Sky-high scenes
From the winding shorelines of Missouri’s most famous lake to the ruins of a 20th-century castle, helicopter tours over Lake of the Ozarks offer visitors a bird’s-eye view of both nature and nostalgia — and a taste of adrenaline in between.
The buzz begins at the AIRO - Lake Ozark launch pad near Bagnell Dam, where a series of flights lift passengers up and out over the Lake.
For $45, the Shorty Hop Tour delivers a quick thrill, whisking riders along a three-mile route over the Bagnell Dam and the historic strip below. It’s just enough to get a taste of the sky and snap a few dramatic selfies, but most riders are back on the ground in less than five minutes.
Farther afield, the Bagnell Dam Tour ($75) stretches to 12 miles, showcasing sweeping views of Million Dollar Row, the Grand Glaize Bridge and Porto Cima’s pristine golf courses.
Nature lovers may opt for the State Park Tour, a 19-mile journey ($125) along the untouched shorelines of Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Red Head Lakeside Grill and Performance Boat Center make cameos along the flight path, while bald eagles occasionally glide alongside. Passengers also catch aerial views of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville resort — a landmark that blends laid-back luxury with lake life charm.
For those who want it all, the Ultimate Lake Ozark Tour ($185) delivers 25 miles of high-flying highlights. This tour loops around Four Seasons, Shady Gators, Margaritaville and other iconic waterfront establishments before circling back past the lake’s winding arms.
But for a full-blown aerial adventure — and a history lesson — there’s the Ha Ha Tonka Deluxe Tour. At 50 miles and $285, this flight combines the Ultimate Tour with a visit to the skies above Ha Ha Tonka State Park. The ruins of the once-grand stone castle, which date back to 1905, loom large from above. To bump the flight up a notch, book during sunset and experience the tour during golden hour — perfect for all the helicopter selfies.
Whether it’s five minutes or 50, these helicopter tours invite locals and visitors alike to trade dockside views for sky-high perspectives — and discover just how much more the Lake of the Ozarks has to offer when seen from above.
