Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site |
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West front of Bothwell Lodge
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 Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site
Location in Missouri
Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site
Location in the United States
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| Location | Cedar Township, Pettis County, Missouri, United States |
| Area | 246.91 acres (99.92 ha) |
| Established | 1974 |
| Visitors | 41,259 (in 2022) |
| Governing body | Missouri Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site |
Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site is a cool place to visit in Missouri, near Sedalia. It's a big, old summer house with 31 rooms, built by a lawyer named John Homer Bothwell. Today, it's a state park where you can take tours, go hiking, and even try mountain biking! The Missouri Department of Natural Resources takes care of this special spot.
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The Story of Bothwell Lodge
Who Built Bothwell Lodge?
The story of Bothwell Lodge begins in 1896. That's when John Bothwell bought the land. He called his new property Stonyridge Farm. John Bothwell was a lawyer from Sedalia. He wanted a special place to spend his summers.
Building a Unique Summer Home
From 1897 to 1928, John Bothwell worked on building his dream home. It took him over 30 years! He built the lodge in four main parts. The house sits on top of a rocky cliff, looking out over a beautiful valley. Bothwell Lodge has a mix of different building styles. It even has some ideas from the American Craftsman style.
One really interesting thing about the house is how it stayed cool. During construction, workers found a natural cave. John Bothwell tried to use this cave to create natural air conditioning for his home! The stone used to build the lodge came right from the property.
How the Lodge Became a State Park
John Bothwell was a widower for most of his life. He loved having family and friends visit him at the lodge. When he passed away, he left the lodge to a group of these friends. They formed something called the Bothwell Lodge Club. The club was in charge of the lodge as long as at least six members were still alive.
Once the number of living members dropped to five, the lodge would be offered to the state of Missouri. This plan worked! In 1969, the club officially offered the property to the state. Five years later, in 1974, Missouri accepted the amazing home. That's how Bothwell Lodge became a state historic site for everyone to enjoy.
Things to Do at Bothwell Lodge
Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site offers lots of fun activities. It's a great place to explore history and enjoy nature.
- Tour the Lodge: You can take a guided tour inside the 31-room lodge. You'll learn all about John Bothwell and how he lived.
- Explore the Grounds: The park has more than just the main lodge. There's also a garage that was once a home. Another separate house is on the property too.
- Hiking Trails: If you love being outdoors, you can walk along the hiking trails. They wind through the beautiful natural areas of the park.
- Picnic Areas: Pack a lunch and enjoy a meal at the picnic facilities. It's a perfect spot for a family outing.
- Playground: Kids can have fun at the playground area.
