11 October, Sunday
Lake of the Ozarks State Park
We left our trailer storage around 10:45 a.m. and made a quick stop for gas before continuing on our way. After about four hours of driving, we arrived at Lake of the Ozarks State Park. One of the primary reasons for this trip was to witness the fall colors, but unfortunately, the trees were mostly brown with only a few hints of dark red here and there. Despite this, we remained hopeful that we’d still experience some color over the next few weeks.
The park was vast, with the campground nestled deep within it, surrounded by dense woods. Our site was in Section 3, Site 65, which offered electricity but no water. We stopped at a nearby water point to fill up our tanks before heading to our site.
At the campground checkpoint, we were greeted by a friendly ranger who checked us in and handed us a map. She directed us to the water point, just 50 feet from the checkpoint, but the setup was a bit awkward. The water point had a small gravel pull-off that barely allowed us to get off the road, and it was situated right next to the host’s trailer. I found it a bit unusual, as any water runoff could easily flow into their campsite.
Before leaving home, I had added some Clorox to the freshwater tank to sanitize it during the drive, and I planned to flush it upon arrival. However, given the proximity to the host’s trailer, I felt guilty draining too much water there. I should have used the dump station, but instead, I only emptied a little bit from the tank before refilling it. Since we filter all our drinking water, I didn’t think it would be a major issue.
Filling the large freshwater tank took about 20 minutes. While we were at the water point, only one trailer had been waiting behind us, but after 15 minutes, they gave up and passed us, likely heading to another water point elsewhere in the park. Once we were done, we made our way to our site.
The site itself had a 50-foot asphalt pad in good condition, but unfortunately, it was quite sloped. The incline leading up to the flat area made it tricky for connecting and disconnecting the Hensley hitch, which works best when the trailer is level. The narrow, tree-lined road also restricted our ability to maneuver the truck, and a marker and ditch at the site’s entrance made parking even more challenging.
We spent the next 30 minutes trying to back the trailer into place, but it was clear that we needed to reset our approach. I asked Lisa to drive the trailer in a loop around the campground while I stayed behind to assess the situation. This also allowed the trailers that had been waiting to pass us. Unfortunately, during the loop, Lisa got stuck trying to make a sharp turn. I quickly ran to help and guided her out of the predicament.
On our second attempt, we started from the left side of the road, giving the truck more room to maneuver. After several more back-and-forths, we finally managed to get the trailer positioned just right. I then spent some time figuring out how to make it easier for us to re-hook the trailer at the end of our stay before disconnecting.
By the time we were done, we were both frustrated and exhausted. During the first attempt, a neighbor had approached to offer advice to Lisa, and when I saw her talking with him, I scolded her to only listen to me. She was actually trying to tell him the same thing, but my outburst upset her further, adding to her frustration. This situation taught us the importance of staying calm, even when things aren’t going as planned. We also realized that it’s best to start the backup process from the left side of the road when the site is on the left. This way, the front of the truck has more space to make the necessary turn.
Once the trailer was finally in place, I unloaded the truck while Lisa organized things inside the trailer. By the time we were settled, it was 5 p.m., and we were ready to relax. Lisa mentioned that the pork we had planned for dinner hadn’t thawed in time, so we decided to treat ourselves to some pizza from Pizza Hut, about 25 minutes away. It wasn’t the healthiest choice, but after all the stress from parking the trailer, we both needed some comfort food.
Although we didn’t have a waterfront site like we’ve enjoyed in the past, the dense trees and natural setting really made us feel like we were in a true state park. The park was in great condition, with even the signs looking brand new. Most sites in Loop 3 were spacious, equipped with fire pits, and picnic tables in good condition. The ground was covered in fallen leaves, adding to the overall ambiance. Despite the campground being mostly empty, we saw more tents than usual. On our way to get pizza, we spotted several deer, a raccoon, and a groundhog.
When we returned, Lisa made some fresh salads, and we enjoyed dinner inside the trailer while watching YouTube.
12 October, Monday
I woke up this morning with acorns and sticks hitting the top of the trailer because of a strong wind outside. I thought it might be a precursor of a rainstorm coming in, but when I checked the forecast on my phone I didn’t see anything so I decided to sit outside while drinking my coffee. Lisa joined me a little while later.
Drive Around the Park
After breakfast, we decided to take a drive around Lake of the Ozarks State Park. As the largest state park in Missouri, it spans the Grand Glaize arm of the Lake of the Ozarks. The park was established by the National Park Service in 1936 and developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Many of the log cabin structures from that era still stand throughout the park, adding to its charm. In 1946, the park was transferred to the state of Missouri.
The campground is divided into four loops. Three of the loops are set back from the lake, nestled within thick woodlands. Loop 4 offers a few lakeside sites, though most of them are either designated for handicap access or lack utilities.
