Disclosure: Discover Osage County sponsored my trip. All opinions and photographs are my own. Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.
Things To Do in Marion, Kansas: A Charming Escape in the Flint Hills
Disclosure: The Marion Merchants Association sponsored my trip. All opinions and photographs are my own. Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.
Two lakes. A charming downtown district. And a historic hotel with a stunning interior. There is so much to love in Marion, Kansas, the home of visit-worthy stops and scenic escapes just beyond town.
Marion, located less than a one-hour drive northeast of Wichita, is a delightful overnight getaway or day trip destination.
Go for the small-town charm. Stay overnight to be spoiled at the Historic Elgin Hotel. And if you prefer to sleep under the stars, the town includes two lakes with primitive and RV campsites.
Things To Do in Marion, Kansas: A Charming Escape in the Flint Hills
LUXURIOUS LODGING
Historic Elgin Hotel
It was my pleasure to stay at the highly-rated Historic Elgin Hotel (115 N. 3rd St.), a luxurious boutique hotel that fellow travelers recommended.
Completed in 1886, the hotel was the largest hotel in the county at the time. Since then, it’s undergone rounds of renovations, and its current owners are maintaining its opulence.
Like me, I’m sure your mouth will drop in awe of the stunning interior architecture, with dark wood accents and twinkling crystal chandeliers. Jazz music plays as the sun’s rays shine through original windows.
Ideal for hosting couples’ romantic vacations, group gatherings, or girls’ getaways, the Historic Elgin Hotel includes 12 suites with private bathrooms featuring heated floors, spa amenities, and high-end toiletries.
The destination hotel is a sought-after spot for wedding receptions thanks to its remarkable design and attentive customer service.
The first floor includes a reservable meeting space, often used for formal gatherings.
The lobby’s sitting area is a relaxing place to review tourism brochures, which are readily available because the hotel doubles as the town’s official tourism information stop.
The second level, accessible via a grand staircase or an elevator, features additional lounge areas, including an outdoor veranda. A comfy velvet couch and oversized chairs invite conversation with friends.
My curiosity got the best of me, and I peeked into a few of the unoccupied suites, like Harvey House (four-poster King bed) and Eisenhower Suite (tufted Queen bed), which absolutely wowed.
Reserve Suite 312 – Elgin Memoir on Level 3. The quiet 727-square-foot master suite, featuring a king-size bed, a coffered ceiling, and cherry-wood built-in bookcases, envelops you in finery.
The room sleeps 7-8 guests, including a second, smaller bedroom with full-size bunk beds.
An in-room mini refrigerator, streaming television, and Bluetooth docking station feel like home.
A separate full kitchen, complete with a Keurig coffee station, was feet from the suite’s door. If you prefer hot tea, they stock over a dozen loose-leaf varieties.
A walk-in shower with five sprayers and a deep clawfoot bathtub exceeded our expectations, leaving us feeling completely spoiled.
Optional add-ons like our cheese and chocolate tray with snack basket and iced-down cider made our in-room stay extra delightful. We toasted to making new travel memories before savoring truffles from Sweet Granada, a Kansas chocolatier.
When not enjoying our room, we hung out with friends in the hotel’s Game Lounge prior to arriving for our dinner reservation at the on-site restaurant, Parlour 1886.
PRO TIP: Review the Special Occasions Specials before reserving your suite at the Historic Elgin Hotel.
HOTEL PACKING LIST: 5 Items I Always Put In My Bag
DECADENT DINING, COFFEE & ICE CREAM
Parlour 1886
Parlour 1886′s design mimics the hotel’s stunning interiors with stained glass windows and dark color tones. The decor of a full-service American restaurant with a full bar looks timeless.
The dining room, seating about 50 people, was bustling by 5:30 p.m. on a Friday evening. We ordered Happy Hour cocktails and appetizers: plates of roasted Brussels sprouts and fried ravioli.
The 1886 Old Fashioned, prepared with Boot Hill Distillery bourbon whiskey, was delicious, but surprisingly, it arrived several minutes after the appetizers.
Our table’s dinner selections, which took extra time to arrive at the time, included salmon, pasta entrees, and soup and salad. Overall, the table agreed that each entree tasted delicious, and a few of us left nothing on the plates.
Parlour 1886 also offers a brunch menu. We returned the following day to enjoy classic early-morning favorites, Steak and Eggs, and a Parlor Breakfast. The freshly prepared meal was scrumptious.
PRO TIP: Make a reservation prior to arriving. Dining on a Friday or Saturday evening? Place your dinner order when you order drinks if the dining room is at capacity.
Wagon Wheel Express
The Wagon Wheel Express (202 W. Main St.) has been locals’ go-to for a sizzling-hot hamburger and hand-cut fries since 2011.
Situated inside a tiny building on the edge of downtown, the casual eatery is family-owned and operated, serving regular customers who often wait for the door to unlock.
The restaurant’s humorous signage and Americana decor added a Grandma’s house quality. The day’s special, a Bacon Swiss Burger with fries, and my order, a Philly sandwich, were so tasty we ate every bite.
My only regret is that I didn’t plan ahead for a slice of pie when ordering lunch.
PRO TIP: Hand-squeezed lemonade served in summertime is a popular choice.
Bill & Essie’s BBQ
As we entered Bill & Essie’s BBQ (301 E. Main St.), a woman’s voice warmly welcomed us. The smell of barbecue-smoked meat permeated the air.
We decided to split a Three-Meat Dinner for lunch, which is more than enough food when served with two side dishes.
The chef was out of sliced brisket and burnt ends, but all was right in the world when a large platter of pulled pork, chopped brisket, and thick ribs arrived. The baked beans with meaty morsels were my preferred side dish.
