Disclosure: Kansas Tourism sponsored this post for two separate visits in 2023 and 2025. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.
Updated October 2025
Fort Scott, Kansas, is a special place promising unforgettable experiences. Established in 1855, it’s maintained its historic charm while adding remarkable museums, dining, and unique shopping to a list of visit-worthy attractions.
A 1.5-hour drive south of Kansas City or 2.5 hours east of Wichita, the southeast Kansas town makes for a delightful experience.
Must-Have Unforgettable Experiences in Fort Scott, Kansas
Accommodations
The Courtland Hotel & Spa
Nestled in Fort Scott’s historic downtown district sits The Courtland Hotel & Spa (121 E. 1st St.), a period-style building dating back to 1906. The hotel’s historic ambiance is clear from the moment you walk inside the oversized glass door to the creaky wood floors.
A building that temporarily housed railroad workers during the early 1900s, the hotel features fully furnished rooms and spacious bathrooms on its second floor. Not only did my room (King Room 1) include double closets and soft bedding, but I was able to work using its high-speed Wi-Fi and stream movies. A grab-and-go breakfast near the coffee station made the stay extra comfortable.
PRO TIP: To book a tranquil spa service, call 620-223-5676 or reserve a service online before your arrival. And if you’re interested in bike rental, ask about the yellow bikes in front of the hotel.
Sleep Inn & Suites
Sleep Inn & Suites (302 E. Wall St.) is an award-winning hotel for a reason. From the attentive customer service and hotel amenities to the cleanliness of my room, I was beyond impressed with it. A Choice Hotel, it earned Ring of Honor recognition bestowed on the highest-ranked hotels, based primarily on guests’ reviews.
I loved that it was within walking distance of downtown Hays, where I could shop at antique stores and peruse the Lowell Milken Center of Unsung Heroes. After check-in, I appreciated that my guest room looked as if it were brand new with updated furnishings. It was immaculate.
A pristine indoor pool is heated for those relaxing moments, and when you’re ready to ramp up your cardio, walk to the fully equipped fitness center. Other perks include free, well-lit parking, free WiFi, and a complimentary breakfast each morning. I’m definitely returning to the Sleep Inn & Suites next time I travel with our dog, Lily.
Outdoor Adventures
Gunn Park
When visiting Fort Scott, you must explore beautiful Gunn Park (1010 Park Ave.). The 155-acre landscape seems to go as far as the eye can see. Families appreciate its playground areas while anglers fish from the banks of Fern Lake.
Do you love to mountain bike? Gunn Park Trails wind through wooded scenery along the Marmaton River.
For a novice disc golfer, I thought the 18-hole course was approachable. Despite the trees, each hole was pretty spacious, and golfers play from concrete tee boxes.
PRO TIP: The park includes 14 camp sites with electric and water hookups if you travel by RV. The cost is $20/night.
Take a Tour
Fort Scott National Historic Site
Most travelers visit the area to tour Fort Scott National Historic Site (199 Old Fort Blvd.), established in 1842. Fort Scott played an important role in Bleeding Kansas, The Civil War, and westward railroad expansion.
It served as a military outpost on the Indian frontier to keep settlers in Missouri out of the territory and vice-versa. And to contain westward expansion, infantry patrolled the Oregon and Santa Fe trails to ensure safe travel.
The fort lies near the Kansas/Missouri border, an area for Civil War combat. It served as a supply depot, hospital, and top-ranking generals and their families live on-site in special barracks.
The historic buildings are open for self-guided tours every day from sunrise to sunset, or you can join a guided tour from the Visitor Center at 10 am and 1 pm daily. I chose the self-guided option and listened to my phone’s free National Park Service app . I was pleased with the narrator’s thorough description of each building and its use.
PRO TIP: Start at the Visitor’s Center to view a map of the grounds and ask any questions of the park ranger. Its retail area contains books and gifts for all ages.
