Free Attractions

At the Lake of the Ozarks, you don’t have to pull out your wallet to enjoy the beauty, the history, and the culture of this beautiful Missouri region.  There is a wealth of free activities for the family, from exploring the museum at Willmore Lodge, to swimming at the public beaches within the Lake of the Ozarks State Park. On summer Saturday nights, you can even catch a fireworks show at the Bagnell Dam strip.  In between the excitement of the shows, the shopping, the dining and the nightlife, there is an abundance of rich history, fun & beauty surrounding the Lake of the Ozarks that you don’t want to miss!

WILLMORE LODGE & MUSEUM
Built in 1930, Willmore Lodge is a breathtaking log structure that sits atop a great hillside overlooking miles of beautiful Lake of the Ozarks shoreline.  Originally, the lodge was commissioned as part of the Bagnell Dam project, and was used in its early history as a headquarters and events center for Union Electric Company. In 1945, Cyrus Willmore purchased the lodge and surrounding areas, and gave the estate its longstanding name.

In August 1996, Union Electric (now Ameren UE) regained ownership of Willmore Lodge and its adjoining property. Shortly thereafter, a lease was negotiated with the Willmore Lodge Foundation to house a museum and cultural activities center as well as the offices of the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.  Visitors to the Lake are encouraged to stop by the Lodge, admire the awe-inspiring view, stroll down the hill to the charming gardens and gazebo, and browse through the museum about the history of Bagnell Dam and the region.  For more information about Willmore Lodge, visit www.willmorelodge.com

Hours: Monday thru Friday 9am-4:30pm
Saturday and Sunday 9am-3 pm
www.lakeareachamber.com

BAGNELL DAM & AMEREN UE SCENIC LOOKOUT
On May 30, 1931 the Bagnell Dam was completed forming the largest man-made lake in the world at that time at 57,000 acres, stretching 92 miles with 1,150 miles of shoreline.  Bagnell Dam was the largest—and last—major dam in the U.S. to be built with private investment, and at a cost of $30 million during the Great Depression, the dam brought much needed financial resources and jobs to the area.  Bagnell Dam is one-half mile long, rising 148 feet high from bedrock. Today, this impressive structure still supplies power to Mid-Missouri through Ameren UE (formerly Union Electric).  Ameren UE has dedicated a park & scenic lookout area near the dam, with one of the massive turbines from the dam creating a dramatic “sculpture” against the peaceful landscape.  For more information on Bagnell Dam and its history, visit http://www.ameren.com/LakeOzarks

BAGNELL DAM “STRIP”
Just south of the Bagnell Dam is the nostalgic area known as “The Strip.”  The Bagnell Dam Strip is home to over 90 businesses, including restaurants, shopping, salons, arcade, batting cages, dinner cruises, and even old time photos.  Throughout the summer, car cruises, festivals, and good old fashioned fun draws locals and tourists to the area.  If you are looking for family entertainment without breaking the bank, plan a stroll down the historic Bagnell Dam strip in Lake Ozark.

LAKE OF THE OZARKS STATE PARK
The 17,626-acre Lake of the Ozarks State Park offers this opportunity, along with a variety of recreational activities on the lake or on shore.  Activities include, boating, camping, cave tours, fishing, horseback riding, lodging, marina, picnicking, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, and interpretive trails. 

On shore, hikers, backpackers, equestrians and bicyclists can use one of 12 trails that wind through oak-hickory forests and sunny glades and offer bluff-top views of the lake. Or visitors can take a guided tour of Ozark Caverns, best known for a formation of stalactites and waterfalls known as "Angels' Showers."  Year-round accommodations for overnight guests include more than 230 shaded campsites, ranging from primitive to those with electric hookups. Campground amenities include modern restrooms and laundry facilities. Eight camper cabins offer a rustic lodging experience.

Water enthusiasts can make use of the park's two public swimming beaches or rent a boat at one of the park's marinas. Necessary supplies for a day of fishing or fun on the water can be found in the park stores.
For more information, visit the Department of Natural Resources at http://www.mostateparks.com/lakeozark.htm