The owner, who gained experience working at various barbecue restaurants, including Plowboys and Q-39, prepares bottle-worthy sauces.
We sampled four sauces, ranging from a white Alabama-style to a spicy traditional sauce. Overall, they were all tasty, and we each claimed a favorite, adding it to our plates.
PRO TIP: Check restaurant hours before arriving. Bill & Essie’s BBQ is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Expect a global twist on barbecue classics for Friday Fusion menu specials.
The Sit Down
I can’t resist a home-turned-coffee-shop, and sipping a latte with a pastry at The Sit Down (301 E. Santa Fe St.) feels like a warm hug.
The owner moved from Vermont to Marion, deciding to open a cafe where people could sit down and unwind with a cup of coffee and a bite to eat.
The home/coffee shop is decorated with thoughtfully curated antiques. Separate rooms offer quiet spaces for reading or working from a laptop.
I ordered a tiramisù latte and indulged in a couple of scoops of White Chocolate Raspberry ice cream. Music played in the background as I relaxed into a booth seat.
The Sit Down serves hot and cold espresso drinks, house-made soup, sandwiches, and grab-and-go pastries. Everyone will leave happy.
BONUS DINING STOP: We ran out of time, or we would have also dined at Taco’s Food Truck at That One Place, but we’ll be back.
HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS
Marion Historical Museum
A visit to the Marion Historical Museum (501 E Main St.) is the best way to truly get to know the town’s history and sense of community.
Open May through October or by appointment, the building itself is worth visiting for its stunning architecture and colorful stained glass windows. The museum is set inside the former Baptist Tabernacle Church, built in the 1880s.
The director gave us a quick overview of the museum’s exhibits before we embarked on a self-guided, free tour.
Its main space is divided into exhibits focused on local history, ranging from early settlers to contributions by prominent citizens.
We particularly enjoyed the room dedicated to Marion schools over the years, featuring yearbooks, band uniforms, and nostalgic photographs.
PRO TIP: Ask about the time capsule buried in the museum’s front lawn.
Historic Santa Fe Depot / Marion City Library
If you love reading and history, you must visit the Marion City Library (101 Library St.). Located inside a meticulously restored 1912 Santa Fe Depot, the library is open to the public and often hosts events.
On the day of our visit, a back room housed a quilt show featuring the handiwork of area residents.
Although the library is smaller, there is so much to see and do. An area of the library definitely worth exploring is the Kansas Room for its extensive book collection and Sunflower State artwork.
The crown jewel of the library is the children’s department. A vibrant mural depicting children’s book characters serves as the backdrop for storytime sessions.
PRO TIP: Check the library’s website for upcoming events open to visitors and residents. Who doesn’t love a plant swap or holiday party?
Marion County Courthouse
The county seat, Marion, is centered around its grandest building, the courthouse.
Constructed of native limestone in the Richardsonian Romanesque style in 1906, the Marion County Courthouse (200 S. 3rd St.) is worth viewing inside and out.
I spotted the exterior’s hand-carved stone with mascarons, or people’s faces. Who were they?
Other areas included intricate carvings of foliage, and interestingly enough, a fruit pie is hidden amongst the exterior’s beautiful design.
The courthouse’s administrator volunteered to give us a tour of the unoccupied courtroom.
You have to see it for yourself. It resembles something from a movie set.
OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES
Central Park
Even if you’re not traveling with kids, I encourage you to stop and explore Central Park (E. Main St.), where founding settlers once camped upon arrival in 1860.
The spacious park includes covered picnic tables, modern playground equipment, shade trees, and a tennis court. Horseshoe pits are available, but you’ll need to bring your own horseshoes.
Don’t miss the town’s largest Pete the Rhino statue.
NOTE: The natural spring was dry during our mid-March visit, but we still explored the rocky terrain, discovering some of the largest toads I’ve ever seen and a den of garden snakes. Careful where you step.
Marion Reservoir
How is it that a town of less than 2,000 people has not one, but two lakes? We started our lake adventures at Marion Reservoir by enjoying the scenic views and listening to the waves lap against the shore as boaters crossed the water.
Located only three miles northwest of town, Marion Reservoir is a must-stop for outdoor enthusiasts.
Even if you don’t own a boat, you can still enjoy more than 6,000 acres of water from the shoreline. Anglers can drop a line from unlimited access points for walleye, crappie, channel catfish, and wipers.
Campers can choose from 171 primitive and RV hook-up sites. We played disc golf before pulling over at a campsite to use the playground equipment, so I could play like a kid again.
PRO TIP: If you want to navigate to the reservoir dam, map your route here, then follow paved roads to campsites.
Marion County Park & Lake
The second lake, Marion County Park & Lake, is smaller in size but just as enjoyable if you’re seeking a tranquil day on the water. And it’s located only one mile east of town.
Marion County Lake is surrounded by private residences, giving it a community vibe as you’ll likely see families exploring the area by boat or four-wheeler during the day.
The 40-foot-deep water is ideal for fishing bass, catfish, sunfish, and bluegill. If it’s winter, locals know to use the marina’s heated fishing dock.
Bring discs to ring hains on the 18-hole disc golf course with concrete pads located at the hilly southeast corner of the lake. Several baskets are located close to the water, making play more challenging.
Whether camping overnight or visiting for the day, the sandy swim beach looks to be a popular hangout not far from where kayakers enjoy the water.
Marion Country Club
You don’t have to be a member of the Marion Country Club (1501 East Hwy 256) to pay green fees and play nine holes. Players have enjoyed its manicured fairways since 1920.
Golfers can expect to pay their dues using the honors system drop box at the clubhouse building before teeing off or reserve their game play and cart online. Golf carts are located in a nearby shed.
