The Lodge at Old Kinderhook, A New Destination at Lake of the Ozarks

One of the water features on the grounds at Old Kinderhook
Spring 2014

In 2008, when other resorts reined in costs and put plans for the future on hold, Old Kinderhook was not among them. In fact, during the economic earthquake, Old Kinderhook held steady, continued building, and has been steadily growing ever since.

Earlier this year, Old Kinderhook opened an ice skating pond as another sport for area tourists and residents to enjoy through the winter when there are fewer recreational options. The rink sets behind another new feature at Old Kinderhook, the Lodge, now open for guests.

Old Kinderhook's Golf Course in Autumn

With more than 11,000 square feet of meeting and conference space as well as 84 guest rooms, the Lodge is a gathering place for weddings, anniversary receptions, banquets, celebrations, and groups as large as 250. The Lodge also adds another food and beverage option for guests at Old Kinderhook.

A View of the Hills in March 2015,
taken from the deck off a guest room on the top floor

The Hearth Room Coffee and Cocktail Bar serves Starbuck’s from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Located on the first-floor with a patio overlooking the ice skating rink and waterfalls, the bar is a gathering place in all seasons. The large fireplace at the center of the Hearth Room calls guests to the warmth and community to be found there.

The Hearth Room, The Lodge at Old Kinderhook

A nearby building houses the Hook Café and the Trophy Room for breakfast, lunch, and dinner or carryout. Executive Chef John Biggs (after leaving Old Kinderhook, Chef Biggs bought Sweet Smoke in Jefferson City) oversees these and draws from a seasonal sustainable garden for ingredients.

A clear glass table reveals the patterned rug below.
On top is a 300-piece puzzle featuring Old Kinderhook's grounds.

Jeff Carroll, Director of Business Development, recently showed off the Lodge's fine features, one of the first being the puzzle lobby where guests can assemble a 300-piece puzzle featuring an aerial view of Old Kinderhook's grounds. On a nearby wall is a fireplace and above it, a television. This family-style gathering place was Executive Director Bob Renken’s inspiration.

Catering Kitchen in the Lodge

Below the lobby is a full catering kitchen and meeting rooms for large groups. The space can be open and used as a ballroom or a folding wall can be deployed to divide the space into two smaller ones. This room also opens onto a patio for increased flow in temperate weather. Upstairs are other areas that can be used for smaller meetings and banquets, proving that the Lodge was designed with flexibility in mind.

Another view of the Hearth Room

The tour included a visit to one king-sized guest room, equipped with a sleeper sofa and small outdoor deck for open-air views of the hills beyond the parking lot on one side or ice rink and golf course from the other. Designed by Tom Weiskopf, Old Kinderhook’s course is a signature course. It earned second-place honors for the State of Missouri according to Golf magazine.

Each guest room headboard features Old Kinderhook engraved on the surface. Guests also have access to the internet, an exercise room, an indoor and outdoor pool, an outdoor sand volleyball court, and marina services as well as the golf course and an ice rink that typically closes in late spring.

A destination unto itself, Old Kinderhook offers recreation for all seasons and 84 cozy, comfortable rooms or 40 private lodging units. Fine food is available in restaurants or catered to meet your needs. With access to Lake of the Ozarks and top-notch golf, the Lodge at Old Kinderhook welcomes all guests arriving by water or land.

Words by Connye Griffin

Images by Al Griffin
for Our Eyes Upon Missouri

Phil Foy and Martha Keese stand ready to take your order
at the Hearth Room Bar.