Base Camp - Humboldt

Get out and experience the beauty of wild Kansas, without giving up modern amenities. At Base Camp Humboldt you can wake up on the water and enjoy free access to kayaks, do some fishing, or try your hand at the bike challenge course. When night falls, enjoy smores on the firepits and watch the stunning Kansas stars through your skylight as you fall asleep in BaseCamp’s modern loft cabin. The perfect destination for one night or even a weekend!

Cedar Crest Lodge - Pleasanton

Looking for a picture-perfect, hidden gem surrounded by over 100 acres of pastures, woods, lakes, and trails to spend your next vacation at? Cedar Crest Lodge has all of that and then some. This bed and breakfast offers charming Kansas accommodations and amenities including gardens, walking trails, fishing ponds, a pool, bocce court, horseshoe pit, or paddle boards and kayaks on the lake. Or indulge yourself in our full-service day spa, curl up in the comfort of your home away from home with a book from our library, or relax in the outdoor hot tub and 2-person sauna. The possibilities feel truly endless at this magical getaway.

Breakfast Spots
 

HoneyBee Bruncherie - Humboldt

Let’s “bee” honest, nothing starts a day off better than the perfect breakfast. And who wouldn’t want what Honey Bee Bruncherie has to offer? Plates too pretty to eat but food too delicious to resist, this little brunch spot boasts a custom menu that is poetry to the eyes and mouth. With dishes like “600 Miles to Denver Omelet,” “Broke Millennial Avocado Toast” and “Saturday Morning Cartoon” there’s a little something for everyone.

Wild Bloom Coffee (Formerly Fillmore Coffee & Plant Shop) - Iola

Recognized with a 2023 Kansas Business Merit Award and named 2023 Young Entrepreneurs from the Iola Chamber of Commerce, Wild Bloom Coffee redefines the simple coffee shop experience. With a focus on scratch cooking and new, unique releases all the time, there’s always something interesting to try! Fall in love with this cozy little spot the same way this Coastal couple fell in love with Kansas.

Lunch Spots
 

Chicken Annie’s - Pittsburg

Steeped in tradition and cherished by locals and travelers alike, Chicken Annie's beckons visitors with the irresistible aroma of fried chicken and homestyle cooking. This beloved local Pittsburg eatery exudes a welcoming charm that is matched only by its mouthwatering cuisine. From crispy fried chicken and golden French fries to savory sides and delectable desserts, every dish at Chicken Annie's is crafted with care and served with a generous portion of hospitality.

Barnhouse Café – Le Roy

Quaint country cooking with homegrown flavor you can’t beat! Barnhouse Café is serving up daily specials and hometown favorites like chicken fried steak, BLTs, and much more. If you’re looking for a little comfort food this is the spot!

Dinner Spots
 

Chicken Mary’s - Pittsburg

Crawford County knows its way around good chicken, and if you’re looking for another famous fried chicken spot then Chicken Mary’s has got you covered! This legendary establishment has been serving up mouthwatering fried chicken since its inception in 1967, captivating locals and visitors alike with its timeless charm and unbeatable flavor. Not to worry, though, if chicken isn’t your calling there are plenty of other irresistible items to send you home happy and full.

Union Street Social - Emporia

One thing about Union Street Social is for certain - It’s a Vibe. The eclectic yet somehow familiar feel of this eatery makes it the perfect place to grab something you know or get something a little bit outside your comfort zone. Pair it with a nice cocktail, the USS becomes “kind of like an old school steakhouse, mixed with your grandma’s weird basement, with a dash of a vintage speakeasy.” Makes it the perfect dinner spot no matter the occasion.

Local Snack Place
 

Pueblo Mio – Pittsburg

You’d be hard-pressed to find a spot as unique as Pueblo Mio to satisfy your sweet tooth. They offer a vibrant slice of Mexican culture and cuisine that beckons travelers and locals alike. Come and enjoy a variety of snacks including house-made ice cream and popsicles. Everything made in this adorable shop provides a glimpse into tradition and culture and will have you embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you longing for more.

Bijou Confectionary – Humboldt

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this adorable confectionary shop located on the square in Humboldt! This sugary spot offers a wide variety of homemade snacks including fudge, cookies, brownies, and more, however, they are most well known for their macarons and even ship them nationwide. They also have over 125 varieties of bulk candies to choose from! These sweet treats are sure to hit the spot no matter what you are craving.

Drinks (Coffee, Brewery, Winery)
 

Radius Brewing Co – Emporia

Enjoy beautiful downtown Emporia with one of the many craft beers brewed in the town’s first brewery since prohibition! With a dozen beers on tap, all brewed in the middle of the dining room, this spot is a craft drinker's dream! Radius also includes a full bar, and a wine, bloody mary, and martini lists for the non-beer drinkers, so there is sure to be something to satisfy your thirst.

