jean faust tours sedalia mo

Good Sams go on tour

Attention subscribers.

To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account or purchase a new subscription.

If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, then you already have an online account. Please log in below to access this article.

If you are a current print subscriber, your subscription includes full access to our website. Please use your online account information to log in below to access this article. If you haven’t already, you can set up a free online account by by clicking here .

Click here if you need to reset your password.

Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.

Other items that may interest you

Entertainment Briefs for June 28

Abuse often unreported at christian youth homes, group …, modot presents plans for u.s. highway 50 renovations …, bothwell foundation seeks sponsors for patient room ….

10 Best Things to Do in Sedalia, MO — Top Activities & Places to Go!

By: Author Jacob Phillips

Posted on Published: September 2, 2021  - Last updated: June 24, 2023

Located at the South of the Missouri River, Sedalia is a vibrant city that has charmed thousands of travelers each year.

Sedalia has a very important role and a rich history in the development of today’s railroads since it was the end station of the Texas cattle drive in the late 1800s.

A couple of museums and exhibits showcasing this history are open around the city for public visits.

More fun for young adult travelers, Sedalia also hosts the annual Missouri State Fair, houses some fascinating and relaxing inns, and is a place for many public parks with different recreational activities to top off some of the best things to do in Sedalia, MO.

Start planning the trip that you’ve long been waiting for by taking inspiration from this list that we made just for you!

1. Daum Museum of Contemporary Art

3201 W 16th St. Sedalia, MO 65301 (660) 530-5888

Founded in 2002, the Daum Museum of Contemporary Art hosts various art collections that take everyone’s eyes to an awesome treat.

Dr. Harold F. Daum, a retired radiologist and avid art collector, donated his 300-piece art collection and funded the museum’s construction.

Why You Should Go

If you’re a fan of modern artworks of mid-20th century artists like Andy Warhol, Ed Ruscha, Helen Frankenthaler, Robert Motherwell, Peter Voulkos, Betty Woodman, Louise Bourgeois, Linda Connor, and Ansel Adams, the museum is a perfect destination for you.

Plus, touring around the museum is also one of the free things to do in Sedalia so don’t you miss it!

Check out all the 1,500 objects in its collection to satisfy your artistic soul.

Seeing these objects can help inspire you to create more art whether you’re just a beginner or turning into a pro.

Youngsters can find delight in the museum due to the intricate works of art featured in this place, making each visit among the top things to do in Sedalia with kids.

All the staff here are friendly so you can seek their assistance whenever you need them.

2. Missouri State Fair

2503 W 16th St. Sedalia, MO 65301 (800) 422-3247

Celebrated since the early 1900s, the Missouri State Fair is an annual event consisting of concerts, exhibits, and local competitions that draw thousands of guests from many different states.

Take every trip as a chance to get to know the world little by little.

What better way to familiarize yourself with the homey vibe of Missouri through the annual state fair right here in this town?

Ask anyone and they’ll tell you this counts as one of the cool attractions in Sedalia.

Sedalia is proud to host the annual fair with different rides, a variety of food, animal shows, sporting events, and music festivals in the Missouri State Fairgrounds Historic District.

Hop on the exhilarating rides with your friends to keep your heart pounding hard like never before.

Tag your friends along the trip to complete the fun things to do in Sedalia together.

Play games on the different tents stationed on the fairgrounds to win exciting prizes.

If you get hungry, just grab a bite at the food stalls near the area before going back to the jaw-dropping rides.

3. Katy Depot

600 E 3rd St. Sedalia, MO 65301 (660) 826-2932

Founded in 1896, Katy Depot is an old railroad station that now serves as the Welcome Center for Sedalia.

It proudly showcases the state’s railroad history to keep it alive in the consciousness of the people.

Everything you need to know to refresh yourself about the long history of railroads and trains in Sedalia can be accessed here.

It provides helpful facts that will satisfy your curiosity well.

Its architectural style could also be one of the unique things to see in Sedalia for it features a Romanesque Revival touch.

In addition, the staff’s hospitable nature will truly impress you to the point that you’ll feel very much at home.

Join the tours to check out the wonderful exhibits and everything more that this facility can offer.

You may also check out the art gallery at the women’s waiting room from time to time to keep you in awe and amazement.

Children can also play in the youth activity area where they can experience selling train tickets, fixing trains, or even driving them!

