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Despite what some people think, Kansas is not flat terrain. Its topography ranges from vast open prairie to the Flint Hills and protruding terrain such as the Gypsum Hills. Add the unpredictability of its ever-changing weather, making it a challenging location for early settlers.
Native Americans created trading posts. Settlers arrived from distant countries and other parts of the country, hoping to access farmland. Cowboys drove cattle from Texas along the Chisholm Trail.
Fortunately, these museums document the story of those who chose Kansas as their home. Museum-goers can time-travel back in history, imagining what life must have been like for its early residents, visiting one museum at a time.
Consider this a list to enjoy the great American road trip getting to know Kansas history and its people.
Kansas Museums to Imagine Life on the Prairie
OAKLEY
Buffalo Bill Cultural Center
The story of the American West includes William F. Cody, Buffalo Bill, who worked as a contract buffalo hunter. The Buffalo Bill Cultural Center’s interpretive displays and the outdoor sculpture of Buffalo Bill tell the story of northwestern Kansas town’s early days.
A worthwhile point of interest in Oakley, a 16-foot bronze sculpture of Buffalo Bill draws tourists eager to take photos. The 8 Wonder of Kansas Art landmark is twice the life size of Buffalo Bill and his horse.
GOODLAND
High Plains Museum
Documented stories dating back over 100 years come to life at the High Plains Museum, where curators display over 8,000 Western Kansas artifacts, including a replica of the first patented helicopter in America inspired by the Wright brothers. A glass case housing a gun, money box, and masks used by train robbers illustrates the train robbery story.
A gallery of images depicts farming and railroad history in Sherman County. High-quality traveling exhibits and regularly scheduled trivia nights add to the museum’s appeal in Goodland.
COLBY
Prairie Museum of Art and History
Walk in the shoes of the state’s early residents inside original buildings on a 24-acre site at Prairie Museum of Art and History in Colby. A one-room schoolhouse and a 1915 church serve as time capsules, while tractors on display are a visual reminder of the labor-intensive daily work of farmers who tended fields and raised livestock.
The Cooper Barn, the largest one in Kansas, is one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Architecture and a must-see attraction. Inside, Agriculture on the High Plains: High Dry’s artifacts tell a farming story during water scarcity, underscoring the challenges of prairie living.
OBERLIN
Decatur County Last Indian Raid Museum
In 1878, a battle between the Cheyenne Indian tribe and US Army men took place in Decatur County, resulting in deaths. The Decatur County Last Indian Raid Museum’s displays preserve this history, as do buffalo hunters and homesteaders.
Fifteen structures, including 13 authentic buildings, tell a visual story of Decatur County from 1885 to 1952. Use a self-guided tour map and scan QR codes with your phone’s camera to access historical information at each display.
DODGE CITY
Boot Hill Museum
Located in Dodge City, the Queen of the Cowtowns, Boot Hill Museum preserves life on the prairie history by documenting the Old West. A self-guided tour of original and replica buildings immerses visitors in 1800s life. The museum includes over 60,000 artifacts and photographs about the Plains Indians, the cattle industry, Victorian life, and the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame exhibit.
While watching saloon girls perform at the Long Brand Variety Show in the saloon while sipping sarsaparilla, one is immersed in saloon life. It’s here that bootleggers profited, and cowboys gambled until dawn. And when things got too rowdy, gunfights broke out beyond the saloon doors in the street where cowboys often died with their boots on, hence the name Boot Hill.
LARNED
Santa Fe Trail Center
Part museum, part library, the Santa Fe Trail Center brings the past to life, showcasing how the High Plains changed after the railroad developed. The not-to-be-missed destination includes indoor and outdoor exhibits.
Gallery exhibits detail how a trapper’s life and a 1919 replica home depicts family. History lovers can view the Frizell Depot or send a telegraph message outside. Don’t miss the schoolhouse and chapel, each over 100 years old.
