Best Things to Do in the Ozarks in June and July
June in the Ozarks doesn’t follow a formula. It shifts between quiet trails, thumping concert nights, and misty caves. Not to mention, the small-town fairs that are still a big deal. Whether you’re the kind of traveler who packs hiking boots or flip-flops (or both), this list is your go-to guide for making the most of mid-to-late June. We’ve mixed in adventures with one-time events this month, so you’ll find everything from castle ruins and float trips to duck races and outdoor movies.
Every entry is just a real way to enjoy summer in one of Missouri’s most inviting regions.
Rent a Pontoon and Drift Wherever the Water Takes You
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You don’t really need boating skills. But make sure to pack sunscreen and a snack stash. Renting a pontoon at Lake of the Ozarks is easy, and cruising into a quiet cove or anchoring near a floating bar is the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon. It is fun and exciting at its best.
Watch Speedboats Break Records at the Shootout (June 21)
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This isn’t your average lake day. The XInsurance Shootout sends powerboats zooming across Lake of the Ozarks at over 200 mph. Docks, decks, and shorelines fill with fans. Even if you don’t follow racing, it’s hard not to get hooked.
Hike to a Crumbled Mansion at Ha Ha Tonka
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Castle ruins on a bluff? Yep. Ha Ha Tonka State Park is part fairy tale, part geology lesson. Walk through forest trails to find a stone shell of a once-grand mansion, plus caves, springs, and views that stretch for days.
Slide Through Volcanic Rock at Johnson’s Shut-Ins
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This isn’t a waterpark. It just acts like one. Here, you can swim, climb, or slide through natural chutes carved into billion-year-old volcanic rock. It’s free, refreshing, and surprisingly wild. Just bring water shoes because you’ll want them once you’re scrambling across the rocks.
Graze Your Way Through Taste of SoMo (June 21)
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All you need is to get that one ticket for endless flavor. Sample bites from Springfield’s top restaurants and cast your vote for the best. It’s held outside at Mother’s Brewing Company, so expect live music, full bellies, and more food envy than you’ll admit out loud.
Join the Juneteenth Celebrations (June 19 & 21)
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Springfield’s Juneteenth events combine history, live music, speakers, and local food into two powerful days. One’s at Founders Park, the other at the Expo Center. Both honor freedom and culture, and make room for reflection, celebration, and really good barbecue.
Float the Niangua with No Real Plan
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There’s nothing like spending the day letting the current do the work. The Niangua River is calm and perfect for canoes, kayaks, or tubes. Expect gravel bars, tree tunnels, and plenty of “did we bring enough snacks?” moments along the way.
Hike Missouri’s Tallest Peak (Without Breaking a Sweat)
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Taum Sauk Mountain may not be as dramatic as it sounds, but it is Missouri’s highest point. The real reward, though, is the Mina Sauk Falls. It’s a rocky, photo-worthy cascade just down the trail. Bring water and enjoy the bragging rights with minimal uphill effort.
Camp Next to the Eleven Point River
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Now that’s a place where you wouldn’t mind ditching the Wi-Fi (that is, if you find one)—and that’s kind of the point. The Eleven Point River is remote and lined with perfect campsites. Paddle by day, roast marshmallows by night, and fall asleep to the sound of the river doing its thing.
Bet on a Rubber Duck at the Sertoma Duck Race (June 20–21)
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Thousands of yellow ducks take over the Finley River for this quirky race. Grab a numbered duck, cross your fingers, and enjoy pie contests, car shows, and a carnival vibe while your plastic racer drifts toward eternal (or at least local) glory.
Hit the Stover Fair for Rides and Tractor Pulls (June 18–21)
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This fair has the energy of a town reunion and the scent of funnel cake in the air. Come for the tractor pulls and Ferris wheel, stay for the live music, livestock, and snacks you can’t name but definitely want to eat.
Watch The Wild Robot Under the Stars (June 27)
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Jordan Valley Park becomes an open-air theater for this family-friendly screening. Pack a blanket, grab some snacks, and kick back as Springfield gathers for a low-key movie night under the summer sky. It’s a perfect place for grownups to relax and kids to have fun—it’s a win all around.
Get Lost in Mark Twain National Forest (Not Literally)
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Sprawled across southern Missouri, this forest hides springs, hiking trails, and secret swimming spots you will be pleasantly surprised to discover. You can hike, camp, or just drive until you find a place that feels right. It’s the kind of forest that rewards wandering and rewards you for slowing down.
Cruise Route 66 and Collect Roadside Stories
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The Ozarks stretch of Route 66 is full of old diners, neon signs, and attractions that are more “why not?” than “must-see.” Stop anyway. Make sure to take a photo of that giant rocking chair. And the pie? Well, you won’t regret it. Nostalgia tastes good out here.
Dig Through Antique Shops Without a Plan
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In Ozark or Springfield, you’ll find malls and markets packed with vintage everything—from old records to weird lamps that probably still work. It’s browsing at its best: low pressure, high curiosity, and the occasional, “Wait… do I need this?”
Catch a Local Musical and Sing in Your Head
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Springfield’s theaters go all-in this month with Disaster! (a 1970s disaster spoof) and Oklahoma! (prairie drama and all). Whether you love musicals or just like watching people burst into song for no reason, these shows hit all the right notes.
Watch the Sky Change from a Lake Dock
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There’s a quiet kind of magic in watching the sun slip behind the trees while water laps against the dock. No big moment or soundtrack. Just golden light, still air, and a feeling that maybe this is what summer’s for.
Follow the Petroglyph Trail at Washington State Parks
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Carved into stone bluffs, these ancient symbols connect you to people who lived here long before highways and float trips. The trail is short, the carvings are real, and the views over the Big River are worth the detour.
Ride the Two Rivers Trails on Two Wheels
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Just south of Highlandville, Two Rivers Mountain Bike Park offers 400 acres of switchbacks, creek crossings, and scenic loops. It’s free, rider-built, and open to all levels. Whether you’re coasting or crushing, it’s a great way to burn off some BBQ.
Wander Through Wonders of Wildlife
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Yes, it’s connected to a Bass Pro, but don’t let that fool you. This place is huge. Walk through underwater tunnels, watch penguins waddle, and learn more about sea life than you expected. It’s both a zoo and an aquarium that offers a fully immersive experience.