In 1870, the American Supreme Court coined the term "man's best friend" in response to a case between two neighbors in Warrensburg, Missouri. George Graham, a talented lawyer, successfully defended his client arguing when the dog, Old Drum, was killed for trespassing, the neighbor took more than a pet — a family member was killed. Graham stated, "The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world ... is his dog." A statue of Old Drum can be found on the Johnson County Courthouse lawn. In 2017, Old Drum was officially designated as "Missouri's Historical Dog."
"Man's best friend" is honored in Warrensburg, Missouri, on the second Saturday in April with the Old Drum Festival. Families and their best friends are welcome to enjoy local vendors, a children's area, live music, and lots of fun. The festival, held in the historic town square, features the signature event: a dog pageant.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Warrensburg, MO?
Weather in Warrensburg, Missouri, is characterized by hot, muggy, wet summers and cold, windy winters. If heat is a concern, you should note that the hot season runs from June to mid-September. Colder temperatures should be expected between late November into late February.
The weather in the fall is perfect to take in a football game at Audrey J. Walton Stadium on the University of Central Missouri campus. Home games draw crowds near 12,000 people to watch the NCAA Division II Central Missouri Mules. During the last weekend in September, Burg Fest hits the streets of downtown Warrensburg. Burg Fest is a two-day festival that features bounce houses, face painting stations, and more fun activities for the kids. For adults, enjoy live music, the best in classic as well as modern cars, street vendors, and food trucks.
Warrensburg is located in tornado alley, so visitors should heed any warnings during tornado season, which falls between April and June. A tornado watch indicates that weather conditions are favorable for a tornado to occur. A warning means that a tornado has been seen or picked up by radar. Under a tornado warning, everyone should immediately take shelter. Hotels, businesses, and schools in tornado-prone areas have locations marked as being tornado shelters.
Enjoy summers at Cave Hollow Park where you can take your canine best friend to Old Drum's Best Friends Dog Park, have a picnic utilizing the barbecue grills, or take a walk along the walking trail. Another option is Blind Boone Park, created in memory of John William "Blind" Boone, a Warrensburg native. Mr. Boone lost his sight at six months old. Despite his challenges, he took his love of music and became a musician and composer.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Warrensburg, MO:
Warrensburg by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean rate trends by star rating class in Warrensburg, MO. You can use these charts to calculate the cheapest dates to stay in Warrensburg for any future trips.
Are There Any Luxury Hotels in Warrensburg, MO?
Warrensburg, Missouri, doesn't have any actual luxury hotels, but you will find excellent rooms and amenities at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Warrensburg. Guests will find a modern hotel with air-conditioned suites with separate living, working, and sleeping areas. Each suite includes smart televisions, cable programming, and complimentary wired internet access. Additional room amenities include complimentary toiletries, hair dryers, microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee/tea makers. Explore outside your room and you will find an indoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, a 24-hour business center with printing services, a 24-hour front desk, same-day dry cleaning, and laundry services. Hotel amenities also include free breakfast, free on-site self-parking, free newspapers in the lobby, a fire pit, and barbecue grills. The free breakfast includes a variety of options including oatmeal, cereal, bagels and breads, two types of meat, scrambled eggs, yogurt, and waffles.
For a true luxury experience, you can travel about an hour west to Kansas City, Missouri, and stay at The Raphael Hotel Autograph Collection. This posh hotel features 126 air-conditioned rooms that feature refrigerators, iPod docking stations, complimentary wired and wireless internet, and flat-screen televisions with cable programming. You'll sleep well on pillowtop beds fitted with Egyptian cotton sheets. Party the night away in the nightclub, grab a meal at the restaurant, or get a great workout in at the 24-hour fitness center. Additional hotel amenities include 24-hour room service, a 24-hour business center, concierge services, limo/town car service, and an electric car charging station.
What Are Some Affordable Hotel Options Near Warrensburg, MO?
