Lake Ozark, Missouri: Ozark Halfwit and Chief Bagnell: Muffler Men
"Chief Bagnell," formerly known as Injun Joe, was successfully restored and returned to his old spot on August 13, 2016. "Ozark Halfwit" was shipped out for restoration in 2013; returned on May 1, 2024.
- Address:
- 1508 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Lake Ozark, MO
- Directions:
- The Halfwit is on the west side of US-54 BUS/Bagnell Dam Blvd at its intersection with Castaway Drive, a half-mile north of its intersection with Horseshoe Bend Pkwy and a mile south of the Bagnell Dam. Chief Bagnell stands across the street from the Halfwit.
- RA Rates:
- Worth a Detour
-
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Visitor Tips and News About Ozark Halfwit and Chief Bagnell: Muffler Men
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Kinda cool. Why is it called a muffler man?
[Mike Disher, 02/20/2020]
After standing at the lake for 45 years the Chief was taken down in January of 2016. American Giants got him in March and did a five month restoration. They sanded him back down to the gel coat, fixed all his cracks and holes, then primed and repainted him using auto paint that will last for many years. All his fine details were airbrushed on and he was delivered back to the strip on it's 50th anniversary.
He is now standing on the strip once again, looking pretty sharp with his new paint job. Big thank you to Iguana Group for rescuing him and having him restored. This Chief also has the full support and love of the local community, who also hope to see the Halfwit restored and returned soon.
[Joel Baker, 08/24/2016]
The Happy Halfwit is gone, and so is the park.
[John Luther, 07/16/2014]Cruised through Lake Ozark a few weeks ago on a trip and noticed that the Halfwit that used to stand in front of what was known for years as "Dogpatch" had left town. Not sure when he departed, but I did see him during Fall of last year. Still a few shops and an arcade behind him that are open. The good news is that the Indian across the street is still there, greeting visitors.
[Rob, 04/23/2014]Page of 2 [Next 3 items]
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See "How to Identify Muffler Men." -- our classifications. The Indian version is perhaps the most distant from the baseline service station giant holding a big car muffler. The figure shares the pants/legs/shoe molds which originated at International Fiberglass, font of most 1960s-vintage Muffler Men.