Laurie, Missouri

The Hometown of the West Side of Lake of the Ozarks

Ask almost anyone who lives on the west side of Lake of the Ozarks where they go for groceries, breakfast, hardware, banking, or to meet friends for lunch, and chances are they'll say Laurie.

While visitors often think first of Osage Beach or Lake Ozark, Laurie serves a different purpose. It's the everyday hub for thousands of full-time residents living around Gravois Mills, Sunrise Beach, Rocky Mount, Versailles, and the surrounding lake communities.

Rather than being built around tourism, Laurie grew into a community that supports everyday life at the lake. That's exactly what gives it its charm.

At a Glance

Population: Approximately 1,000 residents

County: Morgan County

Known For

• Laurie Hillbilly Fair

• Local restaurants

• West side shopping and services

• Small-town atmosphere

• Easy access to Lake of the Ozarks

• Friendly community

• Year-round living

Best For

• Full-time residents

• Retirees

• Families

• Vacation homeowners

• Anyone wanting lake access without living in a heavily tourist-driven area

A Brief History

Laurie began as a railroad town in Morgan County and slowly evolved into the commercial center of the west side of Lake of the Ozarks.

When Lake of the Ozarks was created in 1931, growth spread across the surrounding countryside. As neighborhoods, cabins, and lake homes were built, Laurie naturally became the place where residents shopped, attended community events, visited doctors, and handled everyday errands.

Today, it continues to serve that same role while maintaining the welcoming atmosphere that has defined the community for generations.

Where Is Laurie?

Laurie sits along Missouri Highway 5 on the west side of Lake of the Ozarks.

From Laurie, it's an easy drive to:

• Gravois Mills

• Sunrise Beach

• Rocky Mount

• Versailles

• Greenview

• Laurie West

• Numerous public boat ramps and marinas

Its central location makes it one of the most convenient communities for west-side residents.

Shopping & Everyday Services

One of Laurie's biggest strengths is convenience.

While larger retailers are available in Osage Beach about 30 to 40 minutes away, many residents find they rarely need to make the trip.

Laurie offers:

• Woods Supermarket

• Ace Hardware

• Dollar General

• Family Dollar

• Local pharmacies

• Banks

• Medical clinics

• Dental offices

• Veterinary care

• Auto repair shops

• Hair salons

• Professional services

• Local boutiques

For many families, Laurie provides nearly everything needed for day-to-day living.

Restaurants & Local Favorites

One of the things that gives Laurie its personality is its collection of locally owned restaurants.

Rather than national chains, you'll find businesses that have become gathering places for the community.

Some local favorites include:

Chances R

A longtime Laurie tradition, Chances R has built a loyal following with generous portions, friendly service, and classic comfort food. For many west-side residents, it's the place to meet friends for breakfast or grab lunch after running errands.

Val's

If you ask locals where to grab breakfast, Val's is likely to come up early in the conversation. It's one of those places where regulars know each other and first-time visitors quickly feel welcome.

Demolition Brewing Company

Veteran-owned and proudly local, Demolition Brewing Company has become one of Laurie's newest gathering places. In addition to craft beer, it regularly hosts community events, food trucks, live entertainment, and fundraisers that bring people together.

Several other locally owned cafés, pizza restaurants, barbecue spots, and family restaurants round out the dining scene, giving residents plenty of choices without leaving town.

Entertainment

While Laurie isn't known for large tourist attractions, there's always something happening.

Residents enjoy:

• The Westside Movie Theater

• Community parks

• Youth sports

• Seasonal festivals

• Live music

• Local fundraisers

• Community dinners

• Farmers markets

• Car shows

• Holiday celebrations

The pace is slower than some other lake communities, but that's exactly why many people enjoy living here.

Laurie Hillbilly Fair

Every summer, Laurie hosts one of the area's most recognizable traditions—the Laurie Hillbilly Fair.

For decades, families have gathered for:

• Carnival rides

• Live entertainment

• Local vendors

• Food stands

• Crafts

• Community exhibits

• Children's activities

For many residents, attending the Hillbilly Fair is simply part of summer at Lake of the Ozarks.

The fairgrounds remain active throughout the year, hosting additional community events, festivals, and gatherings.

Outdoor Recreation

Although Laurie itself sits just west of the shoreline, the lake is always close by.

Within minutes you'll find:

• Public boat ramps

• Marinas

• Fishing

• Campgrounds

• Golf courses

• Hiking

• Paddleboarding

• Kayaking

• Quiet coves perfect for relaxing on the water

Many residents appreciate having easy lake access while avoiding some of the heavier seasonal traffic found in more tourist-focused areas.

What Locals Know

Laurie has something that's becoming harder to find.

Community.

You'll often recognize familiar faces at Woods, Chances R, or the hardware store.

Business owners know many of their customers by name.

Neighbors stop and talk.

It's common to run into someone you know while grabbing coffee or picking up groceries.

That's part of what makes Laurie different.

For west-side residents, Laurie isn't just another town.

It's where everyday life happens.

Hidden Gems

Visitors sometimes overlook some of Laurie's best features.

Spend a little time exploring and you'll discover:

• Veteran-owned Demolition Brewing Company.

• Small locally owned shops throughout town.

• Community events at the fairgrounds beyond the Hillbilly Fair.

• Scenic drives toward Gravois Mills, Versailles, and Sunrise Beach.

• Several less crowded boat ramps just outside town.

• Beautiful back roads that showcase the rolling hills of Morgan County.

Sometimes the best parts of Laurie aren't found on a map—they're found by slowing down and getting to know the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Laurie on Lake of the Ozarks?

Laurie is located just west of the shoreline, with quick access to numerous lakefront communities, marinas, and public boat ramps.

Why do so many people live in Laurie?

Many residents appreciate having shopping, healthcare, restaurants, schools, and services nearby while still being only minutes from the lake.

Is Laurie only for retirees?

Not at all. Laurie is home to families, working professionals, retirees, vacation homeowners, and business owners.

What is Laurie best known for?

Laurie is best known for serving as the west side's hometown, the annual Laurie Hillbilly Fair, and providing many of the everyday services that support surrounding lake communities.

Final Thoughts

Laurie isn't trying to be the busiest city at Lake of the Ozarks—and that's part of its appeal.

It's a place where neighbors know each other, local businesses are supported, community traditions still matter, and the lake is always just a few minutes away.

Whether you're visiting for the Hillbilly Fair, meeting friends at Chances R, enjoying a craft beer at Demolition Brewing Company, catching a movie at the Westside Theater, or simply running errands before heading to the lake, Laurie offers a side of Lake of the Ozarks that many visitors never experience.

For those who call the west side home, it's more than a stop along Highway 5.

It's home.

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Explore More Lake of the Ozarks Communities

Return to the Lake of the Ozarks Knowledge Base. Other west side communities: Gravois Mills, Stover, Macks Creek.

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