Green sod, native trees, and hilly terrain make for a memorable game. Need a break during play? The clubhouse’s shaded front porch is the ideal spot to relax and rehydrate.
SPA SERVICES
S&S Med Spa
I grew excited when I learned that Marion has a spa, and even more enthused when I walked inside and saw how beautifully S&S Med Spa (308 E. Main St.) was designed.
S&S Med Spa is where you go when you need a reset. To escape to serenity. To unwind. And perhaps, to refine your body, too.
Operated by a doctor and her staff, the practice offers services including automated massage, IV therapy, skincare, dermal fillers, and more
I opted for a 20-minute session in the state-of-the-art massage chair. It exceeded my expectations.
My muscle tension released as the massage chair’s heat, rolling, and kneading worked me over from my neck to my toes. I nearly fell asleep while listening to Bluetooth music through headphones in the peaceful, darkened room.
If you’re short on time but still want a full-body massage, reserve a session in the automated massage chair.
The owner plans to add a spa-like grotto with a hot sauna and cold plunge area, which would be a wonderful way to start or end the day.
Now this is what a “treat yourself” day looks like in small-town Kansas.
LOCAL SHOPS
Aunt Bee’s Floral & Gifts
If you tell me there is a florist or houseplant store nearby, I’m there. Aunt Bee’s Floral & Gifts (1201 E Main St.) is a Marion mainstay, offering walk-in customers an array of floral arrangements and gifts to choose from.
Much of the retail caters to women who appreciate vibrant colors in home and garden decor.
A multi-sided display of $5 costume jewelry, adjacent to shelves stocked with kids’ plush toys and home decor, makes Aunt Bee’s Floral & Gifts a one-stop shop for gift givers who want to pair an item with a plant or floral arrangement.
We were visited by the store’s cat, a welcome delight while shopping.
CB Baked Goods
Marion’s residents got lucky when CB Baked Goods (420 E. Main St.) opened its doors to serve freshly baked goods.
Within minutes of introducing myself to the baker, Rachel, two customers arrived and placed their usual order for bierocks. It was lunchtime, and they were hungry for CB Baked Goods’ most popular menu item.
The Colletts, who are longtime residents, are used to the bakery’s frequent traffic. Rachel told me that she sells thousands of bierocks per year. Baked goods are sold as singles, half-dozen, or by the dozen.
Whether you visit CB Baked Goods for grab-and-go bierocks, bolsos, breakfast pizza, or dessert treats, you’ll leave happy like their regular customers.
TC’s What Not Shop
Remember when you were a kid and liked to hunt for hidden treasure? You’ll feel that sense of nostalgia inside TC’s What Not Shop (901 E. Main St.).
The store’s eclectic mix of antiques and collectibles is a picker’s dream. I noticed that each booth was labeled by seller, and while some included thematic, grouped items, other displays felt randomly displayed.
Visit TC’s What Not Shop if you love to search for low-cost items from your home or personal jewelry collection. A lake house sign. Faux pearl necklace. Seasonal decorations. They sell it all.
Jetset Clothing Co.
You won’t find run-of-the-mill women’s clothing or kids’ clothes at Jetset Clothing Co. (331 E. Main) because the boutique’s owner designs and embroiders the inventory.
Plus, she stocks modern brands like Risen jeans and Rustic Rays Candle Company.
What started as an online-only store became a brick-and-mortar business as the owner’s embroidered apparel gained popularity.
Shoppers can custom-design clothing, ordering shirts and hats embellished with the word or phrase of their choice, or shop her ready-to-wear apparel.
Love your trip to Marion so much that you want a keepsake? Jetset Clothing Co. is the store to purchase Marion Warrior merchandise.
Crafty Cactus Studio
Creative makers and shoppers who love unique art will appreciate Crafty Cactus Studio (329 E. Main St.)
The front of the store is dedicated to selling vendors’ creations, while the rear of the shop is a working studio space where you can work on craft projects.
The make-and-take craft studio is primarily focused on wood and ceramic projects. All ages are encouraged to participate, and because most projects are crafting kits, it’s suitable for all skill levels.
Short on time, I wasn’t able to sit down and craft a DIY project, but by the looks of the happy families crafting in the studio, it was entertaining.
PRO TIP: Review the Crafty Cactus Studio’s Facebook page to learn about upcoming workshops.
St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary Shoppe
A group of people waited to enter St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary Shoppe (321 E. Main St.) for several minutes before a store volunteer opened its doors.
Open on Fridays and Saturdays, the thrift store is popular for its heavily discounted household goods, clothing, shoes, and “didn’t know you needed it” items.
Be prepared to shimmy down the aisles amongst other shoppers while hunting for a good deal. Sale proceeds benefit St. Luke Hospital for equipment and remodeling expenses.
Lanning Pharmacy
Lanning Pharmacy‘s (217 E. Main St.) inventory of home decor and everyday essentials will surprise you. It’s not just a place to purchase medicine cabinet staples.
Need a holiday-themed or housewarming gift with a greeting card for someone? Want to create a gift basket with seasonal items? Lanning Pharmacy is your go-to shop.
PRO TIP: Find the clearance items table stocked with a plethora of discounted items you’ll definitely want to purchase.
Silk Salon & Boutique
Silk Salon & Boutique (125 E. Main) is where you can go to refresh your hairstyle or treat yourself to a pedicure, and it also doubles as a retail boutique.
The salon was abuzz with chatter when I stepped inside to browse the boutique’s clothing racks, stocked with Kansas-made alpaca sweaters.
The owner refreshes inventory with new clothing items, ranging from denim to on-trend shirts and shorts, depending on the season.
