Exploring the Unexpected - Historical Southeast Kansas
When people think of Kansas, they often overlook its deep history and rich cultural roots. However, Southeast Kansas can pleasantly surprise…
Your browser is not supported for this experience.
We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.
Independence is a city in the Southeast region of Kansas that sits on land that was once purchased from Osage Native Americans. The townsite was bought for $50 back in 1869 (which would equate to roughly $1,000 in 2020) in order to relocate the native population to the nearby Oklahoma Territory. This historic town is also the first place where 'night lights' were used for a baseball game back in 1930.
Interestingly, you'll find many notable Kansans who came from Independence, which is why it is home to the Kansas Celebrity Hall of Fame. You'll also find ample activities and things to do while visiting. William Ingalls, one of the notable natives of Independence, has his archives located at the William Inge Center for the Arts. Iconic stops include the Little House on the Prairie Museum, which is a reconstruction of the cabin in the novel by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Outdoor enthusiasts will absolutely love the nearby Elk City State Park, known for having some of the most scenic views and hiking trails in the entire state!
Elk City State Park offers a quiet, family-oriented get-away. Dense oak and hickory woodlands meet rolling meadows of big bluestem and…
When people think of Kansas, they often overlook its deep history and rich cultural roots. However, Southeast Kansas can pleasantly surprise…
When it comes to knowing the hidden treasures and off-the-beaten-path discoveries of a town, always turn to a local. A team of writers for…
Kick off your journey with larger-than-life discoveries. The small towns of Humboldt and Iola showcase establishments more common in larger…
The nostalgia-packed Route 66 stretches from Illinois to California, but good luck finding more TPMs (treasures per mile) than the 13.2-mile…
I knew there were six fried chicken restaurants in Southeast Kansas before I showed up. I’d done the research: I watched the Food…