NICODEMUS
Nicodemus Historical Museum
Established in 1877, Nicodemus, Kansas, was founded by once enslaved African Americans who migrated to Kansas in search of land. The Nicodemus Historical Museum, a national park site, tells the story of their faith and tenacity in using the prairie to make a living.
Take a tour of five buildings located at the oldest and only remaining Black settlements west of the Mississippi River. In October, Pioneer Day features speakers highlighting the town’s founding residents.
HAYS
Fort Hays State Historic Site
At Fort Hays State Historic Site during my “Voices of Kansas” tour of Hays, I learned about the frontier post’s role in protecting workers building the Union Pacific Eastern Division railway. An exhibit about Chief Black Kettle highlights how the prominent Southern Cheyenne leader worked to promote peace and to negotiate treaties with the U.S. military.
Established in 1865, and its visitor center, blockhouse, guardhouse, and officers’ quarters are available to tour. A couple of original officers’ quarters remain or the previous 11 row houses that existed. It is open to tour at no cost, every day except Monday and Tuesday. They host a popular Christmas event during the first weekend in December, drawing over 1,500 visitors annually.
MANHATTAN
Flint Hills Discovery Center
Manhattan, situated on the Konza Prairie, is the home of the Flint Hills Discovery Center. An ideal place to learn about the region’s topography, seven indoor interactive exhibits explore Kansas weather and its effect on the ecosystem.
The museum’s Horizon Ranch Flint Hills Immersive Experience Theatre shows a 15-minute film immersing viewers in blowing wind, falling snow, and a light show mimicking a real prairie fire. Other exhibits drive home what it’s like to work as a cattle rancher, from raising livestock to selling it – don’t leave without practicing your auctioning skills.
LA CROSSE
Kansas Barbed Wire Museum
Traditional Twist. One Round-One Square. Razor Ribbon. The names given to various barbed wire designs are as fascinating as its uses.
The Kansas Barbed Wire Museum educates about the history of barbed wire fencing. Used by landowners to keep free-roaming cattle from damaging crops, the twisted metal was also used by railroad companies to keep cattle from straying on the tracks.
LYONS
Coronado Quivira Museum
The year was 1541, and Francisco Vasquez de Coronado was on a mission to find gold. The Spanish explorer and his men traveled through Kansas on this quest. Although unsuccessful, Coronado left an impression (and a few artifacts behind!).
The Coronado Quivira Museum also documents Quivira, an ancestral province of the Wichita tribe located near Lyons, that Coronado discovered during his visit.
TOPEKA
Kansas Museum of History
The Kansas Museum of History offers visitors perhaps the most robust story of the early days of Kansas, chronicling the life of Native Americans, the impact of the Civil War, and the effects of the Bleeding Kansas sage.
Glass cases house Native American artifacts serving as symbols of tribal life. Peering into a covered wagon helps visitors envision traveling as a family on the desolate plains westward with hope in their hearts. Everything changed with the development of Kansas railroads, and a tour inside a locomotive reminds visitors of its expansion from east to west in the 1860s. The Topeka museum will reopen after renovations on Kansas Day 2025.
ABILENE
Old Abilene Town
Abilene, a stop on the Chisholm Trail, is an original Wild West location. Old Abilene Town is a living history museum depicting what people experienced during the town’s cattle-driving days.
Visitors can watch can-can dancers hoot and holler or gunfighters duke it out in the street in the summer. What must it have been like for drovers to move Texas livestock through town? A live longhorn cattle walk through downtown Abilene during Chisholm Trail Days during Labor Day Weekend to recreate history. A visit to Old Abilene Town on any given day of the year is worthwhile, serving as a backdrop for photos.
SHAWNEE
Shawnee Town Museum
Another living history museum, Shawnee Town Museum, familiarizes visitors with a typical day in the 1929 farm community. Many buildings are replicas; however, a walk through an original 1878 farmhouse resembles how a family would have lived. Greet chicken outside in the coop or smell the aroma of the smokehouse before touring the Market Shed, where homemakers sold goods.