Expect free-flowing, comfortable blouses, jeans, and a small assortment of gift-ready plush toys and handmade blankets.
Bearly Makin’ It Antiques
Sometimes the best antique treasures are the ones with character and a lot of rust, or should I say, patina.
You’ll find everything, including the kitchen sink, at Bearly Makin’ It Antiques (1953 Sunflower) located on the north edge of town.
Open on Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm, cars arrive early parking wherever they can find a spot at the former alfalfa mill.
A walk of the property reveals rows of items grouped by category: old bikes, bed frames, sinks, metal tubs, farm implements, ladders, and the list goes on.
We spotted used wood furniture, structural items, antique tools, and various oddities inside both barns. Whatever your do-it-yourself project needs or your heart desires, Bearly Makin’ Antiques likely has it.
BOUTIQUES AND ANTIQUES BEYOND TOWN
Prairie Oaks Design / Doyle Creek Boutique
Stop everything and make the 11-mile drive Southeast to Florence, Kansas, if you want to find a true gem.
Doyle Creek Boutique and Prairie Oaks Designs are located under one roof (423 Main St), selling farmhouse-style home decor, handcrafted metal signage, feminine clothes, candles, kitchen staples, and more.
If you love the farm/rodeo aesthetic in Pioneer Woman style, this is your store.
Tables are fully stocked with neutral-colored gift items, and the reach-in refrigerator is always stocked with farm-raised beef cuts available for purchase.
Pay close attention to the store’s Facebook Events page for announcements about classes, sip-and-shop events, and seasonal open-house showcases.
The owner was a delight, and I was sad I didn’t have more time to shop. I wanted to buy everything in sight.
The Copper Shed
Drive less than 15 minutes Northwest of Florence to The Copper Shed (1832 140th), an antique store and barn on a couple’s private property.
Open Monday through Saturday, the owners filled two buildings with salvaged and primitive items. Start shopping outside to peruse grouped piles of rusty metalware before walking inside the buildings.
Rooms overflow with antique and seasonal decor inside the red building. The Christmas room, located up a ladder set of stairs, is not to be missed.
Expect groups of shoppers to mill about on the weekend in search of western-style primitives and signage bearing hand-painted catchphrases.
The second building, a well-organized barn, is filled to the brim with old housewares, farm tools, furniture, and you’ll even spot antique children’s toys.
ATTRACTIONS BEYOND MARION
Drive West on Highway 56
Chaplain Kapaun Museum
If you have extra time, drive to Pilsen, Kansas, to explore the Chaplain (Capt.) Emil J. Kapaun Museum (275th St. and Remington Rd.), next door to St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, which is gorgeous inside.
The museum, inside the old rectory where he lived, is free to visit and welcomes donations.
Open Thursday and Friday afternoons and Saturdays, Father Kapaun’s early life growing up in Pilsen and his priesthood are documented using his personal belongings.
A touchscreen interactive display recounts the Medal of Honor recipient’s childhood, his experience as a Prisoner of War in North Korea, and details where his remains were miraculously located decades after his passing.
PRO TIP: Walk to the upper level of the museum and the church next door for a complete, immersive tour.
Drive East or West on US 56/KS 156
Tallgrass Prairie National Reserve, Maxwell Wildlife Refuge
Seeking an outdoor adventure beyond Marion? Some of the best scenic views of the Flint Hills are only a short drive from Marion at the Tallgrass Prairie National Reserve.
Drive west on US 56 to view bison and elk from a tram ride through native grassland at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge.
MARION EVENTS TO PLAN A TRIP AROUND
Don’t miss Chingawassa Days, the first weekend in June. Since 1997, the three-day festival has featured a headlining band on the main stage, watermelon feed, vendors, and activities for all ages, often centered around the town’s official mascot, a rhino.
Bluegrass at the Lake takes place the first weekend in August, creating a laid-back atmosphere. Bands play on the Bob McCurdy Memorial Stage. A disc golf tournament, hula hoop contest, and bake sale keep the good times rolling.
Don’t miss the Art in the Park Craft Show, which fills Central Park every third weekend in September. Holly Jolly Christmas in Kansas turns the town into something straight out of a Hallmark movie on Small Business Saturday.
Within a short drive of Wichita, I’m delighted to have discovered Marion for its luxurious lodging, unique shops, and lake activities.
Reserve a good-weather weekend to make the most of a visit to Marion.
And if you’re in the area, consider extending the road trip west to McPherson or east to Emporia.
Small-Town Surprises: Best Things To Do in Arma, Kansas
Disclosure: Explore Crawford Kansas sponsored my trip. All opinions and photographs are my own. Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.
Arma, located off Highway 69 and 11 miles north of Pittsburg, is not just another Southeast Kansas one-time coal-mining town.
Its identity is rooted in Belgian heritage and patriotism, kept alive by a community of welcoming residents who have proudly celebrated it. Since 1946, the town has hosted a V-J Homecoming, an annual celebration that draws hundreds of participants.
The town’s shops and city park make it a worthy day-trip destination year-round.
More than 1,100 residents call Arma home. I discovered that the town is just as charming as the locals are nice.
Small-Town Surprises: Best Things To Do in Arma, Kansas
Originally named Rust, the town of Arma lies along the Frontier Military Historic Byway.
Stop for the military history, stay the afternoon to shop its retail stores.
MILITARY HISTORY
VICTORY OVER JAPAN AMRA HOMECOMING
On August 14, 1945, Americans celebrated Japan’s surrender, signaling the end of World War II. The residents of Crawford County welcomed returning veterans two years later at the first Arma VJ Homecoming, which included a parade, dance, and contests.
