Lake of the Ozarks, Bagnell Dam

Welcome to Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri!
Since the completion of the Bagnell Dam in 1931, Lake of the Ozarks, Osage Beach and the surrounding areas have seen an ever increasing amount of population, tourism, economic development and boating.
The purpose for the dam is hydroelectric power, producing at peak 215 megawatts with all eight turbine generators. At a combined total of approximately 2,543ft. including the spillway at 520′ long and the powerplant which is approximately 511′ long, it was at the time of its conception a marvel.

Many believed that the Bagnell Dam project was destined to fail at its time in history, noting that years earlier (approx. 1912-1920) there was an attempt to construct a similar dam at another location on the river. Railroads, structures and materials were in the beginning process when all the funding dried up for the developers.

Years later (approx. 1929), what is now AmerenUE with the help of an engineering firm stepped in and began their own project. With the onset of the stock market crash in 1929, leading America into the “Great Depression”, there were talks of abandoning the project with its more than 30 million dollar price tag. The project went forth and ended up being an economic and developmental boon to the Midwestern area, providing jobs for thousands of people in the region, and bringing in an economic surge to the heartland, all at a time when Missouri, and the United States needed it most.

Notably, with all the hardships that surrounded the project it was decided to fill in the thirteenth floodgate with concrete. No one really knows why, but engineers on the project has stated that twelve floodgates were sufficient.

Today, the Lake of the Ozarks area is home to thousands of people, much of whom are descendants of the original builders of the dam. The local economy seems to be separated and “niche-like”, with tourism usually booming and boaters always on the lake. The beautiful lake may have much to do with it, with approximately 600-700 billion gallons of water, more than 1,100 miles of shoreline and covering more than 50,000 acres it seems still today that it is a marvel.

Lake of the Ozarks is a huge tourist destination area from all over the country, with its location, people, and fun it has become more then ever the best place to come for the family and single alike. More boats and boating events than any other lake its size, more shoreline than the state of California and roughly half that of Florida, its the best inland lake in the Midwest.

A great place to come, a great place to work, a great place to boat. Come see the Lake of the Ozarks, right in the middle of the country, right in the middle of Missouri, right in the middle of the Heartland!