The Katy Depot

 Sedalia's historic Katy Depot at 600 East Third Street, with its elegant Romanesque Revival Style appointments, is just a sample of the bill-of-fare awaiting you as you blaze your way down the trail. Your Stationmasters, the Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau are pleased to have you here. Before you travel along the Heritage Trail, we invite you to relax here a while, refresh yourself and enjoy our unique blend of Midwestern hospitality.

The Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad began operating in Sedalia in 1873. Bradford Lee Gilbert designed the depot which was built of limestone from the nearby Georgetown Quarry, by George Goodlander, and officially opened on May 10, 1896. The popular gathering spot served the community with elegance and charm for more than 60 years. The last passenger train left the depot in 1958.

The depot was offered for sale in 1983. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources took title to the building in 1987 as part of the Katy Trail State Park. If you follow the path of the old MKT, you'll see the tracks have been removed and the route converted into a walking and biking trail.

The exterior of the Depot was restored in 1998 to its original beauty and the interior renovation was completed in 2001. The Depot is the home of the Railroad Heritage Exhibits, which opened June 28, 2003. The unique design of the individual exhibits represents the way in which the railroads significantly influenced the community. Graphic panels, exhibit cases, an audio visual presentation room, and two motion-censored cast characters were added in April of 2004. As you enter the Depot, the gift shop greets visitors with Sedalia souvenirs, and Missouri made products. Your Stationmasters also serve as the Depot's managing tenants and their offices are located on the second floor.  The Depot is proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

See the Depot for yourself - plan to visit us soon!