The annual Arma VJ Homecoming continues for three days in August as a tribute to veterans and their families.
VJ Arma Homecoming attracts hundreds. Events like sports tournaments, Cruise Car Night, 50-50 Bingo, and a Spaghetti Feed. The Annual VJ Homecoming Parade is a spectacle with floats designed with the festival’s annual theme.
I felt the town’s pride of place as I walked through Arma City Park, watching locals set up arts-and-crafts booths and the hamburger stand for the weekend’s festivities. Food truck owners plugged in generators, and the band set up their equipment for the all-ages street dance.
Consider planning your visit to Arma around the next VJ Arma Homecoming.
MUST-VISIT LOCAL SHOPS
THE WELL TRAVELED CHEF
The Well Traveled Chef (401 E. Washington) is the newest addition to Arma’s downtown thoroughfare, and locals are lucky to have it.
A specialty foods store with imported oils, vinegars, and kitchen supplies, The Well Traveled Chef also hosts cooking classes.
Every once in a while, I stumble upon a locally owned business that is a jewel. The kind of store I want to tell everyone about as soon as possible.
The owner, who is also a lawyer, was inspired by her global travels and wanted to bring international products to her hometown community.
Rows of quality olive oils and vinegars line shelves, and customers are encouraged to sample them. Home cooks will find inspiration from cookbooks, Italian dried pasta, syrups, and honey hand-curated by the store’s owner.
After chatting with the owner, Angela, and her father, who was present on the store’s opening day, it was apparent that this locally owned store was the dream of a hard-working woman who wanted to provide her community with the quality pantry products she loved.
Kansas needs more stores like The Well Traveled Chef.
PRO TIP: Follow the store’s Facebook Events page to learn of upcoming classes and festive in-store celebrations.
KENNY’S HARDWARE & BUILDING SUPPLY
If you haven’t shopped at a small-town hardware store, you’re missing out
Kenny’s Hardware & Building Supply (507 E. Washington St.) may be small, but it has everything you could need under one roof, plus lumber in the back.
And Kenny is one of the best in the business.
The store smells of newly cut timber. Peg walls are organized by usage. Wooden bins filled with nuts, bolts, and gadgets remind shoppers that Kenny’s Hardware is the real deal. Established in 1973, the store maintains a loyal customer base.
But one item consistently flies off the shelves at Kenny’s Hardware.
The Electric Belgium Cookie Iron by Palmer.
A staple in Belgian households, the store sells 50-70 of them from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
Maybe you need to prepare thin, crispy waffle-like cookies, too?
SCHROEDER’S BUTCHERING
I never miss an opportunity to stop into a local meat shop.
Some of the best-tasting meat I’ve eaten in Kansas came from a small-town butchery.
Schroeder’s Butchering (418 E. Washington) welcomes shoppers to walk in and order quality sausage products to go.
On any given day, you’ll likely see handmade salami, hillbilly bacon, smoked sausage, ground sausage, snack sticks, and beef jerky available for sale inside the refrigerator case.
Employees paused their cleanup work to ensure my questions were answered. They are helpful and eager to educate shoppers about their products.
PRO TIP: Shop at Schroeder’s Butchering outside of the lunch hour, 12 pm-1 pm, when they are closed.
WORTHWHILE STOPS NEARBY
Bonus places to check near Arma include Chicken Annie’s in Girard and nearby Pittsburg, Kansas, which I recommend for a weekend getaway.
Arma, Kansas, is not a town you want to skip. It offers visitors the chance to pause and experience the calm, genuine charm of life in Southeast Kansas.
The quaint deserves to be discovered, whether visiting for the day or the Victory Over Japan Armada Homecoming.
Cowboy Up: Wild West Adventures in Kansas
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commission from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.
From its rolling Flint Hills and wild mustangs to its historic towns along the Chisholm Trail, Kansas honors its cowboy history.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the pioneering spirit that drew settlers to Kansas at its living history museums, walk in the shoes of outlaws, and embrace the cowboy experience under a canopy of stars.
I’m proud to be a native Kansan who has traveled across the Sunflower State to learn its history and meet its residents. This list is compiled of experiences I hope will give you a better understanding of Kansas’ frontier legacy.
Cowboy Up: Wild West Adventures in Kansas
Living History Museums
If you want to witness a simulated gunfight between cowboys or sip a sarsaparilla in a replica Wild West saloon, these living history museums bring the past to life.
Old Cowtown Museum in Wichita includes historic buildings dating back to the 1860s, where you can witness costumed interpreters at work on the farm, saloon, printing shop, and blacksmith shop.
Visitors can take self-guided tours of 54 buildings, many of which are original structures. The Munger House, considered the first Wichita home, gives new meaning to Home on the Range. The creaky wood floor, low ceilings, and smell of the Kansas prairie envelop visitors.
In Dodge City, the Queen of the Cowtowns, Boot Hill Museum preserves the history of life on the prairie by documenting the Old West. A self-guided tour of original and replica buildings immerses visitors in 1800s life.
The museum includes over 60,000 artifacts and photographs about the Plains Indians, the cattle industry, Victorian life, and the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame exhibit.
I recommend watching saloon girls perform at the Long Brand Variety Show in the saloon while sipping sarsaparilla; one feels a part of the saloon lifestyle.
It’s here that bootleggers profited, and cowboys gambled until dawn. And when things got too rowdy, gunfights broke out beyond the saloon doors in the street where cowboys often died with their boots on, hence the name Boot Hill.
PRO TIP: Keep the cowboy-crazed good time going at Boot Hill Distillery.