Old Shawnee Days, an annual fair in early June, draws a large crowd for its nostalgic parade, vendors, and amusement park rides.
BONNER SPRINGS
National Agriculture Center and Hall of Fame
Curious about how farmers work the land? The National Agriculture Center and Hall of Fame in Bonner Springs displays 20,000 square feet of antique farm machinery, while the Art Gallery showcases depictions of farm life. Tour the Agricultural Hall of Fame and Farm Town USA to understand how farm families persevered fully.
Don’t miss the Barnyard Babies Family Festival in late April, which allows kids to see animals and farm equipment and ride a train or pony. Interested in machinery? At the Tractor Cruise in May, dozens of tractors drive a 40-mile loop through the county.
REPUBLIC COUNTY
Pawnee Indian Museum State Historic Site
One of the 8 Wonders of Kansas finalists, the Pawnee Indian Museum State Historic Site offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the tribe’s settlements and early 1800s lifestyle. The Republic County museum is constructed around a preserved original dome-shaped earth lodge. Walking its interior, one can see areas dug to store dry goods, a fire pit, and charred wood pieces.
The museum experience is self-guided unless visitors attend special events, which include Mountain Man Rendezvous and Kansas Day activities. During the fall season, after-dark tours occur.
MARYSVILLE
Pony Express Barn & Museum
What was it like to live during a time when a horseman delivered letters to alert town officials of essential events in the 1860s? Part museum, part stable, a visitor’s tour starts by viewing a 15-minute film about the Old West tradition before perusing exhibits ranging from illuminated dioramas to livery stable artifacts. Children will appreciate hands-on activities, from touching animal pelts to donning cowboy garb for a photograph.
The Pony Express Barn & Museum in Marysville is the only remaining original station on the route located between Missouri and California.
OLATHE
Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site
The true grit of the 1860s frontier comes alive at the only working stagecoach stop left on the Santa Fe Trail. A portal back in time, the Living History Museum and Agricultural Heritage Livestock Barn set the scene at the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site.
Stand in awe as horses plow a field or watch as a cookstove meal. The clip-clop sound of horses’ hoofs signals stagecoach rides are underway – a must-have experience in Olathe.
WELLINGTON
Chisholm Trail Museum
At the Chisholm Trail Museum in Wellington, over 20,000 artifacts displayed in thematic rooms document the story of cattlemen and some of the area’s first pioneer families. The town was a central stop on the Chisholm Trail between Texas and Abilene, Kansas, in 1867.
Admire the embroidered leather work of an authentic saddle, view original photography, or read the names of barbed wire before touring a room dedicated to 1875 pioneer living. Outside, a replica of Texas Longhorn is a photo-worthy sight.
WICHITA
Great Plains Nature Center
At the Great Plains Nature Center, visitors of all ages learn about the animals and fauna that call Kansas home. Animal exhibits and interactive displays document the evolution of prairies, wetlands, and woodland. Events, often including children’s activities, regularly occur at the center in Wichita.
Ready for a stroll outdoors? Surrounded by Chisholm Creek Park, visitors can listen to chirping birds while touring preserved native grassland where free-roaming deer and turkey make their home.
Mid-America All-Indian Center
Several Indigenous tribes resided near the Arkansas River in Wichita before it became an incorporated city. The Mid-America All-Indian Center, which preserves American Indian heritage while honoring its present, is often the site of rotating art exhibits, dinners, and powwow events.
Its permanent display of Blackbear Bosin’s artwork is an homage to his iconic Keeper of the Plains sculpture on the plaza. Fiery cauldrons ignite at its base at 9:00 pm (spring and summer) and 7:00 pm (fall and winter).
Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum
Entering the doors at the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, one is stepping inside Wichita’s first city hall, built in 1890. Four floors of exhibits help visitors imagine what it was like when Indians settled in Wichita and how businessmen made it into a boom town.
Touch a bison hide while learning about hunters and traders who visited the one-time cattle town. Inside “A Wichita Cottage,” a replica middle-class room depicts the wealthy’s way of life. Around the corner, the Mayor’s Office is set up to resemble where businessman turned mayor John B. Carey made important decisions.
Old Cowtown Museum
Watch 1800s-era life in real-time at Old Cowtown Museum, a living history museum where interpreters dress in period costumes to portray Kansas life. During the regular season (April-October), cowboys kick up dust on Main Street, saloon girls dance on stage, and shopkeepers demonstrate their craft.
Visitors can take self-guided tours of 54 buildings, many of which are original structures. The Munger House, considered the first Wichita home, gives new meaning to Home on the Range. The creaky wood floor, low ceilings, and smell of the Kansas prairie envelope visitors.
SCOTT CITY
El Quartelejo Museum
The studio’s local Native American and pioneer history continues at the El Quartelejo Museum, where the story of those who settled in western Kansas is told. The El Cuartelejo Ruins, built by the Pueblo Indians in Scott County, are well documented.
Take in exhibits dedicated to the Santa Fe Trail and the cattle industry to learn about how later residents used land as a resource. Photography displays drive home the impact of weather events on local farmers.
COFFEYVILLE
Dalton Defenders Museum
“Give me all the money!” The Dalton Gang consisted of three brothers/cowboys who robbed banks. But they were no match for Coffeyville’s residents who fought back. The Dalton Defenders Museum‘s theater room and exhibits document the story and serve as a tribute to the citizens who died defending the town.
Visitors are encouraged to look inside glass cases housing the gang’s guns, saddles, and swatches of their clothing. Outdoors, a walk down Dalton Death Alley helps one imagine where the outlaws tied their horses before the bank raid.
Don’t leave for a road trip without packing the car with my travel-worthy gear for the ride, which also includes pet-friendly essentials if you travel with your pup.
Relax in privacy. Enjoy a meal with the comforts of home. Sit on the patio. Experience the destination on your terms.
I stayed in the 
The plush accommodations surpassed anything I could have imagined. It was as if I was a posh member of royalty staying in a castle.
Reserve a suite at 
Built in 1910, the renovated loft space beautifully showcases the historic building’s architecture, from its brick-exposed walls to the original wood floors. The 1,600 square foot, two-bedroom, one bath loft sleeps four guests.
You’ll appreciate the private parking with front door or back door self-entry keypad access. Once inside, it feels like home with amenities such as a washer and dryer, full kitchen, streaming television channels, Bluetooth compatible speakers, and high-speed WiFi.
Pro Tip: Shop the loft owner’s store, 
The tall white columns, brick architecture, and sheer size capture the attention of passersby. I was the first guest to check in on the day of my overnight stay, so I was able to peek inside each of the themed bedrooms and tour the home’s main level.
To reserve a room at Gufler Mansion Bed & Breakfast for a single night or overnight stay, visit the 
They prioritize guest comfort (I slept like a baby for the first time in weeks), and the inn is impeccably designed with a nod to a Norwegian aesthetic.
In the evening, I lounged in the Wine Shelter, sipping a complimentary glass of white wine. At breakfast, I sat at a sun-drenched table savoring a Swedish platter, which included vegetables, farmers’ cheese, and pickled herring.
Do yourself a favor and 
The vacation rental is ideal for adult couples or a family who wants to unwind in comfortable accommodations. The owner felt inspired to bring life back to an old building, and she did an remarkable job maintaining its historic character while adding modern day amenities.
NOTE: This is an upstairs loft space, so guests must be comfortable carrying their bags up nearly 30 steps to the second floor. Shoes must be taken off and kept in the hallway prior to entry.
