With the price of gas going up and up, the family vacation is getting cut for many would-be travelers.

That scenic drive to Yosemite or east to Maine seems too cost prohibitive. But rather than stay home, why not take a look at one site in Missouri that is a popular tourist attraction with those coming from out of state?

“We are one tank of gas away for 6 million people in the United States,” says Tim Jacobsen, executive director of the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitors Bureau. (The lake is located about 192 miles southeast of St. Joseph.)

Centrally located in the heart of Missouri, the Lake of the Ozarks is a playground for those who want to shop, golf and, of course, get out on the water.

Both Mr. Jacobsen and Rebecca Green, public relations manager with the Lake of the Ozarks Tri County Lodging Association, assert that there is something for everyone at the lake.

“There’s enough shoreline and water for everyone,” Ms. Green says.

The Lake of the Ozarks was created when Bagnell Dam was built in 1931 and, at one time, it was the largest man-made lake in the world, according to the Lake of the Ozarks CVB Web site, www.funlake.com. The 54,000-acre lake features more than 1,100 miles of shoreline. Since it is privately developed, vacationers often can go from their lodgings directly to their boats. About half of the area’s 200 restaurants also offer docking for those with boats, Mr. Jacobsen says.

Boaters, whether looking to ski or fish, can bring their own craft or can rent one from an array of marinas in the area. Many of the resorts also feature marinas.

If you have a large group, then you can rent a houseboat and cruise the lake. Ms. Green says that the houseboats are popular with families, as well as the girls- or guys-only weekends.

If you’re feeling a little bold, you can try parasailing at the Lake of the Ozarks, as well. While pulled behind a boat, you’ll be lifted into the air for a bird’s eye view of the lake.

If you prefer to stay on the water rather than above it, then check out the Aquatic Trail. Located in the Lake of the Ozarks State Park, the Aquatic Trail is a nine-mile trail that features 14 stops (marked by orange buoys). For more information, call (573) 348-2694.

Boat over to Bridal Cave in Camdenton, Mo., for a little offshore fun. The cave offers a marina that features slips for all types of boats. For more information, log on to www.bridalcave.com or call (573) 346-2676.

While the water is the main draw for the lake, sometimes all those speed boaters, water skiers, wake boarders or wave runners can make you wish for a little retreat. That’s especially true for families.

“You can take your boat into a quiet cove,” Ms. Green says.

You also can visit the lake during the week and not on the weekends, both she and Mr. Jacobsen add.

Of course, the Lake of the Ozarks isn’t only the domain of the boaters, it also is a draw for fisherman. Sink a line and try to catch a largemouth bass, white bass or hybrid striped bass as well as catfish, crappie and walleye. Ms. Green says that the lake plays host to several fishing tournaments.

“I have personally been on the lake in the middle of winter crappie fishing,” she says.

Whether it’s fishing or pleasure boating, visitors also can find special packages, Mr. Jacobsen says, and many of the packages include gas incentives. Some of the lodges and businesses also are using gas incentives to attract visitors, he adds. For a listing, log on to www.funlake.com or call (800) FUN-LAKE ((800) 386-5253.) for a free vacation guide.

Perhaps it’s time to take another look at what’s in your own backyard. Gas up the car and head down to one of Missouri’s top tourist attractions.

Lifestyles reporter Cathy Woolridge can be reached at cathyw@npgco.com