After exploring the campground areas, we ventured out to see more of the park. Our first stop was Ridge Crest Road, a gravel path that winds two miles out to one of the park’s many peninsulas jutting into the lake. Along the way, we passed private homes and parcels of posted land. As I checked the map, I discovered that there were small pockets of private property scattered throughout the park. At the end of the peninsula, we came across a small, isolated community of cabins called Camp McClain. Feeling a bit like trespassers, we didn’t linger too long and quickly turned back to rejoin the main park road.
Next, we drove down Cassidy Road, another gravel path. After about two miles, the road left the park and entered private land, where it changed names to State Park Road, and eventually to Country Road 134-4. As we admired the scenery, we were suddenly surprised by a herd of around twenty deer standing peacefully in a field. A large buck with an impressive rack stood in the center of the group. We quickly jumped out to take some pictures, but rather than fleeing, the deer simply watched us curiously. Further down the road, we spotted even more bucks grazing in another field. We eventually deduced that this must be a deer farm, although we never saw any signage to confirm it.
Swinging Bridges
We eventually connected with a paved road and I headed toward the city of Brumley. Along the way, I asked Lisa to look up the location of a local attraction called the “Swinging Bridges” on Google Maps. Unfortunately, she didn’t have cell phone coverage. But about half a mile down the road, we spotted a sign for “Swinging Bridges Rd.”
We turned down the road, hoping we were heading in the right direction. A mile and a half later, we passed the Cave Pumpkin Patch, which was only open on weekends. The patch seemed to have a lot of activities, and even featured a cave with a door painted to look like a pumpkin, which piqued our curiosity.
After another half-mile, we reached our first swinging bridge, the Mill Creek Bridge. This 135-foot-long, single-lane bridge had no side rails. A sign indicated it could hold up to 15 tons, so I decided to drive across. The bridge’s floor was made of corrugated metal plates, and they rattled noisily as we drove over. Once we reached the other side, I got out to walk across the bridge, taking the opportunity to get a closer look and capture some videos and photos. Upon inspection, I noticed that the bridge had been reinforced with a newer cable attached to the old, rusted cable. However, many of the corrugated plates were no longer secured, which likely explained the rattling sound as we crossed.
Just a few hundred yards down the road and around a bend, we came upon the second bridge, the Grand Auglaize Swinging Bridge. This one was significantly larger—about five times longer than the Mill Creek Bridge. A sign warned that it could only support up to three tons, so, given that my truck weighs around 7,000 pounds, we decided it was best to park and walk across instead.
Both of these bridges were built in 1931 by Joseph Dice, a local bridge-builder who never worked from blueprints. Instead, he relied on twine to measure distances and determine the shape of the bridge. His “tools” were men, mules, horses, and a stump puller, and he used local lumber and creek gravel to mix the cement. It’s said that Dice could tell if the tension on the bridge’s wire was correct simply by the “feel” of it.
The Grand Auglaize Swinging Bridge was the more original of the two. At 500 feet long, it had a wooden floor and was still in use despite being rated in poor condition by the state. It was an iconic, rustic structure, and we took our time walking across it, soaking in the stunning views. On one side of the bridge, we spotted a primitive camping area just inside the state park, where a couple of tents were pitched, further adding to the park’s charm.
Lunch at the Outpost
We then decided to head back to the state park in search of a picnic area for lunch. This time, we took a scenic 6.3-mile paved road that led us to a cabin and picnic area known as The Outpost. Upon arrival, we were greeted by about a dozen cozy cabins and a well-maintained shower house, but much to our surprise, there wasn’t a designated picnic area to be found.
Undeterred, we spotted a picnic table at an unused trailer site nearby, so we decided to make do and enjoy our lunch there. The spot was peaceful, and though it wasn’t what we originally planned, it offered a quiet, secluded setting perfect for a relaxing meal.
Lake Trail
After lunch, we decided to hike the Lake Trail. This 1.5-mile, moderately rugged trail began at The Outpost and looped around the lake, offering beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere. The trail wound through a mix of wooded areas and open spots along the water’s edge, allowing us to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the park.
Near the end of the trail, we were pleasantly surprised to spot an armadillo foraging along the path. It was a rare sight, and we paused to watch it as it went about its business. The hike was a perfect way to work off our lunch while taking in the scenic surroundings.
The Hut for Firewood
On the way back to the trailer, we stopped by the campground check station to ask where we could buy some firewood. The camp store only sold firewood on weekends, so the attendant suggested a Shell gas station about 6 miles away. Eager to get some, we did a quick U-turn and headed in that direction.
When we arrived at the Shell station, however, they were out of firewood. They recommended trying a Hyvee gas station another two miles further. So, we got some gas and continued on our search. Thankfully, Hyvee had firewood, so I grabbed four bundles.
I had some concerns about transporting firewood due to the risk of spreading invasive pests like the Emerald Ash Borer, but the bundles were clearly labeled as USDA certified. This meant that they had been heat-treated, making them safe to transport without contributing to the spread of harmful insects.
Lake View Bend Trail
When we got back to the trailer, I was still in the mood for some more hiking, so I decided to explore the Lake View Bend Trail that looped around the campground. Lisa opted to stay behind and relax.
