Scary Facts About Lake Of The Ozarks, A Man-Made Underwater Horror Story
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “Ozark”? Your answer could very well be related to that Netflix crime drama with the same name, with an impressive cast including Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, and Julia Garner, about a family near the Lake of the Ozarks who serve a criminal organization. This series lasted four seasons (or 44 episodes) and was an impressive success, including prestigious awards such as the Primetime Emmy Award.
With all due respect, we prefer our lakes as a horror movie rather than a crime drama. The good news is that Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri in the United States qualifies for this definition, thanks to an underwater city, cursed bridges, unexplained accidents, venomous snakes, and some ghost stories.
In the following review, we will dive deep into the murky waters of the scary facts of Lake of the Ozarks, uncover its hidden secrets, explore its dangerous reputation, and discover why it has become a must-see destination for those looking to combine their vacation with a bit of fear.
Where Is The Lake Of The Ozarks?
Located near the mountains of the same name, Lake of the Ozarks stretches the length of Missouri in what is known as the “Inner Plateau of the United States.” The lake spans four counties (Camden, Miller, Morgan, and Benton) and is notable for its sinuous shape.
Lake of the Ozarks is a tourist spot, combining everything you may wish for in such a lake:
- Outdoor day trip opportunities, like caves, hiking trails, and aquatic trails
- Free-of-charge state parks, like Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Ha Ha Tonka State Park, or Thunder Mountain Conservation Center
- Parks and Attractions, like Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park, Big Surf Waterpark, Camdenton Aquatic Center, Jetz Trampoline Park High Tide Pool Venue, and more
- Accommodation – Lake of the Ozarks has many resorts, hotels, air B&B, campsites and more
- Marine and boating opportunities, like boat rental services (for example, Tropic Island Cruises and Super Daves Paddle Board & Kayak Rentals and Lessons)
- Watersport
- Spas and Wellness areas
How Big Is The Lake Of The Ozarks?
The Ozarks Lake is about 150 kilometers long from end to end, and its shoreline stretches for about 1,850 kilometers. The lake area is about 220 square kilometers, and its maximum depth is 40 meters. All of this makes Lake of the Ozarks one of the largest artificial lakes in the United States.
Is Lake Of The Ozarks Man Made?
Although we refer to it as a natural scary site on our website, because we are still talking about a lake from a tourist point of view, the Lake of the Ozarks is a man-made creation. Ozarks Lake was created in 1931 after the construction of the Bagnell Dam on the Osage River. The dam’s initial purpose was to provide electricity to the residents of St. Louis.
Back in the 1930s, it was the largest artificial lake in the world, although since then, humans built many lakes and reservoirs of even larger dimensions.
Its curved shape is reminiscent of a dragon (the lake is also called the “Missouri Dragon” or the “Magic Dragon”), which it acquired over the years after significant flooding of the Osage River Valley and its tributaries.

The Dark Side Of Lake Of The Ozarks
Under normal circumstances, for the average tourist, Lake Ozark is an excellent place for a vacation or trip. Beyond the opportunity to bathe in the lake’s waters, you will find a wide range of water sports activities, countless fishing opportunities (the shores of the lake have about 70,000 docks!), parks, nature trails, and more. From a tourist perspective, it is a developed place, with hotels of all quality levels, restaurants, and even nightlife.
The bottom line, much more relevant to our site, is that despite the vast and inviting expanses of the lake, it hides many deadly secrets. In fact, it is considered one of the most dangerous and intriguing lakes in the United States, as we will discuss later.
In general, the underwater system here is one of the most fascinating, one that looks like the basis for a survival thriller in the style of “47 Meters Down.” You will find various underwater caves, sinkholes, and tunnels, some well-known and some not yet sufficiently explored by man. Diving conditions there can be complex, for example, due to treacherous currents.
Why Is Lake Of The Ozarks So Dangerous?
Over the years, Lake Ozark has earned the status of one of the most dangerous lakes in the United States, and it’s not hard to see why. There have been quite a few boating accidents around the lake, which we can attribute to boaters’ carelessness (including alcohol use, for example), the fact that the area is relatively busy, and the lake’s natural characteristics. The winding shape of the lake and its various inlets, along with boating conditions (strong currents, highly turbid water, and submerged obstacles), can make boating dangerous if you don’t take basic precautions, especially when it comes to using speedboats.
According to locals, some accidents here remain unexplained even years later. Many believe the lake has whirlpools or water streams that pose a tangible risk of drowning for boaters or swimmers, even experienced ones.
The lake area can have sudden thunderstorms and strong winds even on calm days, even in summer, and the sudden change in the Lake of the Ozarks weather puts inexperienced swimmers and rafters at risk.
