This article is presented in partnership with Benton County Tourism and Recreation.

Home to Truman Lake and the Osage Arm of Lake of the Ozarks, Benton County is a dream destination where opportunities for exploration and adventure are but a short drive from the hustle and bustle of the big city. From cruising beautiful back country roads to boating, fishing, kayaking, and waterskiing on more than one-hundred-thousand surface acres on two of Missouri’s largest lakes, adventures on land and water can be had. 

On land, hiking, biking, and ATV parks call to those looking for firm-footed fun. Altogether, Truman State Park, Drake Harbor Recreational Trails, Truman Lake Mountain Bike and Hiking Park, the Butterfield Overland Stagecoach Route, and large ATV parks ensure landlubbers don’t run out of acres on which to enjoy their favorite sports. If golfing is the goal, Triple Creek Golf Course in Cole Camp and Shawnee Bend Golf Course in Warsaw offer breathtaking Ozarks views while chasing the golf ball across the greenways.


On water, anglers seek out crappie and bass on Truman Lake (some of the best fishing for those species in the country), and Lake of the Ozarks is known for its watersports like boating and waterskiing, along with its 1,100 miles of shoreline and public beaches.

If indoors are sought-after locales, explore the dozens of thrift stores, antique malls, flea markets, quilt shops, and boutiques found throughout Benton County in small towns like Cole Camp, Lincoln, and Warsaw. The downtown areas in these burgs are historic and have a charm all their own. The Lost Valley Fish Hatchery along with the Truman Visitors Center and Pioneer Village offer unique history lessons as well. Take time to grab a bite to eat at any of the one-of-a-kind, family-owned dining establishments.

Whether the adventure destination is on land or on water, outdoors or indoors, Benton County has myriad choices that focus on local adventure for the seeker in us all.