The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site in Olathe provides living history programming on Saturday in April, May, September, and October. You can catch daily activities on the farm in action, Wednesday through Saturday, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
I have yet to visit Mahaffie, but I’m told it’s a must-visit stop when in the Kansas City area, especially if you’re interested in learning more about livestock at The Agricultural Heritage Barn.
A short drive from Kansas City, Shawnee Town 1929 in Shawnee offers visitors a chance to experience a typical day in a farm community where cowboys and their families would have settled.
The reality of farmstead life becomes apparent when entering the Market Shed, where produce was washed and sorted for the market.
Set aside time to appreciate Dunbar School, a one-room schoolhouse with authentic artifacts. Appreciate the entrepreneurial achievements of business owners at Garrett Grocery Store, City Ice, and Fisher Chevrolet Dealership.
PRO TIP: Old Shawnee Days is an entertaining event that attracts thousands of visitors to Shawnee Town 1929 each June. Known for its carnival, music, concessions, and vendors, it is worth planning your trip around.
Eat Like a Cowboy
Make no mistake, Kansas cooks know how to prepare stick-to-your-ribs chicken-fried steak dinners and hearty cast-iron meals, including some of the best-tasting steak dinners.
I consider myself a connoisseur of chicken-fried steak, and the best one I’ve enjoyed is served at M&R Grill in Abilene.
Another restaurant deserving of runner-up status for its chicken-fried steak dinners is Colbert Hills in Manhattan.
PRO TIP: Carve out time to visit the Big Spur next door at Rittel’s Western Wear, a stop on the Cowboy Art Trail and Gunsmoke Trail.
If it’s a perfectly cooked steak dinner you crave, you’ll get the trail-drive dining experience at Oakley Country Club, the Scotch & Sirloin (Wichita), and Prairie Rose Ranch (Benton).
Admire Art Celebrating The Cowboy Lifestyle
Abilene, a stop on the Chisholm Trail from 1867 to 1871, was part of the route Texas cowboys took to drive cattle to market.
Be sure to follow the Cowboy Art Trail to sites around town that include The World’s Largest Belt Buckle, sculptures, murals, and over a dozen hand-painted cowboy boots.
A stop on the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail, Hays honors its history as a cow town from 1867 to the 1870s with landmarks and historic buildings celebrating its Wild West story.
The town’s rich history as a cattle stop for cowboys and gamblers is celebrated in its public art, including dozens of hand-carved sculptures by local, nationally-known artist Pete Felten.
Take the Historic Walking Tour through Downtown Hays at The Bricks to learn about the notable sites where the West’s famous characters like Wild Bill Hickock, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Calamity Jane hung out in saloons and gambling houses.
Observe Buffalo Up-Close on The Prairie
Imagine riding on the back of a truck as a stampede of buffalo approaches, looking straight at you. It’s snack time for buffalo treats. The most exhilarating feeling, and perhaps the most quintessential Kansas experience, Duff’s Buffalo Ranch in Scott City offers private buffalo tours.
We were so close to the buffalo that we could hear their heavy breathing and occasional moans. The ranch owner drove as his wife rustled a bag of feed from the rear of the pickup truck. A herd of hundreds of buffalo enthusiastically ate a trail of food as the truck rolled slowly forward through the rugged terrain.
In McPherson County, John Gault Maxwell immigrated from Scotland in 1859 and became a grain farmer and dealer. He was enamored by the Kansas prairie and devoted to preserving it and the native wildlife.
After his death, he willed $75,000 to purchase land in Canton, used by Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, a nonprofit organization, for educational purposes. Located on the Kansas Prairie Trail Scenic Byway, the refuge opened in 1951 with ten buffalo and six elk.
Today, it flourishes with up to 250 animals each spring.
Make a reservation to board a tram covered in windows for a 45-minute tour of the prairie to view buffalo and elk. You are more likely to see elk from the tram tour if you reserve a seat on the first tram of the day. Once they feed, they roam to distant areas of the prairie.
I’ve also observed a buffalo herd grazing from a safe distance during a tour of the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Chase County. It’s another life-changing experience you simply must have when in Kansas.
A guided tour through native grassland, home to 500 plant species, begins at the visitor’s center. A bus driver will take onlookers via a trail, pausing on a hilltop for a remarkable panoramic view. Be sure to listen for the Kansas meadowlark, the state’s bird.
PRO TIP: Prefer to hike? View the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve hiking map.
Explore the Santa Fe Trail Landmarks
The Santa Fe Trail, also known as The Great Prairie Highway, stretched through five states, including Kansas. Pioneers and traders used the trail like a two-way highway.
According to the National Park Service, the Santa Fe Trail became a national road connecting the more settled parts of the United States to the new Southwest territories after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the war in 1848.
The Santa Fe Trail Center, located near Larned, is a museum operated by the Fort Larned Historical Society that teaches visitors about the role the route played in Westward Expansion in Kansas.
Additionally, I’d recommend driving to Council Grove. Santa Fe Trail travelers purchased goods at the Last Chance Store, which remains open to the public today.
Explore the History of the Pony Express
When in Seneca, you must experience one of its most historic treasures, the Pony Express Museum. A relic of the Wild West, the museum tells the story of the town’s role as a stop on the Pony Express mail route in the late 1800s. Seneca claims the Smith Hotel was the first home station.
As you walk upon the building’s original wood floors, explore a makeshift saloon, a replica schoolroom, and original artifacts for the Smith Hotel, a refuge for riders needing a break.
Don’t leave without learning the fascinating history of westbound rider Johnny Frey and peeking inside the old jail cell.
PRO TIP: To guarantee a tour, call (785) 294-6655 to schedule an appointment.
Naturally, your next stop should be the Pony Express Barn & Museum in Marysville, the Original Pony Express Home Station No. 1, dating back to 1859. A native limestone building, it is nestled next to the barn that once served as a livery stable.