Before leaving, make sure to see the books, memorabilia, and other souvenirs available at the gift shop to take a slice of Sedalia’s train history with you.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Bothwell Sedalia Central District, Ascend Hotel Collection

Related: Best Restaurants in Sedalia

4. Downtown Sedalia Historic District

106 W 2nd St. Sedalia, MO 65301 (660) 287-6659

Downtown Sedalia Historic District is located at the heart of Sedalia featuring small local businesses and rich art, culture, and history of the city.

More popularly known as “The Avenues”, this area features elegant facades of locally owned businesses, dining places, as well as entertainment hubs depicting Sedalia’s art and culture.

All the downtown spots to visit are very much accessible along the street to grant you, your friends, as well as your family an awesome trip in Sedalia.

List down the particular establishments you would like to visit before coming to the downtown area.

Through this, you can possibly save up on time and hop on more places than you initially considered visiting.

Taste the local cuisine in various eateries, and cafés to develop a deeper love for Missouri.

It’s very easy to access your favorite things to do in Sedalia at night in this area since you have plenty of options on what to do.

Head over to the shops to purchase items you can wrap as gifts for your relatives back home.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Sedalia, an IHG Hotel

5. Katy Trail State Park

Katy Trail Sedalia, MO 65301 (573) 449-7402

Stretching 240 miles, the Katy Trail has always been a go-to place for residents and tourists who want to delve deeper into the lush green portion of the town.

It’s the longest rail trail in the United States.

Nature lovers can have the best time of their life along the Katy Bike Trail.

People of all ages can enjoy the activities readily available along the natural park where you can just breathe and find your solitude.

Community events also happen here to foster a closer connection among the people.

Since this path meanders through several towns, you can find cheap activities to do near you at every point along the way.

Bring your bike on this trail to grant yourself the relaxation you’ve been longing to have.

It’s alright if you don’t know how to ride a bike since you can easily learn that in the park.

You can also opt to walk along the trail instead if that’s the type of exercise suited for you.

Spot the birds chirping all around the park to make the afternoon more fun.

Take photos of the park to save the scenic view on your phone or, better yet, share it with your friends.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Sedalia

6. Liberty Park

Liberty Park Blvd. Sedalia, MO 65301 (660) 286-4930

Liberty Park is one of the many public parks around the city that houses several athletic venues that residents and groups can rent.

Sedalia’s Park and Recreation Office is also based here.

Consider including this lovely park in your places to go today just to sit down and appreciate the beautiful world around you.

Here, you can also come across many different people from Sedalia you might want to befriend.

Prepare for an amazing excursion with your buddies when you come to Liberty Park.

Watch athletic games at the basketball court, tennis court, or baseball stadium to bring out your competitive side.

If you’re traveling in large groups, you can also try scheduling a friendly match with your colleagues for your team-building activity.

Stop by the rose garden and the lake to take the reprieve you’ve been meaning to have through several recreational activities.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Inn Sedalia Station

Also See: Things to Do in Warrensburg, MO Things to Do in Liberty, MO

7. Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site

19349 Bothwell State Park Rd. Sedalia, MO 65301 (660) 827-0510

Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site is a state-owned property located in the northern part of Sedalia.

John Homer Bothwell, a lawyer, built the 31-room, 12,000-square-foot lodge on top of natural caves where it is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.

Historical sites possess an inviting spirit that will certainly lure you in.

What makes this place even better is that it puts you closer to the natural environment, sitting atop two natural caves.

With its high altitude, the lodge features great views from the hill and the surrounding areas so make sure to add this to your list of sights to see this weekend.

Join the guided tour to deepen your knowledge about the Bothwell Lodge’s beginnings and how it contributed to the development of Missouri that people know today.

Don’t hesitate to fire your questions away since the site’s staff can respond to your queries right away.

Ready your body for hiking activities.

Pack your favorite food and drinks for the picnic to integrate yourself deep into nature to stay in your Zen mode.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western State Fair Inn

8. Trail’s End Monument

16th Street and Route 65 Sedalia, MO 65301 (660) 202-1156

Built just on the edge of the fairgrounds, the Trail Ends Monument is an attraction in Sedalia that showcases the long history of trails and railroads.

It seeks to imbibe the cowboy spirit that Missouri has been known for.

The monument can easily be seen and very much accessible as it is built on the roadside.

