Warrensburg

Around Warrensburg

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Town and around · Missouri · 55k people

Warrensburg

Where the prairie meets the sky

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Welcome to Warrensburg, home of the Mules and the heart of Johnson County. Whether you're here for the lake, the university, or the small-town charm, you'll find friendly folks and plenty to do.

Clubs for Warrensburg

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The room

One room for everyone around Warrensburg. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.

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All

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Coming up

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Marketplace

Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Warrensburg. Sign in to sell something.

Things to do

  • University of Central Missouri Public university, home of the Mules, with a scenic campus.
  • Knob Noster State Park State park with hiking trails, a lake, and camping near Whiteman AFB.
  • Johnson County Historical Society Museum Local history exhibits in a historic building.
  • Whiteman Air Force Base Active base, home of the B-2 Spirit bomber.
  • Truman Lake Large reservoir for fishing, boating, and camping.
  • Courthouse Square Historic downtown square with shops, restaurants, and a farmers market.
  • Outdoors Fish for bass on Truman Lake
  • Outdoors Hike the trails at Knob Noster State Park
  • With kids Visit the UCM campus and see the mule statue
  • With kids Go to the Johnson County Fair
  • Evenings College bars near campus
  • Evenings Live music at downtown venues
  • Locals love Lakes and reservoirs
  • Locals love State parks

Through the year

  • MuleFest September Community festival with music, food, and crafts.
  • Johnson County Fair July County fair with livestock, rides, and food.
  • UCM Homecoming October Parade, football game, and alumni events.
  • Warrensburg Farmers Market May-October Weekly market with local produce and crafts.
  • Clinton Olde Towne Festival September Street fair in Clinton's historic district.

Humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Spring brings thunderstorms and tornado risk; fall is mild and pleasant. Best: Late spring and early fall are ideal for being outside.

Talk like a local

“The Burg”
Nickname for Warrensburg.
“Mules”
UCM sports teams.
“The Lake”
Truman Lake.
“Whiteman”
Whiteman Air Force Base.

Getaways

Local flavour

Rooting for Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), Kansas City Royals (MLB), Sporting Kansas City (MLS), Kansas City Current (NWSL)

Eat and drink

  • Chicken fried steak A Midwest comfort food staple, common in local diners
  • Pork tenderloin sandwich A regional favorite across Missouri
  • Barbecue Influenced by Kansas City BBQ traditions, with local smokehouses

Where people go

  • Courthouse square The historic center of many small Missouri towns, with local shops and events
  • Lakes and reservoirs Truman Lake and other recreational areas for fishing and boating
  • College campus University of Central Missouri, a cultural and social hub
  • Military base Whiteman Air Force Base, home of the B-2 Spirit bomber

Heritage and traditions

Warrensburg is proud of its small-town Missouri charm, its deep ties to the military through Whiteman Air Force Base, and its quirky claim to fame as the 'Mule Capital' with the University of Central Missouri's mule mascot and the historic Old Drum dog trial.

This time of year in Warrensburg

  • Autumn leaf peeping at Knob Noster October Colorful hikes and scenic drives.

Say it like a local: “fixin' to” — About to do something

Festivals

  • Old Drum Festival September Celebrates the famous dog trial with a parade, live music, and family activities.
  • Christmas on the Square December The courthouse square lights up with carolers, Santa, and a tree lighting.
  • Pertle Springs Summer Concert Series Summer Outdoor concerts at the historic park, featuring local bands.
  • UCM International Festival Spring Campus event showcasing global food, dance, and crafts.
  • Johnson County BBQ Cook-off Summer Pitmasters compete for bragging rights with smoked ribs and brisket.
  • Clinton Hometown Christmas December Small-town holiday celebration with carriage rides and cookies.

Landmarks with a story

  • Old Drum Statue Bronze statue of the famous dog on the courthouse square, honoring the 'man's best friend' trial.
  • Johnson County Courthouse Historic 19th-century courthouse with a distinctive clock tower, anchoring the square.
  • Warrensburg Railroad Depot Restored train station that recalls the town's railroad era.
  • Clinton Courthouse Square Another classic Missouri square with a historic courthouse and shops.
  • Johnson County Historical Society Museum Housed in a former hotel, it preserves local pioneer and Civil War artifacts.
  • Old Drum Museum Small museum dedicated to the Old Drum story and local law history.

Food traditions

  • Lenten fish fries at local churches A spring tradition where churches serve fried fish, coleslaw, and hush puppies on Fridays.
  • MuleFest food vendors Funnel cakes, corn dogs, and BBQ are festival staples.
  • Truman Lake catfish dinners Fresh-caught catfish, fried golden, served with hush puppies at lakeside gatherings.
  • Pertle Springs ice cream socials Historic park hosts summer events with homemade ice cream and pie.
  • UCM tailgate cookouts Smoked meats and potluck sides before football games.

Music and arts

  • Local bluegrass and country music Jam sessions and performances at festivals and the courthouse square.
  • UCM theatre and music productions The university's performing arts center hosts plays, concerts, and recitals.
  • Community quilting and craft circles Traditional quilts and handcrafts are showcased at fairs and museums.
  • Mule-themed folk art Local artists create mule sculptures and paintings, celebrating the mascot.

A little history

  • 1837 Warrensburg founded as county seat of Johnson County
  • 1861-1865 Civil War skirmishes and guerrilla activity in the area
  • 1870 Old Drum trial and the famous 'man's best friend' speech
  • 1871 University of Central Missouri established as a normal school
  • 1955 Whiteman Air Force Base activated, later becoming home to the B-2 Spirit

Rivalries

  • UCM vs Northwest Missouri State football Big MIAA conference matchup.
  • Warrensburg vs Clinton high school football Local bragging rights.
  • UCM vs Missouri Western basketball Another heated conference rivalry.
  • Game day UCM Mules football tailgates
  • Game day Friday night high school football
  • Outdoors Fishing for bass on Truman Lake
  • Outdoors Hiking the trails at Knob Noster State Park
  • With kids Visiting the UCM mule statue
  • With kids Going to the Johnson County Fair

Locals speak with a Midwestern accent that carries a slight Southern drawl, common in central Missouri. You'll hear 'pop' for soda, 'fixin' to' for getting ready, and occasional 'y'all'.

Only here

  • The Old Drum statue and the 'man's best friend' speech originated here.
  • Whiteman Air Force Base is the only base in the world housing the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.
  • The University of Central Missouri's mascot is the mule, and the town proudly claims 'Mule Capital' status.
  • Pertle Springs was a Victorian resort where people once came for healing waters.
New here? A few tips
  • Get used to the weather: hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters—layers are key.
  • Embrace the mule: the University of Central Missouri's mascot is a source of pride; you'll see it everywhere.
  • Visit the courthouse square in Warrensburg for events and the Old Drum statue—it's the heart of town.
  • If you're near Whiteman AFB, expect occasional B-2 flyovers—they're a thrilling sight.
  • Get a fishing license and try Truman Lake; it's a local pastime.

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Part of Kansas City area

Nearby

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ClintonMissouriWhere the prairie meets the lake.SedaliaMissouriWhere the fairgrounds glow and the prairie rolls.MarshallMissouriA welcoming community in the heart of MissouriTruman LakeMissouriWhere the lake is the heart of every dayKansas CityMissouriSmoky barbecue, fountains, and a roar that shakes the stadium.Lake of the OzarksMissouriWhere the hills meet the water.ColumbiaMissouriFriendly, lively, and full of tiger pride.LawrenceKansasA lively college town with a creative soul

Warrensburg, MO. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.

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