The Osage Nation has announced plans to develop a new entertainment district at the Lake of the Ozarks, in Missouri. The development will include a casino, hotel, restaurant, and entertainment facilities.
The project is expected to be completed in multiple phases with an estimated $60 million investment in the region, bringing new jobs, tourism, and revenue for the Lake of the Ozarks community.
In addition to the entertainment center, the project will include infrastructure and land improvements, additional lodging and long-term parking.
“We have established very good relationships with several communities in Missouri and seek to have a presence back in our homeland,” Osage Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear said.
Missouri state and local officials together with tourism leaders and other stakeholders expressed support for the new economic development project.
“I am happy the Osage Nation is exploring economic development opportunities in their ancestral homeland. It sounds like a promising opportunity to bring jobs to Missouri and I am looking forward to working with the Osage Nation as this project develops,” said State Senator Mike Bernskoetter (R- Jefferson City).
“This is a tremendous opportunity for the Lake Region and our entire state. I look forward to working with the Osage Nation, community leaders, and my colleagues in the Legislature to make this a reality and welcome the Nation home,” said State Senator Justin Brown (R-Rolla).
“We are excited to welcome any new development to Lake of the Ozarks that can help grow our tourism community. We are looking forward to developing a partnership with the Osage Nation’s new entertainment district at the Lake of the Ozarks. As a CVB, we have been supporting and advocating for economic development and tourism in the tri-county region since 1932,” Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Heather Brown said.
“We appreciate the investment and vision that the Osage Nation is willing to make in the great State of Missouri. Experienced strategic partners such as the Osage Nation not only bring the obvious jobs, capital and business acumen to this project but also a genuine desire to see the people of the Lake of the Ozarks region and Missouri Tourism prosper and thrive for years to come. The Missouri Hotel and Lodging Association looks forward to working with Osage Nation and the people of the Lake Region to grow Missouri’s ever important and expanding tourism industry right along with them,” said Missouri Hotel and Lodging Association Board President Trey Propes.
