If you ask anyone who has been coming to the Lake of the Ozarks for several years what some of their favorite memories are, they will likely mention Millstone.
After the completion of Bagnell Dam in 1931, Robert and Catherine Elliot of Kansas City, Missouri purchased land from the Pistol Club, an organization of kansas city businessmen. There they built their dream home, Elliot Lodge, which would later become known as Millstone Lodge. The lake home featured a stone fireplace that incorporated three millstones brought in from the surrounding hills by Catherine, known to the early Lakers as ‘Bagnell Kate’. The millstones reflect the early history of the Ozarks when clear running streams were used as a power source to grind corn.
Shortly after World War II, the Elliots sold the lodge to the Laner family. Mr Laner was killed in an auto accident not long afterwords and the lodge sold again, becoming a commercial venture. In 1989, Dick Walls, owner of Boone Tavern in Columbia, purchased Millstone and refurbished the facilities and grounds. Under Mr. Walls’ ownership, Millstone was Lake of the Ozarks best known resort and marina
With new owners and management, today Millstone Harbor, previousely Millstone Marina, is getting an extensive makeover with new upgraded electrical service, fuel pumps, updated docks, bathrooms, parts & service department. According to Dave Doherty, general manager at Millstone, their service department can handle anything from fishing boats to large yachts and houseboats. Dave grew up spending his summers at Millstone working for his aunt and uncle, Red and Norma Morrison. Red and Norma ran the marina from 1964 to 1979.
Besides, parts and service, Millstone Harbor is also the largest marina at the lake with over 300 boat slips, a fuel dock, a new restaurant, the Tap & Grill, and the premier water taxi and charter service at the lake, Playin Hooky Water Taxi & Charters LLC. Offering water taxi, group and corporate chaters, a bar hop cruise, and their new service, the Aqua Shuttle.
Playin Hooky’s Aqua Shuttle is a water shuttle currently running Friday and Saturday evenings between six bar & grills: the new Tap & Grill Bar, Shady Gators, Lazy Gators, Franky & Louie’s, Pickleheads via Franky & Louie’s, Bobbers and H-Toad’s. For $20 each, guests can purchase a wristband which will allow them to hop on and hop off all evening from 6:00 pm to 1:30 am at the various bar & grills.
Years ago Millstone was the place to go when you came to the lake to have a good time and relax. Its going to be fun watching this great part of Lake history being brought back to life. The best times are yet to come!
If you have a great story or pictures about Millstone let us know, we would love to share them!
For more information on boat slip rental and service, contact:
Dave Doherty (573) 372-6272
email: captcdd@gmail.com
Historical information obtained from;
Millstone Condos
Millstone Harbor