Perfect for travelers who are interested in history, the Trail Ends Monument displays restored trains, bronze lifelike cattle, cowboys, and working dogs who ran the Sedalia trails back in the olden days.

If you are traveling to the Missouri State Fairgrounds and looking for more places to go to today, make sure to drop by Trail Ends Monument for a quick stop.

Take pictures of these amazing installations.

There is a free audio tour that can be dialed up on your phone while walking around the monument so try seeing these things out.

Also See: Things to Do in St Joseph, MO What to Do in Kansas City

9. Georgetown Country View Estate

22378 Hwy H Sedalia, MO 65301 (660) 287-3336

Georgetown Country View Estate is an old nursing home that is now renovated and converted to an Inn and Bed & Breakfast, ideal to add to your list of nice places to visit in Sedalia.

The B&B is located in the northern part of Sedalia, a little away from the heart of the town.

Its comfort will make you feel at home even while staying in a foreign land.

With all that it can offer, it can be very easy for you to fulfill romantic things to do in Sedalia for couples, including proposals or outdoor weddings.

Spend your mornings by hanging out on the porch as you watch the spectacular sunrise.

You can also ride on the swing as you let the time pass while watching the world unveil before your eyes.

Swim in the inground pool or hot tub to ease your feeling with indoor stuff to do when it’s raining or cold.

Have a well-rounded rural Missouri experience right at this well-maintained inn.

10. Kehde’s Barbeque

1915 S Limit Ave. Sedalia, MO 65301 (660) 826-2267

Kehde’s Barbeque is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving the best of the best barbeque in Sedalia since the 1950s.

Having several decades of experience in the food and service industry can already be a significant feat in itself.

If anything, this can prove that the people trust Kehde’s Barbeque enough to go back to this place as many times as possible.

Kehde’s Barbeque can fill in the remaining puzzle piece for the best things to do in Sedalia, MO.

Kehde’s offers a variety of food items for both locals and travelers coming to the city for the first time.

They serve their house special barbeque and different sandwiches.

Order the food and drinks you prefer based on their superb menu.

The restaurant’s interior incorporates Sedalia’s rich rail history so you can take those charming photos for posting in your social media accounts while waiting for your order.

Kids and adults can have their tummy filled with a catfish plate, pork tenderloin, fried portabella mushrooms, and so much more.

Related: Things to Do in Columbia, MO

Also See: Things to Do in Lee’s Summit, MO Things to Do in Carthage, MO What to Do in Joplin, MO

Sedalia Things to Do: The 10 Best Activities for [currentyear]

• Daum Museum of Contemporary Art
• Missouri State Fair
• Downtown Sedalia Historic District
• Katy Trail State Park
• Liberty Park
• Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site
• Trail’s End Monument
• Georgetown Country View Estate
• Kehde’s Barbeque

Flint & Co

Finding the Best in Midwest Weekend Getaways

How to Spend a Weekend in Sedalia, MO

Looking for a getaway?  We have just the idea for you.  We recommend spending a weekend in Sedalia, Missouria!

Several months ago T and I had the pleasure of spending about 15 hours in Sedalia, MO on our way to Branson! We were invited to come back when the weather was nicer (think cold and sleet in February on our first visit). So, when our friends at the Hotel Bothwell set us up to stay for a couple nights in August, we couldn’t turn them down!

We’ve now visited Sedalia twice and put together this guide on how to spend a weekend in Sedalia, MO.  

Thank you to Hotel Bothwell for our overnight accommodations, Ozark Coffee Company for their hospitality, and the Sedalia Convention & Visitors Bureau for arranging much of our activities. Even with all this goodness, all thoughts & opinions are 100% authentic and my own. For more details, please see the Disclosure Tab.

Visit the Katy Depot

There’s only one place to start your 36 hours in Sedalia and that’s the Katy Depot. Located in the heart of Sedalia, you’ll find the historic depot & museum. Originally built in 1896 this gorgeous building was re-opened after restoration in 2000. The last passengers on the railroad to pass through the depot occurred in 1959 and the last freight was transported in and out of the depot in 1970. It was then closed down and sat empty for several decades.

The restoration took 2.8 million dollars and the building now houses the Convention & Visitors Bureau welcome center and offices. The welcome center has a plethora of pamphlets and information for visitors as well as local Missouri products.

It also has a museum of the railroad, Sedalia, and a bike rental & repair shop since it is situated along the Katy Bike Trail! This museum is very unique with it’s small buildings depicting important parts of Sedlia history!

