Warsaw, Missouri

Warsaw is located in the heart of Ozark country, and nestled in the trees between 2 of Missouri’s largest Lakes, Truman Reservoir and Lake of the Ozarks. The area is rich in the history of steamboats, stagecoaches, civil war skirmishes and more.

We took a rest break for us and our Harleys at Drake Harbor Park which is located on the Osage River arm of Lake of the Ozarks river.


I took time enjoy the beauty of the flowers growing in the park.

The Joe Dice Swinging Bridge was one of three “Swingers” used in the Warsaw area. Originally referred to as the Upper Bridge, it was built in 1904. In 1924 the bridge was destroyed by a tornado, and then rebuilt in 1928. It remained in use for automotive traffic until 1979, when it was replaced by the 7 Highway bridge.
This bridge is one of the last of 15 swinging bridges that once crossed the Osage River linking the Great Lakes with the Gulf of Mexico.

After visiting the park and checking out the swinging bridge we went in to town for lunch. One of the locals recommended a place called Common Grounds Cafe. We were not dissapointed. The cafe was built in what used to be a hotel which the proprietor gutted and completely rebuilt. It is hard to describe the decor but it made you feel as though you were eating outside in the forest and the food was delicious. It is definitely a place we will go back to when we are in the area.

Seeing bits of Hannibal, Missouri

Hannibal is the boyhood home of Mark Twain. There is a lot of history in this town and beautiful scenary to be seen. We were short on time so we didn't get to float down the river on the boat.

We did eat lunch in down town Hannibal at the Abby Rose restaurant. On Sunday they have a family style meal which is excellent and they keep bringing the food as long as you can eat it.

This is the Mark Twain boat that one can float down the Mississippi river on.

Us, with bikes and the Mark Twain boat in the background.

This is at Lover's Leap over look, which had a very steep winding road to get to the top of the look out. The city of Hannibal is in the background.