Southeastern Kansas Road Trip: 31 Essential Stops

Let me introduce you to some of the best places to visit in Kansas. You’ll get a taste of the variety, natural beauty, unique sights, and historic charm the Sunflower State has to offer as we take a Midwest road trip through the Southeastern Kansas region and stop in all the very best places.

We’ll hit some of the best small towns in Kansas—and they’ll surprise you. I’ll show you a sophisticated boutique hotel in a tiny Kansas town. You’ll drool over an exquisite pastry board in another Kansas small town. In yet another small Kansas town, we’ll visit a local museum with an A-list collection.

We’ll see the shortest section of Historic Route 66, jam-packed with the most tourist attractions per mile. We’ll visit the actual sites where fearsome outlaws were vanquished and a little house on the prairie was built. And in the end, we’ll marvel at the largest remaining prairie in North America.

Disclosure: This trip was hosted by Kansas Tourism and led by Colby Sharples-Terry. Colby drove us all around Southeast Kansas in a van. I drove from Minneapolis to Kansas City (and to a few other places). My solo road trip will be covered in another article. This post may contain affiliate links. Opinions, and recommendations, are my own.

Road Trip from Kansas City

Despite living in the Midwest most of my life, I’d never set foot in Kansas until this trip. Kansas seemed really far away. It’s not—you can drive from Minneapolis to Kansas City in just 6 hours.

This road trip starts and ends in Kansas City, which is very central and can be accessed in a day’s drive from major cities in 13 different states.

Driving Distances to Kansas City

• Less than 3 hours from Omaha and Des Moines
• 3.5 hours from St. Louis
• 4 hours from Tulsa
• 5 hours from Oklahoma City and Sioux Falls
• 6 hours from Little Rock and Minneapolis/St. Paul
• 7 hours from Madison, Indianapolis, and Memphis
• 8 hours or less from Milwaukee, Chicago, Dallas, and Louisville

Map of Southeast Kansas Road Trip

1. Kansas City Barbeque

I visited Kansas with two other travel writers. We met up in a Kansas City barbeque joint, appropriately enough.

The Kansas City Barbecue Society

Kansas City is very serious about barbeque. The Kansas City Barbecue Society, or KCBS, is the world’s largest organization of barbecue fans. Dedicated to celebrating and preserving barbecue as not only a culinary technique, but an art form, KCBS sanctions over 400 barbecue contests worldwide.

Slap’s BBQ

Slap’s BBQ in KCK (that’s short for Kansas City, Kansas—Kansas City is located in both Kansas and Missouri) is an award-winning barbecue restaurant.

When I say Slap’s is award-winning, I’m talking about one of the few restaurants that actively competes on the KCBS circuit every year, to the tune of 25–35 contests each season.

The restaurant actually started out as a barbecue competition team, founded in 2013 by brothers Mike and Joe Pearce. They won so many contests they decided to open their own barbecue joint the following year.

Their commitment to cooking fresh and putting out the best barbecue possible had dedicated customers lining up at the door. They still sell out daily.

You won’t leave hungry. Servings are generous. I could barely get my mouth around my sandwich!

2–4. Fort Scott: Where the Western Frontier Began

(94 miles South of Kansas City)

We headed out after lunch to the first stop on our Kansas road trip: Fort Scott, Kansas. Fort Scott can be visited as a day trip from Kansas City. It’s about a hour and a half straight south.

The town’s namesake, Fort Scott, is also literally where the town originated. After the fort was closed, the buildings were sold at auction and became a town. 

2. Fort Scott National Historic Site

Learn all about the days of the western frontier and the civil war as you explore the 11 historic structures open to the public, including a hospital, barracks, stables, and officer’s quarters. The site also includes a parade ground and 5 acres of restored tallgrass prairie.

I was fascinated by the fort hospital. We had an amazing NPS Ranger guided tour (recommended!). We learned many details about 1840s medicine—with very painful-sounding cures—and about what life was like at a frontier outpost in the 19th century.

If you visit during the summer months, you can see living history programs, including costumed re-enactments, such as soldiers drilling on horseback and artillery demonstrations. Year-round you will find interpretive exhibits and period furnishings. Admission is free.

Fort Scott History and Timeline

1842: Fort Scott established to enforce the “permanent Indian frontier”
1853: Army abandons the fort as westward expansion overtakes Indian frontier
1854: Congress creates Kansas and Nebraska territories
1855: Fort buildings sold at auction, becomes town of Fort Scott
1854–59: “Bleeding Kansas” conflict over whether Kansas will allow slavery or be a free state
1861: Kansas enters the Union as a free state. Civil War begins. Fort Scott becomes strategic base for Union Army
1865: Civil War ends, railroad comes to Fort Scott
1869–73: Fort becomes active to protect workers during westward railroad expansion
1965: The National Park Service gives the city government funds to restore the fort
1978: Becomes a national historic site, supervised by the NPS

3. Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

History in the Making

It all started with a classroom teacher, 3 students, and a history project—and has now reached over 3 million young people.

