Lake of the Ozarks, MO

​Also called “the Magic Dragon” for its serpentine shape, the Lake of the Ozarks is a large reservoir created by the Osage River in central Missouri. Its surface covers a vast 54,000 acres and its shoreline stretches 1,150 miles.
 
The Lake of the Ozarks was created in 1929 when the construction of the Bagnell Dam by the Union Electrical Company of St. Louis impounded a much smaller lake. At the time of construction of the dam, Lake of the Ozarks was the largest man-made lake in the United States.
 
Renamed multiple times over the years as none of the officially chosen titles stuck, it became known by its location on the northern edge of the lake that is nearby the Ozarks.
 
Well known for being a popular tourist destination, Lake of the Ozarks the shoreline is relatively stable in comparison to other flood control lakes, creating ideal conditions for developments very close to the water’s edge.
 
Nearby is Bridal Cave, a natural cave system attraction that is names after an Osage Native American legend. Additionally, there is a national park called the Lake of the Ozarks State Park which covers 17,500 acres of the land and is the largest state park in Missouri.
 
We recommend this spot to our nature and outdoor lovers. It is the perfect destination for a weeklong family getaway close to the water but nearly a stone’s throw away from other fun things like plenty of restaurants, stores for shopping and even a water park.