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Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site

Park Information

Lodge tours last approximately an hour and 15 minutes, and are limited to no more than eight participants per tour. The interior of the lodge is not heated or cooled, and is subject to outdoor temperatures. During the tour, participants must be able to negotiate the 200-plus stairs throughout the lodge. Tours are guided only; no self-guided tours are allowed.   

With a commanding view from atop a bluff, Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site is one of the best representations of early 20th century sensibilities in the Midwest. Walk through the 31-room, 12,000-square-foot lodge built atop two natural caves by Sedalia lawyer John Homer Bothwell. You will marvel at the owner’s eclectic tastes and how a country gentleman furnished a recreational lodge for himself and his friends. Most of the furnishings in the house are original. The property also has a 3-mile hiking and mountain biking trail.

Park Hours

For temporary closures related to weather, stewardship activities and maintenance, as well as temporary trail closures, click here to visit our Park and Site Status Map.


On the following days (actual or observed), staff will not be available and site buildings will be closed: Thanksgiving Day; Nov. 24, 2023; Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; New Year’s Eve; New Year’s Day; Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Lincoln’s Birthday; and Presidents Day. 

Historic Site Grounds

8 a.m. to sunset, year-round

Bothwell Lodge hours

Tour Hours

On-Season

April through Sept. 15

  • 10 and 11 a.m., and 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday (last tour begins at 3 p.m.)
  • 11 a.m., and 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Sunday (last tour begins at 3 p.m.)
  • No tours will be offered Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.
Off-Season
Sept. 16 through Dec. 14 
  • 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays
  • 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. on Sundays
Dec. 15 through February
  • Tours are available by appointment only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Visitors should call the site at 660-827-0510 to schedule a tour. 
March
  • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday through Saturday and holiday Mondays
  • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday (last tour begins at 3 p.m.)

Historic Site Office hours

April 1 through Sept. 15 (On-Season)

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Thursday through Saturday

11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday

Closed Tuesday and Wednesday

Sept. 16 through March 31 (Off-Season)

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday through Saturday and holiday Mondays

11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday

On the following days (actual or observed), staff will not be available and site buildings will be closed: Thanksgiving Day; Nov. 24, 2023; Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; New Year’s Eve; New Year’s Day; Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Lincoln’s Birthday; and Presidents Day.