9 Best Lakeside Towns in Missouri
Between Lake of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake, there are many natural and man-made lakes in Missouri, along which lie some gorgeous little towns. Lake Ozark and Osage Beach bring easy access to state park shorelines and live country music along the Lake of the Ozarks. In Hermitage, Pomme de Terre Lake draws fishing enthusiasts and offers a spiritual retreat center where you can relax by the water. Explore the lakeside towns below if you're curious about the state's best waterfronts.
Branson
Branson was founded in 1882, well before it was a lakeside town. But with the construction of Table Rock Dam by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1959, Table Rock Lake emerged from the dammed-up White River. Today, the lake has over 800 miles of shoreline, about the same as the shoreline of California.
Around the same time as the dam began operation, the Mabe brothers started playing live music and comedy in the lakeside town. Now, Branson is best known for its live shows with more than 100 performances, including comedy, original music, and cover bands. Dolly Parton, for example, has Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction with food and a show. Also on W 76 Country Boulevard is the Branson Titanic Museum with more than 400 artifacts from the shipwreck and the Aquarium at the Boardwalk.
Lake Ozark
Located on Lake of the Ozarks, Lake Ozark is an easy access point to Missouri's largest state park. It was created when the Bagnell Dam was completed on the Osage River in 1931 to generate hydro-electric power for residents.
It took several years for it to be incorporated, becoming Lake Ozark in 1966. But its lakeside charm has remained intact, including Willmore Lodge, built in 1930 by the Union Electric Company working on the Osage River project. It still greets guests to this day. Lake Ozark also has the Bagnell Dam Strip for shopping, named for the dam that made Lake of the Ozarks.
Warsaw
Warsaw sits on the relatively new Harry S. Truman Lake, constructed between 1964 and 1979 with a dam built for hydro-electric power. Its Historic Downtown District has been updated to make it more walkable and inviting to new businesses. Drake Harbor was also upgraded to make it easier to access the lake from the bustling town center.
Warsaw's outdoor activities on Truman Lake include water sports like fishing and boating, as well as hiking trails. Hikers can "swing" by the Joe Dice Swinging Bridge, the only swinging bridge left that crosses the Osage River.
Kimberling City
Kimberling City is on the shores of Table Rock Lake and is home to lake cruises and charter services. There are activities such as tubing, boating, and fishing. It also has lake-front lodges such as the Port of Kimberling Resort and Campground with a hotel, campground, and boat facilities. Pier 28 Pizza and Grill is right on the water with complimentary boat slips to accommodate sailors. Talking Rocks Cavern is less than 10 miles away, featuring underground walking tours to explore crystal cave formations. The area also has hiking with a lookout tower along the trails.
Stockton
Stockton is located on the shores of Stockton Lake, created by the Army Corps of Engineers when it dammed the Sac River in 1970. Its main draw is for boaters who want to sail, as the topography around the lake makes it ideal for sailors to take advantage of a southwest breeze. Get a cup of coffee at Hammons Black Walnut Emporium in the morning before setting off on an adventure. Hopewell Bridge Winery is family friendly and includes an RV park.
Osage Beach
Another town on Lake of the Ozarks is Osage Beach, located around 40 miles southwest of the state capital of Jefferson City. The beach town has access to Lake of the Ozarks State Park with almost 90 miles of coastline for marinas, an aquatic trail, and two swimming beaches.
Today, Osage Beach is best known for its hiking trails and water activities in the summer months. Lake cruises offer lunch and dinner options while on the water taking in the Lake of the Ozarks. On land, "The Best of Main Street Opry" showcases country music at the Main Street Music Hall.
Hermitage
With fewer than 1,000 people calling it home, Hermitage is a quiet destination centered around outdoor recreation at Pomme de Terre Lake. It is a popular spot for muskie fishing, as well as bass, catfish, and walleye. Nearby, Pomme de Terre State Park has six boat ramps and four marinas that make it easy to enjoy fishing and time by the water. The area is also home to the Hermitage Spiritual Retreat Center, where you can spend some reflective time in nature by the water.
Smithville
About 30 miles north of Kansas City is Smithville, located on Smithville Lake, created by the Army Corps of Engineers with construction on a dam in 1979. In addition to water activities, the town is also known for its equestrian trails through local fields. Smithville's Main Street District is packed with restaurants and shops. The Ladoga Ridge Winery has concerts and events in addition to wine tastings. The town hosts Smithville's Backyard BBQ Bash in the summer, where amateur barbecue experts show off their skills.
Lake Saint Louis
Lake Saint Louis is located west of St. Louis, and like other lakeside towns in Missouri, sits on the shore of a manmade lake. The 600-acre lake was formed by a dam as construction began in 1968 with plans for 200 families and Lake Saint Louis Country Club, which was in the early stages of what became an 18-hole golf course.
Today, Lake Saint Louis is known for its golf courses and parks, making it easy to go from the water to the links depending on what you prefer that day. Residents can also take advantage of other amenities in the community including pools and pickleball courts. Summer events include movies and concerts at Boulevard Park Amphitheater.
Lakeside Life Stays in Touch With Nature
Missouri has the advantage of several manmade lakes, which create access to shorelines and water activities in lake towns across the state. These communities continue to preserve the natural beauty of lake life while supporting local restaurants, shops, and marinas that keep their waterfront areas active. From Lake of the Ozarks to Lake Saint Louis, each destination offers a distinct version of lakeside living in Missouri. Together, they show how the state’s reservoir towns blend scenic surroundings with the everyday appeal of life near the water.
