Lake of the Ozarks Attracts Tourists from All Over
Usually from early spring to late fall, the Lake of the Ozarks area is hopping with tourists looking for summer fun, sometimes on the water and sometimes not.
Although the water is likely the biggest attraction, there are so many other things to enjoy in the area including large shopping areas, one-of-a-kind music shows and the ever-famous historic Bagnell Dam Strip.
Seventy-five years ago, the Lake of the Ozarks area didn’t exist, at least not in the capacity it is today. It wasn’t until the construction of the Bagnell Dam was completed in 1931, that the area experienced growth. And, because of the man-made lake, it quickly became a booming area that attracted tourists from all over the world.
At the time of construction, Bagnell Dam was the largest of its kind in the world. It was that of a man from Kansas City, Ralph W. Street whose dream was to dam the Osage River but he ran out of funds.
In 1929, Union Electric, now AmerenUE, picked up the idea and were granted the rights to move forwards with Street’s idea.
After two years and more than 20,000 men, the construction was completed and the Lake of the Ozarks was born. In the 75 years since, several areas have grown into tourist areas including Osage Beach, Lake Ozark, Camdenton, Sunrise Beach, Laurie and Gravois Mills.
Although the population of each of those towns remains small, the number of tourists who visit each year is believed to be close to a million.
The historic Bagnell Dam Strip is lined with a plethora of shopping centers including old-fashioned candle makers, leather dealers, t-shirt outlets and old-fashioned photography shoots. For those who aren’t interested in shopping, there is always an opportunity for a good video game or an old-time game of skeeball.
In Osage Beach, just a few miles from Lake Ozark, there are gads of shopping opportunities including more than 100 factory outlets and several specialty shops. On further, to the other side of the Lake of the Ozarks is Camdenton, Sunrise Beach and Gravois Mills were one can find anything from specialty barbecue to handmade crafts.
At various times throughout the year, various activities including the Dogwood Festival in Camdenton, the Magic Dragon Street Meet on the Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark and the Fall Festival in Osage Beach, attract many people from home and abroad.
Indeed, a trip to the Lake of the Ozarks is a trip that can please almost any member of the family regardless if water sports, shopping or dining are what they have in mind.