Upon arrival, I walked the downstairs parlor and adjacent dining room, admiring the owner’s meticulous restoration of turn-of-the-century woodwork.
The dining room’s tablescape was beautifully set with an artful arrangement of seasonal plates, flatware, and decorations. The owner prides herself on updating the table decorations often.
Original stained glass windows drew my eye to an ascending staircase, where private guest rooms awaited – each one named after a Bible verse. My queen bedroom, including a twin bed and private bathroom, was painted lavender and decorated with Victorian decorative touches, including handkerchiefs and florals.
After a restful night’s sleep, I joined other guests in the dining room for breakfast. The meal started with juice and coffee before a Monte Cristo-style croissant breakfast sandwich served with homemade jam was served.
Overall, my overnight stay at 
A restored 1908 country home turned 
A short drive from dining, shopping, and museums in Winterset, it was perfect for us. We watched the movie The Bridges Over Madison County at night while drinking champagne in a room surrounded by antiques and framed artwork.
The creak of the original wood floors. The sunset view from the porch. I loved our stay, as will you.
A blanket and velvety pillows gave the living room space a homey feel, which was delightful.
The bedroom included a pillowy-soft, queen-sized bed. Flanked by two reading lights and an end table, it was a great place to kick back and enjoy a book or admire nature from the sliding glass door view.
Although the house was sandwiched between two more significant properties, it feels secluded because of its deep front yard and leading walkway. The neighborhood is well-kept and safe. We never heard the sound of traffic or neighborhood activity.
Consider reserving the 
It’s easy to see why the home is listed as a Guest Favorite on the vacation rental website. One of only a few historic homes on a cul-de-sac, the two-story house is part of a duplex located only four blocks from downtown.
The full kitchen was equipped with anything I needed to cook a meal, plus the coffee station included several options of ground Starbucks coffee and tea. Because my itinerary included in-town restaurants, I used the spacious dining room table to plug in the laptop and get some work done.
We were pleased with the home’s comfortable amenities, including high-speed WiFi, laundry facilities (robes provided!), a walk-in shower with toiletries, and a full kitchen (breakfast pastries and French press coffee, anyone?).
Families will appreciate the home’s spaciousness and proximity to the park across the street. It’s a safe, lovely neighborhood. 
The interior was decorated in neutral tones. Restored hardwood floors creaked as I toured the accommodations. The open living room space easily included enough seating to accommodate several guests. Original chalkboards carved with the initials of rambunctious students flanked two sides of the room.
Two bedrooms with plush queen-sized beds with end tables and armoires welcomed me. Which one would I choose? The rooms were equally inviting. The full bathroom with a modern shower included the amenities of home plus a basket of toiletries.
Although The Schoolhouse Inn did not have a kitchen, I had access to a small refrigerator and freezer, Keurig coffeemaker, and microwave. The refrigerator was filled with bottled water and soda products. Complimentary drinks and snacks made the stay unexpectedly comfortable.
If you’re still unsure and would rather stay in a staffed hotel with character, consider also reading my blog post 
This list merely scratches the surface of unique attractions worth pulling over to see. In fact, I’ve yet to add twine to the 
With over 200 new restaurants opening in the last two years, finding an up-and-coming restaurant to enjoy is easy. But if you want to dine like a local, refer to my pocket guide of must-visit restaurants when visiting Music City.
Their award-winning barbecue is served with southern hospitality, and if you’re lucky, Carey might swing by your table for a casual chat during the meal. Menu favorites include heaping BBQ Nachos, Memphis Sushi, and Dry Rubbed Ribs, but opt for the shareable Combo Platter when in doubt.
PRO TIP: Leave room for banana pudding or a drool-worthy fried pie fresh from the oven. View 
The food was exceptionally prepared and presented during our group’s family-style private dinner service. The Pre-Show Dinner menu, served from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., features Italian-inspired dishes.
