This vision that the Osage Nation has had for The Ozarks appears to be closer to reality.
The plan is to create an entertainment district in the City of Lake Ozark, Missouri. The Osage Nation is now collaborating with the federal government to have the land designated as a trust, enabling the development to proceed.
This ambitious venture promises to bring significant economic benefits and cultural revitalization to the area, with a projected $60 million investment that sets the stage for new opportunities.
Lake Ozark, Missouri, is a city located on the shores of the much larger Lake of the Ozarks, which is a man-made reservoir. The city is a specific community, while the lake is the body of water itself, and many other cities and communities are located on its shores.
It's not the first time a project like this has been discussed for The Ozarks. It was a plan that ultimately failed when the people voted against it. The state is also on the verge of launching sports betting.
Online sports betting operators Fanatics and DraftKings are already gearing up.
How The Land Into Trust Process Works
The Osage Nation is going through a process to change the ownership of some land from private ownership to a special status where the U.S. government holds it for the tribe's benefit.
This process, known as "land-into-trust," gives the tribe more control and exempts the land from state and local laws, providing federal protections and benefits. Once land is in trust, it can't be sold or mortgaged without federal approval, ensuring it's preserved for future generations.
To start this process, the tribe submits an application to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). The BIA then reviews the application, including environmental and legal checks, while local and state governments have 30 days to object. If the application is approved, the land officially becomes trust land.
For the Osage Nation, it took nearly ten years to acquire over 41,000 acres using this process. The tribe also works with federal and tribal authorities to manage law enforcement on these lands. For their new casino and entertainment project in Lake Ozark, Missouri, the tribe is again working to place land into trust. This will allow them to run the facilities under tribal and federal laws instead of state laws.
Having land in trust helps the Osage Nation protect its heritage, boost economic opportunities like casinos, and maintain control over how the land is used for future generations.
Revitalizing Ancestral Land
The Osage Nation is planning to build the new casino project on its sovereign tribal land, which means it doesn't have to follow Missouri's state gaming regulations or get voter approval—a hurdle that has stopped previous proposals in the area.
The tribe plans to work closely with the City of Lake Ozark to strengthen community bonds through the project. This collaboration includes funding for vital infrastructure improvements like roads, water, and sewer services and making annual contributions to support local services such as the fire and police departments.
The development will be built in phases and will eventually include a casino, hotel, restaurants, a sports bar, and meeting spaces, along with leisure amenities such as a pool and hot tub. The first phase will focus on building the casino, sports bar, restaurant, hotel, and meeting space, aiming to create a lively destination for both locals and tourists.
The Osage Nation is deeply connected to the area historically and is using this project to honor those ties by boosting cultural and economic presence on their ancestral lands. Besides the economic benefits, the tribe is dedicated to enriching the community through philanthropic efforts and by prioritizing local vendors and businesses in the facility's operations.
Boosting the Local Economy
The entertainment district is set to significantly boost the local economy. It will generate jobs, enhance tourism, and provide a steady influx of revenue for the Lake of the Ozarks area.
Plans also include ensuring that the development respects the city’s interests and its rich heritage.
Before any ground can be broken, the project requires federal approval to place the land into trust, a key step for allowing gaming operations. However, city leaders and the Osage Nation are optimistic and enthusiastic about the potential.
The Osage Nation's proposed entertainment district is more than just a place for recreation; it's a landmark of cooperation, growth, and shared heritage. As these plans unfold, it's expected to create a dynamic transformation for Lake Ozark and beyond.
