Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks lands $300 million project with amusement, water parks

Local leaders say a new $300 million development will bring much-needed family options to Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks.

Developers this week announced plans for the Oasis at Lakeport, a new family resort and year-round entertainment district that will include a 400-room, full-service Marriott hotel, an indoor water park and an amusement park with a Ferris wheel.

The project follows a boom in tourism at the Lake of the Ozarks, which has seen record numbers of visitors since the onset of the pandemic in spring 2020.

The Oasis at Lakeport sits near the intersection of U.S. 54 and Jeffries Road near the Grand Glaize Bridge in Osage Beach.

While the lake area has long been a favorite Midwestern getaway, its main attraction has always been the 55,000-acre lake itself. And with a slew of popular waterside bars, the area has often held a reputation as a party spot.

Osage Beach Mayor Michael Harmison said locals have long been clamoring for more family entertainment options.

“As plans for the family friendly offerings at Oasis at Lakeport continue to be announced, I am enjoying watching our community gain momentum as one of the fastest growing lake destinations,” the mayor said in a news release.

The Marriott hotel will include a 26,000-square-foot conference center, indoor water park, restaurants, 200 public boat slips and 1,000-space parking garage. Developers say the project attractions will also include roller coasters, thrill and family rides and a 200-foot Ferris wheel.