Lake of the Ozarks

After a strenuous drive west from Cape Girardeau, we were anxious to fall into bed, so last evening was a short one. Today, however, we set out to explore the town of Osage Beach. OB is one of many tourist towns the dot the shores of Lake of the Ozarks, so it was our first destination. The dam that created the lake, Bagnell Dam, was built in 1931 to create electricity for a growing midwest, and continues to do that task. Owned these days by AmerenUE, the powerhouse provides 215 megawatts of energy. The Osage River is impounded by the dam with 54,000 acres of surface area on the lake.

Celebration Cruises runs a series of trips around the lake. This time of year they only go out on Saturday, but we stopped and took advantage of their photo props!

Just above the lake, near Osage Beach, is the Willmore Lodge. Built in three months in 1930, the lodge is built in the Adirondack style of Western Pine logs from the Pacific Northwest. It was assembled in Oregon before being shipped to Missouri, and then assembled again by Engineering Corporation, the firm in charge of the Bagnell project. After a checkered history as an office and recreation facility during the dam construction, to private ownership and eventual deterioration, the lodge was purchased by a non-profit that maintains the lodge for special events, and supports a small museum depicting local history from those of pre-history to the building of the Bagnell Dam.

The floors of the lodge are made of Chestnut, planked and pegged. It's hard to see in these pics, but the floor is beautiful! It is 100% irreplaceable because there are not enough Chestnut trees available to replace the floors.

The view from the drawing room looks over a spectacular lake.

Donna found a chair suitable for a Queen!

The lodge is located on a point of land and has a quiet area to watch the happenings on the lake.

Roger and Mary celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary today! Many, many more, R and M!