Those students ended up uncovering the heroism of Irena Sendlerowa, who, along with her underground network, rescued 2,500 Jewish children from the Nazis in WWII Poland.

They created a play about Irena and the children she rescued, Life in a Jar. The story got international media attention, and was eventually made into both a book and a Hallmark movie starring Anna Paquin.

Educational Center

The Milken Center was created to bring the same project-based learning approach to students across the country.

Unsung hero history projects have a couple of important goals. To uncover unsung heroes, students highlight role models from history who demonstrated courage, compassion and respect. In the process, students recognize their own power to effect positive change.

Hall of Unsung Heroes Museum

The center’s exhibition space, the Hall of Unsung Heroes, allows visitors to learn about some of the student projects.

The museum is very moving. I had tears in my eyes more than once. Make sure you spend enough time there to really see them all.

Some of my favorites, aside from Irena, were about students in the Little Rock, Arkansas high school during the 1957 desegregation battle and the photographer who took the image that changed the face of AIDS.

4. More Things to Do in Fort Scott

This historic Kansas town is worth visiting for multiple attractions on top of the two major ones we saw. Other biggies include the downtown historic district and narrated trolley tours.

Fort Scott boasts a number of Victorian homes you can see on a driving tour as well as many more things to do. The Gordon Parks Museum has the largest collection of Gordon Parks photography in the world. Gunn Park is the largest municipal park in Kansas. A mural trail, waterfalls, and agritourism are other draws.

More information on how to visit Fort Scott

5–7. Pittsburg, Kansas: Gorillas and Fried Chicken in Crawford County

(30 miles south of Fort Scott, 124 miles from Kansas City)

Pittsburg, the largest city in Southeast Kansas, is home to Pittsburg State University, or Pitt State. Pitt State’s mascot is a gorilla—the only collegiate gorilla mascot in the country, and much loved. You’ll find gorillas everywhere in Pittsburg.

But it was dinnertime, and our first order of business was fried chicken. If you like fried chicken, you’re going to love Crawford County.

Six fried chicken houses in one small county have been keeping hungry Kansans full and happy for 50+ years, making this area a paradise for fried chicken lovers.

Fried Chicken Wars and Family-style Dining

We had the family-style dinner at the two oldest restaurants, Chicken Annie’s and Chicken Mary’s. The “Fried Chicken Wars” refers to a friendly rivalry between these two fried chicken houses in Crawford County.

Family meals include 3 sides and a starter—a giant order of onion rings. A large bread basket is served right after you’re seated.

5. Chicken Annie’s

Chicken Annie’s is the oldest chicken house, est. 1934. Annie’s husband worked in the coal mines. When he was injured, Annie started serving meals in her home to help make ends meet.

That home eventually became a homey restaurant. It’s still in the family, being run by Annie’s grandchildren. Her granddaughter Donna stopped to chat with us.

The onion rings were a standout at Chicken Annie’s. Never had better. Our sides included German potato salad, which is a thing around these parts, along with German-style coleslaw. (They have a vinegar-based dressing, rather than a mayo-based one.)

6. Chicken Mary’s

After this feast we staggered over to Chicken Mary’s, est. 1942. Similarly, after Mary’s miner husband was injured, she started serving meals in her home.

At Mary’s, they served onion straws rather than rings. Then came out a big plate of fried chicken and our sides, including macaroni cheese and spaghetti (another thing around these parts. Spaghetti is common as a side dish for fried chicken).

Chicken Mary’s also thought we should try the cornbread biscuit they were developing, served with homemade apple butter. Oh, my!

They were hot and delicious and I ate the leftover apple butter with a spoon. They also brought out a big plate of chicken parmesan. Yum.

So affordable, you can have it all!

Did I mention all this deliciousness was also eminently affordable? You’d be more than happy eating a meal at either restaurant. Or try both, like we did—they’re just a block apart!

7. More Things to Do in Pittsburg

There’s lots more to Pittsburg than gorillas and fried chicken (though it is the gorilla capital of the world!). It’s a short road trip from Kansas City, and I advise staying overnight or for the weekend because there’s so many things to do.

Great murals, hiking and biking trails, beautiful Crawford State Park, live music, festivals—like many college towns, Pittsburg is always bursting with fun activities and yummy affordable food. Read more about the Pittsburg food scene in my Best Southeast Kansas Restaurants post.

