Disclosure: Republic County Economic Development sponsored this post; however, all opinions are mine. Nearly all of the photos were taken by me.
There is so much to love about rural Kansas.
If you’ve driven from Wichita to Omaha, you’ve passed through Republic County, sitting just below the Nebraska border in North Central Kansas. After a recent visit to the area, I assure you that Republic County is a must-visit destination that wins you over quickly with its boutique shops, Main Street charm, and delicious dining options.
They say the soul of a place is what it is because of its people. The residents of Republic County are salt of the Earth people who care about one another and want to keep improving their communities. They greet visitors with open arms and are eager to tell you about the many great things that make their county a place many would like to call home. In fact, I heard more than once during my visit to area businesses that many of the county’s residents are returning to the area to raise their families. They’re drawn to a quieter way of living, an ideal place to raise a family. After spending two days visiting the county’s best destinations, I understood the sentiment.
BELLEVILLE, KS “At the Crossroads of America”
Shopping + Dining
Upon arriving in Belleville, Kansas, my first stop was The Feathered Nest (1914 M. Street), a store that a friend of mine raved about as soon as she heard I was traveling to the area. It’s not a store many discover by happenchance, but one that lives up to its reputation.
A massive home interiors/decor shop with a coffee lounge is a must-visit store. As soon as I walked in, I knew my wallet was in trouble. I wanted to bring the fancy pillows, framed prints, and towering candle holders home. They also sell jars of Kansas-made gourmet foods and chef’s tools to complete one’s kitchen.
The store manager, Lynette, sat down with me to chat about the store in the coffee lounge. I sipped a specialty coffee, The Feathered Frenzy, and enjoyed a scratch-made scone from the espresso bar. As we talked, I noticed several locals sitting together in small groups, talking over coffee. Immediately, I could feel a real sense of community.
I learned the store has a decades-long history of outfitting homes with furnishings and gift items. The Feathered Nest provides in-home design services for those looking to upgrade their living spaces from flooring to textiles. It’s far more than a standard small-town furniture store. They also provide free consultations to homeowners who want to meet with the designers at home or in the store.
Aside from home design items, they sell apparel, jewelry, and baby + preteen gift items. It’s impossible not to find a gift for someone in The Feathered Nest. Lynette and her team take the time to listen to your needs and direct you to the perfect purchase for someone.
If you cannot shop in-store, you can also buy many of the retail items online here.
A HISTORIC TOUR
Later, I was taken on a walking tour of Belleville‘s Courthouse Square to view the architectural details and relive its early years. Belleville Chamber & Main Street Director, Waylon, pointed out each building’s details to me. We walked and talked as music played over the square’s speaker system.
Officially a town in 1869, buildings surround the art deco county courthouse, which was built after the original building burned down. Several of the original wood-framed buildings burned down, so they were replaced with brick and stone construction. I admired the Spanish-style design details that adorned many buildings during our tour.
Tall, arched windows dotted the commercial architecture. Inside, original tin ceilings and hardwood floors were a glimpse into the past. As we continued walking, I spotted historic photos on the side of planters and signage detailing the early days of Belleville. Today, many of the buildings house specialty stores and renovated office space. However, it was a particular towering building that caught my eye.
The Blair Theater (1310 19th St.) opened in 1928 when talking pictures came to town. Its facade is meticulously restored and reminiscent of an earlier time. After admiring its exterior beauty, we walked inside to see its woodwork and ornate finishes. Now known as The Blair Center for the Arts, it is still in operation today.
During my visit, I saw schoolchildren in small groups awaiting their turn to head into the single movie theater to watch a free summer movie. The smell of fresh popcorn permeated the air. It is a must-experience attraction in Belleville. To view upcoming showtimes, visit here.
SHOPPING
After my tour, I was ready to get back to shopping. I stopped inside Sew Country (1834 M. St.), a quilter’s paradise. Two friendly employees greeted me and took me around the store. I quickly discovered that Sew County is the place to source the latest fabric patterns and supplies for quilters planning a project.
In business for almost three decades, they carry over 6,000 bolts of fabric (check out their gallery). Quilters come from miles around to peruse their inventory of seasonal prints and notions (snaps, elastics, threads). If you want to learn more about taking a DIY class or asking them to ship quilting supplies to you, visit their Facebook page.
