SEDALIA, Mo.--There is nothing better than a day away to relax and have some fun. With some easy tips and a little time, your trip does not have to cost an arm and a leg. Fun is less than an hour away.

Sedalia is perhaps best known for the Missouri State Fair, but it has lots of rich history in it, too.

Sedalia is also home of the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival this week, home of a first-class art museum, a prominent stop on the Katy Trail, and, yes, the state fair.

Ragtime Festival

June is an exciting month for Sedalia, because it marks the 29th Annual Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival. Scott Joplin, who was known as “The King of Ragtime,” once lived in Sedalia and he is remembered for all his contributions to “Ragtime” music.

The Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival is June 3-7. You can check out the Website for more information at www.scottjoplin.org.

Daum Museum of Contemporary Art

First-time visitors to Sedalia might be surprised to discover the city is home to a respected museum of abstract paintings and drawings, prints, clay and sculpture.

The Daum Museum is located at 3201 W. 16th St., on the campus of State Fair Community College. The museum is open Tuesday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 1-5 p.m. It is closed Mondays.

The Katy Trail

The 225-mile long Katy Trail, which stretches from Clinton to Machen, attracts bikers and runners, but also those who love nature and history. This trail passes through Sedalia, and the handsomely restored Katy Depot, once a railway station, is now a history museum and home of the chamber of commerce. For more information, visit www.sedaliakatydepot.com.

Liberty Park

Sedalia also has parks. Liberty Park not only has playgrounds and tennis courts, but has a miniature train for the kids. Liberty Park is located off Highway 65 on Liberty Park Boulevard.



This year marks the 107th e4dition of the Missouri State Fair. The 11 days of fun starts Aug. 13 and runs till Aug. 23. With headliners including Brooks & Dunn, Gary Allan, Little Big Town, Shinedown, and the Country Gold Tour, the grandstand concert series includes musical acts for nearly every taste.

The state fair also has daily discounts and special promotions to save you money. For ticket information, hours, and concert details check out www.mostatefair.com.

To get to Sedalia from Warrensburg, take Highway 50 east till you hit Sedalia. Take Highway 65 South and you can’t miss the fair grounds. This trip is only 36 minutes.

For more information on Sedalia’s historic buildings, attractions and events, visit visitsedaliamo.com or the Sedalia’s visitor’s center on East Third Street.