Lakeside

Missouri's ghost towns run from lead diggings to river ports the railroad left behind.

Lakeside is an inactive city in Miller County, Missouri, United States, located along the Osage River near the Bagnell Dam. The population was 37 at the 2000 census. However, as of the 2020 census, the city's population was 0, with only one housing unit.

The on-the-ground condition of Lakeside is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Here's the honest truth: access to Lakeside is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times. The mapped point for Lakeside is roughly 38.2044, -92.6222 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.