My next stop led me to David’s Creations (1329 19th St.), the town’s full-service florist. David greeted me, who quickly made me feel right at home. It wasn’t long before I was snacking on a sample of Kansas-made preserves and chatting about flowers. The store was celebrating its first anniversary, and it was a day of celebration. David’s Creations provides fresh and silk floral arrangements for pick-up or delivery within a 20-mile radius. With years of experience artfully arranging flowers for special occasions, David is well-versed in botanicals.
If you’re searching for a gift for a loved one, the store is stocked with boxed candy, home decor, and statuary. Consider David’s Creations your one-stop shop for all things beautiful in Belleville. View a gallery of arrangements for ideas and check the store hours on the Facebook page.
DINING
Just as I was beginning to get hungry for lunch, I spotted Wood Shop Pizza (1317 18th St.) across the way. As I approached, I saw a window sign that read, “This is a bad place for a diet.” I had come to the right place.
Inside, locals sat at beautifully crafted wood tables, happily dining on wood-fired pizza and sub sandwiches. Woodworkers own the pizzeria, hence the name, so it made perfect sense that the interior had an industrial vibe, from the authentic wood floors to the beam-exposed ceiling.
I chose the lunch special, the Italian Pizza, served on thin crust – a delicious choice. I loved the tanginess of the Italian dressing combined with the salami, pepperoncini, and stretchy cheese. Country music played in the background as enjoyed my pizza. I could see hilarious sayings on various wall signs from my booth seat.
(Insider Tip: If you get to dine at Wood Shop Pizza, go down the hallway to the bathroom, where you’ll discover more hilarity written on the walls.)
ATTRACTIONS
Now it was time to drive to Kansas High Banks Hall of Fame Auto Racing Museum (1204 H. St.) – the mecca for all things midget car racing since 2015. Anyone who races or loves racing knows that Belleville is the home of the world’s fastest half-mile dirt track (aka “Big Belleville”). What began as a flat horse track eventually became a popular race track in 1910. The museum gives visitors an up-close look at two rooms stocked with pristine midget cars and a few stock and modified cars.
Record-holding racer, Don, gave me a tour of the museum. It was built to capture the history of racing personalities, house memorabilia, and display race cars. More or less unregulated, midgets cars have been driven at Belleville by some of the best drivers, including many of today’s Nascar celebrities, from Kasey Kahne to Jeff Gordan. The track is also home to sprint car racing and touts 305 national winners.
Opened in 2015, the museum welcomes race fans from all over the world who want to learn more about the track that put Belleville on the map. I encourage you to visit Don and his friends who work at the Hall of Fame museum to fully appreciate the legacy of Belleville’s racing community. Don’t forget to sign the guest book.
It only made sense to visit Belleville High Banks (608 O. St.), the historic race track built in 1932. City councilman, James Doyle, met me there to give me an inside look. We were standing on the second oldest continuously operating event track, the same track where racing record-holders make a name for themselves.
He told me that the Belleville Midget Nationals started at the track in 1978, an event that still fills the stands today. Later, the Belleville 305 Spring Nationals was born Thus, High Banks has an inner track and an outer track with an incredibly steep, 23-degree bank. Race fans can sit in the stands only feet from the track to cheer on their favorite driver during event races. I’m told it’s quite a show as midget cars race at up to 141 mph and sprint cars zoom along 80′ width of track at speeds up to 200 mph.
Is it something you’d like to experience? Get directions to the track here. Not able to make it to the track for a visit? You can view it on a live camera feed here.
COURTLAND, KS “Welcomes You”
A 20-minute drive from Belleville, the charming town of Courtland was my next stop. I drove down a road surrounded by 8′ tall cornfields on both sides.
LODGING
I checked into the Heartland Gamebirds Lodge (402 Main St.) for an overnight stay. Once one of the town’s bustling banks, today, the building is restored into a beautiful lodging facility for visitors to relax after a day of guided pheasant hunting. I was impressed by the brand-new accommodations and modern finishes. If I were a hunter or part of a group spending time in Courtland, this is where I’d want to stay.
The two-story building includes rooms with comfortable bunk beds, a common living space with an open kitchen, and two full bathrooms with laundry facilities. Downstairs, I found two authentic bank vaults and a foray with oversized windows flooding the space with sunlight.
After dropping my bags, I felt perfectly relaxed as I sipped on Kansas-made coffee from a comfy leather couch while admiring the brick-exposed walls and original arched windows. I spotted a building down below from the window view that I had to check out.