BONUS: Before departing from the historic site area, look across the street at the mural, “First Kansas Colored Infantry” painted by artist Cbabi Bayoc in 2023. Click here for a list of all of the murals in Fort Scott.
U.S. Cemetery No. 1
My historic tour of the area took me to Fort Scott National Cemetery (900 E. National Ave.). The resting place for all armed forces members, it pays tribute to the soldiers who severed honorable for the country.
Established in 1862 by President Abraham Lincoln and the US Congress, it is one of 14 cemeteries in the nation and three in the state.
Open from dawn to dusk, visitors can enter the cemetery on two sides via grand entrances and park along the paved roads before exiting to walk the grounds consisting of 10.5 acres.
Foreman Lopez greeted me at the office and patiently explained the cemetery’s significance and notable gravestones. A poet, Eugene Fitch Ware, who wrote “Jonquil” and “John Brown,” is interred in Grave 1. Sixteen Indian soldiers who were Army scouts and 88 African American soldiers from the Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry are buried in Section 5.
PRO TIP: In search of a particular grave site? Use the video touchscreen at the Visitor’s Center to search the database and print a map.
Gordon Parks Museum & Historical Tour
Gordon Parks, originally from Fort Scott, was a world-renowned photojournalist and filmmaker whose work impacted many people’s lives. His images captured the Civil Rights movement, celebrities in candid moments, and the struggle of impoverished people.
Voted Kansan of the Year in 1986, he also published an autobiographical novel, The Learning Tree, about Fort Scott. He directed multiple films, wrote musical compositions, and authored several books.
Located on the Fort Scott Community College campus, The Gordon Parks Museum (2108 S. Horton St.) displays some of his photography collection, piano, movie memorabilia, and personal effects. The museum’s annual Choice of Weapons ceremony, held at the museum, honors a person in uses their art to make a profound difference in the lives of others.
A major fan of his work and a previous photography teacher, I was elated to tour the museum to glimpse Parks’ cameras, his framed photography, and to view a replica of Park’s New York City apartment.
Our group was fortunate enough to have a guided tour by the museum’s director, who informed us about the international impact Parks’ work as a photographer had, but also as a filmmaker, writer, and musician. Parks taught himself how to do it all.
Later, we went on a special guided Fort Scott Trolley Tour to pay homage at Parks’ gravesite at the Evergreen Cemetery. The black granite tombstone is inscribed with a poem, Homecoming, which details how Parks felt while living in Fort Scott and his hope for the future.
Born in Fort Scott, he lived in the Kansas town for the first 16 years of his life only to return later to document the town in a photo essay. He filmed scenes for his movie The Learning Tree at Gunn Park, which was also included in our tour. He wrote the screenplay, directed, acted, produced and wrote the musical score for the semi-autobiographical film.
Another stop of our tour took us to a mural depicting Parks painted by artist Cbabi Bayoc. Located at 18 E. Wall Street, Tribute to Gordon Parks “No Place Like Home” includes a portion of his Homecoming poem.
Lastly, our trolley tour ended with a visit to the town’s newest tribute, the Wayman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church Commemorative Park (301 S. Lowman Street). Parks attended the church with his family and included it in his film in 1968. Frederick Douglas and Professor E. J. Hawkins were also connected to the church.
Interpretive panels inform about the church’s namesake, Bishop Wayman, previous pastors, and a timeline of events documents its history.
A bricklayer’s fingerprints can still be seen in the church’s original bricks, which were added to the Wayman Chapel African American Methodist Episcopal Commemorative Park established on the site where the church once stood.
PRO TIP: Plan your visit by checking the museum’s hours, which operate when the college is open.
The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes
What makes someone an unsung hero? At Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes (1 S. Main), museum-goers learn about individuals whose bravery propelled them to do the right thing in an exceptional way despite the odds. Reading the stories of unsung heroes is emotionally moving.
Each display features a student-driven project that focuses on someone of extraordinary character.
They are the stories of everyday people who made incredible sacrifices, like Polish-born Irena Sendler, who spearheaded a group of people to offer food and shelter to Jewish people. She helped rescue 2,500 Jewish children during the Nazi occupation during World War II.