Learn about other attractions in Explore Crawford County

Where to Stay in Pittsburg

• Highest-Rated: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pittsburg by IHG
  and Hampton Inn & Suites Pittsburg
• Mid-Range: Regency Inn Pittsburg
• Budget: Americas Best Value Inn Pittsburg
• Note: The Holiday Inn and the Regency Inn are closest to Chicken Annie’s and Mary’s

8. Big Brutus in West Mineral, Kansas

(22 miles southwest of Pittsburg, 146 miles from Kansas City)

What the heck is Big Brutus? Would you believe me if I told you it’s the world’s largest electric shovel?

What does one need such an enormous shovel for? Coal. Big Brutus is a massive artifact from the era of coal mining in Kansas. When I say massive, I mean kinda ship-sized.

Giant Mining Machine

This big brute stands 16 stories tall and weighs 11 million pounds. It has a 150-foot boom and a dipper capacity of 90 cubic yards (enough to fill three railroad cars).

It’s a quirky attraction for sure, and you may think “that sounds weird,” but once you stand there being dwarfed by its immensity you’ll understand why it’s a must-see on your Kansas road trip. The colossal size in itself makes it—monumental.

Above right: You can climb up the inside and sit in the operator’s nest of this giant mining machine.

Brutus was designated a Regional Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 1987, and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018.

Big Brutus Museum

You’ll learn a lot about the Kansas mining industry in the museum. Watch an intro video, check out the displays (which included an amazing antique automobile when I was there) and pick up a souvenir in the gift shop.

9–12. Kansas Route 66 Attractions

(124 miles southwest of West Mineral, 152 miles directly from Kansas City)

Kansas has 14 miles of the Mother Road, and it’s jam-packed with kistch and fun. Here’s some of the best road trip stops. Did you know Route 66 turns 100 years old in 2026? Be sure to visit for the centennial. Do it as a road trip from Kansas City—it’s about 2.5 hours from KC to the start of Kansas Route 66.

U.S. Route 66 starts in Chicago. It heads down through central Illinois to St. Louis, then south and west across Missouri to southeast Kansas.

After Kansas, it crosses into Oklahoma. Route 66 continues through Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and the Texas panhandle before heading straight west across New Mexico and Arizona into California.

9. Baxter Springs

Kansas’ 14-mile stretch of Route 66 begins in Baxter Springs. Here you will find the Kansas Route 66 Visitor’s Center. It’s housed in a Tudor Revival style gas station that’s on the National Register of Historic Places.

There we met Dean Walker (nickname: Crazy Legs), known for his unique ability to turn his feet around and walk backwards. He was the real-life inspiration for the “Tow Mater” character in the Pixar movie Cars.

Walker is one of the hospitable eccentrics who make Route 66 memorable. He’s a walking, talking encyclopedia of knowledge about the whole of Route 66.

We had lunch at Bricks & Brews, then headed over to Monarch Pharmacy & Soda Fountain for fantastic ice cream treats. Learn more about Baxter Springs restaurants in my post about Southeast Kansas food.

10. The Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge on Brush Creek

(3.5 miles north of Baxter Springs)

Near Baxter Springs, don’t miss the opportunity to visit one of the few remaining Marsh Arch Bridges in the country. This one is the only drivable bridge of its kind along historic Route 66.

Built in the early 1920s, the unique and graceful Rainbow Arch design was created and patented by James Barney Marsh.

Over the following 20 years, Marsh built 70 Rainbow Arch bridges throughout the Midwest. Most were in Kansas, where around 35 still remain.

The elegant and iconic bridge was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

11. Galena

Gearhead Curios: Tops my list for unique places to visit in Kansas

Speaking of hospitable eccentrics, Gearhead Curios in Galena was my personal favorite Kansas Route 66 stop, along with the proprietor, Aaron.

Aaron has so much excitement and energy and he’s used it to create a must-see sightseeing destination in a restored Texaco filling station.

Gearhead Curios is the only State of Kansas information center on the Route. Along with gifts and artwork, you’ll find the most photographed restroom on Route 66.

Why? You really must see for yourself. Aaron will give you a tour then take a picture of you or your group inside. “Unique” is an understatement—more like one-of-a-kind. Gearhead Curios definitely qualifies as getting your kicks on Route 66!

Cars on the Route

Cars on the Route is a well-known stop in Galena. Take your picture with the tow truck that inspired the character “Mater” in Pixar’s Cars movie.

The former Kan-O-Tex service station at the north end of Main Street has been part of Route 66 history since it opened in 1934. In 2007, the building was purchased and restored by four Galena women who hoped to renew interest in Kansas Route 66.

