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 | Pettis, Missouri, United States |
| Area | 246.91 acres (99.92 ha) |
| Established | 1974 |
| Governing body | Missouri Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site |
Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site is a special place in Missouri, near Sedalia. It protects a huge summer house called Bothwell Lodge. This amazing house has 31 rooms and is 12,000 square feet!
It was built for a lawyer named John Homer Bothwell. Today, you can visit the site for tours and enjoy trails for hiking and mountain biking. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources takes care of this historic spot.
Contents
Discovering Bothwell Lodge: A Historic Home
Bothwell Lodge is more than just an old house. It's a window into the past. It shows how people lived long ago. The site offers a fun way to learn about history.
Who Was John Bothwell?
John Homer Bothwell was a lawyer from Sedalia. He bought the land for his summer home in 1896. He called his new property "Stonyridge Farm." He wanted a peaceful place to relax.
Building the Lodge: A Long Project
Mr. Bothwell built the lodge in four main stages. Construction started in 1897 and finished in 1928. That's over 30 years of building! The house sits on top of a rocky cliff. It looks out over a beautiful valley.
What Makes the Lodge Special?
The lodge was designed as a summer home. It mixes many different building styles. You can see influences from the American Craftsman style. This style focuses on handmade details.
One cool thing about the house is how it used nature. Builders found a natural cave during construction. Mr. Bothwell tried to use this cave for natural air conditioning. The stone used to build the house came right from the property.
How the Lodge Became a State Park
John Bothwell was a widower for most of his life. He often invited family and friends to stay at the lodge. When he passed away, he left the lodge to this group of friends. They formed the "Bothwell Lodge Club."
The club was in charge of the lodge. They agreed that if only five members were left, they would offer the lodge to the state of Missouri. In 1969, they officially offered the property. Five years later, in 1974, Missouri accepted the historic home.
Things to Do at Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site
There's a lot to explore at Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site. Besides the main lodge, there are other buildings and outdoor activities.
Exploring the Grounds
The site includes a garage that also served as a home. There is another separate house on the property too. You can imagine what life was like here.
Outdoor Fun and Recreation
If you love being outdoors, this park is for you. There are many hiking trails to explore. You can walk through the woods and enjoy nature. The park also has picnic areas. These are perfect for a family lunch. Kids can also enjoy the playground.