When The Water Becomes Deadly
While the lake’s waters may look inviting in photos, the reality can be different. Throughout history, the lake has suffered from various pests and infections, such as bacteria (including E. coli) and algal blooms that can be toxic to humans and animals. It’s important to review safety guidelines before visiting the area, as during peak bloom seasons, the immersed person may experience harm, such as stomach ailments, skin irritation, and other ailments.
Another dangerous phenomenon is “Electric Shock Drowning,” which refers to the leakage of electrical currents into the water from nearby boats or docks. The problem is that a swimmer exposed to or in contact with these currents may experience momentary paralysis, creating a risk of drowning in the deep waters of Lake of the Ozarks. Over the years, many efforts have been made to reduce the problem, especially concerning the characteristics of the docks, but this danger still exists in various areas of the lake where the docks are old.
Among divers, the picture is even more dangerous. The waters of the Lake of the Ozarks tend to be dark and murky, and visibility is extremely low in many areas below the surface. Divers have reported visibility of only a few meters, which makes navigation and diving a challenging task, some would say impossible. Especially when considering the various obstacles below the water’s surface, such as rocks, trees, and even agricultural equipment preserved here.
Snakes, Scary Fishes, And Other Troubles
The fact that Lake Ozark has a very impressive animal population will not surprise you. The ecosystem around Ozark’s river, forests, and mountains is diverse and fascinating.
You can find interesting species of turtles, lizards, and snakes here. According to the findings, there are about 25 species of snakes in the Lake of the Ozarks State Park area, some of which are venomous. There are also water snakes, which may attack swimmers and divers. Park officials note that snake bites are rare but can happen if you are not careful. Any attempt to capture or “harass” snakes may end in a bite.
In the waters of Lake Ozark, you will find other scary-looking animals, some of which may be dangerous in certain situations. The Alligator Gar got its name from its resemblance to a crocodile, and those not prepared for an encounter with it underwater may panic. There are snapping turtles here, which got their name because they may bite those who provoke them.
Is Lake Of The Ozarks Haunted?
Lake of the Ozarks also has its ghost stories, and quite a few, to be honest. The region’s dark history contributes to this. Some people believe that the ghosts of the residents of the now-underwater cemetery still haunt the area, perhaps as revenge for what they went through after their deaths. This is, of course, along with the ghosts of children and people who drowned in the lake, haunted ships, and other surprises.
Linn Creek, Lake Of The Ozarks Ghost Town
Underneath Lake of the Ozarks, at a depth of several dozen meters, you will find the remains of the ancient town of Linn Creek. The original Lynn Creek was founded in 1841 at the junction of the Nyangora and Osage rivers and was very prosperous for a long time, also thanks to an extensive boat industry.
With the dam’s construction, sometime in 1929, the residents realized that their town would be completely flooded. This created a fierce controversy among the residents, who discovered everything they built in their lives was about to go down in flames. Most of the buildings in Lynn Creek were demolished, the official institutions moved to another (higher) location, and the town was abandoned, with a large part of the residents moving to what was called “New Lynn Creek.”
Today, you can still find the remains of the original Lynn Creek under the Lake of the Ozarks, a chilling testament to what once happened at the initiative of man. The old Lynn Creek cemetery is still there, underwater, along with buildings used for residence or employment several hundred years ago.
In other words, Lake Ozark has a spooky history of a ghost town that lies underwater, and divers can uncover what’s left. The place attracts treasure hunters, who occasionally come across unique and valuable items like ancient tools, coins, etc.
Ha Ha Tonka Castle
One of the most well-known stories concerns the castle, which is located on the shores of the lake and overlooks it. Ha Ha Tonka Castle was built in the early 20th century by a businessman named Robert McClure Snyder. The problem is that trouble started to happen very quickly, including the sudden death of the same Snyder in a car accident. His family eventually completed the construction, but in 1942, the castle was destroyed by fire. The castle’s ruins still stand there, near the lake, and according to local folklore, it is haunted.
You know what that means: reports (allegedly or not) of mysterious figures and unexplained noises from the castle area, especially when it is dark.
Momo The Monster
The entire Missouri region is one of the most active in the United States in terms of myths and ghost stories. Many scary characters are here, such as “Momo the Monster” (don’t confuse it with The Momo Challenge), also known as the “Missouri Monster”. According to descriptions, this is a Bigfoot-style monster, a creepy combination of a man and a monkey. There have been reports of people claiming they saw him in the area, especially in the 1970s.
The story of Momo the Monster from Missouri has not yet developed into a horror myth like Bigfoot or the Yeti The Abominable Snowman, for example. Still, it is part of the local mythology. For decades, for example, it was the name of a popular ride in Six Flags St. Louis until it was closed in 1994.
The Blue Man
Another example is “The Blue Man” from the Ozark region. According to the legend, this is a wild, human-like creature that lived in the forested hills of Douglas County, Missouri, starting in the 1860s. He was supposedly a scary man with blue-black fur who carried wooden clubs, threw large rocks, and fed on local animals.