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Construction began August 6, 1929 on Bagnell Dam. Union Electric employed nearly 10,000 workers over a 2-year period and invested 30 million dollars in the dam project. The dam was completed in February 1931 and measures 2,543 feet long. Bagnell Dam has the capacity to provide 215,000 kilowatts of electricity to a large portion of Missouri. Visitors can walk or drive across the dam for a scenic view of the lake.
Willmore Lodge was constructed in 1930 and served as Union Electric’s project headquarters. The two-story Adirondack-style lodge was constructed using Oregon pine logs at a cost of $135,000. It’s located on a bluff overlooking the lake northwest of Bagnell Dam. Today, Willmore Lodge houses the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and a museum that preserves local dam and lake history. The lodge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For additional information call (573) 964-1008.
Located in Laurie, Missouri, The Old St. Patrick’s Church
was founded in 1868 and held services until 1952. The church has been
completely restored and is listed on the National Register of Historic
Places. The church is still host to a number of weddings, funerals, and
baptisms each year.
Thirty swinging bridges were constructed in the lakes region between 1895
and 1937. Today, visitors can experience two swinging bridges, The Swinging
Bridges of Brumley, located on Highway 42 eleven miles outside
of Osage Beach. These suspension bridges were built in 1931 by Union Electric
when lake waters covered existing bridges after the dam was built. Both
bridges are open and usable by the public.
Mary, Mother of the Church Shrine was dedicated in 1980 and promotes appreciation of motherhood as well as honoring Mary as the mother of the church. Nestled in a natural grotto, this open air shrine seats several thousand guests. The shrine is located in Laurie and holds regular masses and devotions. For additional information about the shrine call (573) 374-6279.
Located in Linn Creek at the old Linn Creek School, Camden County Museum provides a wealth of local history. Each classroom has a designated theme varying from the weaving room to one that displays banking equipment. For more information call (573) 346-7191.
Miller
County Museum is located in the old Anchor Mill building in Tuscumbia.
This pioneer museum offers two floors of exhibits that provide a look
into central Missouri history. Indian artifacts, Bagnell Dam items, along
with two reassembled log cabins are among the treasures to view. Call
(573) 365-1206 for more detailed information.
Built in 1877, the Martin Hotel in Versailles is home to the Morgan
County Historical Museum. This museum offers 28 rooms, each room
with a different theme that highlights Missouri pioneer life through antiques
and artifacts. Exhibits include a chapel room, a barber shop, and a school
room. For more information call (573) 378-5556.
Caves
The State of Missouri is home to more than 5,400 registered wild caves
and 22 show caves, of which more than 300 wild caves and four
show caves are found in the Lake of the Ozarks region. Show caves
are wild caves that have been transformed so that visitors can easily
tour the cave and experience its natural beauty. The lake’s four
show caves are unique and spectacular exhibits of Mother Nature. They
are also a welcomed relief to the summer heat as they stay a constant
cool at 50 to 60 degrees.
Bridal Cave,
just north of Camdenton, is the lake area’s oldest cave. This cave
offers a wealth of history including having hosted nearly 2,000 weddings
in its bridal chapel. Bridal Cave is home to the crystal clear Mystery
Lake. Visitors can enjoy the 60-degree year around temperature while taking
in the cave’s giant columns, soda straws, and onyx formations. For
additional information about Bridal Cave call (573) 346-2676.
Jacob’s Cave was founded north of Gravois Mills in 1875 by Jacob Craycraft. As the area’s largest show cave, visitors can see evidence of six ice ages and three earthquakes. Other attractions on the cave’s mile tour include reflective pools, the world’s largest geode, prehistoric bones, stalagmites, stalactites, and helectites. Jacob’s Cave also offers an onsite rock shop. Call (573) 378-4374 for more details.
First inhabited by Indians, Fantasy World Caverns was later used as a dance hall and then as a skating rink. Fantasy World has three levels with a large lake at the entrance and two natural waterfalls. These caverns are located between Bagnell Dam and Eldon.
Ozark Caverns offers visitors a unique cave experience. Guided tours take visitors with hand-held lanterns throughout the cave to see unusual formations and interesting cave creatures such as bats and salamanders. A visitor’s center provides a hands-on education for those who are new to spelunking. For details call (573) 346-2500.