Tan-Tar-A at Lake of the Ozarks

A Legendary Resort Reimagined

For decades, few names have been more recognizable at Lake of the Ozarks than Tan-Tar-A.

Generations of families vacationed here, conferences filled its meeting rooms, golfers challenged its fairways, and countless visitors made lifelong memories overlooking the waters of the Grand Glaize Arm. While the property has evolved over the years, its influence on the Lake of the Ozarks remains undeniable.

Today, the former Tan-Tar-A Resort has entered a new chapter as Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks, blending the property's rich history with modern amenities and a fresh resort experience. Even so, longtime locals still refer to the area simply as "Tan-Tar-A."

Whether you're planning a vacation, considering a nearby home, or simply exploring the Lake of the Ozarks region, the Tan-Tar-A area remains one of the lake's premier destinations for recreation, entertainment, and resort living.

Community Snapshot

Location: Osage Beach, Missouri

County: Camden County

Known For

• Margaritaville Lake Resort

• Former Tan-Tar-A Resort

• Championship golf

• Indoor water park

• Waterfront accommodations

• Lakefront dining

• Family vacations

• Conference and convention facilities

Best For

• Vacationers

• Families

• Golf enthusiasts

• Boaters

• Weekend getaways

• Resort-style living

• Investment property owners

A Brief History

The story of Tan-Tar-A began in the 1960s when developers envisioned a destination unlike anything else at Lake of the Ozarks. Rather than simply building another hotel, they created a full-service resort complete with lodging, golf, restaurants, marina access, conference facilities, and family entertainment.

For decades, Tan-Tar-A became one of the Midwest's premier vacation destinations. Families returned year after year, businesses held conferences overlooking the lake, and golfers traveled from across the country to experience its courses.

In 2018, the property began a new era when it became Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks. Extensive renovations modernized the resort while preserving the location that had made Tan-Tar-A famous for generations.

Today, although the name has changed, many longtime residents and visitors still affectionately refer to the surrounding area as Tan-Tar-A.

Where Is Tan-Tar-A?

The Tan-Tar-A area is located along the Grand Glaize Arm of Lake of the Ozarks in Osage Beach.

Approximate driving times include:

• Osage Beach shopping district – 10 minutes

• Lake Ozark – 20 minutes

• Camdenton – 25 minutes

• Village of Four Seasons – 20 minutes

• Bagnell Dam Strip – 20 minutes

Its central location places guests and homeowners close to many of the lake's most popular attractions while maintaining the relaxed atmosphere of a waterfront resort.

Why People Love the Tan-Tar-A Area

Few places around Lake of the Ozarks offer the same combination of recreation, convenience, and scenery.

Visitors appreciate:

• Beautiful waterfront views

• Resort amenities

• Family-friendly activities

• Championship golf

• Boating opportunities

• Easy access to shopping and restaurants

• Year-round entertainment

For many families, a vacation to Tan-Tar-A has become a tradition spanning multiple generations.

Margaritaville Lake Resort

Today, the centerpiece of the area is Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks.

The resort offers a wide variety of amenities, including:

• Hotel accommodations

• Lakefront suites

• Vacation rentals

• Indoor water park

• Outdoor pools

• Bowling alley

• Arcade

• Spa services

• Fitness center

• Marina access

• Multiple restaurants and bars

• Live entertainment

• Meeting and event facilities

Whether you're visiting for a weekend or an extended vacation, it's designed to provide everything needed for a complete lake experience.

Golf

Golf has always been part of the Tan-Tar-A experience.

The nearby The Oaks Golf Course, originally designed by Bruce Devlin and Robert von Hagge, remains one of the premier public courses at Lake of the Ozarks.

Players enjoy:

• Rolling Ozark terrain

• Mature hardwood forests

• Elevation changes

• Challenging layouts

• Beautiful scenery

It's consistently recognized as one of Missouri's top golf destinations.

