Warsaw is a growing community between the Ozarks’ two biggest lakes
Warsaw got its start as a steamboat port on the western tip of the Lake of the Ozarks’ Osage River branch. For a long time, it was a sleepy fishing town, tucked between the river and Truman Lake. But in the last 20 years, the city has poured investment into its downtown harbor, creating a walkable hub with thriving businesses and room for outdoor festivals. According to city administrator Randy Pogue, interest in the city has been on the rise. "When people see our outdoor trails and recreation, it's game over," he says.
Warsaw is still many miles from larger cities and has limited big-box shopping besides Walmart. But the city has a growing future, and it appeals to homebuyers looking for Lake of the Ozarks living with lower costs and a slower lifestyle than the Osage Beach area.
Waterside living and high-demand housing
Warsaw is tucked along a curve of the Osage River, populated with mainly ranch-style homes and bungalows built throughout the 1900s. Prices typically range from $100,000 to $300,000 based on condition. “We have a housing shortage right now,” Pogue says. “So, people are often looking out in Benton County instead.”
Out in the county, buyers can find places near the Lake of the Ozarks or Truman Lake. The main difference is that homes can be built directly on the Lake of the Ozarks with a personal boat slip. However, Truman Lake is owned by the Army Corps of Engineers and is used for flood prevention, so the shoreline is not open for development. “If you want to get on Truman Lake, you must go to a marina,” Pogue says. Older single-story homes tend to go from $100,000 to $300,000 and larger or modern properties range between $300,000 and $700,000. Prices around the Lake of the Ozarks tend to be a bit more expensive.
An updated harbor with a well-used trail system and lakeside recreation
After 20 years of development, Drake Harbor has grown to be an award-winning park with a modern playground, fishing spots and miles of walking trails that connect throughout the city. Locals can reach the ball fields at the Warsaw Sports Complex by heading over the pedestrian-only Swinging Bridge, one of the longest cable bridges in the state. “You’ll see families, dog walkers and people in wheelchairs, since almost 100% of the trail system is accessible,” Pogue says. “We get a lot of people coming in from elsewhere on the lake and docking their boats at our boardwalk so that they can walk around.”
But the harbor isn't the only way to access the water. Truman Lake and the Lake of the Ozarks have shorelines lined with sandy beaches, hiking areas and campgrounds. Adventurous cyclists explore waterside routes at Truman Lake Mountain Bike Park, and numerous marinas have places to dock boats. Boat slips in Warsaw tend to be a third of the price of those over in the Osage Beach area, and the lake is hardly ever as busy as it can be further east.
Anique stores and local restaurants in downtown Warsaw
Downtown Warsaw’s vintage storefronts are filled with antique stores, quirky boutiques and a few local restaurants. The Landing has fine dining that focuses on locally sourced ingredients, with an outdoor deck that overlooks the water. The Yellow Deli took over an old hotel in 2008, with a rustic wood interior and murals that complement its homestyle dishes. Many of the marinas have restaurants or bars, allowing boats to drive up for a meal. For groceries, there’s a Country Mart, a Walmart, and a weekly farmers market from April to September.
Live music, craft vendors and other year-round events
In April, Benton County Wine Stroll kicks off the event season with a lively downtown street market featuring winery, brewery and distillery vendors. Jubilee Days in June brings a parade, carnival rides, and the Men’s Leg competition, where prizes are awarded for the most muscular and hairiest legs. When it’s time for Heritage Days in the fall, Drake Harbor hosts over 200 vendors selling their homemade crafts, alongside food trucks and live music at the outdoor amphitheater. Free shuttle buses run over to Kaysinger Bluff, where visitors can step back in time to experience artisan demonstrations at a living history village. When the cold of December blows in, twinkling Christmas lights keep the harbor feeling cheerful.
Four-day weeks at Warsaw schools
Students are a part of the Warsaw R-IX School District. North Elementary School gets a C-minus grade from Niche. John Boise Middle and Warsaw High School both get a C. The district operates with a four-day school week, Tuesday through Friday. Students in need can take home “buddy packs” on Friday to provide them with meals to last until Tuesday.
Pedestrian-friendly streets and nearby cities
Warsaw is embarking on a $30 million project to update its major roads, adding new sidewalks, bike lanes and streetlamps. “If you are on the north side of town, there will be a safe bicycle route all the way into downtown,” Pogue says. “This project is a very important part of our future, and it’s going to be what sets us apart from other communities.”
To get out of town, it’s about an hour and a half to Springfield or Columbia and just over two hours to Kansas City. Springfield has the closest airport, but it only offers domestic flights. Although Warsaw has a medical clinic, the nearest major hospital is 35 miles north in Sedalia.
Truman Lake helps mitigate flooding risks
According to FirstStreet.org, Warsaw is at a severe risk of flooding. However, Truman Reservoir and Dam, which was added in 1979 to mitigate flood risks, does a lot of heavy lifting to ensure the area is protected. “Before the lake, this area would flood,” Pogue says. “But Truman can hold a lot of water, which then gets released in a safe way. Right now, there are no flooding concerns.”
Written By
Catherine Lashley
