Disclosure: The Willa Cather Foundation and Visit Red Cloud sponsored my trip. All opinions and photographs are my own.
In Red Cloud, Nebraska, literary history meets community spirit, creating a visit-worthy town only six miles beyond the North-Central Kansas border.
Known as the home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Willa Cather, its downtown is a hub where community is truly felt wherever you go. Even if you’re not visiting to dive into Willa Cather’s history, Red Cloud offers something for every kind of traveler, from shopping to dining and museums. And the town’s boutique hotel is positively charming.
Luxury Lodging
Hotel Garber
Hotel Garber (346 N. Webster) is a stylish boutique hotel worthy of an overnight stay. Featuring 26 guest rooms, including a two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite, it is a beautiful addition to downtown Red Cloud.
Developers revitalized a historic building, restoring it to its three-story grandeur. Initially built in 1902, guests feel at home amid modern furnishings in spacious lounges and high-ceiling guest rooms.
My Standard King Room was perfect for me as a solo traveler and included the in-room amenities I seek when booking a stay.
After a day of exploring Red Cloud, I spent my evenings reading a Willa Cather book by lamplight from bed or watching television. Thanks to high-speed Wi-Fi, I was able to get some work done on my laptop.
Guests have access to a complimentary continental breakfast buffet served in the Creative Hub, which includes self-serve eggs, bacon, muffins, toast, oatmeal, yogurt, and drinks.
You’ll definitely want to grab a drink and dinner at Forrester’s Restaurant & Lounge, when it’s open in the evening.
Choose from seven signature cocktails, many of which are a nod to Willa Cather’s book characters, like the O-Pioneers Paloma. Eight wines are available by the glass or bottle, and they have a short list of whiskey, bourbon, scotch, and craft beers.
I relaxed with a smoked old-fashioned cocktail before savoring braised beef served with a squash-corn salad from the chef’s seasonal menu. The dining room stirred with small groups of local families and friends who dropped by for cocktails and conversation.
Paired with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, the chef’s creation was scrumptious and well-suited for a fabulous fall evening dinner.
Check Forrester’s Restaurant and Lounge hours in advance, especially if you’re interested in dinner service.
Hotel Garber’s staff exceeded my expectations by ensuring my comfort during my two-night stay, often asking whether I needed anything and offering tourism advice when requested.
There is a reason Hotel Garber receives 5-star reviews. View guest rooms and reserve your stay.
Must-Have Experiences
National Willa Cather Center
Esteemed novelist Willa Cather wrote, “I would rather go home to Red Cloud than any of the beautiful cities in Europe where I used to love to go.”
She truly loved her childhood home, and Nebraskans early welcomed her back when she visited as an adult.
At the National Willa Cather Center (413 N. Webster), the writer’s legacy is honored through a museum, guided tours, and a bookstore. The non-profit foundation keeps the writer’s legacy alive by maintaining historic sites and hosting events, such as an author series.
I explored the American Bittersweet: The Life and Writing of Willa Cather exhibit, highlighting the author’s personal and professional life by reading the displays in chronological order, starting with her formative years in Red Cloud.
Situated in a restored 1887 building, the exhibit’s photography brings Cather’s story to life. She worked tirelessly as a magazine editor for years, a job that honed her skills and accelerated her book-writing career.
A visit to the National Willa Cather Center isn’t complete without stepping into a bonus room located beyond the exhibit. There, I discovered a full-scale, bronze statue of the author by Omaha artist Littleton Alston. It’s similar to the one situated at the U.S. Capitol.
PRO TIP: Take the elevator upstairs to view another Cather statue and a gallery of historical photographs taken of Red Cloud residents during the 19th Century.
Guided Seven-Building Tour
I immersed myself in Cather’s life story by taking the 90-minute Guided Seven-Building Tour around Red Cloud, following my guide in my car.
At each stop, from the Burlington Depot to Cather’s childhood home, an expert guide explained the significance of each location in Cather’s upbringing.
Burlington Depot
The morning sunshine warmed the exterior of the Burlington Depot (437 W. Welsch) as my guide pointed out its architecture. Technically, this is the town’s third train depot building, built in 1897.
The depot is mentioned in Cather’s short story “The Sculpture’s Funeral.”
Cather, who revisited Red Cloud many times, traveled to and from her hometown by train.
St. Juliana Falconieri Catholic Church
If you’ve read Cather’s book, “My Ántonia,” then you’re familiar with Cather’s main character, who her real-life friend, Anna Pavelka, inspired.
St. Juliana Falconieri Catholic Church (425 W. 3rd) is where Pavelka’s first child was baptized and where she was wed.
J.L. Miner House
A tour of the J.L. Miner House (241 N. Seward) reveals the personality of the family who once lived there, including Cather’s childhood playmate, Mary Miner.
She also befriended Carrie Miner, the same woman to whom her book “My Ántonia” is dedicated. The family inspired Cather’s characters, the Harling family.
As you tour the home, it’s clear it was considered one of the nicest in the community when it was built in 1878. Large rooms, gold-plated dishware, and oversized windows impress.
Grace Episcopal Church
Cather joined the Grace Episcopal Church (546 N. Cedar) at age 50. Inside the Gothic revival-style structure, beautiful hand-painted windows are illuminated on a blue-sky day.
