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.
It’s ranked as a Guest Favorite on Airbnb for a good reason. The stylish property, beautifully renovated in a historic building, offers guests the comforts of home.
After a good night’s sleep, I awoke to make a steaming cup of coffee and watch the sun rise through the downstairs window with plants. The loft’s welcome book provided a list of things to do in the area, and a basket supplied on-the-go snacks for the day’s adventures.
Overall, my stay at
The baker arrives at 3 a.m., well before guests arrive, to make cinnamon rolls, chocolate-filled croissants, pies, and freshly baked bread. The short-order cook ringing the bell is audible from the kitchen. Servers pour coffee refills into diner-style mugs.
I listened to the news on a nearby television while enjoying a vegetable omelet and perfectly cooked hashbrowns. Full from my breakfast, I eagerly requested a to-go box for baked goods.
I stopped by for lunch and, after seeing the daily specials board, I chose the Mushroom Swiss Burger with a side of curly fries. As soon as my order was called back to the kitchen, I heard the sizzle of a flat-top grill and the bubbling of a hot fryer.
After eating my tasty lunch, I paid for my meal and headed out to explore Girard. In the parking lot, locals gathered around cars to chat about the day’s events and local news.
The coffeehouse also serves as a gathering spot for locals who want to use the high-speed Wi-Fi while drinking coffee.
Open Wednesday through Saturday, the restaurant is known for its inventive weekly specials and seasonal menus featuring fresh ingredients.
The appetizer exceeded my expectations for quality and flavor, setting the stage for the main course. But first, the server insisted I sample the day’s special: an Asian-inspired orange chicken with broccoli over rice, made fresh to order and delicious.
I listened to lively guests’ chatter and jazz cover songs until my dinner selection arrived. Smoked pork loin, coleslaw, and sautéed mushrooms made for one of the best meals I’ve eaten in Southeast Kansas.
Opened in 1971, the restaurant offers dinner specials that draw locals and out-of-towners to Girard from Wednesday through Sunday.
The chicken is hand-breaded and fried fresh to order, served with side dishes such as fried onion strings, mashed potatoes, green beans, and coleslaw.
Local folklore says the deer sculpture stands on the exact spot where a Pennsylvanian, Dr. Charles H. Strong, shot a deer. Moments later, he added a stake in the ground, declaring possession of the land.
Established in 1867, the courthouse makes the town the official county seat. The grounds feature a 
I’ve always told people that the best way to immerse oneself in a town is to start their visit at a historical museum. Museum exhibits showcase the town’s history using artifacts from 1868 to the present.
Girard has a long history of publishing, operating the largest presses west of the Mississippi.
The church alone is a magnificent example of late-19th-century architectural design. Its stained windows, made in Missouri, cascade colorful beams of light onto the church floor on a sunny day.
From the pulpit, one can fully appreciate the windows, which feature Christian symbolism.
PRO TIP: Girard Veterans Memorial Park hosts holiday events honoring military heroes.
I ascended the stairs to the top floor to view the books for adult readers, the same spot where monthly game nights and craft nights are hosted.
Shoppers will be delighted to discover Amish soaps, candles, jams, jellies, and jarred salsa rounding out the inventory.
One shouldn’t leave the store without visiting the bathroom to see its wallpaper, a nod to Girard’s history, told through old photographs and advertisements.
PRO TIP: Inquire about the retro soda pop brands available for purchase, located in the refrigerator near the candy cart.
The rear of the store features women’s clothing, jewelry, purses, body care products, and kitchen essentials.
Developers revitalized a historic building, restoring it to its three-story grandeur. Initially built in 1902, guests feel at home amid modern furnishings in spacious lounges and high-ceiling guest rooms.
You’ll definitely want to grab a drink and dinner at 
I relaxed with a smoked old-fashioned cocktail before savoring braised beef served with a squash-corn salad from the chef’s seasonal menu. The dining room stirred with small groups of local families and friends who dropped by for cocktails and conversation.
Paired with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, the chef’s creation was scrumptious and well-suited for a fabulous fall evening dinner.
Hotel Garber’s staff exceeded my expectations by ensuring my comfort during my two-night stay, often asking whether I needed anything and offering tourism advice when requested.
At the 
I explored the American Bittersweet: The Life and Writing of Willa Cather exhibit, highlighting the author’s personal and professional life by reading the displays in chronological order, starting with her formative years in Red Cloud.
Situated in a restored 1887 building, the exhibit’s photography brings Cather’s story to life. She worked tirelessly as a magazine editor for years, a job that honed her skills and accelerated her book-writing career.
PRO TIP: Take the elevator upstairs to view another Cather statue and a gallery of historical photographs taken of Red Cloud residents during the 19th Century.
At each stop, from the Burlington Depot to Cather’s childhood home, an expert guide explained the significance of each location in Cather’s upbringing.
The depot is mentioned in Cather’s short story “The Sculpture’s Funeral.”
She also befriended Carrie Miner, the same woman to whom her book “My Ántonia” is dedicated. The family inspired Cather’s characters, the Harling family.