The trail began by winding through a valley, where I encountered a herd of deer that appeared to call the campground area home. They didn’t seem bothered by my presence at all, which made for a cool and peaceful encounter.
As I continued along, the trail followed the lake, with a steep slope on one side and rugged rock cliffs on the other. It was a beautiful and serene walk, offering stunning views of the landscape. However, about three-quarters of the way through, I decided to turn back, as it was getting late, and I didn’t want to be out too long. I headed back to the trailer, feeling refreshed from the hike.
Evening
When I returned, Lisa was busy cooking up some delicious pork steak, sweet potatoes, and asparagus, while I set about building a small fire. As we enjoyed our meal, we were treated to the sight of a few deer leisurely wandering through the campsite, not far from us. It was a peaceful and charming moment, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. Once it got dark, we retreated inside, where we settled in for the evening and wrapped up the day with a Netflix marathon.
13 October, Tuesday
Morning
We spent the morning relaxing in the trailer, enjoying breakfast and sipping our coffee until mid-morning. After a quick shower, we headed out to start our day, with our first stop being the Willmore Lodge.
Located just northeast of Bagnell Dam on Business MO-54, Willmore Lodge is a historic 29-room log building that was completed in 1930 by the Union Electric Company (now Ameren UE). Originally serving as both an administrative and entertainment hub during the construction of Bagnell Dam, it now houses a Visitors Center and a museum dedicated to the area’s history and the dam’s construction. The lodge’s rich history and stunning log architecture made for a fascinating stop.
Bagnell Dam
As we got within about a half-mile of the Willmore Lodge, we found the road blocked due to construction. Not wanting to give up, I quickly checked their Facebook page and discovered a suggestion that we might be able to reach the lodge by crossing Bagnell Dam itself.
After driving up and down MO-54 a few times, trying to figure out the best way to approach the dam, we decided to take an exit for the dam access road. This road led us to a fishing access area located in the spillway downstream from the dam, offering fantastic views of the back of the dam. Unfortunately, we hit another roadblock—literally—since the path ahead was blocked by barricades, leaving us unable to continue further.
We decided to return to MO-54 and take the next exit, which led us through the city of Lake Ozark to the dam. However, when we reached the dam, we found the road going over it was blocked. Noticing some people walking across the dam, we figured we’d try our luck on foot and attempt to reach the lodge that way.
The walk across the dam turned out to be quite an experience—it was probably a rare opportunity since the dam was closed to vehicles. As we strolled across, a few cars and construction trucks managed to cross, carefully weaving around the barricades. Once we reached the far side, we found that road construction still prevented us from getting any closer to the lodge, so we decided to turn back and walk back to the truck.
On the way back, I noticed large schools of fish in the spillway below the dam in the water. They were probably carp but it was unnerving seeing so many.
Our truck was parked in front of a lake cruise port called Celebrity Cruises that had some cute photo op props. After taking some pictures there, we drove down a couple of blocks to a giant Adirondack chair for more pictures.
Lunch
It was past lunchtime, so we googled for a picnic area to have lunch. We first tried a park about 15 minutes away but it was mostly a recreation park and it did not have any picnic tables. We then decided to go to a roadside park we had seen earlier. This park gave us some great views of the lake while we ate our lunch.
Ice Cream Factory
After lunch, I surprised Lisa by driving out to the Ice Cream Factory in Eldon, just 20 minutes away. She had heard about it on social media and mentioned that she really wanted to visit, so I thought it would be the perfect treat.
Eldon was a small town, and the Ice Cream Factory was nestled in its charming downtown area. The shop had a lovely modern rustic farmhouse vibe with both indoor and outdoor seating. We were especially drawn to the old ice cream van parked in an attached garage, which added to the nostalgic feel. We sat down and enjoyed our ice cream there—I opted for the Oreo Cookie Ice Cream Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae, while Lisa chose the butter brickle with Heath bar and caramel sauce. In hindsight, we both agreed that the toppings overwhelmed the flavor of the ice cream itself and wished we had chosen the sampler instead to get a better sense of the flavors.
Since we were heading to a new park the next day, I plotted a scenic one-hour drive back to the campsite, giving us one last chance to enjoy the views of the lake area before we left.
Lake View Bend Trail Again
It was late afternoon when we returned to the park, and to work off some of the ice cream calories, I decided to finish the Lake View Bend Trail. Lisa opted to stay back and take some medicine to fend off a cold she felt coming on.
I extended my hike by connecting to the Fawn’s Ridge Trail, which linked up with the Lake View Bend Trail. Both trails were absolutely beautiful and peaceful, offering me plenty of opportunities to pause and take in the surroundings. The calmness of nature made for a very refreshing walk.
As I made my way back toward the campsite, I unintentionally triggered the truck alarm with the keys in my pocket, which startled some deer that had been grazing nearby. It was a bit of a comical moment, but at least it gave us a chance to see the deer up close before they darted off into the woods!
Evening
That evening I made a fire while Lisa cooked up some chicken burgers and green beans for dinner. We stayed outside until it got dark and then went inside to watch TV.