The church held a memorial service for Cather in 1947, including two windows that the author had made and dedicated to her parents.
Willa Cather Childhood Home
For me, the most anticipated visit on the tour is the Willa Cather Childhood Home (245 Cedar). The family resided there from 1884-1904.
A tour of the National Historic Landmark includes descriptions of original furniture pieces, artwork, and prints.
The most interesting room in the house is Cather’s childhood bedroom, which visitors are allowed to peer into but not to explore because of its delicate original wallpaper.
Cather installed the rose-colored wallpaper in the attic bedroom.
Farmers & Merchants Bank
Visitors to the Farmers & Merchants Bank (338 N. Webster) will likely be awestruck by its architectural beauty. Constructed by Silas Garber, the founder of Red Cloud, its Colorado stone façade and marble steps make a statement.
Elaborate teller cages shipped by rail from Chicago anchor the main floor of the 1888 bank building. Downstairs, visitors have access to interpretive panels about Red Cloud’s history.
The Garbers inspired Cather to develop characters in “A Lost Lady.”
Red Cloud Opera House
The final stop on the guided tour is the Red Cloud Opera House (411 N. Webster), which sits adjacent to the National Willa Cather Center. Visitors can view the stage where Cather once delivered her high school commencement speech, and where the signatures of performers are scribbled on the backstage walls.
Built in the 1890s, the Red Cloud Opera House continues to host theatrical and musical performances.
PRO TIP: Taking a self-guided tour of town? Download the National Willa Cather Center mobile app.
WPA Mural Panels at the Red Cloud Post Office
During the Great Depression, the WPA’s Federal Art Project commissioned artists to paint murals inside public spaces.
The WPA mural panels at the Red Cloud Post Office (310 N. Webster) by artist Archie Musik depict the white settlement of the town and the Indian tribes’ westward movement.
These stunning works of art are available to view year-round in the lobby, which is open 24 hours a day.
Red Cloud Community Center
I stopped by the Red Cloud Community Center (142 W. 3rd Avenue) during the town’s annual Light the Night Holiday Market to shop from vendors selling hand-crafted art and photography. Carolers sang as local artisans chatted with shoppers creating a delightful holiday setting.
The venue often hosts public events, so check for upcoming activities.
Webster County Historical Museum
Open April through October, the Webster County Historical Museum features exhibits on local history and has recently added a new permanent exhibit about the Starke Round Barn.
Visitors can also expect to view Victorian-era clothing, military artifacts, and collections supporting exhibits about the people and places of Webster County.
I wasn’t able to visit the museum during its off-season, but I was able to admire the home’s exterior and grounds, which includes the original water fountain that once sat at the intersection of Webster and US Highway 136.
Delicious Dining
On the Brix
Open Thursday through Saturday evenings, On the Brix (437 Webster) serves wine, classic cocktails, craft beer, and small bites in a relaxed setting.
I arrived in Red Cloud on a Monday, and the owner of On the Brix went above and beyond, preparing a beautiful charcuterie board with an array of cheese, sausage, and fruit for me to enjoy in my guest room at Hotel Garber.
Served with a small bottle of rosé Prosecco, I felt pampered during my first evening in Red Cloud.
On the Brix also serves delicious soups and desserts, which pair nicely with seasonal cocktail menu selections, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.
The Palace Lounge
If you’re craving a stacked, juicy hamburger, there’s no better place to dine than The Palace Lounge (125 W. 4th Street), and the daily lunch and dinner specials keep locals coming back.
The day’s burger special, a Mushroom & Swiss CheeseBurger with a side salad, was prepared fresh to order from an open kitchen. A lounge bar resembling something you might see in an old-school supper club served locals.
I struck up a conversation with the owners, who are die-hard live-music fans and often travel for concerts. The walls of the restaurant are covered with framed albums and guitars signed by bands like The Eagles and Def Leppard.
Sports memorabilia signed by some of the best in their sport, like Mike Tyson’s boxing gloves, adorned the walls.
The food alone is well worth stopping at The Palace Lounge, and the owner’s collection of music souvenirs makes it a true hidden gem you have to see.
PRO TIP: View the Daily Specials menu before planning your visit. Prime Rib brings a crowd on Thursday nights.
Sure-Win Shopping
Village Pharmacy
Village Pharmacy (317 N. Webster) is much more than a place to shop for your medicine cabinet needs. It offers a wide selection of gifts, from home decor to clothing and body products.
The pharmacy also sells flavored coffee and caffeinated cold tea drinks.
Mark Dahle Art Gallery / Red Cloud Film Club
Red Cloud has a vibrant artist community. At Mark Dahle Art Gallery (333 N. Webster), you’ll discover over 300 color-saturated abstract paintings and photography in an 8,000 square-foot space.
Originally from Alaska and raised by an art teacher, Dahle’s artistic style sometimes focuses on a theme, but always includes vibrant color and varying brush strokes on canvas.
PRO TIP: Also a cinephile, Dahle runs the Red Cloud Film Club at the gallery, which offers free weekly public screenings.
The Corner Nook
Stop by for a flavored latté or frothy coffee drink at The Corner Nook (345 N. Webster), and while you’re there, shop the cafe’s retail store featuring clothing, jewelry, and home decorations.
