Lake of the Ozarks: vacationers find natural beauty and commercial fun on the shores of this manmade phenomenon in central Missouri - Brief Article

Travel America, May-June, 2002 by Barbara Gibbs Ostmann

The Lake of the Ozarks has had a special place in my heart ever since I spent a college summer as a counselor at a camp on the lake's shores. One night a week, counselors had a free night and headed to Bagnell Dam and the many attractions along "The Strip." Although the camp is no more, the lake and its attractions are bigger and better than ever.

The lake was created by the construction of Bagnell Dam, a mammoth hydro electric project that was completed in 1931. Today the lake winds its way through what once were valleys and hollows along the Osage, Niangua, Grand Glaize, and other rivers, offering more than 1,150 miles of scenic shoreline.

The lake takes its name from the rolling hills of central Missouri. These are the northern foothills of the Ozark Mountains, which spread across southern Missouri and northern Arkansas. There is also a town called Lake Ozark, which is one of more than a dozen towns along the Lake of the Ozarks' shores.

Covering some 54,000 acres, this body of water was once the largest manmade lake in the world. Because it is privately developed, it is the only major public lake in Missouri that allows shoreline development of resorts, docks, restaurants, and other services.

Long known as mid-America's premier playground, the Lake of the Ozarks offers something for everyone:

Water Sports. The lake, which holds 617 billion gallons of water, offers plenty of opportunities to get wet. Swimming, boating, waterskiing, sailing, parasailing--whatever is your fancy. No boat? No problem. Marinas and resorts rent a variety of watercraft.

Fish Tales. Recognized by many tournament pros as one of the best year round fishing spots in the country, the lake offers largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, catfish, and paddlefish. The fishery at the lake is managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Fore! The lake boasts 15 courses and 261 holes of golf chiseled from the Ozark hills. Courses vary in length, degree of difficulty, holes, elevation changes, water, and strategic layouts.

Other Sports. Tennis, trap shooting, horseback riding, ice skating, and bowling are other popular activities.

State Parks. For outdoor enjoyment year-round, you'll find hiking, biking, and walking trails at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park and Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Their natural beauty provides a striking contrast to the heavy development of highways, malls, and motels nearby. The 17,200-acre Lake of the Ozarks park is the largest in the state system, and Ha Ha Tonka is the newest.

The Cave State. There are more than 5,380 registered and mapped wild caves in Missouri, 300 of which are in the three counties surrounding the Lake of the Ozarks. Wild caves that have been tamed for the public are called show caves, and three of the state's 22 show caves are within 30 miles of each other at the lake--Bridal Cave, Jacob's Cave, and Ozark Caverns.

Shop 'Til You Drop. From one of the largest brand-name factory outlet malls in the country, Factory Outlet Village in Osage Beach, to antique shops, specialty boutiques, and craft festivals with an Ozarks flavor, shopping is on almost every visitor's to-do list.

Family Fun. Excursion boats, miniature golf, water parks, historical sites, family fun centers, a butterfly house, country music shows, festivals, and plenty of good ol' Mother Nature provide a variety of activities adults and children can enjoy together.

Time To Eat. More than 100 restaurants are scattered throughout the area, a third of which are lakeside, offering access by water or land. Dining experiences range from upscale restaurants with extensive wine lists to casual, family-style eateries.

One of the local classics is Traditionally Stewart's Restaurant, a simple diner just south of Bagnell Dam, on the one-mile segment of Business Highway 54 commonly referred to as Bagnell Dam Boulevard or "The Strip." Stewart's serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the clientele is mostly local. Be forewarned that the homemade biscuits and cinnamon rolls are gigantic. The breakfast menu offers biscuits and gravy in increments of one-half biscuit, one biscuit, or two biscuits--I can't imagine anyone being able to put away two!

One of the most popular places for both locals and visitors alike is Randy's Frozen Custard, across Highway 54 from the outlet mall. Randy's is the home of the Ozark Turtle, which consists of frozen custard, hot fudge, cream caramel fudge, pecans, and cherries--dieters beware.

Sweet Dreams. The lake has lots of room(s). From full-service resorts and motels to small family-owned resorts, campgrounds, condominiums, and houseboats, the area offers 200 lodging facilities with more than 7,500 units. The two long-time classic resorts, Tan-Tar-A and the Lodge of the Four Seasons, rightfully retain their allure, but there are scores of other options.

Location, Location, Location: The Lake of the Ozarks sprawls right in the middle of the state, making it an easily reachable, convenient destination. It's within a few hours drive of Branson, St. Louis, and Kansas City.