A day in Sedalia, Missouri, can combine the city centre’s shops and restaurants with time on the Katy Trail or at historic Bothwell Lodge. Start by sorting out your arrival and transport with this guide to getting around Sedalia, then choose an outing that fits the time you have.
- Katy Trail: Two Sedalia access points, at the Katy Depot and the Missouri State Fairgrounds.
- Trail hours: Open from sunrise to sunset.
Start with Your Arrival Plan
Plan your trip into Sedalia first, then choose how you’ll get between the station, downtown and your outing. The Amtrak station is about 37 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by car from the inn. If you’re arriving by train, this route from the Amtrak station to the inn covers the journey.
Spend Time in Central Sedalia
Sedalia’s downtown district brings together shops, restaurants, lodging, murals, public art, boutiques and antique shops, with live music and theater also part of the scene. Set aside time to walk around the district and decide where to pause for a meal or browse.
For an outdoor stretch, the Katy Trail has two access points in Sedalia: the Katy Depot at 600 East Third Street, at mile marker 227, and the Missouri State Fairgrounds trailhead, at mile marker 229.
The Katy Trail State Park follows the former route of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad and extends 237 miles across Missouri. In Sedalia, you can pair a downtown visit with a walk or bicycle ride on the trail.
Choose a Nearby Outing
Bothwell Lodge offers a historic-site visit and a three-mile hiking and biking trail. The 31-room, 12,000-square-foot lodge was built in the early 20th century for and by lawyer John Homer Bothwell. You can make it your main outing, or choose the Katy Trail if you’d rather spend that part of the day walking or cycling.
At the Katy Depot trailhead, a paved path connects to the information depot and an accessible restroom. The historic depot has two paved accessible parking spaces and a paved path to its entrance.
The trail is designed for walking and bicycling; horses are permitted only in designated sections. Keep pets leashed. Gas-powered vehicles, ATVs and ORVs are not allowed, while electrically assisted pedal-powered bicycles and tricycles are allowed up to 20 mph.
From November through March, water is turned off and restrooms are closed at Katy Trail State Park trailheads. Check the official site before you go for current trail and facility details.
Allow Time for the Return
Leave a little room in your schedule to get back to the city centre or station after your outing. Sedalia City Bus operates Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; the fare is $1.50 each way.
Riders can request curb pickup and drop-off up to three-quarters of a mile off the route by reserving at least one day ahead. You can find rooms at American Inn for your overnight stop.
OATS Transit offers demand-response rides for $2.50 each way, with trips scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. The booking and information numbers are 660-827-2611 and 800-276-6287.
FAQs
Where can you access the Katy Trail in Sedalia?
Use the Katy Depot access point at mile marker 227 or the Missouri State Fairgrounds trailhead at mile marker 229.
When is Katy Trail State Park open?
The trail is open from sunrise to sunset. Trailhead water and restrooms are unavailable from November through March.
Can you walk or bike on the Katy Trail?
Yes. The trail is designed for walking and bicycling, and horses are allowed only on designated sections.
What can you see in downtown Sedalia?
The downtown district includes shops, restaurants, murals, public art, boutiques and antique shops, as well as live music and theater.