I joined others, tapping our feet to the sounds of live bluegrass music while indulging in various shareable appetizers. Skillet cornbread, deviled eggs, and crispy Brussels sprouts satisfied. The sandwiches, with a side salad, are a creative twist on burgers and chicken sandwiches.
PRO TIP: Arrive at 5:00 p.m. to enjoy weekly Happy Hour cocktail menu specials, beer discounts, and $5 snacks. View 
The menu features Southern comfort classics ranging from barbecue meals, oysters, sandwiches, and steaks. Sit back with a deck drink or ice-cold beer as the sun sets. Hot chicken seasoning ranges from Sissy (perfect for me!) to Hiroshima levels, thanks to added cayenne paste.
PRO TIP: The deck gets crowded, especially on show nights at The Opry. It stays open until 3:00 a.m. Monday-Friday for post-show celebrations. View 
Meals are artfully plated using traditional Japanese ingredients. Sesame, soy, and miso make recipe appearances. The bar menu showcases boozy and non-boozy drinks with names such as Viva Magenta (gin) and Matcha Limeade.
PRO TIP: Park in the rear of the building and walk up the back stairs. View 
Referred to as Camp Bobby, the pop-up holiday bar was decorated down to every detail. Live bands play during summer’s Backyard Sessions, and it’s a fantastic place to soak of downtown views or play yard games any time of year.
PRO TIP: View 
The cidery rolls out a new seasonal selection every three weeks, so consider adding it to a tasting flight of four pours.
PRO TIP: They love four-legged customers. Ask about monthly dog-friendly events. View 
We enjoyed tastings of four single-barrel bourbons of our choice during a group reservation. Their Small-Batch Cask Strength and Tennessee Single Barrel Whiskey, two of my preferred selections, went down like a warm hug.
PRO TIP: Are you feeling brave? Ask if you can sample Wooshine. View 
From upscale dining and laid-back cafés to shopping strolls and an underground cave tour, there is more than enough to experience in three days. Lincoln, aka The Star City, is your destination, no matter your travel personality.
The expansive lobby is filled with UNL sports artifacts and framed illustrations of notable Nebraskans like Warren Buffett. Comfy couch configurations and desk sets provide plenty of room to gather with friends before or after a day of exploring the city.
Where can you eat and drink at the hotel? 
While I didn’t have time to create a candle, I came home with a French Press soy candle that smells like fresh brewed coffee.
As I perused the store’s shelves, I noticed non-licorice candies available for sale as well. This is the ideal shopping destination if you want to build a gift basket for someone with a sweet tooth.
In business for over 20 years, Licorice International is likely unlike any candy store you’ve visited and one of the most interesting in the Midwest. Ask about homemade fudge and pecan rolls.
Kid clothing, art supplies, dolls, toys, they carry it. You won’t find typical big-box store toys at Paper Kite. They stock handmade toys and wearables created by local and regional artisans.
In search of a gift for my niece and nephew, an employee helped me search the store for the perfect sentiment. The store’s beautiful stationary and art prints made it hard not to leave without something for myself.
Opened in 2006, the inventory consists of on-trend fashions and everyday clothing. Tables display jewelry, handbags, and sneakers to complement outfits and create classic, timeless looks.
The owner refreshes inventory curating items at market to sell at the College View store and its Omaha sister store, 
I thought the variety of wearable classics was affordable compared to Lululemon or its competitors. The clearance racks at the back of the store are the place to look for deep discounts.
Items are grouped by function and design. Dried flowers and garlands adorned the garden room. A dark, moody room included man cave decor. An upstairs room catered to shoppers seeking stylish bedroom accents.
PRO TIP: Get a sneak peek at new inventory arrivals by viewing its 
I sipped a Maracuyá fruit drink between bites of a Confetti Blueberry Mini Loaf at an indoor cafe near the shop’s retail area. The smell of fresh baked goods permeated the air.
