Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Missouri Tourism in partnership with St. Joseph Convention & Visitors Bureau. All opinions and photos are mine. I participated in planning the travel itinerary’s points of interests.
It’s time to “Get to Know Jo,” aka St. Joseph, Missouri, a town located on Highway 36, The Way of American Genius, offering visitors distinctive museums, dining, and charming accommodations.
If you visited St. Joseph years ago, rediscover it during an overnight stay. It’s only a 30-minute drive from Kansas City.
As a first-time visitor, I was impressed by how the town has evolved since its days as the last stop for pioneers heading West. For a location considered the place to go in 1861, it’s maintained its visit-worthy status as a Midwest travel destination.
TAKING A TOUR OF HISTORIC MUSEUMS & MEMORIALS
Patee House Museum and Jesse James Home
St. Joseph, home to over a dozen museums, is recognized as the site of the original Pony Express. Patee House Hotel was its headquarters.
Two significant events in history occurred on April 3: the Pony Express’s first rider left the station, and bank-robbing outlaw Jesse James died. Each significant history-making moment took place in St. Joseph. Visitors at Patee House Museum and Jesse James Home (1202 Penn Street) gain access to these stories.
Entering into the Patee House Museum is like walking into Missouri’s version of the Smithsonian. The historic building’s enormity and contents are awe-inspiring.
Once operated as a four-story luxury hotel opened in 1858, John Patee’s staff hosted travelers in 140 guest rooms. People from all over the world knew of the hotel within three years of its construction. Artifacts detail the history of the Pony Express, emphasizing transportation and communication, which are the museum’s focus.
I’ve visited innumerable history museums, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I peered inside a glass case and spied riverboat captain Mark Twain’s authentic signature on a book. He joined his brother Orion starting in St. Joseph for a trip west, as described in his book “Roughing It.”
I suspect you’ll find the U.S. provost marshall’s office, a wagonmaster’s blacksmith shop, and restored cars outside a 1920 replica service station fascinating. A self-guided tour of the first railway mail car and a ride on the Wild Thing Carousel is a must.
Afterward, walk outside the Patee House Museum to the Jesse James Home. It’s the original home where Jesse James was shot in the back and killed by gang member Bob Ford in 1882.
Not only is the three-room home historically accurate, but its glass cases house artifacts from Jesse’s grave recovered when they exhumed his body in the 1990s. DNA evidence proves with 99.7% accuracy that he was shot in the home.
Open Monday through Saturday from April through October; the Jesse James Home takes about 30 minutes to tour if you read the signage and ask questions of the museum’s host.
PRO TIP: Ask to see a replica skull that debunks the myth the gunshot that killed James exited his head, although a hole in the home’s wallpapered wall may prove otherwise.
Pony Express National Museum
Brave riders raced on horses across unforgiving terrain in unpredictable weather from St. Joseph to Sacramento, California, to deliver mail for the Pony Express. The town was the ideal starting point because it connected via railroads to the east.
The Pony Express National Museum (914 Penn Street) does an exceptional job of preserving history and presenting it interactively.
A self-guided museum tour reveals the story of the Pony Express and its brave riders through interactive exhibits and curated artifact displays.
Many of the exhibits are child-friendly zones, appealing to kids and school groups. For example, flip boards, aka Barn Door Trivia, keep all ages engaged in learning in the Hall of Riders, which details 22 famous and lesser-known riders.
Photo opportunities abound at the museum. Take a photo of authentic saddles or peek through photo cutout stations. Life-size faux horses are positioned in the barn’s stables, making for a picture-worthy moment for all ages at the Moment in Time exhibit.
As I meandered through the museum’s exhibits, I appreciated how the director and her volunteers presented the stories of the people who made the Pony Express worthwhile. You’ll discover letters and artifacts from actual Pony Express riders donated by their family.
PRO TIP: If you’re a true Pony Express fan or like to read all of a museum’s signage, plan for a two-hour tour of the Pony Express National Museum. Add half an hour to watch an introductory film and explore its gift shop.
