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.