Reserve a table to enjoy elevated fresh, innovative cuisine with views of bustling downtown Lincoln. The interior’s grey walls and black accents are illuminated by pendant lighting, creating a monochromatic aesthetic.
The menu features recipes that incorporate seasonally available sustainable ingredients. We asked our server, Evan, to present us with a variety of entrees in a progressive style, starting with Pistachio-Peach-Prosciutto and followed by Fried Chicken Yogurt and Pickles.
The award-worthy meal continued with Smoky Mussels + Parmesan Broth, concluding with homemade fruit sorbet served with melon segments.
The restaurant, which also serves lunch and dinner, is led by owner and executive chef Eric Lemke, who incorporates farm-fresh ingredients into seasonal menu selections.
We couldn’t eat another bite. In fact, we took the leftovers home with us because leaving them behind would be a crime. Nevertheless, our helpful server showed us the dessert tray featuring an array of goodies made by a local baker, especially for the restaurant. Next time, I’ll order the two-tiered carrot cake, one of the most requested desserts.
We dropped by before embarking on the farmers’ market just before a line formed at the register. The drink menu, featuring single-origin coffee and loose-lea tea drinks, also includes made-to-order crepes and panini.
I enjoyed a chai tea latted seated from a 70s style upholstered couch under a wood beam and brick ceiling. A couple chatted at a nearby cafe table as people came and went on a busy Saturday morning.
People stroll brick streets in the Historic Haymarket District looking to buy something they didn’t know they needed until they saw it. A few shoppers are greeted with familiarity by vendors.
Fresh cut flowers, jewelry, bagged coffee, woodcut wall art. Each booth ignites a sense of discovery for something new at every glance.
If you’re feeling hungry while shopping, many food trucks offer nourishment from full meals to grab-and-go snacks. Preview what you can expect at an upcoming market via its 
The store is a sea of red. Mascot bobbleheads shake, and neon signs buzz as you walk by shelves of grill accessories, foam fingers, coolers, and more. Racks of t-shirts, available in sizes S to XXXL Tall, anchor the center of the showroom.
Ascend the stairs to the Tailgate Deck to comb through racks of casual ware ideal for rooting on your favorite Nebraska team.
Don’t worry—the store also celebrates the Game Day spirit by featuring scarlet red attire and fanny packs. Check out the sales racks in the back of the store for deep discounts.
Bring your camera to take photos with a backdrop of vibrant roses, flora, and public art. We witnessed people reading on park benches to the sound of the fountain’s falling water. In the distance, I spotted a giraffe feeding through the fence at the nearby 
The garden is free to explore and open to all ages. We watched as young children curiously discovered bronze statuary while other visitors admired blooming perennials.
We sat at a sunlit table indoors during lunch and enjoyed a Seared Salmon Nicoise salad and a Bistro Burger. The salad was impressive in size and flavor, and I’d order it again. The stacked burger was served with traditional toppings on a brioche bun with fries.
PRO TIP: Ask for a Brunch menu if dining Saturday-Sunday from 8:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. Bar selections include a Piedmont Mimosa Pitcher for sharing amongst friends.
After entering a nondescript doorway, we flipped through a leather-bound book listing cocktails named after famous Nebraskans. Lively conversation at the bar ensued while we waited for our drinks: Malcolm Little and Johnny Carson.
You can expect the cocktail ingredients to match the interior’s vintage vibe. A seasonal menu features handcrafted cocktails with names like The Days Go By, Betty Rose, and Good Grief. I sipped a blanco tequila drink, Hot Donna, prepared with blackberry jalapeño syrup and lime saccharum while the sound of Barry White’s voice sang, “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love” through the lounge’s speakers.
I chatted with the barista, Garrison, who told me the café doubles as a cocktail wine bar appealing to patrons who want to enjoy an evening libation.
The interior is decorated with color murals, a prelude to the outdoor park’s intriguing public art installations.
