Bothwell Mansion in the Sedalia area

[jmebonner]

We'd like to visit the mansion one of our days in Southern Missouri. I haven't gone since I went with my mom some 20+ years ago. Can anyone provide some tips and information for me?

I have read almost everything on this site, just looking for some perspective from y'all.

[url]http://www.mostateparks.com/bothwell.htm[/url]

[shis1]

I visited the Bothwell Lodge just about 1 month ago. Very interesting place. This was my first time to go thru the Lodge. The Lodge is not heated nor cooled. The day we went was a fairly comfortable weather day, so that was good, and the guide told us we picked a good day. I asked if the thick stone walls provided some 'natural' cooling and she said NO, they keep the heat in during warm weather, and the cold in during cool weather! So if the heat 'bothers' you, don't go to the Lodge on a hot, summer day!Lots of steps, some are very steep! We toured all 4 floors, thankfully stopping on each floor and looking around for a bit, not just from the basement to the top floor! Don't expect a 'lavish', fancy decor. I would call it primitive! Many of the furnishings are original to the Lodge. Our guide was very knowledgeable and interesting; really enjoyed the Lodge. If you have any specific ?'s, shoot me a pm and I'll try to answer! I live about 30 minutes from the Lodge!

[TravelAgtSteve]

My folks live in Sedalia, so when I was going to high school there I liked to get out to the Lodge to spend time. The grounds have sites where you can have a picnic lunch, or enjoy the weather. The Lodge itself is very interesting, and rather primitive but again bear in mind its history. At the height of it's day when John Bothwell lived there, that was fancy for the area.

There's some good history there - it was well worth my time, and I'm glad I visited and would do so again.

[jmebonner]

Thanks to both of you. I definitely think we'll head North from Branson to visit the site on our trip home. You bring up a good point that maybe we should pack a small lunch and eat on the lodge grounds.

How long is the tour, time-wise?

[shis1]

I don't really remember, but I'd say around 1 hour, give or take a bit. If it's a hot day, I couldn't stand it that long! Like I said, not airconditioned!