If you like the Katy Trail and its history, make a point to visit this Depot in Sedalia. There is a…read moreton of middle Missouri history to take in, souvenirs, friendly people, and it's basically right on the trail itself. The building is beautiful from the outside, and inside you'll find friendly staff eager to talk. We stayed for a while taking everything in, of note, they have some nice restrooms to boot. It's not going to be open every time you ride by, so if it is I say take a few minutes to stop by here!

I came on Memorial Day weekend and pressed my nose sadly against the glass of the (closed) gift…read moreshop wishing I could buy my husband (who has biked parts of the Katy Trail) a souvenir tee. They had tons of them on display that looked really cool. But alas, I'll just have to visit another time. The three star review from me is due to the building and grounds being lovely even though the depot was closed. It is normally open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (although I would recommend checking their website or office for details) This is the former Sedalia, MO train depot and it is now connected with the "Rails to Trails" program and the wonderful Katy Trail that goes almost all the way across the state of Missouri. The depot is a beautifully restored building and tours are given but not on my visit (again, so disappointed)...I'm sure it is very cool! If I come back I'll update this review with more details. We explored the grounds. The bike shop and bike rentals were open, however. I think they're owned by a separate entity (Champion Bike Shop if I'm not mistaken). They also had used bicycles for sale outside the depot. There is ample parking here. Additional tip: If you're in the area and so inclined, do check out Daum Museum of Contemporary Art.

Though this may not be your typical tourist attraction it is definitely a sight to be marveled. The…read moreidea of such a large dam holding so much water is so cool. At the base of the dam there is a little spot you can walk out to look at the rushing water below. There are informative signs that allow you to spend some time there and learn the history as well. When looking down at the rushing water we noticed fish jumping up trying to make it farther upstream. Which was a pretty cool sight to see. Again when looking for something to do in the ozark area, this isn't a bad pitstop. Though we did go on July 10th 2024 and there is a rather unpleasant smell when you first get down there, but still worth the stop.

Not impressed, I've seen bigger ... but best in area by a dam site. Would have given 5 stars if…read moreallowed us to complete our bungee jumping quest.

I had found these two ancient bridges, a throwback to a simpler time, years ago on a historic…read morebridge website. Realizing that they were the same ones I had seen pictures that a friend had posed his Shelby Mustangs on I had to go. The first visit was probably a decade ago and I brought brought my kids. We drive over the fiirst, but walked out onto the second as my truck exceeded the 3 ton weight limit. We threw rocks at the ice below and had a great time. Today was a warmer day and my wife and I finally got to go. Same thing as before walked onto the second as the weight limit is still the same. Being near 70° it was a great day to go for a walk.

When you have an extra hour or so in the Lake of the Ozarks, check out the Swinging Bridges. This…read moreis a completely free activity for all ages. Make sure to take pictures as well as a video. Your friends and family will not believe you traveled over these unusual bridges. The larger of the two bridges is known at the Grand Auglaize Swinging Bridge. It is a metal wire suspension bridge built in 1922 by Joseph A. Dice. The length of the structure is 500 feet. The main length span (wooden plank section) is 414 feet long. One of the scary factors is the Bridge is only 12 feet wide. The second smaller bridge is known at the Mill Creek Bridge. It was built in 1925 and is 135 feet in length. This Bridge is 11.1 feet wide. Take time out and explore these truly "hidden" treasures.

The people that work here are very nice, patient, and knowledgeable. They have a lot of interesting…read morematerial on the towns in the area that existed before the dam was built, as well as some material on Ha Ha Tonka. If you're interested in niche historical info about the area, stopping here should be on your list.

(and then some!)…read more Bridal Cave is absolutely breathtaking and truly lives up to its name as one of the most amazing caves we've ever visited. One of the highlights was seeing the Guardian Angel stalagmite--it was awe-inspiring and felt incredibly special. Our tour guide, Tripsy, was phenomenal. Her knowledge, passion, and storytelling brought the cave to life in a way that made the experience unforgettable. The magical moment when she used her black light to create the fairy dust illusion on the cave walls was pure enchantment--it felt like stepping into a hidden, magical world. It was also wonderfully romantic to see all the wedding photos from the couples who have been married inside the cave. Knowing so many love stories began in such a sacred, beautiful place made the experience even more meaningful and special. And the Mystery Lake... wow. The water was absolutely pristine, glowing with stunning shades of teal, green, and blue--so clear and beautiful it almost didn't seem real. We give Tripsy 50 stars for making this tour so exceptional. Bridal Cave is a must-see, romantic, and magical experience we will never forget. Thanks Anina and James

Great tour guide; just right amount of narrative and interaction with the group…read more Cave system was neat. This isn't my first cave visit - in fact have quite a few, but this may of been the best. Tour guide looked about 15 but did a great presentation of the bridal cave regarding all the marriages that have taken place there. Very interesting to see how many couples come back for a redo of vows. I definitely recommend this cave visit!

This is one of the best parks in Missouri! The lodge is interesting but not particularly…read moreoutstanding. But the park itself is very nice with very many trees and really nice places to have picnics. There is also a basic gym area for the children and those who have decided not to grow up completely. We are losing our places to just be out in the trees and fresh air and just relax! This is one of the best places left.

Unfortunately I did not get to tour the Lodge, since reservations must be made 24 hours in advance…read moreand I didn't do my proper research until the night before driving to Sedalia. The Lodge is quite striking from Highway 65 and the view of central Missouri is beautiful from the patio. I'm pretty sure that the experience would be so much enjoyable if I had been able to enter the mansion instead of just reading about it's interesting history. Even if you don't have a reservation go check out the view and what little you can see; it's only about a 3 minute drive off of US65. A cool and unique addition to the Missouri state parks system.

This was a true surprise on how good of a history museum it is. Only five bucks and lasted a good…read morehour and half. Tons of rooms full of history.

Had a great time here!…read more Five friends and I went on an amazing hike and caught some great views! Took lots of pictures of the wonderful nature and wildlife! Would definitely recommend these trails!

We decided to venture out to a really cool state park while we are staying near Lebanon. There is…read moreno admission fee and you can park right next to the castle if you are mobility challenge, but we parked at a lower level and hiked up. I'll paved walkway, not a bad walk at all. I added the picture of the story of the Kansas City businessman that decided to purchase 5000 acres and build a castle here back in the early 1900s. You can read the story on that particular photo. The ruins seem well maintained, you are not allowed to walk in them, but you can get pretty close and take photographs. There are also several viewing platforms around the area, which gives you some pretty cool views of lake of the Ozarks. They do have pit toilet Bathrooms available. Beautiful place and can highly recommend for a historical visit as well as spending some time in nature.

Wonderful museum. It is tucked away in the back next to the cafeteria. We really enjoyed speaking…read morewith the lady up front who gave us a history lesson on the beginnings of the museum. Wonderful collections throughout. And it's free although we recommend giving a donation.

Some very interesting art pieces. The hostess was very nice and shared some details about how the…read moremuseum originated. Worth an hour or so of your day. Great date day activity.

Pleasant surprise on our way home to Springfield…read more Delicious food, great service and cherry on top was talking with Nick. He shared about his Armenian grandmother and the heritage that produced his delicious dishes. What a treat!

This weekend a band is coming to play! I hope you all are staffed to deliver food and drinks in a…read moretimely manner!!!