PRO TIP: Attend 
The town may be known as the oldest city on the Missouri River, but its modern-day appeal makes it a town to put at the top of your travel bucket list.
As I enjoyed a bowl of fruit and a coffee, I watched as cycling groups and individual riders parked their bikes, enthusiastic to see one another. Tourists entered the adjacent bike shop to inquire about renting bikes and helmets for a day’s trek along the Katy Trail State Park’s route.
PRO TIP: The bike shop doubles as a bike rental stop and retail store. 
It wasn’t long before I was visiting with locals about the Frenchtown Historic District, a hub for art and music lovers who care deeply about the neighborhood and its history. The brewery’s lack of televisions created a setting conducive to making new friends.
PRO TIP: The museum is open during brewery hours and its contents rotate frequently.
Originating in St. Louis, Schlafly’s Bankside location is a three-story brewery and restaurant with indoor-only seating. I choose an unfiltered IPA from a list of 14 beers on tap. Although I wasn’t hungry, the gastropub-style menu options sounded good, and the portions were large by the looks of someone’s burger.
PRO TIP: I agree with Google reviewers. The restaurant gets busy by 10:00 a.m., so consider beating the rush and arriving at 9:00 a.m. like me.
The staff poured the way, I stirred it for less than a minute, and then they added a trimmed wick to complete it. Within two hours, my custom candle was available for pickup.
Shoppers can adhere patches of their choice to trucker-style ballcaps, a trending fashion accessory, or get creative and add them to a denim jacket. MJ’s offers hundreds of patches to choose from, whether you’re creating a hat for yourself or someone else.
PRO TIP: The shop and its sister location in town host regular events. View its 
Cookbooks, cutting boards, bakeware, you name it, they carry it. Choose from table linens to bottled condiments as you collect items for purchase.
PRO TIP: Keep your eyes peeled for deals. Their signature line of bottled glazes and burger starters were marked down to only $5 at the rear of the store alongside other bargains the day of my visit.
The store’s inventory included year-round home decorations, faux flowers and plants, lamps, wall decor, candles, pillows, handbags, and jewelry.
If you’re looking for a treasure for yourself or someone else, expect to spend at least a half-hour perusing displays in the 4,700-square-foot store.
Today, it is home to over 70,000 residents who appreciate it for its historic roots as the state’s first capital city.
Retrace their journey by taking a self-guided tour of dioramas and exhibits that showcase natural artifacts. The most fascinating artifacts on view were the geological samples (Missouri geodes) and replica journal entries.
The museum sees over 25,000 visitors anually, including school groups, and many of its displays are kid-friendly. They will appreciate the Little Classroom walk-in house. 
PRO TIP: Walk behind the museum to see the 
Take a stroll along the Missouri riverfront’s paved sidewalks, taking breaks to admire one of the town’s well-known landmarks, 
My group, on The Key to the West: Pioneers, Explorers, & Traders…Oh My! tour, was handed old-school viewfinders to use when prompted by the tour guide along a five-block route. The guide talked as we walked from historic building to building, telling stories about the people who chose to live and work in St. Charles’ early days.
St. Charles was a center for trade, so the town’s center wanted it to become a capital city. Governor McNair signed a bill confirming its status in 1820, and legislators met there the following year to debate states’ and enslaved people’s rights.
The most interesting aspect of the tour was listening to our enthusiastic tour guide talk about the historical artifacts inside the restored Peck brothers’ general store and residence. The 1820s furnishings served as visual reminders or the hardship of early 19th Century life.
The top two levels of the building contain glass display cases filled with vintage soda bottles and merchandise representing a portion of one man’s collection. The main floor showcases many Coca-Cola-branded items, while the third floor showcases other soda brands.
PRO TIP: Add to the arcade experience by enjoying a meal from the snack bar with your favorite carbonated soda.
Once a train car factory in the 1920s, the building’s lower-level grand hall often hosts public events, including bingo nights and live performances.