Comfortable couches and sun-drenched tables by the windows invite you to cozy up with a latté or smoothie to read a book or watch downtown traffic go by.
I met the friendliest locals when ordering a coffee, so we sat down and talked about all things Red Cloud, including what makes the town so welcoming. It’s the kind of people who look out for each other and want the best for the community, a real sense of community spirit.
Abundant Life Honey
Stop by Abundant Life Honey (209 W. 4th Avenue) to shop for locally sourced honey products run by a local family. From pocket-sized honey jars to larger bottles and individually packaged honeycomb, Abundant Life carries it.
PRO TIP: If the retail location is closed during your visit, you can find their honey for sale at Hometown Market (426 Webster) or Main Street Mercantile in nearby Lebanon, Kansas.
The Wackee Cactus Boutique
The newest store to open in Red Cloud is The Wackee Cactus Boutique (309 N. Webster), and I had the pleasure of shopping at the home decor and floral store on its grand opening night.
The owner has curated a vast selection of seasonal gift items, and the upstairs clothing racks feature women’s and children’s on-trend apparel. You’ll be shocked at the bargain pricing for the new shirts and jackets.
Events To Plan Your Trip Around
Light the Night Holiday Market
Red Cloud looks like a Hallmark greeting card during their annual Light the Night Holiday Market held in late November.
Downtown store windows are decorated, families enjoy horse-drawn carriage hayrack rides, the stores are open late, and Santa makes an appearance at Hotel Garber.
Willa Cather Spring Conference
The town’s most famous resident and award-winning author’s life is celebrated at the Willa Cather Spring Conference in June, which draws literary fans and writers to listen to speakers and attend programs.
Other tourism-worthy events include the Webster County Fair & Rodeo, located in nearby Bladen, Nebraska, and Red Cloud Street Car Days. View a complete list of upcoming Red Cloud events.
Bonus Things To Do In the Area
Alley Cats
I never miss an opportunity to lace up a pair of rental bowling shoes and take to the lanes.
Unfortunately, Alley Cats (129 E. 4th Avenue) was closed during my stay in Red Cloud, but I’m told its lanes, billiards, and restaurant meals keep the good times rolling.
View the Alley Cats Facebook page to glimpse the week’s restaurant specials.
Bison Mural
On a quest to find public art, I asked a local who passed me on the sidewalk downtown how to find the Bison Mural, and I was told to drive to the southern edge of town and look for a towering grain bin.
Sure enough, it appeared from the horizon as I traveled along Highway 281, an unmistakable point of interest. A charcoal sketch by Bethany Ugalde, an artist from Mexico, was transferred onto panels to wrap around the galvanized steel structure.
PRO TIP: You can park your car at the grain bin’s lot. Shoot a photo at sunrise or sunset.
Willa Cather Memorial Prairie
I’m from the Midwest, so the idea of standing surrounded by 612 acres of native prairie and listening to the tall buffalo grass sway and rustle in the wind is something I’ll cherish from my time in Red Cloud.
At the Willa Cather Memorial Prairie, a short drive from town, you can pull off and park to learn more about the untouched landscape and its ecosystem.
The preserved prairie is considered a National Birding Site, a home to meadowlarks, wild turkeys, and grassland sparrows.
PRO TIP: Wildflower season lasts from April through October, and two miles of trail offers breathtaking views.
Nebraska Border Sign
Across Highway 281 from the Willa Cather Memorial Prairie is the Nebraska Border Sign, welcoming newcomers to the Cornhusker State, and only six miles south of Red Cloud.
The Geographic Center of the 48 Contiguous States
If you’re traveling to Red Cloud, you must stand in The Geographic Center of the Contiguous States. A stone monument with an American flag marks the roadside attraction, recognizing this landmark at High 281 North to HWY 191 West, outside of Lebanon.
Be sure to walk inside the site’s little white chapel, which is always open. It’s the same church used in a JEEP® Super Bowl LV commercial staring rock legend Bruce Springsteen.
Nearby Towns That You Should Explore
Lebanon
Don’t miss your chance to visit Lebanon, Kansas, en route to and from Red Cloud. Just about 200 residents call the agricultural town home, welcoming visitors to view its eateries, historic jail, and restored gas station-turned visitors center.
My first stop was the Visitor Center (502 Kansas Ave), located inside a restored old gas station that is open but unmanned during daylight hours. I signed the guestbook, and picked up a complimentary Kansas road map.
Across the street, I discovered the 1910 Lebanon City Jail surrounded by green space, which locals tells me is the where the town hosts live music during the community’s Oktoberfest celebration.
Main Street Mercantile
I heard only positive things about Main Street Mercantile (415 Main Street). Part grocery store, part restaurant with a bar, it’s the go-to place for locals and visitors who will appreciate its down-home charm.
Not only does the locally owned market carry Kansas-made products and merchandise, but people drive from miles around to shop its meat selection, sourced from area beef and pork farmers.
Folks from Red Cloud raved about Main Street Mercantile’s daily lunch special, an ever-changing buffet featuring a hot main course selection with side dishes and a salad bar option. Dessert is always a wise option.
My ham dinner lunch tasted like mom’s home cooking, and at $11, it was a bargain.