Pony School
On the grounds of The Pony Express National Museum, the Pony School is a one-room replica schoolhouse you should see. It’s open by appointment for tours (ask the museum director for access!) and interpretive programs.
Wood floors creak under each step as you choose a seat at a student desk for the day’s lesson. An authentic pot-bellied stove, slate boards, and presidential portraits create a historically accurate setting.
PRO TIP: If you want a school group or youth group to experience an interactive led by a teacher reenactor, book an interpretive program by calling (816) 279-5059.
Pony Bar and Goetz Museum
Nearby, the Pony Bar and Goetz Museum is a visual reminder of the German-American story. Doubling as a reservable event space, the museum’s displays describe the people who impacted St. Joseph’s industry. Did you know the M.K. Goetz Brewing Company was founded in St. Jospeh in 1859?
The brewing company survived prohibition by pivoting to sell non-alcoholic Country Club Near Beer. It thrived and was eventually purchased by Pearl Brewing Company of San Antonio. The Pony Bar and Goetz Museum is a beautifully restored space where you can learn the company’s story by appointment.
Walter Cronkite Memorial
You don’t have to be a former college journalism graduate like myself to appreciate the life’s work of Walter Cronkite.
The broadcast journalist was born in St. Joseph in 1916, and spent his childhood visiting grandparents on their farm. Walter Cronkite Memorial (4525 Down Drive) at Missouri Western State University is more of a miniature museum than solely a memorial.
Push button interactive stations play videos of his life story and CBS News broadcast clips, including Vietnam’s coverage during the war.
Various exhibits chronicle moments in Cronkite’s career history, including NASA’s landing on the moon, JFK’s assassination, and coverage of 16 Republican National Convention events. The “We Came In Peace” Saturn V Sculpture and Cronkite’s original newsroom desk make an impression.
PRO TIP: The memorial in Spratt Hall is free to tour Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. year-round. Park in Lot C, which is dedicated to memorial visitors.
EXPLORING PUBLIC ART DOWNTOWN
Self-Guided Mural and Sculpture Walk
As you drive into St. Joseph, one thing becomes clear. The town celebrates the arts. Murals and sculptures dot the downtown landscape. The St. Joseph Sculpture Walk includes 15 installations, each a contender for the People’s Choice award.
Participating is easy. Before embarking on a city stroll, pick up a brochure map and ballot at the Allied Arts Council office (118 S. 8th Street). You can purchase a particular sculpture if you fall in love with it.
Larger-than-life murals depict the town’s history as the pioneers’ last stop to gather supplies before heading West. In the downtown corridor, you’ll discover at least seven murals painted by artists.
PRO TIP: Access this link to find all of the murals, most of which are located outside.
SAVORING THE LOCAL DINING SCENE
Café Belle Epoque
Stepping into Café Belle Epoque‘s (1141 Frederick Avenue) cozy dining room conjures up thoughts of leisurely lunches with friends. It’s the kind of restaurant where you want to order a Pear Moscow Mule from the bar while you wait for artfully plated sandwiches and salads to arrive at the table.
I chatted with a new friend between bites of the Chicken Salad Sandwich served on a croissant while he sampled the Sweet Potato Biscuit Slides. My meal, which came with soup or salad, was paired with a small bowl of scrumptious Tomato and Peach Gazpacho.
I was pleased with my meal, which used fresh ingredients, and I highly recommend dining there. The service was prompt and attentive despite the steady arrival of customers at lunchtime. I can only imagine the popularity of the brunch menu or dinner entreés, which feature slow-braised beef, butter chicken, and salmon.
PRO TIP: Keep tabs on their Facebook events page for special menu events.
Boudreaux’s Louisiana Seafood & Steaks
One wouldn’t expect to discover authentic Cajun and Creole food served in Missouri, but then they haven’t dined at Boudreaux’s Louisiana Seafood & Steaks (224 N. 4th Street). The thematic restaurant, located in a historic downtown building, is a bustling place during the dinner hour on a weekday.
The restaurant is decorated with draped beads on chandeliers and rope lights around interior columns. A taxidermy alligator on an upper shelf rests under neon signage.
