Whass Up? – Our New Store Expansion!

After two summers of, “What are you building on the side of your store?” We are ready to do more than tell, it’s time to show! This winter, the crew at Ozark Outdoors is working hard to make this a reality! Estimates, measurements, meetings, drawings, and headaches have come and gone, but the plan is set, and we’re ready to rock and roll!

Whass Up? The foundation; a concrete slab covers the yard next to the store.

Eyes on the prize – The gentlemen of OORR can’t wait to see your face when you come to visit this summer. Our expansion will pave way for a more efficient check-in process, more store merchandise, and a more comfortable atmosphere at Ozark Outdoors. Even the dogs, our team mascots, help make sure everything measures up properly.


Whass Up? Walls of timber standing tall on the west side of the building to make way for the incoming addition.

The expansion is here ~ Stay tuned for continuous updates. Be part of the action, check back regularly, and watch our resort grow! It’s all because of you, our valued guests, we work hard so you and your family can escape and have fun!

Whass Up? Our appreciation. Without people who love nature as much as we do, we wouldn’t have friends to share it with. Thank you!

You can see these and more picture on our Facebook page.

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The 2009 Christmas Extravaganza Was A Huge Success!

With paths of garland and streams of lights outlining the Meramec Mercantile and Confluence Center, the Crew diligently put the finishing touches on this year’s Christmas Extravaganza. Though almost December, the temperatures neared 70, making conditions perfect for an afternoon float. Thirty-eight of Missouri’s finest Meramec River paddlers met here to embark on a 5 mile trip from Ozark Outdoors to Campbell Bridge. Believe it or not, while sitting on the bank snapping a few photos, swimsuits began to appear in November.
While the Indian sun was ripening their noses, turkeys were basting, rolls were rising and deserts were cooling, preparing to be a feast for many. Dozens of staff, customers, family and friends gathered around together and honored the blessing of the food, engaged in interesting fellowship, played a few games, shared stories of the year past and danced the night away!
Throughout the evening, a slideshow played reminding all who attended what a fantastic year we had. Every single person in the Confluence Center had made a difference to this industry. If you weren’t able to make it down for this year’s Extravaganza, then we encourage you to do your best to join us next year. Between a perfect float trip and a perfect dinner, the next best thing is to have you there with us!

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Our First Frost

For several weeks, Indian Summer has graced us with her warmth and beauty. However, it was only a matter of time before Cold would sneak in and nip our noses, allowing Frost to sting everything within reach. As chilly as Winter sounds, Summer can not compete with its dazzle and splendor.Surprised to find everything covered in white, I raced to work to catch a few still shots before the sun’s rays stole the blanket of diamonds. Walking through the fields was nothing short of a field of glitter. The sun and I both could not wait to reach down and touch Mother Nature’s riches.

Cold and Frost will continue to knock on our front doors for months ahead. Don’t ignore it; embrace it. Wrap yourself in warmth, fill up your thermos, put on an extra pair of socks, and welcome these friends with open arms.

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Marty's Legacy

We appreciate stories from customers who share our passion for the outdoors. One group in particular loved our surroundings, so they made it the spot for an annual memorial to their dear friend, Marty.



Marty was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed the sanctity of the Meramec River. He loved spending time with nature and rode his Harley every chance he got. He camped and floated during the summer and snuggled with loved ones next to campfires when fall chilled the night air.

This summer, Marty’s family and friends joined once again to honor his legacy. Twenty-three people from varied backgrounds came down for this special weekend. They arrived on Harleys and wore biker attire to celebrate Marty’s life. A brief memorial service by the Meramec River commemorated his impact on those present.


Afterwards, they enjoyed Marty’s favorite meal prepared by the Ozark Outdoor staff: fried chicken, corn, green beans and a dinner roll. They ended their evening huddled around a huge bonfire and shared memories of their beloved friend.


Marty’s spirit remains strong at Ozark Outdoors. He loved bright, summer days on the river and cool, starlit nights by the fire. If you visit Ozark Outdoors, you’ll find a black memorial ribbon hung on one of the front porch trusses, a ribbon of strength, friendship and love. The ribbon reminds us that one person can make a difference; Marty did.
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Deer Season Is Here!