Lake Life

Being located directly on Lake of the Ozarks means the water is never far away.

Popular activities include:

• Boating

• Fishing

• Jet skiing

• Paddleboarding

• Kayaking

• Swimming

• Sunset cruises

• Dockside dining

Several marinas and rental companies make it easy for visitors to enjoy the lake, even if they don't own a boat.

Restaurants & Entertainment

The Tan-Tar-A area offers dining options for nearly every occasion.

Visitors will find:

• Casual lakefront restaurants

• Resort dining

• Bars with live music

• Family-friendly cafés

• Poolside food and drinks

• Nearby waterfront restaurants accessible by boat

Combined with Osage Beach's extensive restaurant scene just minutes away, guests have countless options throughout their stay.

Nearby Attractions

One of the biggest advantages of staying in the Tan-Tar-A area is its proximity to many of the lake's most popular attractions.

Nearby you'll find:

• Lake of the Ozarks State Park

• Bridal Cave

• Ha Ha Tonka State Park

• Bagnell Dam Strip

• Big Surf Waterpark site

• Shopping in Osage Beach

• Multiple wineries and golf courses

Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure or indoor entertainment, there's something nearby for every age.

Resort Living & Real Estate

The area surrounding Tan-Tar-A includes a wide variety of housing options.

Buyers will find:

• Waterfront condominiums

• Resort villas

• Vacation rentals

• Lakefront homes

• Golf course properties

• Investment opportunities

• Full-time residences

Many owners enjoy the flexibility of using their property personally while also generating rental income, where permitted by applicable regulations and association rules.

What Locals Know

Longtime residents still call it Tan-Tar-A.

The name carries decades of memories.

Family vacations.

Business conferences.

Wedding receptions.

Golf weekends.

Summer evenings overlooking the lake.

While today's visitors may know it as Margaritaville, locals understand that the history of Tan-Tar-A helped shape tourism at Lake of the Ozarks into what it is today.

It's more than a resort.

It's part of the lake's story.

Hidden Gems

Spend enough time exploring the area and you'll discover:

• Quiet walking paths overlooking the lake.

• Scenic overlooks throughout the resort property.

• Less crowded coves nearby for kayaking and paddleboarding.

• Beautiful fall colors surrounding the golf course.

• Excellent sunrise views across the Grand Glaize Arm.

• Easy access to one of Missouri's largest state parks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tan-Tar-A still open?

The original Tan-Tar-A Resort has been redeveloped as Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks. While the name has changed, the property continues to operate as one of the lake's premier resort destinations.

Is the area still called Tan-Tar-A?

Yes. Many longtime residents, visitors, and even local businesses still refer to the surrounding area as Tan-Tar-A because of its decades-long history.

Can you stay at Tan-Tar-A without owning property?

Absolutely. The resort offers hotel rooms, suites, vacation rentals, and a variety of accommodations for overnight guests.

Is the Tan-Tar-A area a good place to buy real estate?

Many buyers are drawn to the area because of its central location, resort amenities, lake access, golf, and strong appeal to both vacationers and full-time residents.

Final Thoughts

Few places have shaped the identity of Lake of the Ozarks like Tan-Tar-A.

Although the resort has evolved into Margaritaville Lake Resort, its legacy continues through the generations of families who return year after year, the golfers who still challenge its fairways, and the visitors who discover why this corner of Osage Beach has remained one of the lake's most beloved destinations.

Whether you're planning a family vacation, considering a vacation home, or simply exploring the history of Lake of the Ozarks, the Tan-Tar-A area remains one of the region's true landmarks—a place where memories have been made for decades and where new traditions continue to begin.

Search Homes at Tan-Tar-A

Search current listings at Tan-Tar-A here.

Explore More Lake of the Ozarks Communities

Return to the Lake of the Ozarks Knowledge Base. Also see: Tan-Tar-A Estates and the broader Osage Beach area.

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