PRO TIP: Weigh your buffet plates on the scale after serving yourself, then note its weight/price on the paper. Give the grocery store clerk the tab of paper to pay for your meal before departing.
Make Extra Stops on the Way Home
Nebraska
Are you staying in Nebraska? When departing Red Cloud, consider driving about 150 miles Northeast to Lincoln, Nebraska. Steal my itinerary for a weekend getaway designed for couples who seek unique experiences.
Kansas
If you’re traveling North-Central Kansas after leaving Red Cloud via I-35, use my ideas for things to do in Salina, McPherson, and Newton.
Driving east instead? Consider stops in Courtland, Scandia, or Belleville, which are three towns that offer antiquing, a brewery, the Pawnee Indian Museum, and an auto racing museum.
Scott City has come a long way since 1884 when a progressive Chicago woman, Maria DeGeer, decided to found the town. In addition to serving as a stop near the 
The initial exhibits take visitors on a marine fossil discovery with displays, which include skeletons of huge swimming reptiles.
If bringing kids, they will love the fossil dig table. Ice age mammal fossils like a mammoth tooth and massive tusk wow visitors.
Next, well-designed exhibits illustrate the early Native American experience. A replica of the El Quartelejo Pueblo explains how the Taos and Tewa Pueblo people came from New Mexico resided in the area 12 miles north of Scott City. Evidence supports that El Quartelejo was the first White Settlement in Kansas, operated by French traders in the 1700s.
Pioneer life and the installation of the railroad are equally remarkable. Aside from antique farm machinery, original artifacts help visitors envision what it must have been like to live on land with 360-degree views of scenic Kansas during the early 1900s.
Venture inside the Western Kansas Fossil Lab, where the paleontological timeline of the High Plains is explained and a table, showcasing an actual fossil specimen on a display table. It’s fascinating to learn how Wichitan Kristopher Super, a fossil collector and educator, excavated a Elasmosaurs (a marine reptile).
“The Girl I Left Behind,” a part of his Kansas series, will leave you awe-struck and seeking knowledge about the Civil War era. In particular, his depiction of the Cheyenne Indians at Monument Rocks proves why Thomas’ work earns him world-wide acclaim.
Three flight instructors guide new and experienced pilots through general aviation training.
Since 2012, the Spencer Flight Center’s 50-person classroom has served as home base for ground school and educational programs.
Better yet, you’ll likely see sacred white buffalo with her calf during Spring. The mature bulls are massive and tower about as tall as the truck. For me, the open-air tour was a pinch-me moment, and one I’m still telling others about. The tours are available after May 15 through summer by appointment.
During the one-hour tour, which ranges in price based on the group size, you’ll climb inside the land owner’s truck to ride out to meet the buffalo where they’re grazing.
Susan rustled a bag and a herd of hundreds of buffalo enthusiastically ate a trail of food as the truck rolled slowly forward through the rugged terrain. We were so close to approaching buffalo, we heard their heavy breathing and occasional moans.
As you drive throughout the park, you’ll see rugged cliffs and open-fields jutting up to lake shoreline. Kayakers float their way around Scott State Fishing Lake, and some drop a line hoping for the day’s catch. Quiet campers mill about at designated campsites. You may see a mountain biker whizzing by on a nearby trail.
I visited the park to learn more about the history of the area at its historical markers.
Years before the Steele’s homesteaded on the land, Taos Indians escaping Spanish rule relocated to the area and built pueblos aka El Cuartelejo or “old barracks.” After 20 years, they returned to New Mexico. Later, Picurie Indians settled for a short time in the area. The El Cuartelejo pueblo ruins at this site were discovered and excavated by Steele and others in the mid-1890s.
The present site allows the visitor to see the pueblo site with its foundation reconstructed by the Kansas Historical Society in the 1970s.
After traversing to the the top of the bluff, I exited the car and a bit of sunshine began to force it’s way through a partly cloudy sky revealing low areas canyon and a cave. This location is where the Northern Cheyenne hid waiting to ambush the U.S. Cavalry.
I tried to envision the creek that once ran there in 1878, women and their children hiding in cave structures, and the barrage of violence that surely ensued. According to historians, the Northern Cheyenne’s rifle pits are still visible on the hilltops
The Northern Cheyenne lost the battle to the U.S. Calvary, and the surviving tribe members left their dead and moved on.
Each hole features three tee shot locations and most fairways are lined by trees, but the putting green pin is easily visible.
The clubhouse and golf cart garages were accessible the morning of my visit, but I didn’t meet a staff member although I spotted a golfer already playing the course.
The flat land course includes concrete tee pads with obvious fairways. Consider it prime for recreational play. You’re not going to compete for space with competition-level golfers.
As someone who’s accompanied other disc golfers and attempted to play a few as well, I can attest that this course is ideal for amateur play with few trees as obstacles or hazards.
A stop on the town’s 
As mentioned early, the 
One of the most awe-inspiring, historic building on the route is the 
The above memorial inscription lists the fallen soldiers from the Scott County community. I paused to read each name as is customary for me when visiting a memorial.
The memorial, which is illuminated at night, honors community members who paid the ultimate sacrifice for others’ freedom. A single American flag flies above the plaza.
