Explore Warsaw, Missouri
Warsaw is a small city of about 2,100 residents in central Missouri. It is located southeast of the Truman Dam, which forms the Harry S. Truman Reservoir and connects the reservoir to the Osage Arm of the Lake of the Ozarks.
Several Native American tribes, including the Delaware, Shawnee, Sac, Kickapoo and Osage, originally inhabited Warsaw. European settlers moved into the area around 1820, primarily farmers from Tennessee and Kentucky of English, German and Irish descent. The city was originally platted in 1837, which simply means the official map of the town's plan was created. Warsaw was later incorporated as a city in 1843, forming its official local government. At the time it was incorporated, it was also appointed as Benton County's seat.
People come from all over to visit the lakes surrounding Warsaw and fish, boat, and swim. Anglers come to the area for their chance at catching a trophy largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, or crappie. Beyond water sports, people enjoy hunting deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, dove, duck, geese, and quail. Outdoor enthusiasts also enjoy tee-time at Shawnee Bend Golf Course, over 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, 25 miles of horse trails, and ample opportunity for bird and wildlife watching.
While in town in your Warsaw, Missouri RV rental, enjoy some entertainment at the Truman Lake Opry, which features incredible food plus two stages with live entertainment every Friday and Saturday. Get into the history of the area at Pioneer Village, the Truman Dam visitor center, the German Immigrant Memorial, the Benton County Historical Museum, or the Cole Camp Museum. Take a stroll along the Warsaw waterfront on the elevated boardwalk at Steamboat Landing, or experience the thrill of the Joe Dice Swinging Bridge.
National Forests Near Warsaw, Missouri
Three hours and 10 minutes southeast of Warsaw, Mark Twain National Forest spans an impressive 3 million acres in total, 1.5 of which are publicly owned. Unlike many other forests, this one is broken into nine different sections that allow the forest to span from one side of the state to the other. Make it a multiday adventure by parking your toy hauler and pop-up camper at one of the campgrounds near the forest, like Three Springs RV Park and Campground, Hidden Valley Family Outfitters, or Ozark Highlands MHC/RV Park. Take time to get out and enjoy the difference between the sections of the forest that are caused by their distance and change in elevation. Try hiking some nearby trails, like the Council Bluff Lake Trail, Berryman Trail, Lower Rock Creek Trail, Greer River Trail, or the Taum Sauk Section of the Ozark Trail. Some sections of the forest may also offer good spots for fishing for trout, crappie, and bass.
Ouachita National Forest is located about five hours and 45 minutes south of Warsaw in the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas and Oklahoma, spanning 1.6 million acres. You'll find ample trails near the forest for both hiking and horseback riding, including Ouachita National Recreation Trail, Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, Eagle Rock Loop Trail, and Viles Branch Equestrian Trail. If you enjoy riding OHV vehicles, you'll enjoy the 600-acre Renegade Ranch OHV trail. You'll also enjoy Lake Ouachita for fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and other types of boating.
Make the six-hour drive southeast of Warsaw, and you'll arrive at Shawnee National Forest in the southern tip of Illinois. Beyond enjoying the natural beauty that comes with a national forest, you'll also have the opportunity to explore the history of part of the Underground Railroad with historical markers throughout the forest. The most popular site in the forest is the Garden of the Gods and the accompanying trail system that spans 16.9 miles. You may also like the scenic Pomona Natural Bridge Trail. The forest also boasts 11 lakes and 53 ponds plus streams to offer ample water play and fishing.
Events Near Warsaw, Missouri
Picnic 'n Pickin in the Park – Head over to Cole Camp, just 25 minutes northeast of Warsaw, in mid-May to enjoy a music event like no other. Grab some food and a drink at Ezekiel Williams Park, and then, enjoy an afternoon and evening of acoustic bluegrass music followed by a jam session that you can join in at the Old Town Bridge after the event.
Benton County Arts Fest – Taking place in downtown Warsaw at the beginning of June each year, the Arts Fest has a little something for everyone. You'll see a variety of art, experience artisan demonstrations and hands-on projects, and enjoy the maker market and live performances.
Lincoln Fall Festival – This happens in mid-September in the nearby town of Lincoln at Hare Park, a mere 15 minutes northeast of Warsaw. There'll be a strongman competition, a pie auction, a pumpkin growing contest, live music, a hot air balloon glow, dinner, rides, and an all-day beer garden.
Smokin' on the Harbor – Come get your barbecue craving satisfied with this annual competition happening in early August at Drake Harbor in Warsaw. With categories including four-meat, two-meat, bloody Marys, wings, dessert, and the best beans, you're sure to find something to tantalize your tastebuds.
