Although many people travel to the Ozarks in the summer, there are plenty of things to do during the winter. And you don’t need to spend all of your time indoors, although you can find numerous places to stay out of the cold if you desire. Find out about four ways you can enjoy the beauty found at this popular location that rests in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma.

1. Eagle Watching

From late December through early February, the Ozarks is the perfect location to watch eagles perching in large trees. Plan to head out early in the morning, and you might be able to see these majestic creatures flying and fishing.

In Springfield, Missouri, there’s an indoor program at the Springfield Conservation Center as well as decent spots to view the birds at the Springfield Boathouse and Marina. At nearby Bull Shoals Lake in Arkansas, walk along the Lakeside Trail for your best opportunity to spot a bald eagle. Visit during the second weekend in January for the annual bald eagle event. Other popular spots in Missouri are the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary near Alton, Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge near Sumner, and the Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge near Mound City.

2. Exploring Caves

Missouri is home to more than 6,300 registered caves, and the Ozarks are home to about 300 of them. No matter what the weather, the caves in the Ozarks are a great spot to explore because their temperatures hover around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Some caves worth checking out include the Fantastic Caverns in Springfield, Bridal Cave in Camdenton, Meramec Caverns in Stanton, and Talking Rocks Cavern in Branson West. 

3. Hiking

Winter in the Ozarks can exhibit cold winds and snow, and if you’re someone who loves the outdoors no matter what the season, hiking is the perfect opportunity to see some majestic vistas. Check out the 3,700-acre state-owned Ha Ha Tonka State Park during the winter, and hike along its 15 miles of hiking trails.

4. Wine Tasting

Missouri has a history of producing wine dating back to the 1880s, thanks to the influence of German immigrants. The area became known as “Missouri Rhineland,” but due to prohibition, and the growth of the California wine industry, Missouri saw a decrease in wine production.

However, over the past decade, Lake of the Ozarks has seen an increase in craft wineries.  There’s nothing better than pairing the stunning scenery with the perfect glass of wine and gourmet food. There are several wineries in the area where you can spend a weekend or an entire week sampling wine. The Lake of the Ozarks wine trail features six wineries, including Golden Rock Winery, Sugarloaf Vineyard, Casa de Loco Winery, Seven Springs Winery, Shawnee Bluff Winery, and Shawnee Bluff Vineyards.

Although the leaves have fallen off the trees and the days get shorter, winter shouldn’t prevent you from visiting the Ozarks. Don’t let the temperatures deter you, as you can explore many areas outdoors. Whether you’re seeking wildlife, exploring caves, getting some exercise and hiking, or enjoying a glass or two of wine, the Ozarks has you covered. The hardest part might be determining which place to visit first.

Image via Pixabay.com

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