By Publisher, J.B. Simpson

A legacy of change

It’s like no other place in the world. Once a Midwestern secret, Lake of the Ozarks has grown into a destination of national acclaim.

Our weekend warriors and seasonal friends from Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois have now been joined by Coloradans, Floridians, Texans, and boating enthusiasts from coast to coast.

As more visitors travel from farther away to experience the Lake, its year-round dynamic is shifting. More people are falling in love with this place and choosing to make it home.

Maybe it’s the pace, the friendly nature, or the natural beauty. Whatever the reason, there’s a new migration underway.

Natives have their trepidations, but many of us transplants — with roots stretching back decades or generations — see familiar threads in those drawn to these waters.

Still, something new has emerged.