Bagnell Dam

Bagnell Dam is a hydroelectric dam on the Osage River that created the Lake of the Ozarks, one of the largest reservoirs in the country. It was built between 1929 and 1931 by a private utility to generate electricity, an enormous engineering project during the early Depression years. The resulting lake, with its famously winding shoreline, became a major recreational destination and remains one of Missouri's most popular vacation areas. The dam stretches roughly 2,500 feet across the river valley and continues to produce power today. An adjacent strip near the dam developed into a lively area of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Visitors can view the dam from overlooks and learn about its construction. The lake it formed offers boating, fishing, and lakeside resorts across a huge area. The dam's construction transformed the regional economy and landscape. Its combination of engineering history and recreation draws steady crowds. It stands as the origin point of the entire Lake of the Ozarks region.