Smithton MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Smithton, Missouri.
1. Champion Bicycles
BIKING TRAILS ADVENTURE
Champion Bicycles offers excellent biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts in Smithton. Visitors can enjoy scenic routes through the Missouri countryside with varying difficulty levels. The trails are well-maintained and provide an opportunity for both casual riders and serious cyclists to experience nature.
2. Katy Depot
HISTORIC RAILWAY MUSEUM
Katy Depot is a preserved historical railway station that serves as a museum in Smithton. The museum showcases the rich railroad history of the region with exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia. Visitors can learn about the important role the railroad played in the development of Smithton and the surrounding areas.
3. Smithton City Park
FAMILY RECREATION AREA
Smithton City Park serves as the main recreational area for the small community. The park features playground equipment, picnic areas, and open green spaces for various activities. It regularly hosts community events and gatherings throughout the year.
4. Missouri State Fairgrounds
HISTORIC EXHIBITION VENUE
The Missouri State Fairgrounds is located in nearby Sedalia, the county seat of Pettis County. The fairgrounds host the annual Missouri State Fair, which showcases agricultural achievements, livestock competitions, concerts, and carnival attractions. Throughout the year, the venue also holds various events including horse shows, car races, and trade exhibitions.
5. Daum Museum of Contemporary Art
MODERN ART COLLECTION
The Daum Museum of Contemporary Art houses a significant collection of modern art in Sedalia. The museum features over 1,500 pieces including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and photography from prominent artists. Visitors can explore changing exhibitions throughout the year in addition to the permanent collection.
6. Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site
HISTORIC HILLTOP ESTATE
Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site preserves the early 20th-century summer home of prominent Missouri lawyer John Homer Bothwell. The 12,000-square-foot lodge sits atop a bluff and was built using natural limestone from the surrounding area. Visitors can tour the unique 31-room lodge and explore hiking trails on the 247-acre property.
7. Katy Trail State Park
RAILS-TO-TRAILS PATHWAY
Katy Trail State Park is a 240-mile-long recreational rail trail that passes through Sedalia and near Smithton. The trail follows the former corridor of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad and is popular for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. Visitors can experience scenic views of the Missouri River, farmland, wetlands, and hardwood forests along the trail.
8. Liberty Park
HISTORIC URBAN GREENSPACE
Liberty Park is Sedalia's oldest and largest public park, established in 1881. The park features Liberty Park Stadium, the Liberty Park Pool, tennis courts, and the historic Liberty Park Carousel. Visitors can also enjoy a large lake, walking trails, and picnic areas throughout the beautiful grounds.
9. Sedalia Municipal Building
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT CENTER
The Sedalia Municipal Building is a historic government building constructed in 1938. The Art Deco-style structure was built as part of the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression. The building houses city offices and features distinctive architectural elements that reflect its era of construction.
10. Pettis County Courthouse
HISTORIC LEGAL LANDMARK
The Pettis County Courthouse stands as an impressive government building in downtown Sedalia. The courthouse features Classical Revival architecture with a prominent dome and decorative details. It continues to serve as the center of county government while also representing an important historical landmark.
11. Hotel Bothwell
HISTORIC BOUTIQUE LODGING
Hotel Bothwell is a historic hotel built in 1927 that continues to operate in downtown Sedalia. The seven-story structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features elegant Art Deco design elements. Visitors can stay in the boutique hotel or visit its restaurant and lounge spaces that maintain their historic character.
12. Whiteman Air Force Base
MILITARY AVIATION SITE
Whiteman Air Force Base is located near Knob Noster, approximately 20 miles from Smithton. The base is home to the 509th Bomb Wing, which operates the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. Visitors can tour the Whiteman Heritage Center museum to learn about the base's history and see various aircraft displays.
13. Knob Noster State Park
NATURAL FOREST GETAWAY
Knob Noster State Park encompasses over 3,900 acres of forest and open land near Smithton. The park features hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and camping facilities along the banks of the Clearfork Creek. Visitors can observe diverse wildlife and plant species in the oak-hickory forest and savanna areas.
14. Scott Joplin International Ragtime Foundation
MUSICAL HERITAGE CENTER
The Scott Joplin International Ragtime Foundation preserves and celebrates the legacy of ragtime composer Scott Joplin in Sedalia. The foundation hosts the annual Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival, which brings ragtime musicians from around the world to perform. Visitors can learn about Joplin's influence on American music and his time spent in Sedalia during his formative years.
15. State Fair Community College
EDUCATIONAL CAMPUS TOURS
State Fair Community College offers educational programs and cultural events near Smithton in Sedalia. The campus features the Stauffacher Center for the Fine Arts, which hosts theatrical productions, art exhibitions, and musical performances. Visitors can tour the campus and attend various public events throughout the year.