Overview of Lake of the Ozarks | Learning The Lake

With more than 1,150 miles of scenic shoreline, more than the entire Pacific coast of California, the Lake of the Ozarks offers visitors gallons (about 617 billion) of fun and adventure.

Nestled amid the rolling hills of Central Missouri, the Lake of the Ozarks has long been known as the premier vacation, golf and meeting destination in America's Heartland. Because of its size and expanse, the Lake literally offers something for everyone. Whether visitors are looking for fast-paced action or a peaceful escape from the rigors of life, the area encompassing this 54,000-acre lake is a perfect spot for a family vacation, romantic getaway or gathering with a group of friends or business associates.

What's more, because it's privately-developed, it is the only major public lake in Missouri where visitors can go directly from their lakeside rooms onto their water craft (similar lakes around the state and region are managed by the Army Corps of Engineers which limits shoreline access).

The Lake of the Ozarks, once the largest man-made lake in the world, was created in 1931 with the completion of Bagnell Dam and the Great Osage River Project, the brainchild of the Union Electric Company. Just four months after dam construction began in 1929, the stock market crashed, bringing with it the Great Depression. While the rest of the country faced economic ruin, work on Bagnell Dam provided welcome employment to 4,600 workers at any one time and a total of 20,500 over the two-year construction period. As a result, Central Missouri experienced a time of growth and expansion while other areas endured the hardships of the Depression.

Directly and indirectly, the dam continues to provide employment and a tremendous quality of life to residents of the area, which translates to a great vacation opportunity for everyone else.

On and off the Lake, the choices are limitless. The Lake is host to some of the top fishing and golfing in the Midwest, including prestigious tournaments such as Bass Masters and the PGA Club Pro Championship, and offers an abundance of water activities and other recreation such as horseback riding, tennis, hiking, bird-watching and trap shooting. Throughout the year the Lake offers a lineup of exciting family activities ranging from fun festivals and events, spectacular cave tours and live country music shows to great shopping, craft shows, scenic cruises and more.

« Four Seasons of Fun: Because warm weather usually arrives at the Lake in April and hangs around through October, there's a good eight to nine month window of opportunity for some serious outdoor fun and relaxation. Average daytime air and water temperatures in April are, respectively, 67° and 54°, warming to 91° and 83° by July, and leveling off to 73° and 69° by October.

During the winter months it's not out of the ordinary for daytime temperatures to warm into the 50°-60° range. In fact, there are many days throughout the “off season” when balmy weather offers a welcome respite from winter's chills. A mild winter day often beckons people onto the golf course where the higher summer rates are in hibernation.

Indoors or out, the Lake of the Ozarks during winter and early spring offers plenty to do. From the bustle of holiday festivities to romantic nights nestled by a fire, from a visit to the temperate climes of one of the area's show caves to brisk walks through the awakening landscape, a visit to the Lake of the Ozarks is a great escape from the winter blahs.

« Which Way to the Lake ? The Lake of the Ozarks is conveniently located in Central Missouri , just about three hours from Kansas City to the west and St. Louis to the east. Its central location, friendly atmosphere, variety of activities (both on and off the water), accessibility and unlimited number of places to explore make it the perfect playground.

For visitors unfamiliar with the Lake , visualize it in the heart of Missouri , easily reachable from other well-known destinations in America 's Heartland. Bagnell Dam at the Lake of the Ozarks is:

•  125 miles north of Branson , Mo.

•  246 miles northwest of Cape Girardeau , Mo.

•  467 miles southwest of Chicago , Ill.

•  64 miles south of Columbia , Mo.

•  300 miles south of Des Moines , Iowa

•  150 miles southwest of Hannibal , Mo.

•  420 miles southwest of Indianapolis , Ind.

•  35 miles south of Jefferson City , Mo.

•  165 miles southeast of Kansas City , Mo.

•  338 miles north of Little Rock , Ark.

•  545 miles south of Minneapolis , Minn.

•  361 miles southeast of Omaha , Neb.

•  260 miles southwest of Springfield , Ill.

•  90 miles north of Springfield , Mo.

•  192 miles southeast of St. Joseph , Mo.

•  175 miles southwest of St. Louis , Mo.

•  296 miles northeast of Tulsa , Okla.

•  357 miles east of Wichita , Kan.

« For More Information: News media / travel journalists can get Lake of the Ozarks information and assistance from The Beenders Marketing Group .

Contact Marjorie Beenders or Pam Jones for story suggestions, research, fact checking, individual and group press trips, color images, itinerary planning and other assistance. Call 800-544-8474 or e-mail pam@tbwgroup.net. Or, get more info online at www.funlake.com (see below).

Leisure or business travelers can get the Lake information they need by contacting the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau .

Call toll-free – 800-FUN-LAKE (800-386-5253) – to request a free Vacation & Service Guide. During normal working hours, this is the best way to get personal service, ask questions and find out more about the Lake . After hours, callers may leave a voice message for CVB response.

For a wealth of Lake information just a mouse-click away, 24 hours a day, visit the bureau's website at www.funlake.com. The site is easy to navigate, loads quickly and dazzles the eye with colorful Lake photos. Upgraded in 2003, the site includes searchable lists for lodging, dining, marinas, events and attractions, and links to Lake-area businesses. Visitors can get details on nightlife and live music, request free brochures, send an eCard to friends, and hear the sounds of Lake area birds and animals. It's quite a site to see!