Bagnell Dam

While visiting Lake Ozark you can’t miss visiting the largest and last major dam in the U.S. that was built from private investment.   After construction came to a halt in 1926, Union Electric Company of St. Louis (now known as Ameren Missouri) purchased the project and construction resumed within a few weeks.   The dam is 1/2 mile long, 148 ft. above the bedrock, and holds back 600 billion gallons of water.  Ameren invested millions for upgrades to the dam in 2017 & 2018.  

To learn more about the dam and its history visit:  www.ameren.com/missouri/residential/lake-of-the-ozarks/bagnell-dam

Ameren Sign approaching the dam

Willmore Lodge

Home of the Bagnell Dam History Museum and the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, this is a great place to learn about the history of our area.  Stop by the lodge to see the museum and to pick up a visitor package.  

Visitor Center Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 4:30pm
Saturday: 9:00am -3:00pm
Closed Sundays, holidays, and during inclement weather.

Wilmore Lodge

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

The natural beauty of this state park combined with the history of the castle makes this a must-see while you are at Lake of the Ozarks.   Ha Ha State Parks has the 12th largest natural spring in Missouri.  With hiking trails, a natural bridge, castle ruins, and caves you can easily spend an entire day exploring this natural beauty.

For more information at Ha Ha Tonka State Park visit:  www.mostateparks.com/park/ha-ha-tonka-state-park

PARK HOURS

April through October
7 a.m. – sunset daily
Winter Hours (Off-Season)

November through March
8 a.m. – sunset daily

Ha Ha tonka

Lake of the Ozarks State Park

Whether you are looking for a nice place to take the family and enjoy a beautiful shady campsite or you’re wanting to launch the boat to enjoy the Lake of the Ozarks, the state park has everything a nature lover would enjoy.  Enjoy a day backpacking or cycling through the state park, then enjoy a family meal in the picnic area.   For those who love the water, there are 2 beach areas to enjoy, a paved boat ramp, and plenty of great fishing spots.  

For more information at Lake of the Ozarks State Park visit:  www.mostateparks.com/park/lake-ozarks-state-park

PARK HOURS

 
Sunrise to one-half hour after sunset (Anglers are exempt at boat ramps.)

BOAT LAUNCH AT GRAND GLAIZE BEACH AREA HOURS
Open year-round

BOAT LAUNCH PA HE TSI HOURS
March 1 through Oct. 31*

*When lake levels drop below 658.5 this launch will be temporarily closed; please check park advisories before your visit.

boating on the lake of the ozarks
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