The history of the railroad and Sedalia goes back prior to the Civil War and the museum does a great job of outlining it. It’s a great place to get on the bike trail and start your trip in Sedalia!

• The Sedalia Katy Depot – 600 East Third Street, Sedalia

Ride the Katy Bike Trail

A great way to see the town during your 36 hours in Sedalia is to jump on the Katy Bike Trail. Check out Champion Bicycles located in the Katy Depot! Not only do they have accessories for your bike for sale, they also have a repair shop if you do have problems along the way! Don’t want to travel with your bike?! That’s ok, the folks at Champion have you covered with rentals! You can snag an entire day of rental for only $30 or just grab it for an hour for $7/hour. And these aren’t your grandma’s bikes, these are high end and well cared for!

The folks at Champion Bicycles hooked us up with rentals for a couple hours to explore the trail! They were helpful and made sure our bikes fit us! Once we were outfitted, we headed out on the trail towards the fair grounds to explore!

Along the path you’ll find benches to relax on, parks, playgrounds, and more! The trail is well maintained and very level through town, so it’s easy for any age to bike! The stops along the way in Sedalia have been the work of many community groups and volunteers! The trail actually connects Kansas City area to the St. Louis suburbs, so you can do as much or as little as you’d like!

Annual Corvette Show & Cruise-In

If 2 wheels isn’t your thing, maybe 4 wheels is! Hotel Bothwell hosts a Corvette Show each year! Enjoy over 50 Corvettes from all generations parked around the beautiful downtown square! Plus, there are vendor booths, merchandise, food trucks, live music, raffle drawings, and much more!

Schedule a Tour at the Heard House

Located on West Broadway (one of the main streets through Sedalia), you’ll find the Heard House . Don’t be put off by it’s location (right next to a gas station), this house is rich in history! Construction began in 1904 by John & Lillian Heard. Inside, you’ll find stunning touches and amazing stories of the influential people who had once passed through the halls.

Much of the house still obtains original pieces owned by the Heards. Take note of the unique features of this house like the smooth glass doorknobs, the leaded glass door detail in the pantry, and the magnificent stained glass windows which are the focal points of the stairs landing.

You’ll have to contact the Heard House to schedule your private tour as public tours are not offered, but it will be worth the extra effort to add it as a part of your weekend in Sedalia! Marty Graves, one of the volunteers who is incredibly involved with the Heard House is a wealth of knowledge! We had a blast with her!

• The Heard House – 200 West Broadway, Sedalia

Tour Bothwell Lodge

Located just a few miles north of Sedalia on Highway 65, you’ll find Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site . Constructed in several portions in the early 20th Century, the Bothwell Lodge was the summer home of John Bothwell! He was an influential member of the Sedalia community and very well to do!

The lodge is an eclectic home filled with a lot of the original furnishings. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and you truly get a feel for the life that John Bothwell led here. The views from the lodge aren’t too shabby either! Plus, there are a few trails you can walk surrounding the property as well! Make sure to take it all in!

And yes, this is the same Bothwell that our favorite Sedalia hotel is named after!

• Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site – 19349 Bothwell State Park Road, Sedalia

Eat at Kehde’s Barbeque

No weekend in Sedalia is complete without eating in the train car at Kehde’s Barbeque! You heard me right! Head to Kehde’s BBQ across from the fairgrounds for not only some of the best barbecue around, but also for a unique dining experience! Booths and tables are available in the old drive-in portion of the restaurant or you can head up and into the train car to dine!

The atmosphere is fun and unique and the food is delicious! Kehde’s loads their side salads up with lots of fruits and veggies, the variety of side are plentiful and delicious, and the barbecue is on point. The brisket is my favorite as it reminds me of bbq from my younger years! In addition to having delicious food and a fun atmosphere, the service has always been top-notch! It’s a definite stop when in or near Sedalia!

• Kehde’s Barbecue – 1915 S Limit Ave, Sedalia

Stay at the Hotel Bothwell

When it’s time to rest your weary head in Sedalia, we of course, demand (ok, strongly encourage) that you visit our friends at the Hotel Bothwell . This historic hotel was originally opened in 1927. From 1988-1998, it was home to a senior living center and then was purchased and renovated to it’s glory! So many of the historic features have been maintained and it’s not only beautiful, but the service is top notch. From the wait staff at the Ivory Grille to the front desk to the ladies in charge of the breakfast room, everyone is so warm and welcoming.