Adjacent to Main Street, take a moment to get out of the car and admire the mural at 
The All-American City Mural (400 W. 5th Street) was painted by volunteers to depict a typical Kansas wheat harvest with a nod to the cattle industry. Grain elevators protrude through the blue skyline. The mural was a paint-by-number project.
The café’s menu features espresso drinks, smoothies, frappes, and teas. Ask about the selection of freshly baked bierocks, ham and cheese pockets, and fruit scones.
I loved the concept of adding my selection of condiments from the Keep It Saucey station, adding pico de gallo and hot sauce to my heaping mound of nachos.
People came in to pick up call-in orders while I watched American Ninja from the dining room’s TV. My beef fried steak dinner was made fresh-to-order served with homemade mashed potatoes and a dinner roll. Dinner entreés come with a house salad.
PRO TIP: Pay in cash to avoid a 3% credit card fee.
PRO TIP: Best Western Reward Members earn flexible rates and bonus points.
Traveling with kids? Check out the 
I’m so glad you’re considering an day trip or overnight stay in Scott City, Kansas. It’s a delightful community featuring plenty of historical museums and sites for life-long learners, celebrated artwork, and comfortable charm.
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 
PRO TIP: You can choose to have your meal delivered to your room for an extra fee.
Dressed in protective gear, we laughed as splattered paint was flicked with careless abandon – unlike any paint studio experience I had yet. The session took about 30 minutes, and afterward, I left with a cute gift for my five-year-old niece.
The family-owned paint studio also offers walk-in and reservable paint-from-a-design sessions like Boozy Art Club Paint Night. The large rooms are ideal for hosting kids’ birthdays, double date nights, or gal pal parties. Artists can bring their own snacks and drinks, including wine and beer.
The size of the zoo and its variety of wildlife exceeds one’s expectations. While you can 
If you arrive during the animals’ breakfast feeding time, you’ll see an endangered black rhino, a main wolf, and an Amur Leopard actively moving about the enclosures. A Sarus Crane’s loud calls competed for my attention while a mal Addax African Lion roared his morning welcome atop a rock.
For me, the most enjoyable part of visiting a zoo is watching the giraffes. One reticulated giraffe in particular didn’t seem to mind me watching it strip bark from branches for several minutes before it joined its giraffe family.
You can expect to see native and exotic animals, ranging from the smallest invertebrates to large mammals. The river otters were not outdoors during my visit, so I can’t wait to return to see them at play in the water.
Then, work together to figure out codes that reveal clues or unlock boxes with additional clues. The key to escaping the room before the one-hour time limit expires is to keep it simple.
My group escaped the clock with 52 seconds to spare inside Sunken Secrets, a deep-sea research submersible in peril. The two-room submarine was well-designed and kept our attention through each step until we successfully resurfaced.
Afterward, we signed our group’s names on the wall with our ending time and snapped a photo to mark the occasion.
Meander into the main gallery to uncover historical facts about Buffalo Jones, a man who settled on 160 acres of ranch land in the area who worked with the town’s founders to convince two railroads, the Atchison-Topeka and the Santa Fe, to stop in Garden City.
Additionally, the staff is ready to assist you in creating aromatic bath products or a room spritzer at the Blending Bar. After a few minutes inside the retail store, you naturally feel your shoulders relax, and with the owner’s guidance, you learn what herbals and essential oils best suit your needs.
I thoroughly enjoyed a 60-minute relaxation massage, which included red light therapy to reduce pain and inflammation. Afterward, I felt less stressed and my mood lifted. My hope is that you make time for yourself as well.
My heart beat faster with excitement as I discovered item after item I wanted to purchase. Drink mixes, Kansas-made jarred products, lovely pillows, and jewelry with inspirational messaging. I left for home with a bag of goodies, and I suspect you will too.
If you’re unsure which scented body product to purchase, the owner will help you determine a signature scent. When in doubt, the most purchased soap fragrances are Black Raspberry Vanilla and Kansas Sunset. Each one smelled natural and not overly perfumey.
PRO TIP: Inquire about
In patriotic fashion, the courthouse lawn is also home to a Little Sisters of Liberty replica statue, one of over 200 like it across the United States. In 1950, the Boy Scouts of America local chapter installed it as part of a national crusade emphasizing liberty and freedom.
Across the street, an oversized rustic metal sculpture resembling a geometric buffalo stands at attention. Stop here for a quick photograph before exploring the rest of the downtown area’s sculptures.
PRO TIP: Garden City’s walkable historical home tour is worthy of consideration if you appreciate architecture. 
Look closely and you’ll see the stages of a butterfly’s life cycle. A local told me the city plans on adding an AI interactive component to the mural making it an engaging experience for those who stop to enjoy it.
Stop in to view current 
PRO TIP: Garden City organizes public works of art projects, and you can contribute to them, so be sure to view the gallery’s 
I love a carefully crafted cup of java (they use Kansas-made 
The cinnamon roll pancakes arrived stacked and covered with copious vanilla-flavored icing, which I’d recommend for diners with a sweet tooth.
Illuminated by sunshine from floor-to-ceiling windows facing the airport’s runway, the restaurant is also a go-to Sunday brunch destination. Seasonal menu items are highlighted on their 
Chomp chips while you peruse the six-page menu and listen to Mexican dance music over the speakers.