As you tour the home, it’s clear it was considered one of the nicest in the community when it was built in 1878. Large rooms, gold-plated dishware, and oversized windows impress.
The church held a memorial service for Cather in 1947, including two windows that the author had made and dedicated to her parents.
A tour of the National Historic Landmark includes descriptions of original furniture pieces, artwork, and prints.
Cather installed the rose-colored wallpaper in the attic bedroom.
Elaborate teller cages shipped by rail from Chicago anchor the main floor of the 1888 bank building. Downstairs, visitors have access to interpretive panels about Red Cloud’s history.
The Garbers inspired Cather to develop characters in “A Lost Lady.”
Built in the 1890s, the Red Cloud Opera House continues to host 
I wasn’t able to visit the museum during its off-season, but I was able to admire the home’s exterior and grounds, which includes the original water fountain that once sat at the intersection of Webster and US Highway 136.
I arrived in Red Cloud on a Monday, and the owner of On the Brix went above and beyond, preparing a beautiful charcuterie board with an array of cheese, sausage, and fruit for me to enjoy in my guest room at Hotel Garber.
The day’s burger special, a Mushroom & Swiss CheeseBurger with a side salad, was prepared fresh to order from an open kitchen. A lounge bar resembling something you might see in an old-school supper club served locals.
I struck up a conversation with the owners, who are die-hard live-music fans and often travel for concerts. The walls of the restaurant are covered with framed albums and guitars signed by bands like The Eagles and Def Leppard.
The food alone is well worth stopping at The Palace Lounge, and the owner’s collection of music souvenirs makes it a true hidden gem you have to see.
The pharmacy also sells flavored coffee and caffeinated cold tea drinks.
PRO TIP: Also a cinephile, Dahle runs the 
Comfortable couches and sun-drenched tables by the windows invite you to cozy up with a latté or smoothie to read a book or watch downtown traffic go by.
I met the friendliest locals when ordering a coffee, so we sat down and talked about all things Red Cloud, including what makes the town so welcoming. It’s the kind of people who look out for each other and want the best for the community, a real sense of community spirit.
PRO TIP: If the retail location is closed during your visit, you can find their honey for sale at 
The owner has curated a vast selection of seasonal gift items, and the upstairs clothing racks feature women’s and children’s on-trend apparel. You’ll be shocked at the bargain pricing for the new shirts and jackets.
Other tourism-worthy events include the 
View the 
Sure enough, it appeared from the horizon as I traveled along Highway 281, an unmistakable point of interest. A charcoal sketch by Bethany Ugalde, an artist from Mexico, was transferred onto panels to wrap around the galvanized steel structure.
The preserved prairie is considered a National Birding Site, a home to meadowlarks, wild turkeys, and grassland sparrows.
PRO TIP: Wildflower season lasts from April through October, and two miles of trail offers breathtaking views.
Be sure to walk inside the site’s little white chapel, which is always open. It’s the same church used in a JEEP® Super Bowl LV commercial staring rock legend Bruce Springsteen.
My first stop was the Visitor Center (502 Kansas Ave), located inside a restored old gas station that is open but unmanned during daylight hours. I signed the guestbook, and picked up a complimentary Kansas road map.
Across the street, I discovered the 1910 Lebanon City Jail surrounded by green space, which locals tells me is the where the town hosts live music during the community’s Oktoberfest celebration.
PRO TIP: Weigh your buffet plates on the scale after serving yourself, then note its weight/price on the paper. Give the grocery store clerk the tab of paper to pay for your meal before departing.
Kansas
Founded in 1886, 
The memorial honors the miners who lost their lives in the worst mining disaster in Kansas history at the Cherokee and Pittsburg Coal and Mining Company Mine No. 2 on November 9, 1888. Family members gathered at the mine’s entrance, distraught and waiting for news about their loved ones, many of whom did not survive the dust explosion.
Whenever I approach a memorial, I vow to read every name inscribed on it, and this time was no different.
PRO TIP: Clear your calendar to attend Frontenac’s 140th birthday at Mining Days on June 5-7, 2026. The Heritage and Homecoming Celebration is an annual event featuring family-friendly activities and historical tours. Don’t miss 
Frontenac residents have a lot to be proud of, and you owe it to yourself to visit the Heritage Hall Museum at the 
Original artifacts curated from local families added a storytelling quality, enhancing the high-quality exhibits. I was amazed by the attention to detail, from the testimonials of miners to the newspaper clippings about business openings.
The history of Southeast Kansas, and Frontenac in particular, is the story of European immigrants, miners, bootleggers, religious devotees, and family members who looked out for one another and supported the community.
Walking inside the bakery, I felt as if I were a customer seeking to buy a loaf. Tools of the miner’s trade and newspaper clippings about the worst mining disaster in history adorned a room dimly lit by lanterns. A peek inside a replica chapel revealed the history of long-standing Catholic and Methodist communities.