The Hotel Bothwell has become a place where we can escape and relax. Each room is decorated with high end pieces and all the rooms are different!

The Breakfast room is a new addition to the Hotel Bothwell and so fantastic! Not only is the food delicious (cold cereals, pastries, yogurt, oatmeal, eggs, waffles, and more), but the room itself is beautiful! Did I mention the ladies that take care of the breakfast room are THE BEST I’ve ever experienced?! Friendly, warm, welcoming, happy to answer questions, and accommodate everyone!

We guarantee anyone staying at the Hotel Bothwell will not only enjoy a good nights sleep, but also the beautiful building, and top notch service.

• Hotel Bothwell – 104 E 4th Street, Sedalia

Escape at Hotel Bothwell in Sedalia, Missouri

Grab Coffee from Ozark Mountain Coffee

Since you’ll be spending at least one night in Sedalia during your weekend in Sedalia, a stop to see our friends at Ozark Mountain Coffee is a must. On our trip in February we were able to meet owner, Justin Koehn, and check out the progress of their new location. It wasn’t completed at that time, so we were excited to stop in and check it out! We were blown away. How lucky Sedalia is to have this treasure in their downtown!

Not only is the shop beautiful, but the service is excellent, and the coffees even better. All of their flavor syrups are house-made, and the baristas operate like a well oiled machine! We loved it so much we had coffee one morning and then headed back that afternoon to cool off with a delicious Frappe. They also offer a few hot breakfast items and amazing looking pastries, so there’s no way you’ll walk out hungry!

• Ozark Coffee Company & Roastary – 614 S Ohio Ave., Sedalia

Walk Historic Downtown

While you’re sipping your coffee, frappe, or smoothie from Ozark Coffee Company, stroll through historic downtown Sedalia. Not only are there a variety of shops to stop at, but you’ll find a several murals on the buildings and artistic bicycles to see. Each piece of bicycle artwork is designed different, and so neat to see!

Make sure to catch a couple of their High Wheel Bike sculptures too! Finally, take in the gorgeous historic buildings in the downtown! It’s a great way to spend some of your weekend in Sedalia!

Spend A Weekend in Sedalia

One stop we made on our first visit to Sedalia, that is a must add to this itinerary, is the Daum Museum of Contemporary Art to see the Chihuly Chandelier and other art!

Sedalia is an amazing historic community with lots to do, but a great community to slow down in! For us, spending a weekend in Sedalia was a great way to relax, get away, and enjoy new things! We think you’ll like it too!

PIN it for Later

21 Replies to “How to Spend a Weekend in Sedalia, MO”

This town looks so charming. I’m blown away by the hotel.

The hotel gets me every time! I still swoon when I walk in!!!

It was a wonderful place to be a child. I was born there and moved away when I was 8. My family still lived there so I went home a lot. Just went there this summer.

Wow! How cool! Thanks for sharing!!

What a cool place!

It really is! So unique and lots to do!

So many fun places. Heard House looks absolutely gorgeous. That stained glass window is amazing!

The picture don’t even do the window justice! It’s stunning!!!

What a lovely place to visit! I love the photos that you shared to highlight the things mentioned to do. I fall more in love with the Midwest upon reading your blog!

Thank you! It really is a great community! It’s so rich is history and culture! Thanks for stopping by!

I love the mix of elegance and comfort food. I couldn’t conjure up a picture of this place in my mind before I read this, but now the images I’ll see are yours. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.

Thanks so much! It’s a great place to visit.

Wow! This is a great article. And I found it at the right time. In a few months, I will be moving from San Antonio, Texas to northwest Arkansas after calling San Antonio home for more than a half century. I’ve been (more than) a little down at the thought of leaving my longtime home, but your article has brightened my outlook as I see an example of wonderful new places to see within a few hours of my next home. Sedalia will be an early stop as I explore my new surroundings. Thank you.

Fantastic! Enjoy your time! We love this community!

I’ve lived here all of my life, except college, and see no reason to live anywhere else. Being an hour from the lake or from Kansas City is very convenient. I seem to have moved closer to city center throughout the years until we finally live in a downtown loft. I like it here.

Downtown is definitely the place to be! We can’t wait to come back and explore more! Thanks for visiting!

