The Lake of the Ozarks has become the premier family vacation place in the Midwest! You won't find another lake in the world with more than 1150 miles of meandering shoreline surrounded by scenic hills. At the Lake of the Ozarks, you are living the lake life!
The Lake came into existence over 65 years ago through an undertaking known as the Great Osage River Project. The construction of the Bagnell Dam began on August 6, 1929, by Union Electric. In the midst of the Great Depression, some 4,600 employees labored day and night to build Bagnell Dam and what was, at that time, the largest man-made lake in the world, fed by the Osage, Glaize, and Niangua Rivers. It was opened to the public on May 30, 1931.
The Lake has recently evolved into the premier Midwest shopping and golfing destination. Here you will find a wide variety of shopping including boutiques, gift shops, antiques, and flea markets. Golfing at the Lake of the Ozarks is top-notch! Rippling Waters Resort is less than 3 miles from Lake Valley Golf and Country Club and Old Kinderhook. We are excited about the quality golf courses making the Lake the Midwest's premier golf destination. Excellent facilities provide over 180 holes of championship golf courses carved into the rolling terrain, with water and elevations that will challenge any game--from duffer to pro. You simply can't find these Ozark hills just anywhere and the views are sensational.
As with any vacation area, the Lake offers something for all ages. On land, the play includes Big Surf Water Park with a variety of wet fun for the whole family. Other recreational activities encompass amusement parks, miniature golf, go-karts, helicopter and seaplane rides, excursion boat rides, boat races, horseback riding, bowling, festivals, fireworks, tours of local caves, and an educational tour of Bagnell Dam. There are four major commercial caves here, in the heart of the Cave State with many more unchartered. We also have several country music shows which guarantee toe-tappin' fun and entertainment. You certainly want to visit the Bagnell Dam Strip with its many arcades and visit the scenic State Park Ha Ha Tonka.
And we're not just a summer place, anymore. The Lake has year-round festivals and activities. Spending time at the Lake in the fall is a wonderful way to hold winter at bay just a little bit longer...the rolling hills are covered with brilliant color. October and November hold the wonderful fall foliage until we light it up with over a million Christmas bulbs for the holidays, creating a festive atmosphere for the holiday concerts, children's activities, dining, dancing, and celebrations for the New Year. In the quiet, renewing January and February months, the Lake seems to rest and the stillness is soothing...a romantic getaway...the warmth of a cozy fire...candlelit dinners.
It isn't long before spring blooms lace our forests with Dogwood and Redwood, the Lake takes on an extra sparkle and the countryside sends a special invitation to our friends to share a sunset over our waters: picnics, caving, walks in the woods, or horseback riding, trails trimmed with new wildflowers, golfing on fresh greens, crisp morning fishing, spring festivals, and shows, shopping for a warm-weather wardrobe--a chance to step out of winter and the city before the summer season begins...all over again.
We hope you make the choice and take a dive into our Lake. We hope to serve you as you vacation at the Lake.