PRO TIP: Give yourself at least an hour to tour the museum. Many displays include a video component or touchscreen interaction. Don’t miss the outdoor displays, and look for the stars during a self-guided sidewalk tour.
Dolly The Trolley
If you’re short on time and want to make the most of your visit to Fort Scott, a 50-minute narrated tour on Dolly The Trolley is the answer.
Parked at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Center (231 E. Wall St.), the trolley runs from the first weekend of March to the first weekend of December. View ticket prices and trolley hours here.
PRO TIP: Stop in the Fort Scott Visitor’s Center to stock up on travel brochures and sign the guest book.
Downtown Shopping
Historic brick streets. Boutique shops in every building. Interesting antiques are around every corner. Shoppers on the lookout for a gem of a find will love strolling through the stores in downtown Fort Scott.
Each shop has a visual personality, and most stores carry an eclectic mix of goods, from repurposed furniture and ladies’ apparel to on-trend home decor and vintage items.
During your visit, stop inside The Iron Star (3 N. Main St.), Main Street Vintage & Co. (23 S. Main St.), Sunshine Boutique (18 E. Wall St.), and Angie Dawn’s Boutique (108 Scott Ave.) to purchase something special for you or a loved one.
This list scratches the surface. I look forward to returning to Fort Scott when I have more time to shop.
During my shopping experience, I appreciated Hedgehog Ink‘s(16 S. Main St.) new, gently used book inventory. As you walk in, ask the employee about the monthly sales special. The books are well-organized and categorized by type and genre.
PRO TIP: You should park the car in the heart of the downtown shopping district and walk to the stores. Take a moment to look for Downtown Walking Tour signs that provide historical context to the area.
Create Art
The Artificers
I took a pottery-making class at The Artificers (10 N. National Ave.), where creatives hone their artistic skills and others sell their finished projects. Think of it as part teaching studio, part art gallery.
During our two-hour workshop, I learned how the owner sources Bourbon County clay, prepares it for projects, and uses it to create stunning kitchenware and decorative pieces.
My project focused on hand-forming a mug, which I’m proud to say didn’t look to shabby once it was ready to be fired in the kiln. Luckily for me, the owners are happy to ship completed works to class attendees who don’t live in the area.
If you’re interested in an art class (they range in mediums from painting to pottery), view The Teaching Studio’s Workshops Calendar or call to schedule a private workshop. A private workshop like mine may include craft beer and charcuterie, if you’re lucky.
Be sure to shop for a new treasure in the art gallery. Handcrafted items include oversized whimsical clay designs, dinnerware, coffee mugs, wall art, and jewelry.
Sip & Savor
Cohn’s Cafe on Main and 100 South Main Mercantile & Market
My early-morning meal turned into something grand at Cohn’s Cafe on Main (110 S. Main St.). You won’t find a run-of-the-mill typical breakfast menu. Quiche Lorraine, crepes, and mimosas are just a few of the unexpected delights. I sipped a lavender-infused lemonade mimosa between bites of Nutella and banana crepes, a heavenly combination.
Also known for an equally dynamic lunch menu, Cohn’s Cafe on Main, offers diners another reason to visit. The Green Lantern dinner menu features main dishes such as German Goulash and Short Rib Ravioli.
Adjacent to the restaurant is the 100 South Main Mercantile & Market, which sells Kansas-made gifts and Fort Scott memorabilia.
Upstairs, they’ve converted a theatre lobby into the Green Lantern Speakeasy, open for evening cocktails during select days of the week. The building was once a Scottish Rite Temple, and the restored architecture is breathtaking.
PRO TIP: Check for the day’s menu specials on Facebook. Order a classic cocktail, the Bee’s Knees, at the speakeasy.
Common Ground Coffee Co.
Bustling with activity, Common Ground Coffee Co. (12 E. Wall St.) is the place to gather at a large table with friends or sit solo to catch up on work. During my visit, community college students intently studied behind laptops while sipping from coffee cups.
