Visitors welcome in Lebanon thanks to its Route 66 roots
Home to about 15,000 people, Lebanon opens its arms to new residents and visitors alike — the city’s motto has been “Our Town, Your Town” for decades, designated by two signs hanging over downtown. The city gained traction with the establishment of Route 66, which brought people traveling across the country to its fuel stations and roadside restaurants. The city pays tribute to its roots with museums and events. However, Route 66 history isn’t the only thing Lebanon has to offer. The city is nestled in the Ozarks, and Lake of the Ozarks State Park, 34 miles north, brings boat manufacturers like White River Marine Group to the city.
Residents in Lebanon enjoy living in the beauty of southwest Missouri.
Boat manufacturing is a major industry in Lebanon.
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The city motto hanging over downtown Lebanon
While Lebanon’s dining scene used to be centered around Route 66, today, the city’s restaurants line Commercial Street. The metal archways over the intersection of Commercial Street and Jefferson Avenue mark the district as Downtown Lebanon. Supermarkets, big box stores and chain fast-food restaurants line Jefferson Avenue. Along this stretch is the Route 66 Museum. Housed in the local library, the museum highlights the city’s relationship with Route 66, like the different economic growth and development and culture that came with it. Heartland Antique Mall is the largest of its kind between Joplin and Saint Louis, with over 200 vendors selling antiques and vintage collectibles.
Downtown Lebanon remains an active and important part of the city.
The Route 66 Museum in Lebanon is free and open to the public.
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Route 66 turned into Interstate 44 in Missouri
Also called the Mother Road, Route 66 has long since been defunct across the U.S. However, in Missouri, the state repurposed it into Interstate 44, which runs diagonally through Lebanon, connecting it with Springfield in the southwest and Saint Louis to the northeast. People can hop on this thoroughfare to get to the nearest airport, Springfield-Branson National Airport, about 59 miles away. The airport hosts major airlines like United and Delta and nonstop flights to cities like Chicago, Dallas and Denver. Missouri Route 5 runs north to south, linking residents with the Ozarks and its lakes to the north. In the winter, Lebanon can get snow, but the city treats roads with salt and plows them during snowstorms.
Interstate 44 replaces Route 66 and remains an integral part of Lebanon.
Lebanon celebrates its history with murals dedicated to the past.
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The county fair and the Route 66 Festival
Every year on Father’s Day weekend, the Route 66 Festival is another way Lebanon celebrates its roots. People can explore the vendors and games or stop and watch the parade and live music. For the first week in July, people come from all over the county to the Laclede County Fair, held at the Lebanon Fairgrounds. The city is the county seat, so it puts on carnival rides and games, livestock shows, tractor pulls and pageants.
Historic Victorians next to newer bungalows
Lebanon’s median housing price is $200,000. Across the city, people can find historic Victorian homes built around the late 1800s and early 1900s. The rest of the homes mostly date back to the 1920s through the early 2000s, including bungalows, Cape Cods and ranch-style houses. Violent and property crime have both been decreasing in Lebanon since 2020.
Older Victorian homes can be found closer to Lebanon's downtown area.
Newer homes are replacing some older homes in Lebanon.
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Trade programs offered at the Lebanon Technology and Career Center
Kindergarten through 12th grade students attend Lebanon R-III Schools, which earns a B from Niche. Lebanon Senior High School partners with the Lebanon Technology and Career Center, allowing students to enroll in programs for agriculture, business, culinary arts, engineering and welding.
Maplecrest Elementary School serves students in south Lebanon.
Lebanon High School is home to the Yellowjackets.
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Cooling off in the pool or learning tricks at the skatepark
Located in the city's center, Boswell Park offers year-round amenities like the baseball field and the tennis and basketball courts. However, it is also a seasonal destination. The Boswell Aquatic Center’s outdoor pool offers a space for people to cool off in the summer. Gasconade Park also has a basketball court but is the only Lebanon park with a skatepark. At Nelson Lake, people can stroll along the walking trail, picnic on the green or catch and release fish at the pond.
Families enjoy the playground at Boswell Park.
Nelson Lake is ringed with a paved walking trail.
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Written By
Caroline Ernst
Photography Contributed By
Kenyon Gerbrandt
Video By
Charlie Lingner
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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