Museums and Historical Sites

Boonslick Regional Library

Boonslick Regional Library provides public library services to the citizens of three counties: Benton County, Cooper County and Pettis County (excluding the City of Sedalia). The Pettis County facility, located in Sedalia, is the largest library and serves as the administrative headquarters for the library system. The administrative headquarters includes the following services: bookmobile, reference and interlibrary loan, technical processing and computer/network services for the library district. Other libraries in the system are the Benton County libraries located in Cole Camp and Warsaw; and the Cooper County library located in Boonville. The Boonslick Regional Library Bookmobile provides a vital outreach service to residents residing in rural areas of each county in the library district.

Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site

An architectural treasure built strategically into a bluff over a period of 30 years. Tours provide a glimpse into the life of one of Sedalia’s greatest benefactor John Homer Bothwell. The area offers great opportunities for picnicking, hiking, and mountain biking.

Daum Museum of Contemporary Art

The Daum Museum of Contemporary Art opened in 2002 on the campus of State Fair Community College. The art collections and publications of the Daum shed light on the stimulating complexity of contemporary art. The museum exhibits selections from the permanent collection including paintings, drawings, prints, works in clay, and sculpture created since the mid-20th century. Featured artists include Andy Warhol, Dale Chihuly, Helen Frankenthaler, Robert Motherwell, Peter Voulkos, Louise Bourgeois, and Betty Woodman. (photo by Josh Campbell)

Call Visit Site

9 exhibition galleries on 3 levels.

Richard Notkin, “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow,” 2010; white earthenware, glaze, watercolor, and pencil; 43 x 51 x 3 in. Collection Daum Museum of Contemporary Art.

Sergei Isupov, “Invisible Man,” 2009; stained and glazed stoneware; 34 x 17 x 13 in. Collection Daum Museum of Contemporary Art.

Jim Shoemaker leads a Daum escape tour

Lisa Shoemaker leads a Daum Escape tour

Peter Pincus, “Trio of Vessels IV,” colored porcelain and gold luster; 18 x 30 x 10 in. Collection Daum Museum of Contemporary Art.

Helen Frankenthaler, “Geisha,” 2003; ink on paper; 38 x 26 in. Collection Daum Museum of Contemporary Art.

Why Go?

Daum Museum of Contemporary Art strives to be fully accessible to our community and complies with ADA guidelines. All Daum galleries and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. An elevator is located near the stairs. One manual wheelchair is available free of charge at the front desk. Please call in advance to reserve it if you need a wheelchair during your visit. Service animals are welcome in the museum.

Experience Meter

Cost

Admission is free, visitors are welcome to make a donation or purchase a membership during their visit.

Time Spent

Expect to spend 2 – 5 hours touring the Daum and all of it’s exhibits depending interest.

Travel Time

Travel time is short. The Daum is located in Sedalia just minutes from the heart of downtown.

Downtown Sedalia Historic District

Elegant facades grace the streets and avenues of the Downtown Historic District which offers art, culture, unique shopping, and dining. Discover the passion of local small business entrepreneurs loving what they do and excited to share their experience and expertise.  The district offers great opportunities for day trips, as well as overnight stays in our historic Hotel Bothwell.

Art in Sedalia has stood the test of time. Explore timeless public art in Sedalia, Missouri through the eyes of Jackie Tucker in this article.

Mailing Address:
The Avenues Sedalia
P.O. Box 820
Sedalia, MO 65302

Missouri State Fairgrounds

In addition to the thrill of the annual 11-day Missouri State Fair held in August, the 396 acres of the Missouri State Fairgrounds Historic District hosts dozens of facilities and events such as livestock shows, camping rallies, sporting events, and auto racing throughout the year.
HARVEST THE FUN

Make plans now to attend the 2018 Missouri State Fair August 9-19, 2018.

Pettis County Courthouse

Built in 1924, the Courthouse proudly displays the Circuit Courthouse Murals by St. Louis muralist, Barbara Manes Campbell, depicting Pettis County’s history including George Whiteman, the Missouri State Fair, Scott Joplin, the railroad, and other items of historical significance.

Pettis County Museum

Founded by the Pettis County Historical Society to preserve the rich and vast history of Pettis County, the Museum opened to the public in 2006 as a place to display historic items. Programs and fund-raisers are held throughout the year.

Sedalia Katy Depot

Built in 1896 to as a fully functional railroad station, today the Katy Depot serves as Sedalia’s official welcome center and is currently occupied by the Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce, Sedalia Convention and Visitors Bureau, the railroad heritage exhibits, The Depot Store, and serves as a Trailhead to the Katy Trail State Park.

Sedalia Public Library

The first library to receive an Andrew Carnegie Grant in the state of Missouri, the structure was dedicated in 1901. Boasting marble floors, open fireplaces, white oak woodwork, it is made of terra cotta and Carthage stone.