During my tour, a guide led me from artifact stations to dioramas depicting Native American tribes that once lived in the area. I became increasingly impressed by the museum’s exhibits.
Given how difficult it is to curate items from the Pony Express era, the museum captures the year well.
Shop Local for Western Wear
Yeehaw! For over 50 years, Nigro’s Western Store No. 2 in Shawnee has outfitted shoppers with the best denim and boots in Shawnee, Kansas. Celebrities like Gwen Stefani and Moses Brings Plenty have shopped its aisles.
Third-generation owned and operated, the Western store is a cowboy’s and cowgirl’s dream. Boots, belts, jewelry, jeans…they’ve got it all for concert season or any day of the year.
Save your spending money for Lisa’s Western Wear in Pratt to stock up on leather boots and cowboy fashion. Cowboys and cowgirls around the area shop here for rodeo gear. You won’t find many independently owned stores like this one in the state.
Ladies, don’t walk past the jewelry shelves without trying on some new bling.
One look at the Big Spur located in Abilene in front of Rittel’s Western Shop, and you’ll feel inspired to go inside and shop for a pair of cowboy boots.
The store’s resident greeter, a cattle dog named Rio, will welcome you.
High Call Outfitters in Great Bend is a hidden gem. The apparel shop specializes in on-trend western and business casual apparel for men and women. Children’s clothes and shoes are available in the back room.
The store carries brands including Pendleton, Liverpool, and Wrangler. If you’re in a rush to find a comfortable pair of jeans or a shirt for a last-minute date night, you’ll find it here.
Other tried-and-true stores I’d recommend for western wear include Sister Bojangles Boutique (Lindsborg), A5 Western (Hutchinson), and Dandales Western Store (Wichita).
PRO TIP: Shop my Kansas Gifts collection to order a memento to remember your Midwest travels.
Wild West Festivals You Should Experience
During late July, Dodge City Days is a 10-day celebration of the Wild West, including a High Noon Gunfight at Boot Hill Museum, PRCA Rodeo Round-Up and Championship Finals Night, parades, live music, and Kidfest.
Dalton Defenders Days in Coffeyville takes place the first weekend in October to commemorate the lives lost when residents defended their town against the ruthless, bank-robbing Dalton Gang.
One can expect a reenactment show downtown daily, live music, craft vendors, a car show, and food trucks.
EquiFest of Kansas in Topeka is where you need to be if you want to experience the cowboy way and watch live rodeo action.
The three-day celebration of all things horses includes demonstrations, two rodeo events, vendors, live music, and clinics. View my Instagram posts to see what you can expect on Day 1 and Day 2-3.
Follow the Gunsmoke Trail Like Marshall Matt Dillon
If you’re a fan of the radio and television show “Gunsmoke,” then you’ll want to follow the show’s trails through Kansas: Wichita, Hays, Abilene, and Dodge City.
My article “Explore the Wild West Legends Along the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail,” written for Kansas Country Living Magazine, details what you can expect at each stop and why the show still appeals to today’s nostalgic fans.
For a genuine understanding of what made the Kansas frontier wild, you have to immerse yourself in cowboy culture. Learn its history, eat like a cowboy, and wear the attire.
To access more authentic experiences that conjure the Old West, read Kansas Museums to Imagine Life on the Prairie, a guide to 22 self-guided spaces that house artifacts from when Native Americans lived in the Sunflower State.
Happy Trails.
Kansas Underground: Fascinating Spaces Beneath the Surface
What lies beneath the surface is intriguing because discovering it requires curiosity. Each of these Kansas destinations reveals fascinating spaces, from hidden tunnels to speakeasies.
Will you check off each one from your travel bucket list?
Kansas Underground: Fascinating Spaces Beneath the Surface
Take a Tour
Ellinwood Tunnels
The best part about saying “yes!” to adventure is discovering a destination you didn’t know existed. That was my experience after visiting Ellinwood, Kansas, to tour the town’s underground tunnels and the Historic Wolf Hotel and Events Center.
Established by German immigrants in 1870 along the Santa Fe Trail, the town was designed to include two blocks of main-street stores, with stairs leading underground to additional retail spaces, saloons, brothels, a bathhouse, and Jung’s Barbershop.
Ellinwood’s Underground Tunnels allow visitors to walk some of the original passageways while tour guides share early prohibition and entrepreneurship stories in the area.
I was enthralled by the antique relics of the past found deep within the tunnels. The town’s early residents used the tunnels for refuge during WWI, possibly to bootleg alcohol during Prohibition, and to support cowboys and families traveling through the area by providing services.
The tunnels lead to The Underground Saloon/Bar, a transformed venue that was once Ellinwood’s first public library from 1940 to 1960.
Dalton Gang Hideout
Located in Meade, the Dalton Gang Hideout features a tunnel beneath a home that the gang used to move in and out undetected by law enforcement.
Visitors can walk the 95-foot-long tunnel year-round. Other attractions include Eva Dalton’s furnished house, Old Town gunfighter reenactments, barn, and Heritage House.
PRO TIP: Visit the Dalton Graves in Coffeyville at the Elmwood Cemetery. The graves of Bob Dalton, Grat Dalton, and Bill Powers lie in rest near a marker. The Dalton Defenders Museum features authentic artifacts from the shoot-out and rooms filled with collected local memorabilia.
Strataca Underground Salt Museum
In Hutchinson, descend via an elevator, aka “The Hoist,” 650 feet to explore the Strataca Underground Salt Museum, an active salt mine operating since the 1920s.