I’ve always wanted to live in a loft.

I lived in Sedalia from 1977 until 2003. It was a great place to raise my children. Small town with lots of friendly people! I was the director of Meals on Wheels for 14 years and enjoyed working with many church members and organizations of volunteers. I enjoyed helping our seniors receive a visit from my volunteers and a hot meal. Sedalia is a very loving and giving community. Sedalia will always be dear to me. If you have time visit all the places listed. You won’t be disappointed!

Thanks so much for stopping by, we love Sedalia and can’t wait to come back and do more exploring!

I am just now seeing this article from 2019, and am so glad it surfaced. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience in our town.

We love visiting your town! You have so much to offer! Definitely a diamond in the rough!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

8 Unforgettable Road Trips To Take In Missouri Before You Die

More by this Author

When there’s so much to do and see in Missouri, why not make a road trip out of it? Here are the best road trips in Missouri that will take you to the state’s most eerie abandoned places, beautiful natural wonders, winsome small towns, and much, much more! Before you hit the road, though, make sure you’ve packed everything you need. Take a peek at this Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide to help you get started.

Let’s take a road trip, shall we?

Related Stories

Take A Thrilling Road Trip To The 6 Most Abandoned Places In Missouri

This Epic One-Day Road Trip Across Missouri Is Full Of Adventures From Sunrise To Sunset

This Family Friendly Road Trip Through Missouri Leads To Whimsical Attractions, Themed Restaurants, And More

Have you taken any of these Missouri road trips before? If so, what did you think? Better hop in the car now and start your adventure! Whether you’re a thrill seeker or a nature lover, you’re sure to have a memorable time exploring the Show-Me State.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Want more Missouri in your inbox?

Get the latest on things to see, do, and eat around Missouri!

Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!

An error occured.

More to Explore

Best road trips in missouri.

What are some must-visit attractions in Missouri?

The above list of the best road trips in Missouri certainly visits many must-visit attractions, including some of the most swoon-worthy waterfalls, interesting sites, and beautiful natural areas of the state.

If you're looking for more, however, you've definitely come to the right place! In terms of must-visit natural attractions in the Show-Me State, you'll want to consult this list , which features places such as:

• Taum Sauk Mountain
• Echo Bluff State Park
• Rocky Falls
• Cave Vineyard and Winery
• Bennett Springs State Park.

If you're a foodie looking for must-visit restaurants in Missouri, absolutely check out these must-visit eateries on that list including fan-favorites such as:

• Blues City Deli in St. Louis Kehde’s BBQ in Sedalia Danna’s BBQ & Burger Shop in Branson West Pappy’s Smokehouse in St. Louis

What are the best day trips to take in Missouri?

Craving an adventure, but short on time? There are lots of awesome day trips you can take in Missouri that are sure to satisfy your wanderlust! This list is a great place to start; these 10 unique day trips in Missouri all offer a little something special. Some of our favorite day trip destinations included on that list are the towns of Hermann and Branson, the Lake of the Ozarks, and Meramec Caverns. We also love a good train day trip; these four railroads offer some of the most scenic and beautiful day trip experiences in Missouri!

Are there any other fun day trips in Missouri?

The Show-Me State is full of opportunities for fun and unique day trips. Whether you enjoy outdoor attractions, exploring historic small towns, dining, or something else altogether, you’re bound to find something entertaining in Missouri. In our opinion, the following attractions make for incredibly fun and memorable day trips:

• The World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Cuba
• The home of Jesse James in St. Joseph
• Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins in Camdenton
• The Giant Book Shelf in the Kansas City Library
• Glore Psychiatric Museum in St. Joseph
• The World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Branson

You can read about more fun day trips in Missouri in this article .

Related Articles

• Take This Road Trip To The Most Charming Route 66 Towns In Missouri
• The Fairytale Road Trip That'll Lead You To Some Of Missouri’s Most Magical Places
• The Christmas Lights Road Trip Through Missouri That's Nothing Short Of Magical
• This Dinosaur-Themed Road Trip Through Missouri Is The Ultimate Family Adventure
• Enjoy A Seasonal Feast At This Eco-Chic Restaurant, Prasino In Missouri
• The Spontaneous Road Trip Through Missouri That Is The Perfect Weekend Of Adventure
• This Missouri Nature Sanctuary Makes For The Perfect Outdoor Day Trip
• Camp Year-Round At This Epic Campground Near A Spring In Missouri

Featured Addresses

Sedalia Missouri Katy Depot

Katy trail state park.