Cars on the Route sells burgers and other hot sandwiches, snacks, antiques, and memorabilia.

Also in Galena

Luigi’s Pit Stop, Schermerhorn Park, Streetcar Station Coffee Shop

12. Nelson’s Old Riverton Store

Nelson’s Old Riverton Store looks like it’s stopped in time. This store has been doing business on Route 66 essentially unchanged since 1925. Inside, you’ll find groceries, a deli, souvenirs, and gifts. If you’re hungry, the deli sandwiches are very reasonably priced.

The Old Riverton Store, known for its 1920s architecture and tin ceiling, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s considered one of the most authentic, still operating stores of its kind on Route 66. The place is chock full of stuff, with shelves packed with memorabilia right up to the ceiling.

There was a large motorcycle group there when we stopped, who sounded very British. The whole world comes to Route 66!

More about US Route 66

To learn more about Historic Route 66, see Travel Route 66 from the National Park Service. It will help you plan your own Route 66 road trip.

13. Coffeyville, Kansas

(75 miles northeast of Baxter Springs, 170 miles directly from Kansas City)

Coffeyville, Kansas is known as the home of the original ICEE, as well as for being the place where the infamous Dalton Gang met their fate.

The 5 fearsome outlaws planned a daring double bank robbery in Coffeyville on October 5, 1892. After a raid lasting only 12 minutes, 4 gang members were dead, along with 4 Coffeyville citizens.

The Perkins building, formerly Condon Bank

You can retrace these events like we did. Our first stop was the Perkins building. In 1992, the building was restored to its appearance at the time of the Dalton Gang raid, when it was home to the Condon Bank. Go on inside—you can check out the building features, including the old bank window, and even get an ICEE!

The iconic Perkins Building, circa 1890, is on the National Register of Historic Places. It now houses the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce. This gorgeous historic structure is an exceptional example of Eclectic architecture. Be sure to admire the rare stamped metal facade.

The Perkins building is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

Death Alley and City Jail

Next, we walked through historic Death Alley. The Dalton Gang tied their horses here, and it’s also where the infamous raid ended.

Three members of the Dalton Gang were shot and killed by fierce townspeople defending Coffeyville with weapons from the local hardware store. Another gang member escaped, but died shortly afterwards. Three outlines show where the gang members fell.

The alley also features a series of Dalton Raid murals, 7 panels that tell the story in the style of a western comic book.

The old City Jail was originally down Death Alley. Today you can see a full reconstruction, made with the original rock.

Dalton Defenders & Coffeyville History Museum

This museum is dedicated to the townspeople who lost their lives defending Coffeyville from the Dalton Gang. Artifacts from the Dalton Raid are on display, along with early Coffeyville history exhibits.

Isham’s Hardware Store

During the Dalton raid, town defenders gathered weapons from the local hardware store. You can still visit that hardware store.

Isham’s opened in 1870 and has been open ever since, in the original location. It’s the oldest hardware store in the state of Kansas!

Elmwood Cemetery

Best known as the burial site of 3 Dalton gang members and 2 town defenders, Elmwood Cemetery is also the resting place of many influential Coffeyville citizens.

Just west of the Dalton Gang graves, you’ll find Frank Dalton’s grave. Frank was yet another Dalton brother—on the other side of the law. He was a U.S. Marshal, killed in the line of duty near Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Dalton Defenders Days

The first full weekend in October is Dalton Defenders Days, which includes a Dalton Raid re-enactment.

More Things to Do in Coffeyville

The Brown Mansion Historic Home Tour

Built in 1904, this 3-story Gilded Age mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Among other architectural features, the Neoclassic home has Tiffany leaded glass decorating the main entrance. A signed Tiffany chandelier in the dining room is believed to have been hung by the designer himself. Wow!

This is one of those rare cases where the house retains its original furnishings. All the china, silver, crystal, linens, and rugs, as well as the furniture, actually belonged to the Brown family. Some rooms have original hand-painted canvas wall coverings. I saw examples of these at the Overholser Mansion in Oklahoma City.

 The Brown Mansion is available for guided tours.

Where to Eat in Coffeyville

Learn about Coffeyville restaurants in my post about the best Southeast Kansas food.

14. The Little House on the Prairie Museum near Independence, Kansas

(22 miles northwest of Coffeyville, 160 miles directly from Kansas City)

Calling all Laura Ingalls Wilder fans! This is your don’t-miss road trip stop in Kansas. You’ve arrived at the little house on the prairie, the title of her 2nd book and the moniker for the 1970s TV show starring Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert. The show aired from 1974 to 1982, and remains popular in reruns.

Originally published in the 1930s, the Little House book series has sold more than 73 million copies and been translated into 27 languages.

