Illustration by James Gulliver Hancock

Let’s get the heartbreaking news out of the way: Netflix’s Ozark isn’t actually filmed in the Ozarks (also known as the Ozark Mountains or the Ozark Plateau, which stretches throughout Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma) despite the fact that the majority of the series takes place in Osage Beach, Missouri, on the Lake of the Ozarks. Some shots of the iconic location are used, of course, but most of the IRL filming occurs in Georgia. (The state often gives generous tax breaks to big TV/film productions, which is why many choose to work there.) Locals know there is beauty to be uncovered in the Ozarks, and — if you suspend disbelief just enough — you’ll note that Georgia makes for a pretty convincing Missouri. But more than that, you should totally go to the Ozarks on your next vacation and bask in its beauty as soon as you can. It’s a dream.

So, in honor of Ozark’s final season, here’s a traveler’s guide to the Ozarks. It’s a beautiful place, especially without the cartels.

Hit up the Lake of the Ozarks.

Without question, the No. 1 destination in the Ozarks is the Lake of the Ozarks at the Osage River in Missouri. You can fish. You can engage in a variety of water sports, like tubing and water skiing. You can rent a boat and hire someone else to drive while you kick back and drink a few brews with your friends. You can dine lakeside or live the leisure life at a wellness spa. The possibilities are endless.

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Specifically, check out the Alhonna Resort & Marina.

The resort frequently seen on the show is based on a very real place: the Alhonna Resort & Marina, where, according to Men’s Health, show creator Bill Dubuque once worked as a dockhand. It was the ’80s then, but it’s 2022 now, and there’s so much to do: utilize the private sandy beach and indoor pools and hot tub; play pool in the recreation rooms; light up a lakeside fire pit on a cool summer night; or rent a boat. You’ve seen the show; you get it. Boats!

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Definitely see the Bagnell Dam.

Here’s a quick history lesson: The Lake of the Ozarks is one of America’s largest man-made lakes, a direct result of the creation of the Bagnell Dam, built by the Union Electric Light and Power Company of St. Louis between 1929 and 1931. It’s a massive sight to be seen for the Americana buffs among us, but also for the whole family. The Bagnell Dam strip is full of fun stuff like shopping, escape rooms, pubs, arcades, salons and more. There’s even Marty Byrde’s Bar & Grill — a must-visit for the biggest Ozark fans.

Don’t miss the drive-in.

Who doesn’t love a drive-in? Remember when Ben Davis and Jonah Byrde tracked Ruth Langmore to a cash drop-off at a drive-in theater in Season 3, Episode 6? Well, that was actually filmed at the Starlight Drive-In Theatre in Atlanta, but not too far away from the lake in Cuba, Missouri, is the 19 Drive-In. Visiting it is like stepping back in time.

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Or, you know, just take a scenic drive!

There’s no way to oversell it. The Ozarks are breathtaking. Just take a long drive and see for yourself. Highway 165 in Branson will take you by the Dewey Short Visitors Center, Moonshine Beach and Table Rock State Park.If you’ve got 30 miles in you, the Blue Buck Knob Scenic Byway will take you past the Noblett Lake Recreation Area, and the Sugar Camp Scenic Byway will take you by the Roaring River State Park and the Sugar Camp National Forest. There’s so much natural beauty to discover.

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BONUS: Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins, anyone?

Okay, so this one isn’t on the show, but it’s too good to skip. The Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins are just too fascinating to miss. In 1905, a rich guy from Kansas City named Robert Snyder began construction on a European-style mansion (complete with imported stone from the continent) in his home state of Missouri after acquiring 5,000 acres of land. Tragically, he died in a car crash the following year, unable to see his project through. His sons, in their grief, finished the castle by 1920 only to have their familial wealth depleted, according to Atlas Obscura, due to lawsuits. Eventually the mansion was turned into a hotel and lodge, until it was destroyed by a fire in 1942. This astonishing bit of American folklore is just a 12-minute drive from the lake, and you won’t regret swinging by.

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