Formerly the Tebo & Neosho Railroad line, The Missouri, Kansas, & Texas train tracks ran from Denison, Texas to Fort Scott, Kansas, and on to Sedalia, Missouri. The Sedalia to Fort Scott, Kansas portion of the railroad was completed by December 1870. The next year, the increased freight and passenger traffic over the M. K. & T. Railroad resulted in the construction of Union Depot on Engineer Street in 1872, but five years later, the depot burned and was not rebuilt. A few machine and railcar shops were built and a small number of men were employed but increased over the next few years. By 1881, the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railway Company was a branch that was a part of the Missouri Pacific Railroad owned by Jay Gould. In 1886, a new structure on Pacific street served as a station for both the Missouri Pacific and MKT railroads.

Construction on the new MKT depot on Third Street was completed in 1896 and utilized granite stone from Texas. The depot included lunch and dining rooms, men’s and women’s waiting rooms, a ticket office, rail offices, and a baggage room. The architecture was similar to other Katy Depots. The two-story red brick building with a limestone base displays an octagonal appearance on the north end, slate-hipped roofs, a rectangular section with five flat bay windows, arched windows bordered by limestone, and beam openings. The second story included offices for the telegraph superintendent, resident engineer, roadmaster, train master, dispatcher, superintendent, and superintendent’s clerks. The depot served passengers, freight, and mail services and contributed to the economic success of Sedalia and the surrounding area.

In the 1920s, continuous strikes impacted rail traffic and during the Great Depression, the M.K.T workers disassembled rail cars to extract lumber for petrol as a way of saving expenses, but the railroad shops closed. By the 1950s, the railroad traffic along the rail line began to decline. By mid-1958, the last passenger cars carried people through Sedalia and the shops were empty.

The M. K. & T Railroad Company placed the depot on the real estate market and the Pettis County Historical Society insisted that the depot be nominated to the National Register of Historic Places and it was placed on the National Register in 1979. In 1983 the Missouri Department of Natural Resources acquired the Depot and today it is part of the Katy trail. In 1990 Sedalians established the Sedalia Katy Depot Heritage Foundation dedicated to the preservation, maintenance, interpretation, promotion, and operation of the depot. Today, the Sedalia Chamber of Commerce and the Sedalia Convention and Visitors Bureau manages a museum and gift shop that showcases the history of Sedalia and its significance as an important rail and trail hub.

Official Website

Cite this page, related tours.

• Sedalia Missouri Historical Highlights Tour
• Katy Depot, Katy Trail State Park, Sedalia, Missouri, Sedalia Chamber of Commerce, Sedalia Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sedalia Heritage Foundation

Related Sources

• Sedalia, MO (Sed): Katy Depot,” Amtrak: The Great American Stations Project, https://www.greatamericanstations.com/stations/sedalia-mo-sed/ Pettis County National Register Listings: National Register of Historic Places- Nomination Form of Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railroad Depot at Sedalia Katy Depot. Missouri State Parks: Missouri Department of Natural Resources, 1979: 2-4. https://mostateparks.com/page/84841/pettis-county-national-register-listings Sedalia Weekly Democrat. 62, no. 38. September 19, 1930: 1. Sedalia, Missouri Centennial, "The First One Hundred Years: A History of Sedalia, 1860-1960." Hurlbut Printing: Sedalia, 1960: 88. HathiTrust Digital Library. The Sedalia Democrat. 107, no. 63. March 28, 1975: 1.

• Need To Know:
• Summer Sizzle Win $500
• Listen Live to KSIS
• Nominate an Unsung Hero
• Hometown Scoreboard
• Seize the Deal
• Local Experts

Doug Visits Ft. Leonard Wood

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter

I have lived in Missouri since 1985 and came here when my dad was stationed to Whiteman Air Force Base. I had never been to Ft. Leonard Wood to see what their post is like. This week I had the opportunity to see it first hand not only how the post works, but how it has great relations with the communities around it.

The 40 & 8 invited me for a trip with Jean Faust Tours to go see the post.  Each year they pick a nearby army post for area veterans to see what they do. Tour guide Jean Gallagher said, “I do this as a love for our veterans and give them a chance to see what the U.S. Army of today is doing and how they also embrace their storied past.”