Netflix has just given the green light to a new TV adaptation of the series. It will be interesting to see how they adapt the story for modern audiences.

Visit Laura’s Childhood Home

Located 13 miles southwest of Independence, the Little House on the Prairie Museum includes a replica of the 1870 Ingalls family cabin at the original site. Additional historical buildings help visitors discover the pioneer way of life.

How do we know this was the site of the Ingalls home? Charles and Caroline, along with daughters Mary, Laura, and 10-day-old baby Carrie, were listed at this property on a local 1870 census.

Buildings on the Site

The Little House

This log cabin is a reconstruction of the little house in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s novel. The replica was built according to her descriptions in the book.

Schoolhouse, Post Office, and Doctor’s Office

An authentic one-room schoolhouse from the 1870s and an original turn-of-the-century post office were moved here from nearby Wayside when they were slated for demolition.

The site also includes a doctor’s office of the period. All together, the various buildings give visitors an idea of what life was like in the pioneer days on the prairie.

Red Barn with donkeys

The red barn was built by the landowners’ grandparents in the 1920s, shortly after they first purchased the property.

Guess what, you can pet and feed the donkeys!

According to the owners, the donkeys adore the attention and are big fans of things like lettuce, apples, watermelon, and carrots.

Farmhouse

The farmhouse, built around 1885, has been converted into a gift shop. Here you’ll find all the Little House books for sale, along with memorabilia.

More Things to do in Independence

The Kansas Celebrity Hall of Fame showcases local celebrities like music promoter Jim Halsey, TV host Bill Kurtis, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright William Inge, and actress Vivian Vance.

Take a self-guided tour of Independence historical homes and bronze sculptures. Visit the Independence Historical Museum, with more than 20 rooms of valuable antiques and unique artwork.

Nearby Elk City State Park has some of the most scenic views and hiking trails in the state. You’ll also find a swimming beach, camping, playgrounds, and a large wildlife area. 

15. Chanute, Kansas

(43 miles northeast of Independence, 122 miles directly from Kansas City)

The Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum

Martin and Osa Johnson were early adventurers, photographers and filmmakers. Chanute was Osa’s home town, and that’s how this Safari Museum came to exist.

Osa Leighty, born in 1894, married Martin Johnson in 1910. She was only 16 at the time. Over the next 27 years, she traveled with him to the South Pacific, Africa, and Borneo. They collaborated on 14 feature films, 37 educational short films, and 11 books.

Martin died in a 1937 plane crash. Osa was also on the plane but survived. She continued to write books and produce films until her death in 1953.

Unusual Collection

I was blown away by the large and beautifully displayed collection of African, Oceanic, and Bornean artifacts. Such an extensive collection would be unusual anywhere, and was all the more special for being found in a small Southeastern Kansas town.

The museum offers both self-guided and staff-led tours, along with daily showings of the Johnson’s feature films in their 30-seat theater. 

More Things to Do in Chanute

The Safari museum is located in the historic Santa Fe Railway Depot. The depot, on the Kansas Register of Historic Places, also houses the Chanute Public Library.

Two historic districts, one downtown, are a boon for history and architecture lovers. The Chanute Chamber of Commerce offers a brochure detailing a self-guided tour of the historic home district.

The Chanute Art Gallery is located in the heart of Chanute’s historic downtown in four early-1900s construction buildings combined and renovated to house the gallery’s rotating art exhibits.

Also downtown is the Chanute Historical Museum, a treasure trove of local history and artifacts.

And don’t miss the gorgeous Welcome to Chanute mural!

More information on attractions in Chanute

16–18. Iola, Kansas

(22 miles northeast of Chanute, 103 miles directly from Kansas City)

16. Downtown Square

Iola has the largest downtown square in the United States! Colorful historic buildings line the 8 blocks surrounding the square, with the Allen County courthouse front and center. These lovely buildings are filled with active businesses, including unique shops, restaurants, and historical attractions.

Spend an hour or two just exploring the square. A large manicured lawn in the middle provides the perfect place for a picnic. Be sure to wander further into the town’s streets, which boast dozens of historic homes.

17. LeHigh Portland State Park

Beautiful LeHigh Portland State Park is a favorite hiking destination with over 14 miles of trails. We saw the park’s gorgeous spring-fed quarry lake, surrounded by rocky cliffs. The color of the water is quite stunning. A fun spider sculpture next to the lake adds to the ambiance.

The park grounds feature both woodlands and Kansas prairie.

John Brown’s Cave

A cave in the park is known as “John Brown’s Cave.”

Abolitionist John Brown lived about 50 miles northeast, in Osawatomie. While we don’t know for certain whether Brown used the cave for the Underground Railroad, it’s quite likely.