SHOPPING
Soul Sisters Ceramics (328 Main St) is a unique boutique inside an old gas station. The paint your own pottery studio also sells hand-selected home decor and clothing.
Shanna, the store’s owner, was one of the sweetest people I met in Courtland. It turns out we graduated from the same university with the same degree. As we chatted about her love of all things creative, she explained that the pottery studio is open to walk-ins, and private parties and serves as an event space. I watched her display delicate necklaces with pendants made from Kansas clay onto a wall display. I noted that much of the inventory was made in the, from candles to the modern farmhouse-style decor Sunflower State.
Visitors to the historic building will love what Shanna has done with it. She regularly rotates new retail inventory, making shopping a delight. I’m still kicking myself for not buying the necklace I had my eye on. Luckily, I can order many of the store’s items online.
As you leave with your shopping bag, I recommend a peek at the “hidden” mural painted outside the building. It’s a great place to take a photo in Courtland.
Soon, I found myself walking down to another shopping destination, AnTeaQues (415 Main St.). Part antique store/restaurant, the AnTeaQues is divided into two sections. Shoppers will appreciate hunting for antique finds ranging from rusty tools to old books.
Ask the owner for assistance if you see something you’re interested in. On the other side of the store, I spotted red and white checkered tablecloths where locals gathered for breakfast and lunch. Everything on the menu, from the mashed potatoes to the sandwiches, is made in-house.
DINING
Hungry for dinner, I didn’t have to look far – Pinky’s Bar and Grill was across the street (428 Main St.). This is the kind of restaurant you walk into, and everyone knows you’re not a local. The place is filled with families and couples dining together and catching up on the latest news. I chose a seat at the bar.
The day’s special was Salmon Cakes with Vegetables, but I opted for the Chef Salad and a cold beer. At Pinky’s, the owner cooks your meals fresh to order. She buzzed busily behind the counter, preparing heaping plates of chicken parmesan, hand-pressed hamburgers, sandwiches or “handhelds,” and steaks. The person next to me ordered the Rigatoni Bolognese. You name it, it’s on the menu. When in Courtland, make time to visit Pinky’s.
ATTRACTIONS
I knew I had one more place to track down before the day’s end. It was time to drive to Snow Goose Lodge (250 Xavier Road) to glimpse the Jamestown Marsh at the overlook. I had heard about its breathtaking scenery and wanted a closer look.
The property’s new owners, a cheery couple, met me upon my arrival. I learned that the property was built to provide hunters with unmatched hunting opportunities. It was located just beyond the town on 48 acres and included a log home, lodge, and bunkhouse. Before I knew it, I was sitting in an ATV, and we were going for a ride to see the original homestead and to capture a better view of the buildings, including the infamous covered bridge.
What a sight! It is Kansas’s only covered bridge (not solely for pedestrians). The clock tower on top of it still works.
Built in 2002, the lodge has been leased by groups and families for overnight stays. During my tour of it, I couldn’t help but admire the tall wood beams and stone fireplace. A canoe hung from the vaulted ceiling, and taxidermy decorated the walls. It was the quintessential cabin. It was an inviting space with enough space for three fully furnished bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, a loft, and an open great room. I considered how easy it would be to return to Courtland with a group and stay there.
On the back patio, I watched the wind push the grassy fields, and birds fly back and forth to bird boxes. The lodge, built at the highest point overlooking Jamestown Wildlife Refuge, offers some of the best views in Republic County. Just off in the distance, I saw a “General Store” on the property and later learned that is where visitors practice their clay shooting skills.
The property also has a smaller bunkhouse for those traveling solo or with a companion. To learn more about renting one of the properties for an overnight or weekend stay, contact the property directly via the website here.
I planned the rest of my trip just after sunrise the next morning. I checked out of the lodge and went to the Depot Market (11101 30 Road) just beyond the cornfields leading into Courtland. I was in search of fresh-made donuts.
Surprisingly, I found myself standing inside an authentic train depot/retail store. Unfortunately, the donut machine wasn’t working that morning, but that didn’t dissuade me from shopping for fresh fruits and vegetables, snacks, and cheese curds.
Just as I was about to purchase my finds, I was greeted by the Depot Market’s owner. He invited me to sit down to learn more about the depot and his business. A few minutes into our conversation, I felt like I had made a new friend.
He had the Sante Fe train depot, originally located in Courtland, moved to its current site in 1989. The market is open in the summer and sells fresh produce and farm-to-table, Kansas-made products. As I was learning about the depot’s history, we headed outside to get a better view of the farm fields.