I’m not a fan of dark, enclosed spaces, but I donned a hard hat and made the elevator journey with other passengers below the Earth’s surface.
What awaited was worth it.
To my surprise, the mine was spacious and brightly lit.
The guided tours are well worth the admission fee for learning about geology and the mining industry. You sit comfortably in a tram car while learning from your guide as you meander through the mine.
Also home to the Underground Vaults & Storage, a guided tour reveals official movie props and historical artifacts that will impress.
Sip a Cocktail in a Basement
John Brown’s Underground
John Brown’s Underground in Lawrence transports you to a surreal environment with low lighting, mood music, and a menu that reads like an excerpt from someone’s diary. A friendly server helped me choose a cocktail recipe from a long list of options.
Since it was the eve of the anniversary of Quantrill’s Raid, I chose the John Brown made from whiskey, rum, demerara sugar, and bitters. It was spirit-forward but smooth.
Employees are passionate about the tavern’s mission to create a welcoming atmosphere, best exemplified by John Brown’s chair. Ask your server about the chair’s history.
The Principal’s Office
In Topeka, Salut Wine and Cocktail Lounge features a basement bar, The Principal’s Office. Unsure how to enter the speakeasy? Look for the back door marked with a paddle.
I’ve yet to visit, but I’m told that guests should be prepared to answer “what naughty thing you did to deserve this” before entering the low-lit lounge.
Somerset Schoolhouse
Imagine a renovated one-room schoolhouse converted into a home goods retail shop, complete with a speakeasy in the basement.
Built in 1920, Somerset Schoolhouse in Paola is more than just a place to visit for a shopping trip; it’s a destination for leisure travelers who appreciate a touch of elegance set in a casual atmosphere.
If you appreciate rye whiskey, order Prom Night prepared with blackberry and sage syrup. It pairs well with one of their shareable appetizers, such as the Lunch Lady Favorite, a toasted baguette served with herb olive oil and fig balsamic.
The speakeasy’s television shows silent black-and-white movies while jazz music plays from the speakers.
Oliver’s Lounge
Oliver’s Lounge in Wichita is an upscale cocktail bar serving high-end cocktails. Regulars know the best seating is in the basement, where guests can lounge and savor a seasonally-inspired or classic libation.
You won’t find televisions airing a sports event or families gathering with kids. The lower-level lounge attracts small groupings of adults or couples on dates.
Dockum
Sip cocktails in secret at Dockum, a speakeasy that’s easy to find if you follow the pharmacy logo signs to the Ambassador Hotel’s basement.
Every cocktail I’ve ordered at Dockum was made with house-made bitters and fresh-squeezed juice. Enjoy jazz music from a leather couch or bar table. If you can’t decide which drink to order, I recommend The Smoking Gun if you appreciate whiskey.
PRO TIP: Most speakeasies require reservations due to limited seating, so I recommend calling ahead.
Are you ready to dig deeper into more adventures while on the road? You’ll enjoy reading Lawrence, Kansas: A Historical Tour, and when visiting Dockum, be sure to use 5 Places to Visit in Wichita Before You Die as a travel guide.
Men’s Clothing Stores in Kansas Where Guys Actually Want To Shop
Most men I know prefer a store that offers clothing and accessories in one place, making shopping easy and efficient. The following Kansas stores cater to men who need stylish, functional clothing for all seasons.
Better yet, each store operates independently and is not part of a large retail chain, so shopping supports local businesses. Find a store near you when shopping for yourself or the special guy in your life.
Men’s Clothing Stores in Kansas Where Guys Actually Want To Shop
Couture for Men – Hays
I was delighted to discover Couture for Men, a store in Downtown Hays at the Bricks is dedicated to carrying a complete line of men’s clothing with brands such as Tommy Bahama, Southern Tide, Liverpool, and Johnnie O.
Instead of men skipping a Main Street shopping experience, the store caters to them with a wide selection of casual wear suitable for any season. Also, the store doubles as a tuxedo rental shop for one’s more formal occasions.
Miners + Monroe – Pittsburg
You won’t find a more unique men’s specialty store in Kansas than Miners + Monroe. It is more than a cool clothing store.
Shoppers will also appreciate its high-quality grooming supplies, candles, shoes, and shelves of on-trend ballcaps. I couldn’t leave without a beer logo t-shirt and stylish socks.
You can often find vinyl records for sale, which I’ve purchased for my home collection. They also support music performances at the Colonial Fox Theater.
PRO TIP: The store’s owners also own a vacation rental, Miner’s Loft, located within walking distance of restaurants and more shopping. The loft’s interior mimics the store’s style.
Standard Issue Co. – Wichita
At Standard Issue Co., guys feel like they’ve entered a one-stop shopping experience complete where they can shop for new threads, get a good-looking haircut, and if they’re inclined, sip on whiskey.
Camp Creek Vintage – Wichita
If you’re seeking one-of-a-kind threads with a nostalgic vibe, consider shopping for men’s apparel at Camp Creek Vintage. Located inside the refurbished house, the owners have created a welcoming shop setting.
The independently owned business meticulously hand-selects classic pieces, ranging from fashionable jackets to vintage accessories such as neckties, leather belts, and boots.
More Stores That Sell Stylish Men’s Clothes
A few more stores with robust men’s clothing selections, although their inventory is not exclusively for men, are Fitted (Seneca), Weaver’s Department Store (Lawrence), High Call Outfitters (Great Bend), and Nigro’s Western Store (Shawnee, KCK).
When men are shopping, it’s likely their partner is along for the fun. Downtown Hays at The Bricks is a district with numerous boutiques catering to women’s clothing, jewelry, and gifts. If in Wichita, consider shopping in the Delano District, a thriving historic district with shops for both genders.