After a 10-minute wait, my server took my order for a creamy crab bisque appetizer. Arriving steaming hot with a bed of rice and sliced baguette bread, I ate every bite. A fan of New Orleans’ restaurant fare, the French-style bisque was flavorful and well-prepared.
The Blackened Salmon arrived heavily-seasoned for dinner, although slightly overcooked, so I requested a white cream sauce to drizzle on top of it. The signature Boudreaux Potatoes were cubed and boiled potatoes served in savory vegetable broth.
PRO TIP: Plan to save room for dessert. My only regret was not ordering dessert, which unfortunately did not include New Orleans-style beignets, but it did feature Bourbon Pecan Pie and Turtle Cheesecake.
Mokaska Coffee Company
During an early morning visit to Mokaska Coffee Company (750 Edmond Street), instrumental jazz plays while the barista steams milk behind the bar. The dog-friendly downtown café is a hub for locals who often order coffee to go.
A London Fog hot tea and layered pastry filled with Nutella curbed my cravings. Although the courtyard patio was inviting, I chose to sit inside while it rained outdoors. Chatting with employees about their love of the town’s art scene only confirmed my appreciation of St. Joseph.
PRO TIP: Join café-goers at its bar from Thursday to Saturday when the bartender serves 10 thematic cocktail flights until 10:00 pm. Follow the Facebook page for details.
UNWINDING WITH A CRAFT BEER
River Bluff Brewing
Opened in 2018, River Bluff Brewing (1224 Frederick Avenue) is an award-winning craft beer taproom and production facility that exceeds your expectations with a long list of beers and good-time vibes.
The parking lot was full when I arrived, and once inside I realized why. It was the third Monday of the month, so the place was hopping with the sounds of the Saint Joseph Big Band playing movie-themed songs. No cover charge required from 7:30 pm-9:30 p.m.
I selected a River Cream Ale, an approachable light beer from over 12 craft beers. It went down easy as I observed families gathering and couples arriving for date night entertainment.
PRO TIP: Don’t drink beer? No worries. River Bluff Brewing pours carbonated seltzer and a guest tap sangria.
ENJOYING A GOOD NIGHT’S REST IN LUXURY
Shakespeare Chateau Inn Bed & Breakfast
Why stay overnight at a hotel when you can enjoy timeless elegance at Shakespeare Chateau Inn Bed & Breakfast (809 Hall Street)? The 1885 home in Millionaires Row, a National Register Historic District, is a five-minute drive from downtown. The multi-bedroom estate’s architecture and meticulously restored interior is breathtaking.
Upon arrival, classical music played in the home’s foray, where a hand-carved wooden staircase led my eye upstairs to a row of stained glass windows. Opulent crystal chandeliers and tiled fireplace mantels adorned each room on the main floors. Period furniture, artwork, and a bust of Shakespeare completed the Queen Anne-style home’s interior.
I was one of two guests lodging overnight that day, so I toured the home’s bedrooms, each with a private jetted bathtub. Guests can enjoy a homemade breakfast served in the grand dining room, where the day’s sunshine beams through colorful stained-glass windows.
I stayed in the Verona Suite, a spacious room with a king bed that includes a bathroom with jacuzzi tub and a walk-in dressing room. The in-suite amenities, including high-speed Wi-Fi and a flatscreen television with streaming movie channels made for a comfortable stay.
A peek inside unoccupied suites revealed similar amenities. The bed and breakfast caters to couples and solo travelers, although the As You Like It Suite‘s separate beds can accommodate one to two children. I was impressed by the home’s premiere room, The Merchant of Venice Executive Penthouse Suite, which could easily sleep up to four people.
I enjoyed a good night’s sleep in luxury. The plush accommodations surpassed anything I could have imagined. It was as if I was a posh member of royalty staying in a castle.
Innkeeper, Isobel, offers guests a remarkable experience unlike anything you’ve likely experienced. Reserve a suite at Shakespeare Chateau Inn and Gardens to enjoy views atop a bluff over St. Joseph and the Missouri River.