Our cave visit was brief. It was dark in there, we didn’t have flashlights, and there were spiders. More hardy souls with the right equipment could explore further.

18. Featured Meal: Lunch at Wild Bloom Coffee

Big shout-out to Wild Bloom Coffee! This delightful café is SO much more than a coffee shop (though their coffee drinks are fabulous).

They offer pastries and a brunch menu to enjoy with the extensive coffee and tea selection, and the most delightful lunches you can imagine. The chef made us truffle potato chips to go with our sandwiches, and the owner prepared a board of desserts to die for. And I’m not exaggerating. I may have swooned!

From the 85 percent cacao premium chocolate to the real gold leaf decorations, the exquisite pastries were the equal of any I’ve had in a big city patisserie, and all the tastier for showing up unexpectedly in a small Southeast Kansas town.

I tell you more about this gem in my Southeast Kansas restaurant post.

More Things to Do in Iola

This small town has 8 public parks and hosts Kansas’ best walking, running, and biking trail network, making it an ideal Kansas road trip stop for active adventurers.

When you need a rest, you can listen to the longest continuously-performing city band in Kansas play in the courthouse square (summer Thursday evenings).

Another intriguing stop is the Old Jail Museum, built in 1869 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many notorious criminals passed through its doors in the old west days.

Last but not least, Fearless Fred Trolley Tours offer guided tours around the city’s historic buildings. You can visit as a day trip from Kansas City—it’s less than 2 hours drive—but I’d urge you to stay overnight or for the weekend in order to do an see everything this great small Kansas town has to offer.

19–23. Humboldt, Kansas

(11 miles southwest of Iola, 111 miles directly from Kansas City)

19. Town Square and Business District

Humboldt has been in the news as a small town revitalization success story. This little Southeast Kansas town—1.5 square miles, with a population under 2,000—is big on tourism. In 2022, the New York Times included Humboldt on its list of 52 Places for a Changed World. Last year, Smithsonian Magazine named Humboldt one of the 15 Best Small Towns to Visit.

The downtown’s beautiful historic buildings all have active or developing businesses. Historic buildings here are respected and repurposed. An old church, for example, is being converted to a music venue.

Our visit to Humboldt started with a tour of the town square. We visited several thriving businesses, including the Bijou Confectionary, Neosho Valley Woodworks, Octagon City Coffee, and the Perenound Cocktail Lounge. Learn about all the great coffee, cocktails and food in Humboldt in Best Southeast Kansas Restaurants.

Neosho Valley Woodworks

In a fully functional 19th century woodshop, circa 1866, master craftsman Pat Haire makes cabinetry and art.

Pat welcomes visitors into his working museum. Come in for a tour and a demonstration. This was one of my favorite stops.

20. Base Camp Humboldt

This 21-acre glampsite offers a modern take on camping. Overlooking a recreational quarry, with free access to kayaks, trails, and a bike challenge course, it’s connected to 61 miles of rails-to-trails and close to Humboldt’s beautiful downtown.

Watch the stars through the skylights as you drift off in BaseCamp’s modern loft cabin. The perfect size for a couple of happy glampers, they feature tile showers, kitchenettes, and sleeping lofts, plus their own charcoal grill and fire pit outside. Each has a queen size bed in the loft and additional sleeping options in the living area.

21. The Church

We got a full a tour of the century-old church that is being repurposed as a music venue. The extensive renovation includes a large stage, lighting, dressing rooms, and a 2500-square-foot apartment for visiting bands.

This space, cleverly named the Revival Music Hall, will play a role in Humboldt’s upcoming Middle of Everywhere Music Festival over Labor Day weekend.

22. Featured Lodging: The Bailey Modern Rooms Boutique Hotel

We stayed in an incredible place on the upper level of a beautifully renovated historic building downtown. It’s out-and-out gorgeous. There are 2 suites, which include full living rooms and have additional beds for families, and 3 additional rooms.

The Bailey offers guests shared living and dining areas. The shared living area, pictured below, has a large, handcrafted wooden mantel over the gas fireplace. There’s plenty of room to lounge on the spacious blue velvet couches.

Complimentary coffee and tea is provided as well.

After checking in to our incredible lodging, we had dinner at Cozy’s Grindhouse. The pub featured live music by our intrepid Humboldt tour guide, Damaris Kunkler. On top of directing community engagement for Humboldt, Damaris is a successful singer-songwriter.

Afterwards, the rest of the group headed to Union Works Brewery. I was tired so headed back to my luxury suite for an early night (I may have just wanted to hang out and enjoy the elegant space!).