Whether you’re visiting Casa Mariachi for a lunch or dinner date or watching soccer while devouring a scrumptious meal, the festive vibe and menu selections deliver a party vibe.
Claim a booth or a counter barstool during lunch or dinner hours to order a made-to-order burger with fries and a thick chocolate malt or shake. I recommend sitting at the counter to see a view of the bustling kitchen staff.
Traditions Soda & Sandwich Shop remains a hometown favorite. Regular customers are recognized by name, and locals stop by for to-go orders. Not many old-fashioned soda fountain counters remain in Kansas, and this one is well worth the visit.
The house salad was good, and while I enjoyed the balsamic dressing and crunchy lettuce, it left me wishing it had less cheese and more sliced vegetables. But it was okay because the star of the dinner was the baked ziti pasta served bubbling hot.
The cheese stretched with every sauce-coated bite, making it a rave-worthy meal. Regretfully, I was too full from my meal to enjoy cheesecake or a cannoli, but that’s just another reason to return.
The brewery uses a large, on-site production facility. Three flagship pours are served on tap, and the remaining nine taps are reserved for rotators. The bartender told me the brewery’s gluten-free Wicked West Cider is popular with regulars.
The evening of my visit, an acoustic original songwriter sang while newcomers milled about chatting with friends. I appreciate the brewery wide selection of beer types choosing best-selling El Compadre, a adjunct lager, and maltier Irish ale, Clurichaun.
While strolling Douglass Avenue downtown, I noted the 1800s architecture and how local businesses are working to maintain its authenticity. What would Wyatt Earp, who allegedly walked these streets in 1873, think of it today?
The coffee shop sits adjacent to an active railroad track and the town’s downtown corridor, a bustling location for locals who stop in for a quick caffeine boost and delicious breakfast.
It was challenging to decide what I wanted to eat from the menu’s extensive list of affordable pub fare options, but I eventually settled on a simple but savory taco salad. We sat in the quiet company of a few locals who also stopped by for a late lunch.
The select-your-meal menu includes beef or chicken sliders or baskets of fried appetizers. Small but big in flavor, my Original Chicken Sliders reminded me of a Chick-fil-A meal. If you’re extra hungry, I suggest ordering extra sliders, as the combo meal with fries is a light lunch.
Of course, we had to try out 900 Club’s indoor golf simulator. The setup is available to the public to practice their swing, and the local high school team is known to use it when outdoor conditions are unfavorable for play.
PRO TIP: Museum-goers who like to stroll the grounds leisurely and its buildings will want to carve out at least two hours for a tour and, of course, allot time to shop the gift shop’s inventory of homemade goods.
I purchased a large container of pure raw honey produced by Sylvan Grove’s Labertew Honey Co., an affordable purchase given its size.
PRO TIP: Prefer to create art rather than shop for it? Check the 
Less than 1,000 people call Wilson home today. The tight-knit community is a welcoming town with a thriving Czech culture and tourism stops, which include a hometown eatery.
One can expect almost a dozen fruit flavors ranging from pumpkin to cherry. The Dutch Apple pie with added vanilla ice cream didn’t disappoint for its flaky crust and extra cinnamon and sugar.
Half of the store is devoted to home decor and gift merchandise, while the other half serves as gallery space featuring Betty Kepka’s artwork. The impressive collection features Czech folk art consisting of mostly handprinted eggs with various patterns. The Wilson native worked as an art teacher.
PRO TIP: The sister boutique to Midland Railroad Hotel, the store features a DIY Plant Bar. Visitors can purchase and build a terrarium using succulent plants. Check their 
Open seven days a week, the store stocks everything from candles and crafts to gift baskets and backed goods. A secondary room’s inventory includes colorful t-shirts of various designs and an assortment of books by Kansas authors.
Each time I visit Lucas, I discover something new to me. The positive messages and vibrant colors of the Lucas Public Library mural caught my eye, and I wasn’t leaving town without taking a selfie photo with the polar bear sitting on a Main Street bench. Yes, a polar bear.
I was enamored by the intricate wheat-weaving creations by Kansas artist Doris Johnson. All of the art is for sale, should you decide to bring home a shadow box featuring pin-cushion figurines, a stained glass window, or a framed photo of a Midwest landscape.
Other fascinating spaces to view while in town include 
The gallery’s featured artists rotate every two months, and the public is invited the 2nd Friday of the month to an exhibition reception. The artists give talks about their work.
PRO TIP: Walk to the gallery’s rear to shop the gift shop for affordable artwork.
PRO TIP: Arrive for dinner when they open. Locals fill up the dining room quickly. Save room for dessert. I wish I had tried the banana pudding or skillet cookie.
After a day of exploring, we sat in the one-time parlor, reading stories of the home’s first residents and the generations that followed. Then, a tour of each room containing family heirlooms completed the family’s story.
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?).
The home sleeps six people. Each bedroom contained a Queen-sized bed with plenty of space to store one’s belongings. We slept peacefully thanks to blackout curtains and the home’s peaceful surroundings.
Families will appreciate the home’s spaciousness and proximity to the park across the street. It’s a safe, lovely neighborhood. 