3 Star Average Prices: £78.16
Some affordable hotel options near Warrensburg include Super 8 by Wyndham Warrensburg. Make yourself comfortable in an air-conditioned room with refrigerators, microwaves, cable programming, coffee/tea makers, and complimentary wireless internet. Enjoy the hotel amenities, which include an outdoor pool, barbecue grills, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour business center. Daily free breakfast and free Wi-Fi add to the affordability of your stay. The hotel also offers free self-parking for RVs, buses, and trucks. Free coffee is available in-room and in the lobby.
At Americas Best Value Inn Knob Noster, located about 10 miles from Old Drum Statue, guests will find rooms with refrigerators, microwaves, coffee/tea makers, fans, televisions with cable programming (including HBO), and complimentary wireless internet access. Outside your room, you can enjoy the outdoor seasonal pool, fitness center, free continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free self-parking, 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Americas Best Value Inn Knob Noster has designated smoking areas, truck and bus parking, and it allows pets with a pet deposit and fee. Contact the hotel directly if you are bringing your pet.
2 Star Average Prices: £77.72
What Hotel Discounts Can Be Found in Warrensburg, MO?
Best Western Warrensburg Inn is only minutes from Old Drum Statue and the University of Central Missouri campus. The hotel offers room discounts for AAA members, military/government employees, and seniors. Guest rooms are furnished with refrigerators, microwaves, shower/tub combinations, and desks. The smoke-free hotel boasts an indoor pool, a fitness center, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free self-parking, and a 24-hour front desk.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Warrensburg North offers clean, modern rooms with refrigerators, microwaves, 43-inch televisions with cable programming, complimentary wireless access, hair dryers, and complimentary toiletries. Start your day off right with free hot/cold breakfast, work out in the fitness center, or take a dip in the indoor pool. Additional amenities include free 100% Arabica Smart Roast coffee and tea in common areas, free self-parking, a 24-hour business center, and a 24-hour front desk. The free hot/cold breakfast includes eggs, omelets, bacon, sausage, and cinnamon rolls.
Which Hotels Have the Best Value in Warrensburg, MO?
Comfort Inn Warrensburg Station is a quaint hotel that offers great value for the money. The air-conditioned rooms include complimentary wireless internet, 43-inch televisions with cable programming, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee/tea makers, irons/ironing boards, and hair dryers. Hotel amenities include free hot/cold breakfast, a 24-hour front desk, a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and free self-parking.
Located outside of town in Higginsville, Missouri, SureStay Hotel by Best Western Higginsville offers rooms with air-conditioning, refrigerators, microwaves, 40-inch LED televisions with satellite programming, and complimentary wireless internet access. Additional in-room amenities include hair dryers, coffee/tea makers, and irons/ironing boards. Hotel amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, free breakfast, laundry facilities, and free self-parking.
Where Are Some Good Places to Eat in Warrensburg, MO?
Despite its small size, Warrensburg, Missouri, has a variety of dining options for those passing through or staying for a bit. Cafe Blackadder is a locally owned restaurant that uses local ingredients from local farmers to create seasonal items and culinary staples. With menu items like Thai sweet potatoes, a charcuterie platter, a tempeh Reuben sandwich, and grilled cheese, your taste buds won't be bored.
Visit Country Kitchen for hearty breakfast options including classic country breakfasts, skillet breakfasts, omelets, and pancakes. For a solid lunch option, visit La Sous Terre located under Java Junction. Daily gourmet sandwiches, soups, and salads are available from mid-morning to mid-afternoon.
Family owned and operated Taqueria Habana offers up fresh, authentic Mexican food. Each taco, burrito, torta, and tamale is packed with flavor. SPIN! Pizza offers artisanal Neapolitan pizza and Mediterranean-style options. Stop by Old Barney's Tavern on the Square for a pint and a burger. Heroes Restaurant & Pub has been in business for over 32 years and is famous for its B2 burger and their "unknown hero" drink.
If chain restaurants fall into your comfort zone, Applebee's, Buffalo Wild Wings, and IHOP are all within city limits. Fast food options including Chick-fil-A, McDonald's, Taco Bell, Zaxby's Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings, Wendy's, and more can be found on or near N. Maguire Street.
Whether you are passing through or visiting the town, Warrensburg, Missouri, has a lot to offer to keep families, business travelers, and of course, man's best friend, well-fed and entertained.
FAQs about hotels in Warrensburg