The City of Lake Ozark is a breathtakingly beautiful and rapidly growing community, located at the Gateway of the Lake of The Ozarks. From area retail shopping at Eagles Landing, to a brand new movie theater, or a relaxing day on the lake, Lake Ozark is a vacationing paradise, that has something for everyone. If you are here to enjoy the water check out our many boat and jet ski rental agencies, or have dinner overlooking the beautiful scenery. From brand new to historic Lake Ozark has it all. The historic Bagnell Dam Strip or “The Strip” to most, is where you will find activities for the family and a variety of dining and entertainment. The City of Lake Ozark at Bagnell Dam is a place that everyone should see and no one will forget.
The Lake of the Ozarks is a large reservoir created by impounding the Osage River in the northern part of the Ozarks in central Missouri. Extents of three smaller tributaries to the Osage, the Niangua River, Grand glaize Creek, and Gravois Creek, are included in the impoundment. The lake has a surface area of 55,000 acres (223 km²), over 1,150 miles (1,850 km) of shoreline, and the main channel of the Osage Arm stretches 92 miles (148 km) from end to end. The total drainage area is over 14,000 square miles (36,000 km2). The lake’s serpentine shape has earned it the nickname „The Magic Dragon,“ which has in turn inspired the names of local institutions such as The Magic Dragon Street Meet.
At the time of construction it was one of the largest man-made lakes in the world and the largest in the United States. Though built to provide hydroelectric power for customers of Union Electric, the lake quickly became a significant tourist destination for the Midwest. There are over 70,000 homes existing along the lake, many of which are vacation homes. Spectacular scenery characteristic of the Ozarks has also helped to transform the lake into a major resort area. More than 3 million people visit the lake annually.
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