Drop the H Brewing Company – Pittsburg

Drop the H Brewing Company is cultivating an extraordinary experience for the people of Pittsburg and the surrounding communities. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Drop the H Brewing Company is not just a destination for beer enthusiasts, but a cornerstone of Pittsburg's burgeoning craft beer scene. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and crisp lagers, there's a flavor to suit every palate.

Fort Scott National Historic Site – Fort Scott

Fort Scott National Historic Site stands as a testament to the rich history of the American frontier. Step back in time and enjoy an immersive story of Kansas that encompasses four decades of American history. Explore the meticulously reconstructed buildings that once housed soldiers, traders, and pioneers, and immerse yourself in the daily life of a bustling 19th-century military outpost. Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply seeking an enriching cultural experience, Fort Scott State Historic Site promises an unforgettable adventure for all who venture within its storied walls.

Martin & Osa Johnson Safari Museum - Chanute

A safari museum in the middle of Kansas? Yes! The Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum features world class exhibits based on the stunning photography and cinematic works of the Johnsons, documentary filmmakers, photographers, explorers, naturalists, and authors who traveled the world from 1906-1953. Come and enjoy the Johnson’s work that changed the world and several other collections that have grown with the museum.

Frontier Military Historic Byway

From Civil War skirmishes to logistical hurdles, the path to freedom is not an easy one.  The Frontier Military Historic Byway follows a 19^th-century trail used by the Army to transport soldiers and supplies across eastern Kansas, but don’t be fooled into thinking that the history here is long gone. Learn and reflect at the site of one of the largest cavalry battles of the Civil War. Be transported in time at historical forts along the route. When you’re here, you’ve woven yourself into history.

Kansas Route 66 Historic Byway

Kansas’ little stretch of the ‘Mother Road’ is one that inspires, from instantly recognizable movie characters to those travelers that are taking a once-in-a-lifetime cruise across the country. Kansas Route 66 Historic Byway is one that families and old souls alike won’t want to miss. Meet your favorite characters from Pixar’s “Cars” franchise, dig deep into the mining history of the area, take a photo on the last remaining ‘Rainbow Bridge’ along the route, or grab a snack from Nelson’s Old Riverton Store, this iconic American road trip is waiting.

Gordon Parks Museum – Fort Scott

Learn about one of the most famous and influential Kansans at the Gordon Parks Museum in Fort Scott. Parks became the first African-American photojournalist to work for LIFE magazine and the first African-American to direct a major Hollywood production (The Learning Tree, 1968). Exhibits, personal artifacts, and iconic photographs tell the story of his life from his humble beginning in Fort Scott to his death in New York City in 2006.

Big Brutus – West Mineral

There are few attractions bigger in Kansas than Big Brutus, and we mean that literally. This 16-story (160 feet) tall giant will make anyone feel small standing next to it. Once the largest in the world, this now retired symbol of the past stands as an eternal tribute to the mining heritage of Southeast Kansas and to all miners across the nation. Visitors can enjoy the indescribable size of Big Brutus up close and personal and learn more about the history and impact Big Brutus and mining had on Southeast Kansas.  

Early Bird Farm Stand - Hartford

This charming agritourism location tucked away in the heart of rural Lyon County harkens back to a simpler, sweeter time. Early Bird is a self-serve, honor-system Farm Stand that serves homemade cinnamon rolls, several coffee concoctions, and other seasonal sweets and treats. You can also find other staples such a freezer full of delicious individual-cut beef, jams, granola, and half-pound bags of Kramer Roasting Co coffee as well as seasonally homegrown fruits and vegetables. If the time of year is right, you can also enjoy U-pick blueberries and sweet corn! Just 4 miles west of Hartford, Early Bird Farm Stand is a cornucopia of goodness you won’t want to miss out on!

Flint Oak – Fall River

Get out and have the hunting experience of a lifetime at Flint Oak! This full-service five-star hunting lodge offers fine cuisine, outstanding shooting sports, shooting lessons, luxurious lodging, outdoor recreational activities, meeting/banquet facilities, special events, hunting and fishing, guides, and a full line pro shop. From rolling hills of prairie grass to dense oak timbered draws, the change in terrain will be sure to impress.

Elk City State Park – Independence

Elk City State Park offers a quiet, family-oriented getaway well-known for its diverse trail systems. Dense oak and hickory woodlands meet rolling meadows of big bluestem and Indian grass at this striking 857-acre park located on the east shore of the 4,500-acre Elk City Reservoir with 12,000 acres of wildlife area nearby. Elk City State Park is also home to some uniquely stunning views and scenic viewpoints that Kansas has to offer. You won’t want to miss them!

