Sedalia Missouri
The striking red brick exterior of the restored Katy Depot, originally built in 1896
A sign welcomes visitors to the Sedalia Historic District
Walking the verdant paths of Katy Trail State Park
Bronze statues by artist J. Michael Wilson at the Trail's End Landmark
Biking near the historic Katy Depot
A draft horse show during the Missouri State Fair
Local musicians perform at the annual Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival
Night falls over the historic Katy Depot
- States:
- Missouri
Find railroad heritage and artistic flair in equal measure in this Central Missouri stop
Historic Sedalia
Fascinating local legacies come alive in Sedalia. Take a trip back in time with a visit to the Katy Depot, a railroad depot built in 1896 that now exhibits artifacts from the town’s history, especially its railroad heritage. Turn-of-the-century architecture and striking bronze sculptures are on display on the grounds of the Missouri State Fairgrounds Historic District – one of the oldest fairgrounds in the country and one of only five historical fairgrounds left in the USA. For a glimpse into Missouri's architectural history, visit Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site. Located on a scenic bluff just north of town, Bothwell Lodge was the home of John Homer Bothwell, a prominent attorney and politician who secured Sedalia as the permanent site for the Missouri State Fair. The Arts and Crafts-style lodge, completed in 1928, offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and gives visitors a window into early 20th-century life. Guided tours reveal unique architectural details, original furnishings and fascinating stories about Bothwell’s life and legacy. Outside, explore hiking trails that weave through the property, offering serene walks through woodlands and limestone formations.
Outdoor Fun
Take the scenic route on a bike ride through Katy Trail State Park. At over 380 kilometers long, it’s the longest continuous recreational rail trail in the USA. Start at the Katy Depot and follow the trail down the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad corridor to trek through quaint towns and wooded forests, spotting local wildlife and taking in views of the Missouri River. During the summer, cheer on the Sedalia Bombers baseball team at historic Liberty Park Stadium. Built in the 1930s, today this stadium hosts the MINK league, a collegiate baseball league which helps college players prepare for a career in Major League Baseball.
Art History
Dive into local art, music and culture in historic downtown Sedalia. Each spring, Sedalia pays homage to one of its most famous locals: Composer Scott Joplin, the “King of Ragtime” who is perhaps best known for writing “Maple Leaf Rag” in 1899. The annual Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival honors the legendary composer with free outdoor performances, formal concerts, educational presentations and more. Art and history meet at the Pettis County Courthouse where murals by St. Louis artist Barbara Manes Campbell depict some of Sedalia’s notable people and places. Even more artistic inspiration awaits at the Daum Museum of Contemporary Art, a cultural gem located on the campus of State Fair Community College. With an impressive collection of contemporary art, including works by renowned U.S. artists like Dale Chihuly, Helen Frankenthaler and Peter Voulkos, this free museum is not to be missed.
Fun Fact
Composer Scott Joplin, “King of Ragtime,” wrote his famous “Maple Leaf Rag” in 1899 while living in Sedalia. It became the first piece of American music to sell more than one million copies.
Sedalia served as the inspiration for the television show "Rawhide." The popular Western, which ran for eight seasons and starred Clint Eastwood and Eric Fleming, was based on the 1866 diaries of George C. Duffield, a real-life cattle drover who documented his journey from Texas to Sedalia.
Photo: Becky Imhauser, All Around Downtown
Held in Sedalia since 1901, the Missouri State Fair is one of the longest-running state fairs in the USA.
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