For decades, Alhonna Resort has been the preferred home away from home for families and other groups looking to explore the beauty of the Lake of the Ozarks. However, how did our Lake of the Ozarks resort become one of the premier places to stay? Keep reading to learn more about our history and how we continue to grow and improve our guests’ experience.
A Look at Our Past
Alhonna Resort was built in the mid-1950s by Al and Honna Vilmin. At the time, there were only eight cabins, a bunkhouse, and one small dock. Even when the resort changed hands in the early 1960s, the size didn’t change.
It wasn’t until it sold again in 1970 that more amenities and units were added, including the gas dock, a four-unit building, and a couple of rental boats. The original bunkhouse was changed into a beer-only bar with a pool table and a few pinball machines, serving Landshire sandwiches and Tombstone pizzas.
In 1980, Shirly and Shafter Gross purchased the property. The family worked to improve this Missouri resort even more. They added two pools, a full-service gas dock, a fleet of rental boats, a marina shop, and a restaurant. This transition also saw the addition of several rental units due to the Gross family purchasing the neighboring resort.
Alhonna remained in the Gross family’s care until 2022, when they partnered with Jamie Huff and Aaron and Erin McArdle. The restaurant was renamed Blue Cat Lounge, and several other improvements were made. These included important upgrades to dock wiring, landscaping, and unit renovations.
What Guests Have to Look Forward To
As we get ready for the start of a new year, we’re already looking ahead for ways to make our guests’ stays even more enjoyable! This is why we are putting in a new gas dock as well as adding more live entertainment every weekend at the Blue Cat Lounge. We are also improving our landscaping to add a game area where guests can play washers and cornhole.
We are also changing up our reservations and adding a new option. Starting in 2025, we will be offering annual unit leases in addition to nightly rentals. To learn more about this reservation option, call 573-365-2634.
Did You Know?
Did you know that The Blue Cat Lodge in Netflix’s Ozark is loosely based on our resort in the mid-1980s? A writer of the shower worked at the gas dock in the late 80s. Several of the show’s actors and others involved have visited our resort.
Become Part of the Alhonna Resort Family
See for yourself why groups come back to Alhonna Resort time and time again by reserving your stay today! Our Lake of the Ozarks resort features incredible accommodations, several swimming pools, and countless other amenities. Browse our special offers and visit us online to book your getaway! For more information, call 573-365-2634.