You’re guaranteed to be greeted by a friendly face behind the counter. Not always sure what I want to order, the employee was patient while I asked questions about the breakfast menu options ranging from muffins to fresh-made sandwiches.
PRO TIP: A downtown hangout for locals, the coffee shop hosts live music played by singers and songwriters occasionally. Check the café’s event schedule.
Sharky’s Pub & Grub
What do you get when you mix an Irish bar with an island theme inside a building dating back to 1888? Sharky’s Pub & Grub (16 N. National Ave.) is a favorite restaurant with locals. Every wall space has sports bar memorabilia, funny bumper stickers, and tin signs. Guinness flags drop overhead, and an Irish flag outside the building keeps with the theme.
With 20 beers on tap and an extensive menu, you’re bound to order something that curbs your cravings. They serve “good food and honest drink,” making it a go-to place to grab lunch or dinner. The Asian Chicken Salad was a heaping portion considering it was the “lunch size,” and it paired well with a Lagunitas IPA cold draft.
With 20 beers on tap and an extensive menu, you’re bound to order something that curbs your cravings. They serve “good food and honest drink,” making it a go-to place to grab lunch or dinner. The Asian Chicken Salad was a heaping portion considering it was the “lunch size,” and it paired well with a Lagunitas IPA cold draft.
PRO TIP: Seat yourself wherever you would prefer to sit. If dining alone, pony up to the bar for quick service.
Crooner’s Lounge
Ooh la la! There is no better place to enjoy a high-end dinner in Fort Scott than Crooner’s Lounge (117 S. Main).
The restaurant offers affordable Happy Hour specials, a short list of martinis, cocktails, wine selections, and small plate bites. My crab cakes arrived perfectly prepared with an outer crust and soft center.
The lasagna (recommended to me by a couple of locals) was scrumptious for dinner. A large portion that two people could easily share came with a house salad and bread.
Although I was stuffed, I craved something sweet. My server asked the kitchen to prepare cinnamon ice cream with a caramel drizzle minus the cake for my after-dinner treat. I ate every bite.
PRO TIP: Make a reservation in advance of your arrival at Fort Scott. I also recommend you view the restaurant’s Facebook page to ensure it’s not closed for a private party. When you go, ask about the specials before ordering your meal.
The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative
The locals had a vision to partner together to bring an incubator kitchen concept, retail space, and event space to downtown Fort Scott. The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative (12 S. Main St.) is where local culinary talents are celebrated and scratch made meals are sold.
During my visit, I learned that the commercial kitchen space with state-of-the-art equipment can be rented by food truck operators and small business chefs.
Visitors can sign up for cooking classes taught by trained chefs. My meal, prepared by Jonny O’s Nashville Hot Chicken & Burgers, was hands-down one of the best chicken sandwiches I’ve eaten.
A retail marketplace at the front of the space, The Kitchen C+C, is where kitchen tenants can sell grab-and-go cuisine, including daily lunch specials.
The rest of the renovated historic building space is used to sell kitchenware or rent for a private party.
Other Places or Events Worth Checking Out
Would you like to take to the links? Play 18 holes at the highly-rated Woodland Hills Golf Course (2414 Horton St.).
If you have time to explore agritourism locations, check out The Lavender Patch Farm, 1553 Plants & Produce, or Fort Scott’s Farmers’ Market. Don’t miss the kid-friendly Museum of Creativity, see a show at Liberty Theatre or the Danny and Willis Ellis Family Fine Arts Center.
To learn more about Fort Scott, view Kansas Tourism’s directory page. And when visiting Fort Scott, be sure to also plan for an overnight stay in Humboldt, a 48-mile drive west of town.
What did I leave off the list? What unforgettable place would you recommend I visit in Fort Scott during a return visit? Please leave your comments below.
If you’re traveling through Southeast Kansas, consider viewing my travel recommendations for Coffeyville and Pittsburg.
