Marina
Memorial Day weekend usually marks a major uptick in outdoor recreation across Missouri, especially at lakes like the Lake of the Ozarks.
But this year, cool and wet weather significantly reduced lake traffic, creating a noticeably quieter and safer holiday for the region.
Weather Dampens Lake Activity Across Missouri
The unofficial start of summer typically draws thousands to Missouri’s lakes for boating, fishing, and swimming. However, in Sunrise Beach and the Lake of the Ozarks area, weather conditions deterred visitors.
- Temperatures remained cooler than average throughout the weekend.
- Persistent rain showers limited outdoor activities.
- The water temperature was warmer than the air, but that didn’t stop many from avoiding boat launches and docks.
While some visitors were still seen enjoying drier areas near Bagnell Dam, overall traffic was far lighter than normal for the holiday.
Boating Activity and Safety Reports
Fewer visitors led to fewer boating accidents and injuries, marking a safer start to the summer boating season. The Missouri State Highway Patrol closely monitors activity over Memorial Day weekends and compares yearly reports.
Here’s a comparison table of boating-related incidents:
| Memorial Day Weekend | Boating Incidents | Injuries Reported | Fatalities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 (as of last update) | 0 | 1 (prior to weekend)* |
*The only reported fatal incident was the drowning of a 14-year-old boy on May 16, which occurred before the official weekend reporting period began.
As of now, no major boat crashes or injuries have been logged for the current weekend, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s ongoing Memorial Day reporting period, which concludes at 11:59 p.m. Monday.
Impact on Local Businesses and Tourism
While the cooler weather contributed to a safer weekend on the water, it also meant lower revenue for businesses that rely on Memorial Day tourism.
- Boat rental companies, marinas, and lakeside restaurants reported fewer customers than usual.
- Hotels and vacation rentals also saw last-minute cancellations due to the forecast.
Some businesses near Lake of the Ozarks reported a 30% decline in traffic compared to Memorial Day weekend in 2024.
Still, many business owners remain optimistic, noting that better weather in the weeks ahead may encourage a strong rebound in lake activity.
Community and Visitor Reactions
Visitors who did brave the weather expressed mixed reactions:
- Some families found quiet lake spots relaxing and appreciated the reduced crowd.
- Others were disappointed by the lack of boat activity and opted for indoor events or early departures.
Local residents near Sunrise Beach and Osage Beach noted how calm the roads and docks were, which contrasts sharply with the usual Memorial Day surge.
Full Safety Report Expected Soon
The Missouri State Highway Patrol will release a complete report of traffic crashes, boating accidents, and other Memorial Day-related incidents by Tuesday.
Authorities remain hopeful that the cool, damp weather will contribute to record-low accident numbers for the holiday weekend.
Cool, rainy weather may have dampened plans, but it also delivered a noticeably safer Memorial Day weekend across Missouri lakes.
With fewer boats on the water and reduced crowds, the start of the 2025 summer season has been quiet, cautious, and calm for lake communities.