Cabin Rentals & Things to Do in Warsaw, MO
Warsaw sits at the heart of Truman Lake — marinas, boat ramps, restaurants, and Drake Harbor are all within minutes. It's the best home base for a first-time visit.
About the area
Warsaw is the de facto capital of Truman Lake — three marinas, the Corps of Engineers visitor center, Drake Harbor, and easy access to the main lake body. It's the right base for first-time visitors, weekend boaters, and anyone planning to fish the dam tailwater or paddlefish snag in spring.
Local intel
Warsaw is small (population ~2,100) but punches above its weight for lake services. Anglers Port Marine on Hwy 7 is the regional Phoenix/Lowe boat dealer; Cody's Bait and Tackle and Anglers and Antlers cover gear and live bait. The dam is a 5-minute drive south of town — eagle viewing in winter, paddlefish snagging in spring, and white bass below the gates year-round. Drake Harbor on the Osage Arm is a public boardwalk with live music in summer. The Harry S. Truman Visitor Center sits on the dam itself with viewing decks and seasonal MDC programs. Warsaw Jubilee Days takes over Drake Harbor every June with a parade, carnival, car show, and 5K. Hill-Top BBQ (60-year institution) is the local benchmark for ribs.
Things to do
- Drake Harbor boardwalk and live music nights (summer)
- Harry S. Truman Visitor Center + Eagle Days (late January / early February)
- Warsaw Jubilee Days — parade, carnival, car show, 5K (early June)
- Fishing tournaments most weekends March–October
- Kayak the Osage Arm between Long Shoal and Sterett Creek
- Paddlefish snagging below the dam (March 15 – April 30)
- Dam tailwater fishing for white bass + walleye year-round
- Day-trip to Truman State Park (15 min south on Hwy 7)
Warsaw is the best base for March–May crappie runs and the spring paddlefish snagging season. Long Shoal and Sterett Creek put you on the main-lake points in minutes; Anglers Port is the closest dealer for repairs. The dam tailwater holds white bass and walleye year-round — fish them off the bank or from a boat below the spillway.
Launch ramps & marinas
- • Long Shoal Marina
- • Sterett Creek Marina (Beyonder Marine)
- • Truman State Park Marina
- • Anglers Port Marine ramp
Where to eat
- • The Drunken Minnow (on the dock at Sterett Creek)
- • Long Shoal Marina Restaurant (Hunt Brothers Pizza + breakfast buffet)
- • Hill-Top BBQ (60-year Warsaw institution)
- • Dam Restaurant & Lounge (near the dam, Osage River views)
- • Cow Patties (local burger spot)
- • JJ's Cafe (breakfast)
Where to gear up
Bait, tackle, gas, groceries, and the practical stuff.
- • Cody's Bait and Tackle (Hwy 65)
- • Anglers and Antlers (bait + outdoor gear)
- • Anglers Port Marine (boat sales + service)
- • Truman Lake Marine & Powersports (boat repair)
- • Casey's General Store (gas + late-night snacks)
- • Warsaw Discount Drugs (pharmacy)