8 Unique Things To Do In Sedalia, Missouri

I've lived in and visited numerous towns and cities in Missouri over the years, so I couldn't help but be a little shocked when the location my husband and I chose to live permanently was a place I had never even stopped at before. My new home? Sedalia, Missouri.

It's not that Sedalia is a city you should pass by; in fact, it's not even THAT small. I just think that it gets lost in the buzz of the big cities that surround it, which include Kansas City, Columbia, Jefferson City, and the Lake of the Ozarks.

But Sedalia is actually a rather nice family-focused place to live. It began as a railroad town, so there is plenty of history. Now it's largely dependent on manufacturing and agricultural businesses and has many restaurants, popular stores and typical family activities.

And for visitors, there are several unique sights to see and events to attend. So let's get into how you can fill a day or spend an entire weekend in this Midwest city.

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1. Learn About Sedalia's History at the Katy Depot

The Katy Depot should be your first stop in Sedalia, as it's the visitor's center. Here you'll find public restrooms, water, souvenirs and information about the local and surrounding towns' activities. But this is also where you'll learn the most about Sedalia's history.

Originally, the Katy Depot sat along the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Rail Line, so now this building houses a museum about its time as a working depot, the beginning and evolution of Sedalia, and Scott Joplin's years living and making ragtime music there. You can also find informational plaques outside, as well as two photo props, which are perfect for capturing your family in this new destination.

2. Visit the Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site

The Bothwell Lodge was built into a bluff near Sedalia over a period of 31 years. A total of 12,000 square feet and 31 rooms spanning three levels, the building is now a state historic site. It looks more like an old manor or small castle with its stone facade and many chimneys.

Usually, you can schedule a tour of the interior of the lodge, but this option is currently unavailable due to construction. So for now, explore the outdoor views and trails. There are signs outside the lodge that share some of the history of this picturesque spot, and you can still walk onto the balconies on the back side of the building.

The main trail there is called Radiant Trail and is 3.3 miles of hiking or mountain biking paths. I enjoyed this little adventure because it made me feel like I was truly hiking with the variety in natural sights (like prairies, forests and ponds) and slight elevation.

There's also the 0.5-mile Stonyridge Trail, which starts from the lodge and is the original driveway from years ago. You'll see some footbridges and stone structures along the way.

If hiking isn't your goal for the day, the picnic area at the Bothwell Lodge is another popular outdoor location. There are shelters you can reserve, or you can bring your own blanket and chairs and lay out your spread. The playground nearby allows your kids to expend some energy too.

3. Check Out the Missouri State Fairgrounds

If you plan to visit Sedalia in August, then you might just be around when the Missouri State Fair is in full swing. The locals and others put together a week and a half of entertainment, everything from live music to agricultural competitions to carnival games and rides.

It's important to note that the state fair is Sedalia's busiest time of the year, so if you don't want to brave the crowds, head to this city at a different time.

No matter when you go, though, you can still stroll through the Missouri State Fairgrounds during the day. It offers a gentle walk as there are roads and sidewalks if you'd rather not be in the grass. Along the way, you can view the many historic buildings and learn about them via plaques. Established in 1899, this is actually one of the oldest fairgrounds in the country, so it's a staple sight in Sedalia.

4. Shop the Downtown Historic District

Sedalia's got a cute and completely walkable "Main" (really, it's Ohio) Street. This is where much of the action happens — where tourists can find Hotel Bothwell, local and international events, small businesses, and a variety of restaurants.

Try some yummy eateries like Ozark Coffee Company and Roastery, Fitters 5th Street Pub, and No. 5 Bistro & Bar. (I'll be publishing a post about the best restaurants in Sedalia soon.) If you like antiquing, stop in Nostalgia Vintage Apparel and Marketplace, Chelsea's Antiques, Becca's Framing and Antiques, The Cellar Door, and more. Or check out the clothing boutiques, the bookstore, the art galleries, and many other specialty shops.

Parking is free on Ohio Street. However, note that there's also a free parking lot across from the Ozark Coffee Company.

5. Bike (or Walk/Run) the Katy Trail

The Katy Trail (State Park) runs through Sedalia and is the perfect walking, biking, running or horseback riding trail. It stretches from Clinton to Machens, but unless you're planning on a long journey, simply enjoy the few miles of trail leading out from Sedalia toward Clinton.

Most of the trail is lined with trees, which offer much-needed shade during the hotter months, and surrounded by gorgeous pastures. (Note that the photo above was taken in winter, the least beautiful time of the year for this trail.)

CAUTION: There are some roads that run perpendicular to the trail, even when moving away from the town. So be safe and look both ways before crossing.

The closest trailhead to the Clinton side is located near the Missouri State Fairgrounds: the Katy Trail State Park - Sedalia Trailhead. (Apple Maps should pull it up.) Just take a right onto the trail.

This trailhead includes space to park as well as bathrooms. You'll have to bring your own bikes or rent some bikes before starting at this section of the trail. Many people also walk and/or run this section of the trail. (If you cross the first paved road and turn around at the next paved road, you'll pretty much hit exactly 5 miles.) There's also a connecting drive to Clover Dell Park, about 1.5 miles down, where you can walk around the pond or even play disc golf.

You can also start your ride or walk at the Katy Depot Trailhead, where you'll find parking, bathrooms, and more information on rentals. This might be a more ideal spot if you already plan on checking out the Katy Depot or if you're looking to bike toward Boonville.

6. View the Exhibits at the Daum Museum of Contemporary Art

Located on the State Fair Community College campus, the Daum Museum of Contemporary Art showcases its collection on three different levels. Some exhibitions are permanent, but there are also rotating galleries with specific themes throughout the year. For example, I recently viewed "Bones, Blooms, and Biomes," which expands upon themes by Georgia O'Keeffe (I loved this one), and "Nevertheless, She Persisted," showcasing artwork by women that particularly follows the theme of the persistence of women.

The museum is free, and parking is easy. Additionally, if you're interested in a guided tour, you can schedule one online at least two weeks in advance.

7. Attend the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival

If you're into music, especially ragtime, May is the best month for you to visit Sedalia. Every year, the city hosts the Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival, which takes place over the course of four days.

You can listen to ragtime music (all day and for free) in several different venues or pay to attend a more formal concert with themes like "The Great American Songbook" or "Classic Ragtime." If you'd like to learn more about ragtime and its history, attend the educational symposium. Or, you can also watch a ragtime-era fashion show, attend a film screening, dine in the roaring 20s style, take a free dance lesson, watch a parade or take a historic trolley tour. There's something for everyone.

Although I know ragtime is a very specific type of music, I am surprised more people don't attend this festival. It's nostalgic and unique, which I appreciate.

8. Take a Peek Inside (or Stay at) Hotel Bothwell

First opened in 1927, Hotel Bothwell has been restored and is now a beautiful conglomeration of a 1920s aesthetic and modern upgrades. Stop in just to look at the hotel's lobby, which houses some historic items, and read about its history. Or book a stay and fully enjoy its elegance, as well as its amenities, which include a free continental breakfast, the Oak Room Lounge, a fitness room, and the Ivory Grille Restaurant downstairs.

I was impressed with this hotel when I stayed there in 2024! Not only was the room clean with a nice bathroom and furniture, but I also really enjoyed the historic aspects.

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