EVENTS WORTH EXPERIENCING
Annual Pony Express Re-Ride
Consider planning your visit during the National Pony Express Association’s annual re-ride in June. Watch as a rider leaves or returns to St. Joseph (depending on the year).
Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp
National Football League fans can pay $5 to watch the Kansas City Chiefs practice at their official training camp facility, Griffon Indoor Sports Complex at Missouri Western State University. Check the full-team or special-team schedule.
BONUS THINGS TO DO
If only I had more time in St. Joseph! It’s a town I will return to explore more, especially for its arts and music scene. Saint Joseph Symphony puts on full-orchestra and chamber performances at the historic Missouri Theater.
The Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art hosts free admission on the fourth Tuesday of the Month from 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm with free admission for military families year-round.
If you’ve traveled to St. Joseph or you’re a local, please let me know of other points of interest worth checking out. I’m eager to add them to my Missouri tourism bucket list.
The region is best known for its covered bridges and awe-inspiring views—towns like Winterset, St. Charles, and nearby Orient offer incredible dining, one-of-a-kind shopping, and unequaled museums.
Spending a weekend exploring Madison County will make you fall in love with it like I did.
I thought the Reuben on marble rye bread, a cup of homemade Strawberry Soup, and a glass of iced raspberry tea was divine. Sharing a towering lemon meringue pie, we chatted about Winterset and the town’s history.
PRO TIP: The eatery is open Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., with limited seating. Small groups should reserve a table in advance. Add a few minutes of extra time to your lunch to peruse the restaurant’s displayed antiques – many of which are for sale.
A self-guided tour of Clark Tower was, by far, my favorite discovery. We traversed a narrow, one-mile road by car to the top of a curvy hill en route to it. Built in 1926 in honor of early settlers, the limestone landmark resembles something from a fairy tale.
Another park feature not to be missed includes the whimsical chainsaw sculptures by Iowa artist Gary Keenan. The English Hedge Maze leads to a sundial, and an adjacent bocce ball court invites parkers to play a game.
Nearby Bennett Cabin and Cutler-Donahue Bridge, each built in the 1800s, are photo-worthy attractions.
Seek out the stone bridge for another photo moment. It’s the location where Robert and Francesca’s movie scene was filmed.
PRO TIP: Traveling with kids? Prepare to explore the park and its play features for at least an hour.
Spanning 79 feet, the bridge is within walking distance of the road that winds through the park. You’ll appreciate the stone bridge, also nearby, the site of the movie’s film scene where Robert and Francesca enjoy a picnic.
Parking is available nearby, and the path to the bridge is easy to navigate.
After sampling red and white drier varieties, we ultimately bought a bottle of LaCresent 2021 (2017 Mid-American Wine Competition Silver winner) to bring home.
Whether you drop in for a glass of wine in the tasting room or on the patio overlooking the valley, I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary. They don’t push wine on you to try, and instead serve you “whichever wine you like to drink.”
At 
During our visit, we chose to sit on the front porch to watch as summer rainstorm clouds developed. I sipped Lime Habanero Hard Cider, which finished sweet and sampled another favorite, John Wayne Bone Dry Hard Cider. Each one tasted crisp with authentic flavor.
PRO TIP: Check the 
You’ll appreciate the scenic view at this one. Like each covered bridge in the county, it was renovated in the 1990s to maintain its beauty.
Unfortunately, the bridge fell victim to arson twice in recent years and had to be reconstructed. The replica reminds us of the sentiment shared by the movie’s characters portrayed by Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep.
He lived in Winterset until age seven. As a boy, he walked about town with his brother and dog, Duke. Eventually taking on the nickname Duke, the family moved to California in 1914. The actor starred in 170 films.
The first stop? The museum’s theater room for a short film highlighting his achievements. Next, take a self-guided tour of each of the two galleries.
I was curious about the actor’s collection of coffee mugs – he had a keepsake mug made for each movie. Handwritten letters, a car, clothing, and an address book were some of the personal items included in the collection.
PRO TIP: I recommend devoting at least an hour to touring the birthplace home and museum if you like to read each panel. Review the John Wayne In Iowa map showing the family’s moves across the state.