If you get the urge to take an impromptu road trip from Kansas City to Humboldt (less than 2 hours drive) be sure to stay at the Bailey.

23. Breakfast at Honeybee Bruncherie

Before we left Humboldt, we fueled up at the charming Honeybee Bruncherie. Both the space and the food were delicious. Check out the gorgeous plating on this French toast!

More Things to Do in Humboldt

History is important in Humboldt. An active Historical Society and Historical Preservation Association have created a museum complex featuring an 1867 historic home, now the Humboldt Historical Museum.

A self-guided Civil War Tour tells the story of the 1861 Confederate raid and burning of Humboldt. Twelve stone and etched marble markers are located throughout town.

Humboldt has many events throughout the year including Water Wars, Movies on the Square, Civil War Reenactment Days, and Biblesta. Biblesta, the only biblical parade in the country, has been held in Humboldt since 1957.

Where to Eat & Drink in Humboldt

Learn about Humboldt food and nightlife in Best Southeast Kansas Restaurants.

24–8. Emporia, Kansas

(90 miles northwest of Humboldt, 108 miles directly from Kansas City)

National Hub for Education and Recreation

Emporia, Kansas is the final and largest city we visited on our Kansas road trip. A national hub for education and recreation, Emporia is home to one of the finest teacher’s colleges in the country. Emporia hosts the largest disc golf tournament in the world, as well as an internationally-known gravel bike race with 4,000 racers.

Gravel cycling, gravel biking, or gravel grinding is a sport and leisure activity biking on gravel roads. The Emporia race, Unbound Gravel, attracts gravel enthusiasts from around the world. Gravel bikers come to test their limits on the Flint Rock roads and experience the beauty of the Flint Hills.

24. Veteran’s Memorial

We started out at the All Veteran’s Memorial. Emporia is the official founding city of Veteran’s Day. The holiday was first organized and celebrated here in 1953. 

The All Veterans Memorial was the first in the nation to honor all veterans from the Civil War through the Gulf War. 

25. Dynamic Discs Headquarters Tour

Dynamic Discs is a major disc golf retailer, supplying not only discs and other equipment but a wide range of accessories. DD was creator of the Glass Blown Open disc golf tournament, in which over 1,700 disc golfers participate.

During a tour of their distribution center and headquarters, you’ll be awed at the enormous warehouse space. There are over a quarter of a million discs in one place. You’ll have the opportunity to stamp a disc. Our tour guide gave us some tips and we got to try out throwing, which was really fun.

26. Downtown Emporia

In downtown Emporia, enjoy a stroll down Commercial Street, which was chosen among USA Today’s 10 Best Main Streets for 2025.

Emporia’s historic downtown has lots of cool buildings, cute shops, and coffee shops. I stopped in Middle Ground Books and visited the Lyon County History Center.

We had lunch at Radius Brewery, a microbrewery that serves beer brewed in the middle of the dining room as well as brick oven pizzas and creations from a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef.

27. National Teachers Hall of Fame at Emporia State University

The National Teachers Hall of Fame is committed to drawing public attention to exceptional educators. Their recognition program honors 5 of the nation’s most outstanding PreK–12 career teachers.

The NTHF museum includes the Wall of Fame, a gallery telling the teacher’s stories, and a display of classroom miniatures through the centuries. Both the museum and the recognition program hope to inspire others to enter the teaching profession.

Old Schoolhouse and National Memorial to Fallen Educators

Visitors may step back in time and visit a one-room schoolhouse located down the road from the museum. Also take a quiet moment to reflect at the National Memorial to Fallen Educators, which commemorates 118 educators who lost their lives in their schools and classrooms.

The names of both public and private K–12 teachers, along with the dates they died, are inscribed into this monument, serving as a permanent tribute.

You can learn about each of the fallen educator’s stories on the NTHF website.

For another moving national memorial, read about the victims and survivors of the Oklahoma City bombing.

More Things To Do at Emporia State University

Visit one of several museums and galleries. Enjoy a play or concert in one of the theatre halls on campus. Take in a Hornets game at their brand-new football stadium. There are also many beautiful historic buildings to see, as the university was established in 1863.

28. More Things to Do in Emporia

Red Rocks State Historic Site, former home of William Allen White

Famous Emporian White was an American journalist, newspaper editor, author, and leader of the Progressive movement. He ran the Emporia Gazette and published a number of books, from biographies to novels and short stories. White twice won the Pulitzer Prize.

On the National Register of Historic Places, this historic home hosted 5 U.S. presidents. It is now a the William Allen White House museum with tours under the direction of the Kansas Historical Society. Admission is free.

Other Don’t-Miss Sites

Be sure to take the Emporia self-guided mural tour! Emporia has lots of great murals.

