The Lake was created more than 80 years ago by the construction of the engineering marvel, Bagnell Dam. Covering 54,000 acres, running 92 miles end to end has made the Lake of the Ozarks the premier vacation destination in Mid-America.The shimmering Lake is the centerpiece of a vibrant region made up of more than a dozen communities, surrounded by far-reaching forests, rolling hills and dramatic bluffs that outline the Lake's 1,150-plus miles of meandering shoreline. In other words, the Lake of the Ozarks is the perfect vacation spot for many generations to come.  

​​

The affordable, family-friendly Lake area offers outstanding activities for anyone of any age. There are plenty of fun activities for the kids, like boating, outdoor and indoor water parks, lazer tag, helicopter rides, go-kart tracks, mini-golf, horseback riding, cavern tours, indoor family fun center and a Science Orion Center. Adults can enjoy playing golf, fishing for bass and crappie, shopping at a major outlet-mall, small boutiques or antique shops, a romantic dinner cruise, visiting wineries and art galleries, being entertained at one of the music hall shows or the opry, relaxing at a soothing spa, exploring what nature has to offer at one of the beautiful Lake area hiking/biking trails, exploring the natural wonders and famous castle ruins at Ha Ha Tonka State Park, bird watching, and dining out. Some of the best cuisine in the Midwest can be savored right here at the Lake. Best of all, nearly half of the Lake area's restaurants are located directly on the water or offer a fantastic view of it. Marvel at the panorama of an unlimited channel view, or dine beside a secluded, scenic cove, while you enjoy award-winning continental cuisine and superb wine, Ozarks-style barbecue or fresh-caught catfish. For dining as close to the water as possible, step onto a boat cruise, where you can enjoy dining while viewing the beautiful Lake. After a day of fun at the Lake of the Ozarks, enjoy a night out. Lake-style nightlife includes music galore, including comedy clubs, karaoke bars, live country, blues, jazz and rock-and-roll bands, all year round.