Laurie

   In 1937, only 5 years after the dam was completed, L.M. and William Laurie bought an old building at the intersection of Highway 5 at Route O and began operating a grocery store and gas station. It was the only building with a phone and a drilled water well, and quickly became popular with the locals. The town started to grow from there, aided by the purchase of a sawmill in 1947 by the Lauries, which developed into the largest business in the area as Moore's Lumber, after being sold to Les Moore. In 1961, the local residents petitioned for a post office, and chose the name Laurie, honoring the families contributions over the years, and in 1966, the town became incorporated. It is now one of the larger small towns north of the lake, without going all the way north to Versailles or Eldon.

   Although Laurie doesn't border the Lake at any point, it is less than 3 miles north of the main channel, and is a popular location for a variety of unique events and activities. From the Great American Campground and Dive Bar on the north end, featuring Frogs Legs and Gator Bites, to Chances R Restaurant and Lounge on the south end, with an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet on the weekend, and voted Missouri's Best Family Restaurant 2019-2023, and everything in between, there's no shortage of reasons to visit or live here for the food alone.

  Following Route O out of town, is the Indian Rock Golf Course, an expansive, 300 acre course mingled with 200 fairway bordered homes, as well as some within easy walking distance. The signature 17th hole is set amongst wooded spaces, a deep clear lake, and ancient rock formations, which lend their name to the course, as well as The Rock Bar and Grill.

  In the north east corner of Laurie is the Historic St. Patrick's Church, which has been there since 1868 and is on the National Register of Historic Places as the oldest church in Morgan County. There is also a museum on the premises now, which houses historic documents and vestments, and is open Sundays in the summer. The Laurie Fairgrounds, on the East side of town. holds frequent events, like the Spring and Fall Food Truck festival, the Seasonal Farmers Market, and the ever popular Enchanted Village of Lights, from mid November to New Years. Woven with all the expected local businesses, including retail and grocery stores, marine supply, campgrounds and fitness centers, Laurie is an outstanding yet affordable place to visit or live, for people of any taste.