I was impressed to find a basket of free produce available near the checkout counter, which I assumed came from the community garden behind the library outside.
Modern benches with historical references were added to the park. I enjoyed learning about how George Washington Carver wandered into Winterset, where he lived and worked for two years.
An art alley with interactive murals is adjacent to the Madison County Courthouse. Artists James Navarro and Katie Jensen intended visitors to discover ways to pose with the paintings.
We shared a charcuterie board while sipping craft beers as a prelude to dinner. The Drift Salad and Roast Beef Panini served on locally sourced bread made the dining experience exceptional.
PRO TIP: If you’re not a craft beer drinker (21 Iowa beers on tap!), ask about wine and mead selections. Non-alcoholic beers are an option.
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 charming home had every comfort we wanted, and to be honest, I loved the experience so much that I wished the house was for sale so we could buy it.
The creak of the original wood floors.The sunset view from the porch. I loved our stay, as will you.
From fresh groceries to retro candy and sodas to home decor and toys, you’ll find something you can’t leave the store without. I purchased a scented candle, Fresh Cut Grass.
PRO TIP: Kids get a free used book when they visit, and the monthly book club selections keep shoppers returning for new reads.
The clothing, shoes, and accessories for sale are on-trend, including the latest seasonal fashions. The inviting store features a stroller parking zone and interactive spaces for kiddos, such as a push-and-listen station (are those bees buzzing?) and a toy treasure box.
In preparation for fall, I noticed an abundance of witchy decor items; however, they may sell similar whimsical gifts year-round.
Seasonal floral picks and sit-a-bouts are arranged in vignettes throughout the store.
Most of the jewelry is handmade by the owner. Silver spoons are crafted into rings, necklaces, and bracelets. Shoppers in search of faith-based finds will appreciate the store’s inventory.
PRO TIP: Like what you see here but can’t make it to the shop? Visit her 
I loved how each houseplant was given a name to make the shopping experience more fun. I couldn’t leave without buying a handcrafted greeting card for our house host.
PRO TIP: Visit the 
We enjoyed a five-sample tasting of wines of our choice while visiting with the owner/winemaker. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the process of wine production from vine to glass while we enjoyed a platter of artisan cheeses, meats, and chocolates with our wine.
I appreciated the aged white cheddar with the dry Rosato red wine. Other favorites included crisp and refreshing Vignoles, semi-dry white Hunter’s Moon, and Red Cabernet.
What started as a jewelry business evolved into a specialty store selling dishes, apparel, gourmet foods, fresh floral arrangements, and more.
Wayward Saints Farm LLC produces goat milk products such as soaps, lotions, and hand-poured soy candles. You may find them at an area farmers market when they are not running the shop.
On the day of my visit, I voted for my favorite quilt, a 3-D pattern, from the collection “Welcome Home: A Celebrate of Quilts.” It was interesting to look closely at the handiwork of quilts dating back to the 1850s.
PRO TIP: The museum installs new 
PRO TIP: If you visit Friday-Sunday, stop next door at the 
Upon our arrival, we followed the path to the kitchen to order our brick oven pizzas and house-made cucumber salad. We walked with craft beers in hand to a table of friendly locals who welcomed us to sit with them.
Live folk music played as we dined on two styles of pizzas and engaged in conversation with our new friends. Inspired by the sunset, we left the table to walk a manicured path through the prairie amongst towering sunflowers and a temporary Prairie Art Exhibit.
The unique experience left an impression on us. After driving back from the event, we vowed to do two things: 1.) Learn how to make fresh tomato compote (delicious on the pizza) and 2.) Take our new friend’s advice for aging well, “Stay active and be social.”
PRO TIP: Bring lawn chairs or a picnic blanket to the event.
The popular cafe serves gorgeous, scratch-made pastries with top-quality coffee. The grab-and-go options like salads, wraps, and bakery items made with locally sourced ingredients.
Craving an old-fashioned cherry Pepsi®, I entered the store and headed to the back, where I discovered a nostalgic scene. Residents sat on bar stools and in booths, enjoying a hot breakfast and discussing the day’s events.
