Old Kinderhook Resort, Lake of the Ozarks, MO: Relax & Renew

In the 19th century, this pristine acreage of Old Kinderhook Resort in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri was a cattle ranch. Thanks to pro-golfer turned golf course architect, Tom Weiskopf, who recognized golf course potential in the landscape, Old Kinderhook Resort includes the 18-hole, par 71 course Weiskopf designed. Instead of being in a separate location from the resort’s buildings, the course is an integral part of the resort’s scenery.

More About Old Kinderhook Resort

Weiskopf, who passed away in 2022, incorporated many of the area’s natural features into the course. I am not a golfer, but that didn’t matter. The resort’s views are stunning, and the resort has plenty to offer for non-golfers like me. Plus, there’s much to take in nearby thanks to its Lake of the Ozarks location.

Located on the 12-mile marker on Big Niangua part of the lake in Camdenton, Missouri, the resort includes an 84-guest room lodge and several 1-to-2-bedroom cottages and a couple of 5-bedroom houses. The vacation rental cottages are along winding roads in the midst of other properties and homes with permanent owners. Woods are very much a part of the resort, which gives the feeling of being on a country estate. I took a walk along the road the night I stayed to work off dinner and saw a few deer in the shadows. Only two cars passed me.

There are hiking trails on Old Kinderhook’s property. Other ways to get in some exercise in addition to golf and a hike are to head to the seasonal outdoor pool or the year-round indoor pool, plus the fitness center. If you are traveling with others, play a game of volleyball at the sand volleyball court. There are two of those.

Other Places to Visit Near Old Kinderhook Resort at Lake of the Ozarks

Or head off the property to Montego Bay and Marina Resort, where you can rent a pontoon or a fishing boat along with water skis, paddle boards, and more. If you have your own boat, Old Kinderhook does have a boat ramp, boat trailer parking, and boat plug-ins.

For some adventure, go on a Bridal Cave tour. It’s about a 15-minute drive from the resort. Or, if you do have a boat, head there. It’s the one cave in Lake of the Ozarks accessible by water. I drove and thoroughly enjoyed the guided tour through the cave. Also worth a visit is Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Here, I kayaked, hiked, and walked the trails around the ruins of the stone castle started by Robert McClure Snyder Sr. in the early 1900s and finished by his son in 1922. A fire destroyed it in 1942, but the ruins are still impressive. Plus, the view of the lake from the castle’s ruins is wonderful.

Guest Rooms

Rooms in the lodge are a combination of a king-sized bed with a sleeper sofa, or two queen beds. I stayed in the one king bed version. The furnishings and decor reflect a country manor estate. The sofa bed couch is leather. The bed’s headboard bears the stately Old Kinderhook Resort logo, and framed photographs are of Lake of the Ozarks scenes. A rich, dark-toned wood desk, dresser, floor lamps, and coffee table add to the room’s classic feel. To head outside, the sliding glass door leads to a patio and access to the pool and the grounds.

Everything one needs for a comfortable stay is included. A large flat screen TV, iron and ironing board, luggage rack, microwave, coffee maker, refrigerator, hair dryer, and toiletries are part of the room’s amenities. The bathroom’s granite countertop vanity with copper fixtures fits the rest of the room’s style.

Other Parts of the Lodge

If you need to get steps in but don’t want to go outside, walk through the resort. I walked through the resort for this reason. Throughout, you’ll notice several photographs and paintings of Ozark scenes, mostly of the surrounding natural beauty.

To hang out, there are spaces near the reception and in The Hearth Room with its impressive stone fireplace. The Trophy Room, the lodge’s fine dining restaurant, serves up burgers you can craft from a substantial topping list. Add an order of Caesar salad to dishes like Filet Mignon and Cognac Lobster Ravioli.

For a more casual dining option, head to The Hook Cafe. We went here for breakfast, where I enjoyed breakfast tacos. This is a grab-and-go type of eatery connected to the golf shop.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to check out the resort’s Old Kinderhook Driftwood Spa. The spa offers facials and head treatments in addition to massages.

Room rates currently start at $169 at Hotels.com. Check out Expedia.com as well. However, if you book from the Old Kinderhook Resort and Golf Club website, check out the promotions page for package deals.

Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.

My stay at Old Kinderhook and admission to Bridal Cave were courtesy of the resort and the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitors Bureau as part of a post-conference trip for the Midwest Travel Journalists Association. As always, my opinions are my own.