With his granddaughter in tow, we walked rows upon rows of trellised berry bushes and mounds of flowers. He carried the basket while his granddaughter carefully snipped brightly colored flowers for me to take home. Visitors to the market can do the same and weigh their cuttings for purchase inside the retail store.
As we walked, Dan told me about his love of rural farming and a quieter way of life. He mentioned how wonderful it is to see people visit in droves to pick their own pumpkins in the fall and meander through the corn maze. For his family and the Depot Market’s employees, watching people smile while picking a basket of blackberries is another rewarding part of the job.
Just as my tour ended inside the hoop house, where we snacked on raspberries, I felt sad to leave. I highly recommend stopping at the Depot Market for an experience you’ll never forget.
Eight miles north of U.S. 36 on K-266, I drove to the Pawnee Indian Museum (480 Pawnee Trail) to see an authentic earth lodge. I was told it was a finalist of the 8 Wonders of Kansas, so I knew it was worth the short drive. The visit has since changed the way I view the Kansas prairie.
In the early 1800s, the Pawnee tribe chose to settle in what is now Republic County, where they lived in 50 dome-shaped earth lodges. The museum opened in 1967 after archeologists excavated and uncovered half the village, which originally housed 2,ooo+ Pawnee.
Standing inside the museum, I was quieted and humbled by the experience. When you walk into the facility’s doors, you immediately glimpse an interior room. Soon, you realize that you’re standing above an actual lodge depression. Each hole in the ground, including a six-foot dry goods pit, served a purpose for the Pawnee.
Bison bones, metal tools, and a sacred bundle tell the story of a tribe that chose to live in the area to hunt big game. The women of the tribe built the lodges, gardened by the river, and performed all of the domestic duties. It is said that they even traveled as far as Colorado to source the wood beams to support the lodges.
The historic site took my breath away. The Pawnee Indian Museum forces visitors to pause and reflect on the earliest residents of Republic County. It deserves your visit.
SCANDIA, KS “Your Shopping Destination”
With the rest of my road trip ahead of me, I drove six miles to Scandia, a town known for its antique stores. I was having too much fun to stop now.
DINING
It was time for a hearty meal, and I knew just the place I wanted to try, TAG’s Grill & Bar (319 Cloud St.) I spotted a meat smoker near the building, hard at work billowing with blue smoke. Barbecue was on my mind.
I ordered the BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich with kettle chips for lunch. Just as I suspected, it was delicious. Having arrived early into the lunch hour, I noticed townies stopping by for lunch. One man ordered breakfast (you can order it all day) while another patron dined on a hamburger.
But everyone wanted a slice of cream pie or cheesecake. One man’s grandson hopped up excitedly to check out the refrigerator case full of single-serve slices. He brought it back with a smile of delight. I was going to need to leave room for dessert.
I ordered the Turtle Cheesecake, a popular choice, and began to devour it. Just then, the owner sat down at my table to say hello and get to know me better. I quickly realized that this kind of friendliness is what you should expect from everyone in Republic County. Warm and welcoming – they don’t know any other way.
SHOPPING
One of the highlights of visiting Scandia is that you can shop for antiques along the town’s main corridor. Visitors drive to Scandia just to shop on the shelves of the Antique Mall (309 4th St.). It makes up four storefronts, allowing shoppers to easily duck in and out of stores. The town screams, “Shop here!”
No stranger to antique shopping, I’d consider the items in the stores worthy of a trip to Scandia. My heart nearly skipped a beat when I encountered an original linotype machine inside the town’s newspaper building. Other items that caught my eye included oversized furniture waiting for someone to claim them. The prices were quite reasonable.
I entered the Buffalo Gallery & Pigeonhole Studio (302 4th St.). Co-owners Connie and Marla sell their individual creations, which include an eclectic collection of handcrafted wreaths, whimsical artwork, and unique home decor. The walls were adorned with art made from hand-cut license plates.
My final stop took me to C&C High Tunnel Farms (317 4th St.), where I met the owner, Christi. She told me how her family farm grew into a retail business. Refrigerators were stocked full of Kansas-sourced meats and cheeses, and to my surprise, she carried beef from my friend’s farm, North End Farms in Salina. It just proves you never know who you will meet or what coincidences you might experience on a road trip.