PRO TIP: Parking in front of the home on the gravel driveway. Read the house manual, located in the kitchen before unpacking.
Historically known as the birthplace of female aviator Amelia Earhart, Atchison is a thriving town once home to Kanza Indians. Lewis & Clark explored the area in 1804. Later, it became a hub for steamboats, railroads, and manufacturing.
In 1870, the Atchison railroad served as a learning rail town in the state, but times changed. The last Santa Fe train left town in the early 1990s, but the museum’s inventory of authentic artifacts keeps history alive.
I started the self-guided tour by watching a computer-generated video of Amelia Earhart welcoming guests. The life-like pilot spoke in quotable phrases inspiring museum-goers to go after their dreams.
The Virtual Reality Flight experience was worth the added time and ticketed cost. Donning a headset and using an airplane’s yoke, I attempted Amelia’s historic 1932 flight across the Atlantic Ocean. I didn’t make it to Paris, but I did land the plane safely in a farmer’s field.
A gift to his wife, Evah, the mansion features 25 rooms filled with period antiques, including an 1893 World’s Fair bedroom set, elaborate stained glass windows, and high-quality furnishings.
Walking the rest of the home’s interior, you’ll discover a 200-year-old walking wheel winder used to spin yarn wool. The parlor’s upholstered, open-arm couches with dark wood and framed artwork showcase the luxury the Hetherington family enjoyed.
Outdoors, an elaborate driveway leads to a restored carriage house that begs to be photographed.
The Evah Cray Museum is more than another stunning home in Kansas. It’s a time capsule from the past when a family decided to settle in Atchison and live in the home for 80 years. Given their wealth, they could have chosen to reside anywhere. They chose Atchison.
My tour, led by the museum’s docent, was exceptional. Expect to pay a moderate admission if you go, and you’ll want to plan to spend at least an hour touring the home.
PRO TIP: Ask about the home’s small theater, where you can watch a film about Atchison architecture. Visit the gift shop in the carriage house.
The 14-room home served as a showroom to display the types of wood his business provided and the intricate ways it could be used. You’ll notice he combined oak, walnut, and mahogany into its design from floor to ceiling. He incorporated non-traditional wall materials like leather into the wallboard design.
The cafe is where locals meet to catch up about the latest happenings in town. Where travelers like me enjoy quiet time and peruse the internet using free Wi-FI. And where you can shop for gift items from kitchen towels to home decor.
You’ll find the comfortable cafe is just what you need to set the tone for the day. The menu features freshly baked pastries and specialty coffee drinks. Return mid-day for a Signature Cocktail like The Atchison Mule of Amelia’s Final Flight.
Between bites, I enjoyed learning about Ann’s heritage, which included the Lopez & Vallejo families’ tradition of serving the community delicious food and treating customers “like a part of the family.”
I took my friend’s advice and chose the carbonara prepared with a garlic Parmesan cream sauce over spaghetti. You can expect Italian pasta dishes, shareable plates (crab cakes, anyone?), and chef-inspired main dishes ranging from Steak Diane to Chicken Madeira on the menu.
PRO TIP: The restaurant does accept walk-in diners, but the restaurant is a popular place, so consider making a reservation.
You can count on our favorite bar and grill menu items. The list includes burgers and sandwiches to chicken wings and sirloin steaks.
I chatted with the manager, Steve, while enjoying a Chicken Club Salad. This restaurant location is one of two Willie’s Sports Pub restaurants in Kansas; the second is located in El Dorado.
Whether you are shopping for blue and white ginger jars, holiday decorations, or faux botanicals, you’ll find them at Presley Pierce Interiors. Every corner of the shop draws the eye, and the window displays inspire one’s creativity.
Shoppers so appreciate the store’s merchandise that the owner often hosts pop-up events off-site in people’s homes. To track new inventory arrivals and learn about upcoming events, follow the store’s 
PRO TIP: Collectors will appreciate Thorne’s House Hot Packs containing budget-friendly starter packs. View the store’s 
I was pleasantly surprised the store’s jewelry collection was reasonably priced for its quality. A decent inventory of hats, handbags, and shoes rounded out the accessory options.
To call the Backroad Atlas a store would be to underrepresent its size. It feels more like an antique mall. Staff members are eager to assist you if you’re hunting for a particular item.
Shopping for a unique item is all the more charming thanks to the store’s cat, who occasionally visits customers to say hello.
A physician and the front rooms once owned the house were his examination rooms. As the story goes, the doctor operated on a 6-year-old child, Sallie, before the anesthesia took effect, and she died in the house. Years later, renters reported mysterious happenings, and the man felt as if he was scratched.
You can tour or stay overnight in the home known for its paranormal activity. Items sometimes crash to the floor. Figures are seen in the windows. Doors slam in the night.
A highlight of my visit was standing in the shade of the Moon Tree, a Sycamore grown from a seed taken to the moon on Apollo 14. Underneath, the names of 17 astronauts who gave their lives are recognized in the memorial.
Manicured gardens and tree spaces dot the landscape. Find the gazebo to enjoy a shaded space of solitude. 
PRO TIP: Take note of Memory Lane inductees’ names paying homage to aviation greats such as the Wright Brothers and Eileen Collins.
