American Discovery 250 Relay Heads from Sedalia to Rocheport Sept. 27

A coast-to-coast relay carrying a copy of the Declaration of Independence will travel through Mid-Missouri this weekend. Find out how to Join the Journey! This year-long event is open and free to the public.

The American Discovery 250 Relay is traveling 6,800 miles from California to Delaware as part of a celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary. On Sunday, Sept. 27, participants will tackle the Missouri stretch from Sedalia to Rocheport.

Sept. 27 Relay Details

Date: Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026
Route: Sedalia to Rocheport, Missouri
Activity: Participants can bike, run or otherwise take part where permitted along the route
Part of: American Discovery 250 Relay
Distance of Full Relay: Approximately 6,800 miles
What They’re Carrying: A copy of the Declaration of Independence
More Information: American Discovery 250 Relay website or FB page

A Cross-Country Journey Through Missouri

The relay began its cross-country journey in California on July 4 and is scheduled to reach the Atlantic Ocean in Delaware around Thanksgiving.

Rather than being a race, the relay is designed as a celebration of American history, culture, nature and the American Discovery Trail itself. People can participate for a day or longer, attend locally organized activities or simply follow the relay’s progress.

Missouri plays a sizable role in the route. The American Discovery Trail covers about 339 miles in the state, much of it using established rail trails, including portions of the Katy Trail and Rock Island Trail.

Following the Katy Trail Through Mid-Missouri

The Missouri route travels through several communities familiar to Katy Trail users, including Boonville, Pilot Grove, Sedalia, McBaine, Huntsdale and Rocheport.

Sunday’s Sedalia-to-Rocheport portion brings the relay through a particularly recognizable part of the trail system for Mid-Missouri residents.