The Great Dam Tour

Photo courtesy of Nathan Bechtold

Ready for an adventure? Here’s how to see all four dams in the Lake area, from easiest to hardest.

by Amiyah Fitzsimmons & Nathan Bechtold

The Lake of the Ozarks is bookended by two dams, each contributing uniquely to the area’s development and landscape over the decades. They serve as flood control and navigation support, and their histories are intertwined with the region’s growth, reflecting changes in technology and priorities over time.

But there are actually four dams in the Lake area. Each has its own purpose and design, and while none of them are open for public access (Bagnell Dam was once open for tours, but those ended years ago), they form a unique punchlist for those seeking a “deep-cuts” tour of the region’s history.

Want to see all four dams around the Lake of the Ozarks? Here’s where to find each, and how difficult it is to get there.

The Great Dam Tour: The Four Dams Of Lake Of The Ozarks

1. Bagnell Dam 

Difficulty Level: Easy

Bagnell Dam impounds Lake of the Ozarks and was built in 1931. It is 148 feet tall and 2,543 feet long. The dam is named after the nearby town of Bagnell, which was named after William Bagnell, who planted the town in 1883.

You can see Bagnell Dam several ways, and all of them are pretty easy.

You can always take a stroll or drive across the dam.

Or, visit the scenic overlook above the dam. This offers a beautiful view of the dam, the Osage River, and Lake of the Ozarks.

But perhaps the most exciting view is the observation area below the dam. The site allows one to gain a true sense of scale. In the river below, giant paddlefish and catfish can always be seen, churning up the water. During periods of heavy rain, Ameren will sometimes open the dam’s floodgates, creating a remarkable sight.

Sadly, tours of the dam’s inside were discontinued decades ago for security reasons. Now only select groups are allowed inside. Somehow, we managed to get on that list. Read about it and see photos in “A Rare Look Inside Bagnell Dam,” in this issue of Shore.

Photo courtesy of Lake of the Ozarks CVB