Families with young kids will appreciate the state-of-the-art playground, then walk to nearby horseshoe pits to teach them how the game is played.
PRO TIP: On-street parking is available at no cost.
My visit was peaceful as I scanned the horizon made up of trees overlooking the Missouri River running from St. Joseph, Missouri, through Atchison, and toward Leavenworth, Kansas.
The dedicated marker remembers the Atchison man who was the victim of violence after accidentally injuring a white man while hunting.
PRO TIP: Earhart created her own fashion line, often wearing clothing from it. Learn more from 
PRO TIP: Visit the 
Final Thoughts
One of the perks of staying at the hotel is valet parking, which is the only way to park your car when at the hotel. It’s convenient, the valet staff works around the clock, and always greets you with a smile. They’ll even advise you where to dine out in Aggieville if you ask. Don’t forget to tip the staff.
The rooms are well designed with plenty of room to enjoy one’s stay. My room included a couch (in KSU’s purple, of course!), a plush king bed, and in-room amenities, including a refrigerator. With a view of campus, I could envision KSU families staying here when attending events on campus.
Other amenities you can expect while at Courtyard by Marriott include a fitness center open 24/7, a Starbucks coffee bar featuring small plate breakfast items, and an exquisite lounge with a gas fireplace. Order a cocktail or locally made craft beer at the bar and head to the outdoor patio for a pre-dinner drink.
A bit of nostalgia and a bit of class. the cafe’s interior transports you to aviation heaven. Navy blue walls, black and white prints of airplanes, and a cozy fireplace invite you to nestle up with a coffee in hand. Jazz music plays in the background.
I was shocked at the reasonable prices. The racks, table, and shoe wall were stocked full of items I wanted to take home. You’ll appreciate the way the store is set up making selecting new apparel favorites easy. Start at the front of the store to peruse racks of new arrivals. But there’s more!
Make your way to the back to find everyday essentials and sale clothing. I can easily see why this store is popular with locals. It carries the latest looks perfect for women of every size and style. If you can’t make it to the store, you can shop online and ship it to you 
Shoppers on the hunt for home decor reminiscent of Restoration Hardware or Pottery Barn will feel right at home at Furnish. The showroom is filled with neutral hues with black accents. Homeowners in search of lighting, chairs, and kitchenware are in luck.
The burning candle’s scent drew me to the shelf you see below. I was happy to see a candle that I’ve purchased many times in Wichita from Nectar Republic. Nearby, accessories ranging from picture frames to books completed the vignette.
The creaky floors and the perfectly illuminated framed artwork draw you in. Every wall of every room is adorned with artwork for sale, including pottery. While some pieces deservedly command a higher price, I found many affordable prices for the casual shopper discovering new artwork.
As a native Kansan who spends countless hours driving across the state, I appreciate the works that featured the Kansas prairie. Landscapes by Kim Casebeer and Cristine Sundquist on display showed cloud-filled skies and the sun’s rays upon the flint hills. You’ll be impressed by the breadth and quality of the collections.
Since 1981, SNW Gallery has curated and displayed paintings, prints, drawings, mixed media, and more. Intricately designed jewelry is nestled near the register. Whether shopping for yourself or someone else, you’re bound to walk away from SNW Gallery with a special piece.
Keep your eyes peeled during a visit to the brewery for tiny plastic dinosaurs. The mural on the back wall makes for a nice selfie backdrop. (Female Readers: During your self-guided tour of the brewing, check out the bathroom. I’m going to leave it at that.)
As I sat at the bar and finished a Bodacious Blackberry Milkshake IPA, I learned that one of the top-selling drinks behind the bar wasn’t even a beer. It’s their house-made sangria.
Soon, Jake and I were joined at the bar. Brewers Garrett and Adam ponied grabbed a seat. Before I knew it, the four of us were walking a few doors down to 
The lunch crowd clearly loved El Patron as much as I did. They drew a good size crowd made up of downtown workers and tourists. Looking around the restaurant at the plates on the tables, people were devouring fajitas, burritos, and seafood entrees. El Patron is a solid choice for lunch or dinner. View their 
Under cloud-filled skies, I walked to the top of the gravel trail to peek out over the town. If you have time, make the easy drive only minutes west of Manhattan off of Kansas Highway 113. (Ask Siri or Google Maps to navigate it.) You get a 360-degree view of the college town. Dog walkers love it. Bike trails welcome cyclists. It’s a beautiful setting.
Visit the statue to stand in awe and read about the KSU professor, Dr. George Filinger, who invented the fictional character to honor the town’s 100th anniversary of its founding. The park includes a swimming pool, splash pad, and playground equipment perfect for a family visit.
The football field was covered with marching band members moving in formation and playing an energizing song. The band’s director shouted from a megaphone, “Remember guys, we could make it to the bowl game. Again!”
No matter what alma mater you hail from, you need to tour the beautiful KSU campus.
With the game on TV, I wanted chicken wings. They arrived piping hot. The sauce had medium heat, and the blue cheese dressing cooled it off. While it wasn’t an entree, it hit the spot. Kite’s Aggieville is a good place to visit for what I thought was the coldest beer in town. You’ll appreciate the cloth napkins and the elevated menu. View the location and hours 