6am – I woke up this morning, completely refreshed and ready to start moving. It’s opening day of rifle season, and I can’t be more excited! Although I can’t hunt today, I will definitely strap on my camouflage and join the adventure this week.

I passed several vehicles with passengers covered in orange from head to toe, only small pieces of camouflage showing. One gentleman was parked next to his trophy, grinning from ear to ear, as I passed by.

The drive to work reminded me of the vivid oranges I photographed just weeks before when the autumn leaves changed colors. Every hunter is required to be 1/3 covered in orange as a safety measure, and I’m extremely glad they follow those guidelines!

When I got to Ozark Outdoors, I wondered if any of the hunters I passed were camping and lodging with us. Around 10am, one of our customers, dressed in camouflage and bright orange, stopped in the office to show us the button buck he had just shot.

It makes me feel good to know we can provide a place for hunters to stay next to hundreds of Huzzah Conservation Area acres, free to anyone with a valid tag. It’s another way to enjoy the gift of nature’s bounty..

I invite you to spend your days in the sanctity of the outdoors and your evenings around a campfire. Share the story of the 30-pointer you saw, but couldn’t get the trigger set in time. Deer season is here at Ozark Outdoors; the coffee is hot, the cabins are warm, and orange abounds. Tell me your story, and I’ll tell you mine :-)

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The Sound of Music

Last night, clasps of thunder and rays of lightening filled the sky as the rain fell from the darkened clouds to quench the thirst of hundreds of miles of Ozark vegetation. The dry, humid air fell quickly to a chilly fog. It is funny how everyone seems to sleep better when it’s raining, but why is this so common? Is it because the sound of heavy wind mixed with a reoccurring pattern of water droplets reminds us of a soft lullaby? Is it because the smell of fresh rain and crisp, clean air threads comfort through our veins? The natural music of nature is so unique that no other song can compare.

As I was listening to the rain slowly dissipate around 6am this morning, I couldn’t help but compare each sound to the instrument in a band; the water droplets a steady drum, the wind a multitude of strings, the dissolving crashes of thunder an unexpected guitar. Each sound had its specific purpose. Kind of makes you think, doesn’t it?


It’s nice to be able to wear a long sleeved shirt to work and not have to roll up your sleeves halfway through the day. Now that the heat wave of the summer is finally over, the warmth of a sweatshirt is finally comfortable. Soon everyone will be trading in their flip flops and tank tops for flannel shirts and boots, but that doesn’t mean our outdoor fun is over. Snuggle up next to someone you love in front of a warm campfire, fill your thermos with hot chocolate, and take a late-night hayride. The comforting music of the outdoors will keep you satisfied throughout the year.

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The Sun Might Be Beautiful, but Boy Does She Sting!

As the water falls and temperatures climb, my sun soaked skin thirsts for high SPF block in Leasburg. Finally....clear water, blue skies and hot temps at Ozark Outdoors...YES!

My entire body needs color, but I know the dangers of UVA and UVB rays, so I'm taking precautions with good sunscreen and plenty of it. My white legs need blush, but hold the red please. I want a tan, but it's not worth the long-term damage to get it, so pass the sun screen and I'll slather it on!

I love the sun's positive effects like warmth, light and immunity boosting vitamin D3 synthesis in my body. Sunshine also enhances my mood and kills pathogens. Finding the happy-medium between healthy sunlight and damaging UV rays makes me a happy camper.

It's going to be a scorcher this weekend, so cover up and cool off at the river. A golden glow is the finishing touch to a great outdoors experience!

This past weekend, I witnessed dozens and dozens of floaters and campers with skin-damaging sun burns, and it reminds me how precious our skin is. We were given our skin to protect our bodies, and when our skin is damaged, our bodies are vulnerable to damage. My teeth cringe and my skin tightens when I see all of those sunburns!

So take care of your skin this summer! I hope to see you soon!