Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site

Perched on a limestone bluff overlooking the Sedalia countryside, Bothwell Lodge is one of Missouri’s most architecturally fascinating historic homes. Built over three decades by lawyer and politician John Homer Bothwell, the lodge grew organically from a modest hunting cabin into a sprawling 31-room mansion that blends Romanesque, Tudor, and Arts and Crafts styles into something entirely its own. Towers, turrets, and hidden passageways give the home an almost storybook quality that visitors of all ages find captivating.

The 247-acre grounds across Pettis County offer more than just a house tour. Wooded trails wind through oak-hickory forest and along rocky bluffs, providing solid hiking with rewarding overlook views of the surrounding farmland. Birdwatching is productive here, particularly during spring and fall migration, and the mix of open meadow and dense timber supports a healthy population of white-tailed deer and wild turkey.

Guided tours of the lodge itself are the main draw, walking visitors through rooms filled with original furnishings and quirky architectural details — including a concrete-lined indoor swimming pool that was remarkably ahead of its time. The craftsmanship throughout reflects Bothwell’s perfectionism and his willingness to spend years getting every detail right.

Spring and early fall deliver the best visiting conditions, with comfortable temperatures for both trail exploration and leisurely grounds walks. Summer can be hot and humid in central Missouri. The site makes an excellent half-day trip, especially paired with a visit to nearby Sedalia.

Explore Nearby

• Mark Twain National Forest — National Forest in Missouri
• Union Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Missouri
• Sandy Creek Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Missouri
• Thousand Hills State Park — Dark Sky Site in Missouri
• Stacy Park — Dark Sky Site in Missouri