I found out that her husband and Sedalia 40 & 8 Commander Tony Gallagher was trained there and served as a drill instructor there later, and said he still remembers his first day. “I enlisted at the age of 15, moved from Chicago and arrived at Ft. Leonard Wood at 3 a.m. I was welcomed to the site of dirt roads and a loud drill sergeant.” A few people on the bus didn't know he enlisted at 15, but Gallagher said he was proud of his service and country and that there is a group of veterans that meet called the Veterans of Underage Military Service .

Ft. Leonard Wood is known for training soldiers in the Army, but in addition to that, they do much more. "Ft. Leonard Wood continues the proud Army Tradition and still has the Army Center of Excellence that trains 80-90,000 military and civilians each year," said Command Sergeant Major Jerry Faulk.  "In addition, we put the J in "joint" as we train and work with all five branches of service located on Ft. Leonard Wood. We have over 60,000 acres, but its pretty easy to take care of because of the senior leaders on Ft. Leonard Wood. There is a lot of construction going on not only on the post, but off the post. There has been tremendous buildup over the years.”

A lot of the veterans on the bus said they trained there, including the person that I sat next to on the bus, Bill Duebler, who served from 1970-73.  Duebler said it was great to return and that he felt that 75% of what was in the area had changed.

One of the highlights of the tour was to see the Fort Leonard Wood Museum and see the old vehicles from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The museum holds The Military Police Museum, The U.S. Army Engineer Museum, and the Chemical Corps Museum. I particularly liked the Military Police Museum since my dad was a Security Policeman for the Air Force, so it was interesting to see some of the differences between the two. They shared stories, pictures and memorabilia from each section. I was real fascinated by the Chemical Corps Museum.  When you walk into the museum, you're instantly put into a World War I Trench, which was famous for mustard gas. If you're a pet lover, you also need to pay attention to the section where they prepared horses and dogs for chemical warfare.

After the museum tour, we ate at the Garrison Dining Facility, where one of the first things I noticed was the rituals that various soldiers in training had, such as  marching and a cadence before eating. The food was good, including choices of beef, chicken, or vegetarian. Meatloaf sounded good to me, and I had some grapes, salad, and macaroni salad with it. I felt that the soldiers must be eating pretty good.  However, I noticed that it was quiet. You could hear the clank of silverware and cups moving, and that was about it until the drill instructor said, “You have one minute to finish.” Apparently they have seven minutes to eat from the time they sit down to cleanup. Our tour guide Sgt. McQuiston pointed out that the food in here did not have dessert or soda since they are now following the new food portion menu that the USDA recommends.

After lunch we got a tour of the base where we saw the new barracks, track and new buildings in place. We wound up at one of the places that those on the bus wanted to see: Ft. Leonard Wood still keeps the old wooden barracks from 1941 up as well as the chapel. Many people on the bus said they remember staying in those barracks at one time. These barracks were all made of wood and could house anywhere from 60 to 100 soldiers depending on if double bunks existed or not. The chapel was interesting too.  They just built a new one that could support 1,000 parishioners at one time. This one on the museum was quite smaller, but it did services during World War II for Catholics, Protestants and Jews.

Overall, I felt it was quite the tip of the iceberg in learning about Ft. Leonard Wood, and I would highly encourage you to visit if you get the chance.

I want to say thank you to CSM Jerry Faulk, Sgt. McQuiston, Sgt. Marelloti, and the Public Affairs Office of Ft. Leonard Wood for their support while we were there. Also thanks to Tony and Jean Gallagher for inviting us on the trip. We live in a great country and our armed forces are the greatest as far as I'm concerned, and this up close view of the Army was gratifying. Thanks to all who served and I hope you enjoy the photos too.

Listen in on AM 1050 KSIS for interviews from the trip coming next week.

More From AM 1050 KSIS

« All Events

• This event has passed.

Show Me Crafters 48th Fall Show

November 11, 2023 @ 9:00 am - november 12, 2023 @ 4:00 pm.

Show Me Crafters 48th Annual Fall Craft Show. Free Parking. Free Admission.

• Google Calendar
• Outlook 365
• Outlook Live

Fairs & Festivals

Area Attractions

Groups & Tours

Sedalia Stories

600 East Third Street Sedalia MO 65301

Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

800-827-5295 [email protected]

© 2024 Sedalia Convention & Visitors Bureau | A 305 Spin Website