What’s Developing?
Big things are under construction at the Lake: projects that promise to grow and reshape the Lake economy for good. by Nathan Bechtold The Lake of the Ozarks has long struggled under the “seasonal economy” stigma. And no doubt, the Lake’s population swings...
Tragedy & Mystery
How many people were aboard, during one of the most infamous boating calamities in Lake of the Ozarks history? by Nathan Bechtold & Captain Charles Meyer, various photos collected by Captain Charles Meyer A short tour of the Lake. A freak storm. Three people,...
The Big Gamble
Inside the schemes and dreams of two very different groups with the same aim: be the first to build a casino at Lake of the Ozarks. by Nathan Bechtold The buzz of energy and anticipation fills the room. Lights glimmer off cocktail glasses and diamond jewelry. A shout...
Editor’s Note
“The present is the future of the past,” sings Switchfoot frontman Jon Foreman. That profundity is not original to Jon. He loves borrowing from philosophers and historic theologians for his lyrics, and in this case, the idea comes nearly verbatim from St. Augustine in...
FASS Man, FASS Boat
The story of Brad Ekstam, the man behind one of the Lake’s most well-known boats and coolest business success stories: FASS Diesel Fuel Systems. by Christy Wagner, Lake Ozark The year was 2003. Brad Ekstam was a man of humble beginnings and had driven a semi-truck...
DOCK DIGS: BARS AND KITCHENS
by Deanna Wolff Nothing complements dock life like a bar and/or kitchen! It’s the perfect place to hang out with family and friends after a delightful day out on the boat. Enjoy refreshing lakeside cocktails at the bar or cook a mess of fresh-caught crappie in your...
DOCK DIGS: FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES
by Deanna Wolff Docks aren’t just for boats anymore. Customizing your dock for your individual needs will make your dock the place to hang out on hot summer days – and nights. Consider adding a few of the ideas below to your floating haven. Then grab your favorite...
Weird And Wacky: 4 Drinks you can ONLY get at Lake of the Ozarks
The Lake of the Ozarks is known for all kinds of excellent food and drink, but there are a few drinks that you can only get at the Lake. These four world-class drinks are as weird, wacky and wonderful as the Lake itself! The Minnow Shot The Minnow shot is one of the...
Take Better Boating Photos From Your Phone
Five tips for taking photos you'll be proud to share. by Ryerson Clark, republished courtesy of BoatUS Magazine, with introduction by Nathan Bechtold A day on Lake of the Ozarks is worth photographing. But whether your photos are worth looking at is a whole different...
Pups On The Patio!
by Kate Robbins Looking for a great restaurant on the Lake of the Ozarks but want to bring your furry best friend along? Look no further than this list of dog-friendly restaurants on and off the water! On Water: Ozark Yacht Club: (outdoor seating only) 1 Mile Marker...
PHOTOS: Lake of the Ozarks Boat Parades
Boaters from more than a dozen states came to Lake of the Ozarks for a world-record attempt at the largest boat parade ever, in 2021. In all, 612 boaters were counted. The world record, set in Malaysia in 2014, is 1,180. So, no new record, at least not this time. The...
Anchor-Line Time
For many boaters, the weekend is spent on the boat or the community dock, where evenings jive and friendships thrive. They’re called “live-aboards.” by Christy Wagner, Lake Ozark The Miceks For Mike and Diane Micek, living the dock life started more than three decades...
Where To Buy?
You know the kind of Lake life you want, but where’s the best place for it? Lake of the Ozarks realtors know just the spot. by Kate Robbins The Lake of the Ozarks is one of the hottest real estate spots in the country. With vast waters to explore, and plenty to do...
No Dock-Blocking, No Trespassing
Two new rules of the water that Lake of the Ozarks boaters need to know by Nathan Bechtold A new Missouri law went into effect, late in the 2021 boating season, and it affects boaters and dock owners alike. The two big things to know? 1. No more anchoring your boat...
Healing Waters
Wake For Warriors gives wounded military members a place to carve wakes in the sunshine and connect with other veterans. MarineMax is bringing them to Lake of the Ozarks. by Kate Robbins For millions of people, Lake of the Ozarks is a place for fun-in-the-sun and...
SNAPSHOT: Lake Of The Ozarks In The ‘60s
by Al Griffin & Nathan Bechtold In the 1960s, the Lake of the Ozarks truly came into its own as the Midwest's playground. Amid the ups and downs of the tumultuous decade, Lake of the Ozarks proved to be the perfect place for a summer getaway. The magnet of a huge...
Finding Fish Their Way
Fishermen are always angling for an edge. Some love tech, some lean on tradition, and others say it’s all about big baits. by Brent Frazee When Andy Newcomb launches his bass boat at Lake of the Ozarks, it looks like a floating computer lab, filled with the latest...
The Locksmith, The Powerboat, & The Roller Coaster
Wife's Money, vintage boats and hillbilly engineering on the Gravois Arm, the Rickers are living Lake Life their way, and they're having a blast. by Kate Robbins The Lake of the Ozarks shoreline is covered with interesting sites to see, from million-dollar homes to...
The Small Waters
Beauty and brilliance upstream: boaters are exploring the Lake above the 40MM by Deanna Wolff It’s no secret that there’s absolutely nothing better than spending the day cruising, coving, and catching fish, and converging at waterfront restaurant/bars on the Lake of...
Up From The Deep
Missouri State Highway Patrol rescue divers see a lot… especially when they can’t see a thing. by Public Info. Spec. III Cheryl D. Cobb (Q/PIED), republished with permission In 1960, four troopers were trained in scuba diving to serve part time with a Water Rescue...
A Premier Pick-Up
With the purchase of Premier 54, Rick Ball and Steve Brink keep growing their marine business portfolio at Lake of the Ozarks. Here’s their secret. by Nathan Bechtold Where would the number-one dealer of Chaparral Boats in the world be located? Of course, the answer...
The North Shore
Homebuyers are finding this stretch of lakefront real estate appealing, for a host of reasons. Photo by Lake Shots Photography by Kate Robbins The real estate market has exploded at Lake of the Ozarks. In 2021, home sales were on-pace to show a 33% increase compared...
The Lake’s Lost Towns
Beneath these waters, a history lies… by Janet Dabbs, with additional information by Michael Gillespie (posthumous) Bagnell Dam was—and is—an engineering marvel, one that would supply electricity to Missouri and, in creating Lake of the Ozarks, bring economic...
Business In Their Blood
The family that founded Cobalt Boats just bought family-owned Summerset Boat Lifts at Lake of the Ozarks. Meet the St. Clairs. by Nathan Bechtold - all photos courtesy the Brooks & St. Clair families Ancient historians report when the Romans went to war, their...
From Ankeny To The Ozarks
by Kate Robbins Carl Moyer has had a storied career, from leading a successful racing career to growing a thriving auto group. This summer, the long-time Iowa auto dealer made Lake of The Ozarks his second home. Moyer always had a passion for cars. He got his start...
The Lake’s Best Beer Tour
by Emily Debert The number of breweries in America is at an all-time high. In January of this year, beveragedynamics.com predicted the total number of American breweries to exceed 8,000 in the not-too-distant future. For Lake of the Ozarks residents and vacationers...
The Lake’s First Seaplane Pilot
by Michael Gillespie The 1950s were interesting times at the Lake. Simple roadside attractions were the rule of the day, and that usually included a trip to the dam to sample the various amusements and souvenir shops, and maybe take an excursion boat ride. Those boat...