Fall River State Park – Fall River

Positioned between the Cross Timbers region and the grasslands of the Flint Hills, Fall River State Park is home to a remarkable diversity of plant and animal life. The 980-acre park is a unique blend of forested flood plains, blackjack savannahs, and tallgrass prairie. If you enjoy hiking trails, canoeing, bird watching, or just being out in nature, this park is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Audacious Boutique - Iola

Winner of Existing Business of the Year from the Kansas Small Business Development Center in 2021 and named 2017 Small Business of the Year by the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce, Enjoy the one-of-a-kind shopping experience that Audacious Boutique has to offer. This quaint gem captures the essence of local hospitality while offering an array of stylish clothing, accessories, and gifts curated to delight even the most discerning shopper. And don’t think you’ll see the same thing twice, these ladies go out of their way to replace items with something even better. So every visit is sure to surprise and inspire!

Nelson’s Old Riverton Store – Riverton

The Old Riverton Store is an unforgettable and everlasting icon in the story of Route 66. For nearly a century, locals and tourists alike have found great company, delicious food, and fascinating gifts at our shop while they travel “Mother Road” and immerse themselves in the great history of this iconic highway. In fact, the store might feel familiar to some visitors since Pixar’s Cars was directly inspired not only by Route 66 but the Old Riverton Store itself. Be sure to stop by and browse the collection of books, mugs, collectibles, and more. There’s something for everyone!

Miners Park – Galena

Nestled in the heart of this charming Route 66 town, this mural offers a stunning photo opportunity for anyone passing through! Not only does it highlight the nostalgia and beauty of Route 66, but it also features some well-known celebrities from Disney Pixar’s Cars.

Interactive Murals – Emporia

Anyone traveling downtown and throughout the community of Emporia may stumble upon one of the many vibrant interactive murals. Find the Greetings from Emporia postcard, the Camera, Emporia strong, and Balloons just to name a few! These murals not only beautify the cityscape but also serve as a testament to Emporia's commitment to creativity and community engagement.

See All 7 Murals!

1. Greetings From Emporia Mural
2. Life is Good in Emporia Mural
3. Camera Mural
4. Wings of Flowers Mural
5. Balloons Mural
6. Emporia Strong Mural
7. Umbrella Mural

KanRocks – Mapleton

Looking for a great off-road adventure park to get a little muddy? Kansas Rocks Recreation Park has a great trail system developed to include trails for beginning and experienced outdoor enthusiasts alike. Explore the great outdoors via 4-Wheel-Drive Vehicles, Mountain Bikes, UTV’s or plain ole hiking. They also now have camping opportunities so you can make it a weekend trip!

Lehigh Portland State Park – Iola

Ride, run, hike, picnic, or just sit and take in the beauty of 100+ acres of rugged woodlands, lively prairie, and scenic views of the lovely spring-fed quarry lake at Lehigh Portland State Park. This lovely outdoor spot consists of over 14 miles of rail-trail-style gravel-surfaced trails and natural-surface singletrack trails perfect for mountain biking, trail running, and nature hikes. The new trail system is free and open to the general public year round!

Trox Gallery and Gifts – Emporia

Trox Gallery and Gifts is located in the heart of vibrant downtown Emporia. This locally, woman-owned business brings a lot of heart and soul to Emporia with an eclectic display of fun, quirky local art and gift items as well as a professional gallery exhibition that changes monthly. There’s sure to be a little bit of something for everyone in this colorful, funky gallery and gift shop.

The Hitching Post – Humboldt

One of the hot spots of Humboldt, Kansas, the historic Hitching Post stands as a testament to the town's rich past and enduring charm. With its vintage decor and cozy ambiance, the Hitching Post invites guests to unwind and savor the simple pleasures of small-town life. Whether you're seeking a hearty meal, a refreshing drink, honky tonkin’ live music, or simply a moment of respite, this beloved landmark promises an unforgettable experience steeped in tradition and nostalgia.

Tow Mater – Galena

Grab the kids and bring them down for a picture with the iconic rusty tow truck from Pixar’s “Cars.” Director John Lasseter and animator Joe Ranft visited this Kan-O-Tex Service Station on old Route 66 in Galena and saw the rusty tow truck that inspired the character “Tow Mater.” And while you’re here you can also explore the fire engine and restored 1934 gas station or discover Schermerhorn Park and the Southeast Kansas Nature Center. There’s plenty of fun for the whole family!

Lowell Milken Center – Fort Scott

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes in historic Fort Scott, Kansas, showcases the dramatic and diverse sagas of people whose actions against injustice have changed the world. These stories of everyday individuals are proof that one has the power to make a profound difference in the lives of others. An educational experience for people of all ages!

Little House on the Prairie Museum – Independence