JEFFERSON CITY, MO, APRIL 8, 2026 – Katy Trail State Park, the country's longest continuous recreational rail-trail, is celebrating Founders Day at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, with events scheduled along the trail across the state.
Katy Trail State Park was made possible in part by a generous donation from Edward "Ted" Jones and his wife Pat in the 1980s. To this day, Edward Jones and Missouri State Parks celebrate this generosity each April with a day of music, education and volunteerism across the trail. Ted and Pat Jones left a legacy of conservation that is a vital component of the firm's efforts to promote healthier futures.
Missouri Division of State Parks team members, Edward Jones associates and leadership, Magnificent Missouri and members of the community will celebrate the visionary creators of the Katy Trail, Edward “Ted” Jr. and Pat Jones.
In 1990, Ted and Pat Jones donated $2.2 million to secure and transform the 240-mile stretch of abandoned railroad along the Missouri River. Now on the 36th anniversary of Katy Trail State Park’s opening, the public is invited to celebrate its impact on our communities and to honor Ted and Pat’s legacy.
To celebrate, volunteers are invited to Treloar or Dutzow trailheads to take part in preserving the trail, live music and branded giveaways. Additionally at six locations across the Katy Trail, you’ll find Tunes on the Trail. Guests are invited to bring picnic blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy nature and live music. All events take place from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., and guests are encouraged to register at citizenship@edwardjones.com with your desired site:
- Sedalia Trailhead, Sedalia – Enjoy live music featuring the Burmashavers.
- Boonville Trailhead, Boonville – The Rowdy Wranglers will provide live music.
- North Jefferson City Trailhead, Holts Summit – Pik’n Lik’n will provide live music for guests.
- Treloar Trailhead, Marthasville – Volunteers can participate in a honeysuckle hack and mulching, an open-air tram ride, refreshments and music by Mike Bauermeister and Gloria Attoun.
- Peers Store, Marthasville - Live music by Greg Krone and Friends.
- Dutzow Trailhead, Dutzow – This event invites volunteers to participate in a honeysuckle hack and painting of trailhead buildings. Refreshments will be available, and live music will be provided by Dusty James and Abalone Pearl.
For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
