OSAGE BEACH, Mo. — The City of Osage Beach has officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks to construct a multi-use single track trail that will span both City and state park lands, promoting hiking and mountain biking opportunities in the region.
This cooperative agreement outlines a shared vision to enhance recreational access and connect key outdoor areas, including Osage Beach City Park and Lake of the Ozarks State Park. It represents a major milestone in a long-term plan to develop approximately 70 miles of world-class recreational trails in the Lake of the Ozarks region.
“This partnership demonstrates our mutual commitment to improving recreational amenities for our residents and visitors,” said City Administrator Devin Lake. “It also aligns with our goal to further propel Osage Beach and Lake of the Ozarks as a premier outdoor destination, while supporting economic growth through tourism.”
The project, a collaboration among state, municipal, and local stakeholders, advanced with key support from Osage Beach Alderman Phyllis Marose and Missouri District 123 Representative Jeff Vernetti.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding to see this project come to life through strong collaboration and community dedication,” said Marose.
“This project is a great example of what we can achieve when state, municipal, and local partners work together,” said Vernetti. “I’m proud to support initiatives like this that invest in our parks, enhance community spaces, and improve quality of life.”
Two-Mile Trail to Open in Spring 2026
The new trail, to be designed in accordance with U.S. Forest Service standards for Class II single track bicycle trails, will be constructed and maintained by the Osage Beach Parks and Recreation, with support from Magic Dragon Trails volunteers, led by Jan and Stacy Pyrtle. The Pyrtles first approached the City three years ago with a proposal to incorporate a trail into the park, and their continued support has been instrumental in bringing this project to life.
The proposed trail will be approximately two miles long, looping around the perimeter of Osage Beach City Park and connecting to the Dragon Hatchery Disc Golf Course (see attached map; the proposed path has not been finalized and is subject to modification). About a quarter-mile section of the trail will cross land owned by Missouri DNR.
“We believe this is actually 4 miles of trail,” Stacy Pyrtle noted in an email to LakeExpo, “because biking, hiking or running a trail in reverse makes for a totally different trail experience.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in late fall or early winter of 2025, with a grand opening anticipated in Spring 2026.
Pyrtle provided two more updates in addition to Osage Beach’s trail announcement:
First we have begun preliminary discussions with the Lake of the Ozarks Council of Local Government Traffic Advisory Committee to add bike lanes along a four mile section of Hwy MM basically from 242 to Woodrow Way on both sides of the road. Since this road already has car-width shoulders, no blind curves and no steep grade increases we feel it will be an asset to the area. This would be in conjunction with the planned resurfacing of Hwy MM in 2027. It also leads into about 50 miles of residential streets in Porta Cima that have lower traffic flow and beautiful views. Many bikers and runners are already using this area so having designated bike lanes improves safety for all users.
We also are very close to having the final easements completed for another trail on property owned by Duenke Real Estate Holdings off Three Seasons Rd and Nichols Rd. This will also be a single-track trail perfect for biking, hiking and running. This trail was professionally designed and has at most a five percent grade increase or decrease. We are extremely appreciative of the Duenke family’s generosity in working with us on this partnership. The vision of Magic Dragon Trails is to connect the entire Lake area with safe multi-modal transportation options for family-friendly recreational opportunities and increased year-round tourism.
Osage Beach Enhances City Park Through Community Partnership
“The trail project is the latest amenity to be announced at Osage Beach City Park, made possible by the vision and leadership of Osage Beach Parks and Recreation Department—led by Parks Manager Eric Gregory—and the commitment of local volunteers who have donated time and resources to enhance local parks,” the City stated in a press release.
Over the past month, City Park has been abuzz with activity. The new Dragon Hatchery Disc Golf Course, designed by volunteer Gary Braman, officially opened. Two sand volleyball courts were revitalized and reopened through a partnership with Lake of the Ozarks Volleyball.
In addition, Osage Beach Public Works, with support from the Osage Beach Special Road District, spearheaded the paving of Hatchery Road through City Park down to the Osage Beach Lowe’s Bark Park parking lot, vastly improving access to the popular amenity, which opened in Fall 2024. The dog park has benefited from recent upgrades including shaded pavilions and pet agility obstacles.
The City added, “Together, these enhancements are part of a broader effort to expand high-quality outdoor recreation in the Lake area, promoting healthy lifestyles and boosting tourism.”
