts bands from all around the country and there’s no shortage of live music at the Lake. What’s better than listening to a band or DJ outside? Being able to listen to them while standing in a pool! Here are some great pool spots for live music while cruising the Lake over the 4th of July holiday:
If you’re feeling the need to dance, then Dr. Zhivegas is for you. This popular cover band takes the stage all weekend at Lazy Gators, 7MM, Main Channel, starting Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at 9 PM. The party continues at Lazy Gators on Saturday, July 6, 2019, for ReHydrate. Stay tuned for your headliners. The party starts at 11 AM.
Photo Credit: Lazy Gators
Over at Dog Days Bar & Grill, 19MM, Main Channel, The Mixtapes take the stage on Saturday, July 6, 2019, at 10 PM. The Mixtapes describe themselves as a “...high-energy party loaded with a huge range of music spanning the 90’s.” Insider Tip: If there’s a long wait for dining inside, order food from the second story bar.
At H. Toad's at Camden on the Lake, 7MM, Main Channel, Contagious is taking over the holiday weekend. Check them out starting Thursday, July 4, 2019, to Saturday, July 6, 2019. Shows begin at 9 PM.
If you’re looking for a slice of the Caribbean inside Lake of the Ozarks, then cruise on over to Coconuts Caribbean Beach Bar & Grill, 7MM, Gravois Arm, where the pool party goes all day long, all summer long.
Photo Credit: Sky View Photography
Drop Anchor and Tie Up in These Beautiful Coves
With a surface water temperature around 80 degrees on the Main Channel, no one can say Lake of the Ozarks is too cold. For some of the coldest water on the Lake, check out Ha Ha Tonka Cove, 15MM, Niangua Arm. With towering bluffs overhead, Missouri’s 12th largest spring dumps crystal clear, cold water into this cove. Drop anchor, tie up, and jump in. This water will feel refreshing on a hot summer day.
Downing Branch Cove, aka Power Line Cove, is at the 3MM directly across the Main Channel from Isla Del Sol condos. This long cove is a great spot for tubing with the kids. Cruise back to the end of the cove and enjoy some flat-water and sunshine.
Further, up the Main Channel at the 17.5MM (opposite side of the Main Channel from Backwater Jack’s) check out Evergreen Cove––a lively spot to tie up and enjoy some tunes (Check out how you can share music with other boats here).
Not too far from Coconuts Caribbean Beach Bar & Grill is Indian Creek Cove, 6MM, Gravois Arm. This family-friendly cove is suited for many activities from lily pads to wave runners.
Be Safe and Watch Your Wake
Whether you’re taking in a fireworks show or heading to a pool party, remember safety comes first. The 4th of July holiday is one of the busiest times of the year at Lake of the Ozarks. The boat traffic may be unlike anything you have experienced before. Have a sober captain—be safe and watch your wake. It’s your responsibility to know Missouri boating laws. Make it a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend! Happy 4th of July!
How do you plan on celebrating 4th of July at Lake of the Ozarks? Where do you plan on watching a fireworks show on the water? Do you prefer the pool parties or coving out? What are your favorite coves? What are your favorite pools? Join the conversation, we would love to hear from you!