Panama City Beach: Not Just for College Spring Break

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6. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Many people forget that America's heartland is rich in great waterfront getaways. Case in point: Lake of the Ozarks State Park. At a whopping 17,203 acres, it's Missouri's largest state park. There you'll discover a stunning variety of landscapes, from densely wooded areas to intricate cave formations. And, of course, there's the lake. Nearly 80 years ago, the National Park Service created the park in the aftermath of the Great Depression. The lake formed after the Bagnell Dam was built on the Osage River. At just about 180 miles from St. Louis, and 170 miles from Kansas City, the lake is easy to get to for a weekend away. A great place to cool off in the summer, the park has two swimming beaches, or you can rent a boat at one of the park's marinas. If you're looking to party, head to Anderson Cove, more popularly known as Party Cove, a rowdy gathering spot for boaters and lake lovers; on summer weekends as many as 3,000 recreational boaters gather here. But if you really want to beat the heat, visit the Ozark Caverns, which maintain a constant temperature of 56 degrees Fahrenheit. Take a guided tour to fully discover this underground world. Golf enthusiasts will be in heaven with the 13 nearby courses, including some designed by golf legends Arnold Palmer and Tom Weiskopf, and famous golf course architect Robert Trent Jones. The lake's populations of largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, hybrid striped bass, catfish, and walleye also attract fishermen from around the country. Experienced anglers will work the winter waters, but bass spawn around late April or May, when the real fun begins.

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Parks & Outdoors Guide