Another aspect of the museum that makes it better than most is that the director thought to include an interactive component, adding visual and audio stations, making it more accessible for visitors. Due to the museum’s proximity to the Frontenac Public Library, its artifacts are deeply rooted in the area’s genealogy.
Former and current Frontenac residents will relish the displays featuring curated Raiders memorabilia. Peering inside the displays, it was as if I could hear the football players and cheerleaders rooting for the Raiders to win the high school’s first-ever state football championship over Stockton in 1994.
Visiting the Heritage Hall Museum, located inside the Frontenac Public Library, is well worth it, offering visitors a glimpse into the cultural legacy and mining history of Frontenac and the greater Southeast Kansas region.
The locally owned coffee shop sells 
During my visit, a steady stream of locals came and went, accompanied by music playing from a Bluetooth speaker.
The dining room was already filled with locals when I stopped by on a weekday for a midday meal of boneless chicken wings coated in Sully Sauce. With my choice of side dish, my meal was appetizing and one I’d order again.
On Saturday nights, Shooters Neighborhood Bar & Grill is a popular hangout attracting diners seeking the Chef’s Choice special. Happy Hour specials are served Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
And for the kids (and young-at-heart), there’s a self-serve candy station, perfect for mixing and matching your favorite sweets by the pound. It’s the ultimate sugar-fueled pit stop for your Kansas adventure.
I would refer to the shop’s 
In addition to slicing deli meat by the order, refrigerated glass cases house homemade sausage, pasta meals, and pre-made sandwiches. A few tables provide a place for lunch-goers to sit down and savor a panini prepared with bread from the local bakery.
Open to the public and Tap Elite, Plus, and Choice Members, TapNPaddles makes it easy to r
After a fun game of pickleball, we cooled off with a District 96 Strawberry Blonde Ale by Norton’s Brewing at the TapNPaddles 
The pickleball venue is located next door to 
The locally-owned liquor store works with distributors to carry a vast selection of well-known brands, and I was pleased to find spirits on the shelf produced by Wichita makers, including Una Vida Tequila and Greatness Vodka.
The store’s owner helped me located the perfect bottle of dry red wine to take back to the hotel. As shoppers came and went, I noticed how she knew what some of the regular customers wanted before they located it.
K96 Liquor is one-stop shopping if you’re seeking a variety of wine, beer or spirits to purchase for your next gathering with friends or family. And if you’re a guest at someone’s party, consider purchasing one of the pre-boxed bottles that come in gift-worthy packaging.
PRO TIP: Inquire about holiday-themed gift sets.
Newly renovated, the boutique hotel has a swimming pool with outdoor seating and fire pits, views of a lake, and a swanky hangout, W xyz® Bar. Aloft Wichita is not another hotel. It’s a vibe.
The lobby is home to games (Ms. Pac-Man, anyone?), a complimentary coffee station, and a sunken lounge area where a musician plays music on Tuesday evenings, the same night W xyz® Bar serves a taco and margarita special.
After check-in, we sipped District 96 Strawberry Blonde Ale by Nortons Brewing Company at the bar to the sounds of live music. The lobby was filled with hotel guests and drop-in locals who socialized from velvety, stylish couches and around a billiards table. Business travelers worked from laptops at a central desk area.
Later, we explored the hotel’s art gallery by Envision, which displays remarkable works completed by Wichita artists with vision loss. The breathtaking collections change throughout the year.
Guests who want to make the most of the available amenities during the day will appreciate the fitness facility’s collection of state-of-the-art machines and weights.
When it’s time to slumber, one can count on Aloft Wichita’s beds to be some of the most comfortable ones thanks to soft Marriott Bonvoy® bedding and blackout curtains guaranteeing a good night’s sleep.
In the morning, the Re:Fuel by Aloft℠ grab-and-go yogurt with fruit cups or hot breakfast menu is open for early-morning bites. My preference? The OG B.E.C Sandwich served on a Brioche Bun.
Wichita’s 
To set the mood, we ordered an Indigo N Ginger and Keepers Heart Old Fashioned from a cocktail menu consisting of eight drink options. A beer and wine list equally impressed.
In a city with many Lebanese restaurants, we agreed that Chef Rickard’s Roasted Mushroom Hummus was some of the best we’ve tasted, and the Labeneh and Muhammara served with warm pita bread were award-worthy.
NOTE: If the waitstaff asks what kind of water you want to drink with dinner service, inquire about pricing.
Participating is as easy as 
The quality of the game simulator’s censors combined with the multitude of games was better than any indoor sports simulator venue I’ve experienced. And the food menu? Think elevated game day food.
I especially enjoyed unwinding after gaming with a Dubai Chocolate Martini and Azalea Martini as a golf tournament aired from bar-side television. The bartender’s inventive cocktail recipes are well-balanced.
Chef Gandhi-Rue’s scratch-made pasta entreés are irresistible, and I liked customizing my pasta by adding bacon, mushroom, and chicken. Another hearty meal, the Thai Bowl is one I’ve ordered repeatedly over the years, much like the Fajita Bowl.
