Stover is a rural, close-knit community near the Lake of the Ozarks
Surrounded by dense forests and farmland, Stover is a rural community with its residents at heart. “It’s a nice, small town,” says Sharon Fry, Stover’s city collector. “Everyone knows everybody, and we get along.” Properties stretch all the way to the Lake of the Ozarks, about 20 miles from the heart of the city, where residents find shops, restaurants and events. There is ample outdoor access, with hiking and waterfront activities nearby. There are several churches in the area.
Restaurants, boutiques and groceries are within city limits
Historic Downtown Stover is more of a business district, with City Hall, the post office and a couple of boutiques. Dandelion Hill is a market that sells jewelry, wine, gifts and home decor. Patio 52 Bar & Grill is one of the most popular dining options and serves barbeque. “We have people that have specifically driven down from Kansas City just to come eat there,” says Jennifer Hicks, city clerk. Veracruz Jr. is a Mexican restaurant and a favorite among locals. “You almost can’t get a seat in there,” Hicks says. For a sweet treat, people head to Skelly’s Ice Cream Shoppe. There is a Town & Country Supermarket and Dollar General in Stover. Walmart is about 8 miles away, while Lowe’s is about a 30-mile drive.
Homes range from century-old cottages to lakefront properties
Oak forests and sprawling farmland surround most homes in Stover, though properties within city limits are usually close-set. While most residences were built after 1960, many cottages and bungalows in city limits were built in the early 1900s. Ranch styles, split levels and Colonial Revivals are also common. Lakefront homes often feature large windows and private docks. Prices range from $50,000 to $700,000, increasing as they get closer to the lake. There are some manufactured houses, which can cost $20,000 to $170,000. Land starts at less than $10,000 for about half an acre.
According to First Street, many properties outside city limits have a major risk of flooding.
Recreation opportunities include lake activities, hiking and the raceway
One of the main attractions in Stover is the Lake of the Ozarks, where people can go fishing, boating and swimming. The lake spans a surface area of about 55,000 acres, and the shoreline is dotted with public beaches and trailheads. One of the nearby trails is the Katy Trail, which is about 240 miles long. Stover is one of several communities working on a trail expansion; the finished project is expected to be 450 miles. The track at the Ozarks International Raceway is a total of almost 4 miles. There are several races throughout the year, including kart racing and the National Auto Sport Association Championships. At Stover City Park, amenities include a playground, ballpark and disc golf course. “It’s just a quiet park,” Fry says. “People like to go up there and have picnics.”
Students attend Morgan County and private schools
Morgan County R-I Schools serve Stover. Niche gives Morgan County Elementary School a C-plus. Stover High School receives a C-minus and teaches sixth through 12th grade. The whole community shows up for the school’s sports teams, which include softball and wrestling. “The school has soccer fields and just about every sport you’d want to play,” Fry says. St. Paul Lutheran School, unrated by Niche, is one of the private education options in the area.
Locals convene for the Stover Fair and Rock Island Festival
The Stover Fair is a community tradition that dates back to 1911. Part of the festivities include carnival rides, a wine stroll and a beer garden. Live music plays all weekend, and the fair ends with a fireworks show. Locals come together again in the fall for Rock Island Festival. “It’s a little mini-fair,” Hicks says. Some highlights are the chili cook-off, car shows and the Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned barbeque competition.
Cars and golf carts fill the streets of Stover
State Route 52 goes through Stover and leads about 8 miles west to Highway 5. While cars are needed to get anywhere outside of city limits, many residents take golf carts around Stover. “We’ve got a guy who sells golf carts here, but there is no golf,” Jennifer says. Kansas City International Airport is about a 140-mile drive and offers nonstop service to nearly 60 destinations. The closest emergency room is at Bothwell Regional Health Center, about 30 miles away.