My visit to Republic County reminded me that the people and places of Kansas are some of the best anywhere. I learned that the people work hard to make their towns a place to call home.
Only a two-hour drive from Wichita and north of Concordia, all three towns deserve your visit. Whoever said Kansas is a flyover state hasn’t met the fine people of Republic County or visited its towns. I promise you’ll love your experience.
I’m already counting down the days until I revisit my new friends.
Just as my coffee buzz took effect, I found myself stepping inside 
The rest of the hotel was equally impressive. The Drury Hotel Plaza Broadview features an indoor pool and whirlpool, business center, fitness center, guest pantry, and outdoor hot tub. Soon after checking in the hotel, I made my way to their free 5:30 Kickback®, a “happy hour” kind of event open to guests every evening. I presented my Kickback® card to the bartender and was given three complimentary drinks (wine, beer, or cocktails) to accompany self-serve appetizers. You’ll love this amenity.
Located in the heart of downtown Wichita and only a short walk from shopping and dining, its prime location is perfect for adventure seekers who want to enjoy the city. Using downtown transit is easy and there is a map available online to plan your Douglas Avenue route 
The next morning, I made my way to the second-floor mezzanine where an elaborate breakfast buffet awaited my arrival featuring a full lineup of delicious menu options. Adjacent to the buffet was a cereal station, coffee counter, and make your own waffle setup. I chose biscuits and gravy with a side of sausage. The freshly brewed coffee was just what I needed to give me a boost for the day.
Later at the hotel, I continued my historical journey by viewing the framed prints adorning the lobby’s walls. Did you know the 
If given the chance to walk into one of the hotel’s larger event spaces, the ballroom, you can view a mosaic designed by American Indian artist, Blackbear Bosin. He is the same artist who designed the city’s iconic Keeper of the Plains sculpture that stands proudly amongst the downtown skyline. The 1,550 square foot mosaic is the largest continual mural in Kansas. Ask the front desk attendant if the ballroom is accessible to view it.
All in all, I adored my experience as a guest at 
Even though I don’t exercise much (she inspires me to get moving!), Jennifer and I share quite a bit. We’re native Wichitans, and our pride for the city runs deep. We both appreciate making the most of each day and seeking adventure in everyday life. It’s that inner spirit that drives us to make life more delightful.
Did we inspire you to explore the city? Wichita is nestled between two rivers and linked by several bike trails. Building your own adventure and finding your favorite fuel around town is easy and fun.
Once you’ve stocked your reusable bag with Kansas-made products, I recommend taking a walk around Madison Avenue Central Park and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. If you’re a parent with kids in tow, visiting the like-new playground is a must.
What makes this museum special? It has more unique and hard-to-curate items than I’ve seen in a Kansas museum. For example, they don’t just have one antique typewriter or camera – dozens of all sizes and colors. I told everyone I’ve met since I visited the museum about its impact on me. And I must admit, the more I learned about the town’s history, the more I wished I had gone to school in Derby. “Go, Panthers!” I’ll return to the museum with friends and family in tow.
During my visit, the park hosted youth softball and baseball tournaments. With every crack of a bat and roar of the crowd, the atmosphere erupted with a competitive spirit. It was a good day to visit the park for the first time. The energy was infectious, and it was certainly a place to enjoy the sounds of summer.
I devoured tangy BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders on King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls served with perfectly crispy tater tots. Seated in the cool air conditioning while enjoying a scrumptious meal was just what I needed to escape the summer heat.
Touring the park is an immersive experience. Where else can you walk amongst life-sized prehistoric creators and hear their natural sounds? Don’t miss visiting all of the activity stations. Each one keeps novice paleontologists learning and engaged.
I visited the pool on one of the hottest days on record in Derby. It was the best place to wind down and relax in the shade near the water. It made for great people-watching, too! Everyone was smiling and enjoying the day. If you want to learn more about Rock River Rapids Aquatic Center, the premier water park in South-Central Kansas, view their hours and events via their F
A large part of the appeal of visiting Pratt is getting to know its residents as you stroll in and out of local businesses. They treat you like they’ve known you for years! From unique boutiques and Western wear shops to art museums and restaurants, there is more than enough fun to be had in a day.
After ordering my chai tea and a slice of Quiche Lorraine, I stepped into the back of the café into a Friends-themed lounge. While dining on my delicious breakfast, I scribbled my favorite cast member quote in chalk on the table and then read Friends trivia.
The town is also known for hosting 
