Lake of the Ozarks

Bagnell Dam was completed in 1931 by a private power company and backed the Osage River up into a reservoir whose shape follows the old river valley and every side hollow, producing a shoreline of around eighteen hundred kilometres - longer than the California coast - from a lake only about 150 kilometres long. That geometry is why the whole thing is lined with docks and second homes. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest in Missouri and includes Ozark Caverns, shown by lantern rather than electric light. The lake is a heavy boating destination and summer weekends are loud; Party Cove has a long-standing and specific reputation. Bacterial water quality has been an issue in some coves.

The landscape

• About 1,800 kilometres of shoreline - from a lake 150 kilometres long.
• A 1931 hydro dam - built privately, which created it.
• Ozark Caverns - shown by hand-carried lantern.
• Dense dock and second-home development - along most of the shore.

When to go

May to September. A full day or several.

Before you go

It is a boating and party destination, not a quiet lake - summer weekends are loud. Water quality advisories affect some coves. Development is dense and the shoreline is largely private. Traffic on US 54 backs up in season.

Nearby

Ha Ha Tonka State Park is south-west; Jefferson City is north.

Key facts