We enjoyed driving down to see the dam, but the strip was run down and boarded up. I had my senior class trip here in 1995 and there was a lot going on it was not the same, but the dam is interesting to see.
We stopped by the visitor center nearby and enjoyed it. We also went to the shops. The area is old and several stores were already closed for the season. The grounds by the dam has some places to park and enjoy the view or you can go fishing at the bottom of the dam.
This has always been a great place. I would really like to see more things for kids brought in; such as the arcades, etc that they have closed down. We need things for our kids.
It's a nice nature walk at the base of the dam, but that's about it. The few shops that remain on the strip are run down and really not worth the time. We visited several shops, but I was not impressed. A number of the shops are not even open anymore.From the "lookout", you can only view the top of the dam, which doesn't look like anything more than an ordinary road or bridge. Nothing spectacular from up there, and a lot of the areas where you might get a view of the side of the dam is hidden from view by the trees.
Very interesting guided tour. Pretty informal and you'll have to walk and go up and down a few steps. But, this where the electricity comes from. This is why there is a Lake-Of-The-Ozarks. Take a little time and learn something. You'll be glad you did. Have fun!
The strip is in need of updating and it is being done. If you like leather try the Leather Man shop.
There is a good bit of history here for those that enjoy this kind of thing. Too bad that due to homeland security, they do not do the tours anymore but there is some basic information by the gate.The Strip going to the dam is showing it age but they are working to upgrade it. Leatherman, and Richard's are worth stopping in. Leave the kids outside if you go into Richards Relic Shack and have an open mind to collectors. Fun place to find something totally useless but interesting.
Where did these other reviews come from? The dam itself was interesting but the strip was kind of a dump. This place is old timey but in a bad way. Apparently, anything beyond run down strip shops has left for better pastures. Things were so bad i felt like I was on purposely dingy movie set. Don't bother to visit unless you need a tattoo...
It is interesting to see the dam, has a walking path across if you want to walk across. I would suggest to go on an off weekend where there are not as many tourist. It is great to walk the strip of little shops then cross the dam and back.
OK its a dam but the visitor center above the dam was a nice visit, had the history and the area, people and how the dam was built. the dam overlook area would be better if they cut some trees down so you could see the dam, but stop anyway.