Eldon

  The city of Eldon lies north of Lake Ozark and the Bagnell Dam, by way of route 54, and is one of the 2 largest cities in the Lake area, the other being Camdenton on the south side of the Lake. The city itself is 10 miles from the lake area, but the Eldon zip code and fire district stretch south all the way to the lake, and many addresses, from the northside of Birdsong Hollow Cove at MM3 of the main channel, through all of Jobson Hollow Cove, and the east side of Jackson Branch Cove, at MM4, are listed as Eldon. Near the lake, Eldon has the rolling hills and winding roads typical of the Lake Area, gradually changing to a more sparsely wooded meadows and prairie towards town.

  At the intersection of 52 and 54, and fed by the 87, and routes M and Y, this city is still less than 5 sq. mi in size, and has a population under 5,000, which leaves plenty of countryside and timbered plots typical of the area, in addition to city living and amenities. Eldon was platted and the post office was established in 1881 when it became apparent the railroad would go through there, instead of the nearby Aurora springs, and was named for a railroad official, as was the custom. In this location at the crossroads of the railroad and several roads that would become paved in later years, Eldon grew over the years, and with the construction of the dam in 1931, the town has become a local hub of activity and hospitality for tourists, businesses and residents alike.

  Activities abound in town, and the surrounding area, which features the Eldon Golf Club, vineyards, horseback riding, the Lake Ozark Speedway, an assortment of antique malls, and Stark Caverns, operating on and off since 1950, with 80% of the caves handicapped accessible. In town is a complete K-12 school district, as well as an adult learning center, and the Eldon Career Center, in addition to the normal retail and dining options one would expect.

  Local dining favorites include the Cree Mee Drive In, the Donut Palace, T Murdock's Bar and Grill, and Whittles Pub and Grub, an American bar serving a Monster Pork Tenderloin that comes with an extra bun, which doesn't come close to what is needed for a serving of this proportion. The famous Ice Cream Factory began in Eldon in 2019 with a single scoop shop and was so popular on their first weekend that they had to make immediate adjustments. They even managed to grow during covid, pivoting to online and retail orders, and they now serve 16 states and 1500 retailers. Featuring a large repertoire of homemade flavors, they now have 4 scoop shops around the Lake, and you can find their to-go containers at stores, cafes, resorts, watersport locations, and music venues, as a beloved, local standard.

  Eldon's Lake Proximity means there's a range of marine shopping, storage and service to choose from, and in various convenient locations. 5 miles of shoreline provides ample opportunity for waterfront plots in a variety of sizes and views, and at MM3and 4 of the main channel, Lake activities and events are easily accessible. The coves also provide common amenities including tritoon, paddle boat and water toys at Adventure Boat Rentals, as well as fishing guides and charters to suit any need. The Boathouse Lakeside Bar and Grill can be reached by land or water, and provides a casual dining experience with a pool, courtesy docks, a full bar, live entertainment on their new stage, and all the views one would expect, making this a favorite for tourists and residents alike.

  The wide array of properties in Eldon, modest or extravagant, of any size, can range from manicured to natural, forested to pastures, and are often dotted with small lakes, ponds and creeks, many of which are on private properties, indulging opportunities for off lake fishing, hunting, or wildlife appreciation. Whether you enjoy country living with acreage close to town and the Lake, waterfront views, or 100 year old historic homes you can't find anywhere else, Eldon provides a wealth of alternatives for any lifestyle.