Waverly: The Town that Reinvented Itself
Paddle Sports Lifestyle: Finding Your Epic Adventure Through Kayaking and Paddling, MR340 and BeyondShow Notes
Waverly may seem like just another quiet checkpoint along the MR340, but its history reflects many of the larger forces that shaped communities all along the Missouri River. We look at the difficult realities behind the area's early prosperity; like much of Missouri's Little Dixie region, Waverly's agricultural economy depended heavily on the labor of enslaved people before the Civil War, a history that is essential to understanding how the town developed. We'll also talk about the complicated legacy of Confederate General Jo Shelby, and how Waverly adapted as the Missouri River and transportation continued to change. In this season, we are looking at the river towns along the MR340 race route, learning about the communities and their history.
TOURISM, DINING, ATTRACTIONS NOTES FOR 2026 MR340 -
I have seen posts since I recorded this episode telling people that The Bridge Inn in Waverly is open this year. The post's author says that it has a complete menu.... and is an alternative to Casey's, which is the only other place in town to get food. The Bridge Inn will also be serving healthy snacks, and have ice and water available.
I've seen additional posts telling people to get their peaches in Waverly at Peters Orchard and Market 32615 Highway 65 South, Waverly, MO, United States, 64096
Chrisolyn's Gluten Free Bakery in Waverly has also been recommended. https://www.chrisolyns.com 321 E Walnut St Waverly, Missouri 64096-8239
When I asked about favorite foods after the 2025 race, someone mentioned the peach milkshakes at Schreiman Orchards 29032 Highway 24, Waverly, MO, United States, 64096
MORE NOTES ON FOOD FROM 2026 FACEBOOK POSTS: - Schreiman Orchards just before Waverly has shakes, blasts, sundaes, etc…. The peach shakes, blasts and peach nachos are the best!! ·On the the way to Waverly, there is a produce stand/place that has watermelon, peaches, etc. We got a watermelon last year, and peaches. We chopped the melon in half and our racer ate it like a bowl. The peaches were delicious and we gave our extras to other racers.
-Particularly fond of Peters Market 1 mi east of Waverly on Hwy 65. It’s open till 5 pm every day.
-Bridge Inn Restaurant and Lounge in Waverly is making food packages - they posted something on their Facebook page earlier. Great food!!!!
Dankenbring Orchards is in Malta Bend and has FANTASTIC produce- We get all of our peaches from them - they grow all of their own stuff and don’t ship in like all of the other places.
********* 2026 Barge Report https://mr340.org/news/2026-race-barge-report/
2026 Ramp Food Vendors - (scroll down the page) https://mr340.org/resources/race-course/
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