Only a 12-minute drive southwest of Winterset, the park is well-revered by locals for its five miles of trails, picnic areas, and historic 1858 Harmon Tunnel – the only highway tunnel in the state.
The town celebrates the park’s 100th anniversary this year.
FESTIVALS AND FAIRS
It’s time you plan a vacation to Madison County, Iowa.
The hotel is considered haunted. Hotel employees have seen Colonel Eldridge’s ghost sitting in an original hotel chair in storage. A photograph taken in the lobby shows a ghostly spirit standing in the lobby’s elevator.
Room 506 is considered to be the most haunted guest room in the hotel, and it is considered the colonel’s favorite spot. Of course, I requested room 506 for my overnight stay. Lights flickered. Phone power drained. Would you stay there?
Once home to the Union National Bank and Dockum Drug Store in 1926, it opened as Ambassador Hotel Wichita eight decades later. Fourteen stories tall, it was considered the tallest building in Kansas when it was completed.
In addition to its architectural significance, the building also has historical value. It was the site of a in 1958 at the Dockum Drug Store led by African Americans to end segregation. Ask about the on-site speakeasy, Dockum.
Owned by George Siedhoff, The Broadview Hotel’s grand opening took place on May 15, 1922. Originally built to give railway passengers added convenience when traveling, it was the premier hotel in the Midwest. In fact, you can still see the train depot’s stone archway entrance on the east side of the building.
Since 1879, 
The mural pictured below, “Rural Free Delivery,” was painted by Kenneth Adams and installed in the Goodland, Kansas, post office in 1937. The painting and others commissioned by The Section for Fine Arts were created to lift the spirits of people who suffered during the Great Depression. It was one of almost 30 murals commissioned in Kansas.
Another downtown structure that deserves your attention is Elliot’s Inc. (1019 Main St.), a building filled with home furnishings. The original color combination and Mid-Century modern styling stopped me in my tracks as I walked along the sidewalk across the street to view its architecture. What do you think of it?
Without a doubt, Goodland has one of the most good-looking courthouses in the state. The same Art Deco design seen on the United Telephone Building is evident in the Sherman County Courthouse. I love the arched windows over the entry doors and the grille pattern on the windows.
Located nearby the courthouse, “They Came to Stay” deserves a visit. The sculpture by Goodland native, Greg Todd, tells the story of homesteaders on the prairie and their determination to settle on the Kansas plains. Remember, settlers to the area didn’t find trees (no timber for building homes), so they were forced to build their homes using sod bricks formed by hand. It was hard work that required true grit.
The two-room shop is stocked with on-trend home decor and gift items. During my visit, a local woman came in to chat and shop for a gift for someone. It’s the kind of place where you’re bound to leave with a full shopping bag. The owner is a sweetheart willing to help you find something perfect for yourself or someone special.
Just beyond the WWII exhibit, I discovered a museum filled with treasures. The largest was a full-size, automated replica of the first patented helicopter in America. Push the button and watch the blades go! Inspired by the Wright brothers, William Purvis and Charles Wilson built the two-story helicopter in Goodland. The 1910 design was an ambitious one.
A 1902 Holsman rope-driven car is the second-largest exhibit in the museum. It was the first automobile driven in Sherman County and was owned by Dr. A.C. Gulick. The car was meticulously restored. A prominent figure in the community at the time, you will still see the name displayed in town, including a city park named after him.
Of the 8,000 objects on display, a few left me thinking about the early days of Goodland. It was the story of two train robbers.
The house dates back to 1907. Widowed and with daughters, Mary Ennis pushed forward with plans to build the home after her husband’s death. They resided there until 1917. Later, the home became a boarding house and then a funeral home. Eventually, Calvin Handy bought the home in 1956 and stayed in the family until Edythe Handy died in 2000. (Fact: Edythe died in the home’s dining room. Ask more about that during your tour.)
The owner, who also doubles as the cook, has filled the restaurant with antiques from floor to ceiling. Nothing is off-limits at the bar and grill. Bicycles dangle above your head. Road signs cover the walls. The bar is an antique salvaged and transported from San Francisco.
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 