Emporia is chock full of historic architecture. Check out Howe House, an 1860s Welsh farmstead. You can even stay in an historic home, the Gufler Mansion Bed & Breakfast.

The historic Emporia Granada Theatre, once one of the largest movie palaces in Kansas, is now a multipurpose venue. You can take a tour.

More great stops: Johnston Geology Museum, the Schmidt Museum of Natural History, the Eppink & Gilson art galleries, Peterson Planetarium, and the free David Traylor Zoo.

Where to Stay in Emporia

• Highest-Rated: La Quinta by Wyndham Emporia
• Mid-Range: Travel Inn & Suites
• Budget: Budget Host Inn

Where to Eat in Emporia

Emporia has lots of great food! Read about my recommendations for breakfast, lunch and dinner in 27 Places to Eat and Drink in Southeast Kansas.

29. Chase County Courthouse in Cottonwood Falls

(22 miles west of Emporia, 132 miles from Kansas City)

In downtown Cottonwood Falls (population 854), the stunning Chase County Courthouse is still in operation. Built in 1873, the building is the oldest operating courthouse in Kansas. 

Considered one of the 8 wonders of Kansas architecture, the French Renaissance style and red mansard roof make it one of the most recognizable buildings in Kansas. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

The courthouse is built from native limestone quarried in the area. This local stone has been shipped all around the country. Kansas limestone has been used to build many famous public structures, including the United States Capitol.

30. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

(23 miles west of Emporia, 134 miles from Kansas City)

It’s hard to describe the beauty of the tallgrass prairie. I felt a sense of openness and endlessness where the sky seemed to stretch forever.

The sound the rustling grasses make could be the most soothing white noise in the world.

The tallgrass prairie ecosystem once covered the entire central portion of the North American continent, to the tune of 170 million acres.

Today, less than 4% remains, largely in this part of Kansas. As our tour leader Colby said, it saved itself. The Kansas Flint Hills were too rocky to plow.

Since 2009, the National Preserve has been home to a growing herd of bison.

The prairie is an absolute must-see on any Kansas road trip. Really, do not miss this. Photos don’t do it justice—it’s something you must experience.

31. Flint Hills National Scenic Byway

(End of the byway in Council Grove, 120 miles to Kansas City)

Our last Southeast Kansas road trip stop is another must-do. The 48-mile scenic byway offers incredible views of the native grasses and flowers of the tallgrass prairie. Much of the land along the byway looks as it did thousands of years ago.

The byway runs north and south. From the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, it runs north for about 17 miles, ending in Council Grove. If you head south from the preserve, the byway runs for 30 miles, ending in Cassoday.

If you’d like to travel the entire byway, take Highway 35 from Emporia to Cassoday. Head north on the byway (with stops in Cottonwood Falls and the National Preserve) before ending the route in Council Grove.

For scenic views, historic places, museums, and recreational activities along the National Scenic Byway, check out Visit Emporia‘s list of things to see along the byway.

Back to Kansas City

After our Southeastern Kansas road trip, I spent a few days in Kansas City, and saw some great art. You’ll be able to read all about it in a future post. If you want to stay in the loop and be first to learn when posts are published, please join my newsletter list.

My Thanks
I visited SE Kansas at the invitation of Kansas Tourism, and am grateful for the opportunity to get to know a part of this incredible state. Big thanks to Colby Sharples-Terry, our fearless leader, whose charm and cheer in equal measure made each day an exciting new adventure. Thanks also to my fellow roadtrippers, travel writers Craig Silva of Big Daddy Kreativ and Tonya of Detail Oriented Traveler. As always, I only recommend things I enjoyed. To learn more about visiting Kansas, the Travel Kansas website has tons of great information.

More in Kansas

Best Restaurants in Southeast Kansas: 27 Memorable Spots to Eat and Drink

More Midwest Road Trips

• Minnesota North Shore Road Trip
• Road Trip to Madeline Island on Lake Superior
• Fall Colors along the Great River Road
• Itasca State Park, home of the Mississippi Headwaters
• Kenosha, Wisconsin on Lake Michigan
• Roseau, Minnesota on the Canadian border
• Holiday visit to Wisconsin Rapids cranberry country
• Cascade River State Park in Northern Minnesota

Nearby: Oklahoma City

Kansas borders Oklahoma, so when in Southeastern Kansas, think about visiting nearby Oklahoma City!

• Visit the stunning Overholser Mansion
• Where to Eat in Oklahoma City
• The Oklahoma City National Memorial
• Your Guide to an OKC Autumn Getaway
• My Favorite Oklahoma City Attractions
• More Things To Do in Oklahoma City

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