Updated October 2026
Disclosure: Visit Coffeyville and Kansas Tourism sponsored this post during separate trips. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.
If you love delving into the history of The Sunflower State, no town is a better place to start than Coffeyville, Kansas.
The town is proud of its legacy and offers plenty to do during your visit. From outlaws and aviators to entrepreneurs and artists, Coffeyville stands out.
Use this ultimate travel guide to explore Coffeyville, a town of more than 8,000 people with captivating history and local businesses.
Top Places Worth Checking Out in Coffeyville, Kansas
COMFORTABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
Coffeyville Cape Cod Vacation Rental
If you’re seeking a tucked-away, quiet vacation rental for an overnight stay, I recommend Coffeyville Cape Cod, a highly-rated Airbnb guest favorite.
I thoroughly enjoyed the spaciousness and comfort of the bungalow-style, two-bedroom room. Plus, the home is less than a ten-minute drive to downtown Coffeyville and most attractions.
The 1940s home is filled with modern furniture and amenities, and it is exceptionally clean and inviting. A living room area flows into an open dining space. When I wasn’t watching movies, I used the high-speed Wi-Fi to get work done on my laptop.
I chose the queen bedroom closest to the single bathroom, which offers a tub and walk-in shower. Retro black-and-green tiled walls and vintage bathroom fixtures set a mid-century tone
In the morning, you’ll appreciate the Keurig coffee station and provided coffee pods. A full kitchen and bonus kitchenette dining space let you prepare meals if you prefer.
PRO TIP: Windows with blinds lack curtains, so pack a sleep mask for blackout slumber. NOTE: The pet-free home is not wheelchair accessible.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Coffeyville
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Coffeyville (8701 Northeast St.) has received more than 500 nearly perfect ratings, and for a good reason.
The front desk employee gave me a warm welcome and told me about the hotel’s amenities, including complimentary breakfast, an indoor heated pool, and a fitness center with elliptical machines, treadmills, and free weights.
The King Room, featuring modern amenities, had plenty of room for a solo traveler like me. When I wasn’t exploring the town, I appreciated the in-room work desk area where I could get work done.
PRO TIP: Get a sneak peek at the hotel’s accommodations by viewing its online photo gallery here. NOTE: Pet fee per stay: $200. Elevator available.
BRING YOUR APPETITE
Hersh’s Coffee House
The smell of freshly brewed coffee fills the air at Hersh’s Coffee House (123 W. 9th St.) as locals gather at the counter to order specialty lattes and an early morning meal.
I sipped the Howler, an iced espresso with cinnamon, honey, and vanilla, between bites of a breakfast burrito. The delightful breakfast combo set the tone for a day of exploring Coffeyville.
If you visit at lunchtime, ask about the sandwich menu and don’t leave without ordering a scoop of the highly requested Cookie Batter gelato. They serve more than a dozen gelato flavors.
PRO TIP: Choose a seat in the back for a quieter space. Admire the art for sale.
Eggbert’s
If a traditional homestyle breakfast suits you, Eggbert’s (201 W. 11th St.) morning menu features classics like the Reuben Egg Benedict and three-egg Cowboy Breakfast.
I arrived on a Sunday morning to a bustling restaurant and was ushered to a counter seat with a view of the kitchen. The phone rang with to-go orders, and servers pulled plates from the kitchen and ran them to diners.
My diner-style Belgian waffle arrived promptly and tasted delicious, but the orange juice and bacon side made the meal pricier than expected for a simple breakfast.
Expect a Denny’s-style menu and atmosphere. The Oklahoma and Kansas-based franchise also serves lunch and dinner.
The Donut Palace
The employees at The Donut Palace (403 W. 11th St.) greet early-morning donut fans warmly no matter how many orders they are fulfilling.
A heaping tray of donut holes rested on the counter. Beating the customer rush, I ordered a classic cake donut and sausage roll, which was actually a hot dog baked in soft bread and less like a savory Kolach.
The bakery’s drive-thru and dual entrances stayed busy with new customers as I sank my teeth into the freshly baked donut. I heard an employee say, “It’s about to hit!” as the drive-thru bell dinged yet again.
The Donut Palace’s menu also includes biscuit and croissant sandwiches, if you prefer savory options.
The Yoke Bar & Grill
I enjoyed The Yoke Bar & Grill‘s (128 W. 9th St.) food and drink service so much that I returned for a second visit in two days.
The casual bar and grill is a locals’ hangout. Pinned dollar bills with handwritten messages hang above the bar. Bartenders greet regulars as friends.
I chatted with a Coffeyville High School alumnae visiting for Homecoming weekend while sipping an ice-cold beer.
Attendees of the Class of 1976 reunion filed into a separate party room, some wearing cowboy boots and spurs. A couple approached the bar and ordered root beer.
The Country-Fried Steak, with salad and two side dishes, was enough for next-day leftovers. The hearty, gravy-covered steak was the star of the plate.
The following day, I returned for a cocktail and Tater Kegs (imagine giant tater tots filled with cheese and bacon). Next visit, I’ll order a tray of Bacon Cheese Fries. Dinner service after 5 p.m. includes surf-and-turf fare.
El Pueblito Mexican Restaurant
Where do you eat when nearly every local you ask suggests the same place? El Pueblito Mexican Restaurant (600 Northeast St.).
Open daily, the Mexican restaurant serves a classic menu plus bar drinks at its walk-up cantina (locals rave about the margaritas!).
Lunch service was swift despite a full dining room. While browsing the extensive menu, I ate a basket of warm tortilla chips with impressive homemade salsa. The #3 Lunch Special, Ground Beef Taco & Enchilada, comes with rice and beans, a tasty meal for the price.
PRO TIP: The menu is multiple pages, so preview the menu so you don’t feel rushed when ordering.
Sunflower Soda Fountain, Hometown Diner & Coffee Shop
Made-from-scratch food is a major draw at Sunflower Soda Fountain (125 W. 8th St.) downtown. Locals share good old conversation over stacked sandwiches like the Dalton Mega Club and slices of homemade pie.
The Roosevelt Drive Cherry Chocolate Chip or Cedar Bluff Pecan Caramel Sundae are dessert favorites, and shakes and malts keep the soda fountain employees busy.
Staff were incredibly friendly, and the service was attentive. The hometown diner feels comfortable, just like sitting at Grandma’s house.
PRO TIP: Ask about the seasonal soup selection.
ICEE Frozen Slushie at Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce
Did you know the original ICEE frozen slushie was created in Coffeyville? Don’t leave town without buying a $3 drink at the Coffeyville Area Chamber of Commerce’s office.
The history behind the popular drink comes down to one local man’s honest mistake in 1958.
Omar Knedlik, owner of a Dairy Queen in town, improvised by freezing Coke until it was half frozen. The “coldest drink in town” caught on, so he brought in a machine that made the icy concoction on demand.
PRO TIP: Learn more about the legendary drink by watching this video.
STROLL AND SHOP
CrazyKooky Candles
Candles. Wax Melts. Bath and body products. Car Diffusers. At CrazyKooky Candles (232 W. 9th St.), you’ll find it all, plus handmade gift items created by 12 local vendors.
The owner hand-pours jarred candles and wax melts using coconut soy wax in more than 130 scents.
From the ever-popular Kansas Pear Cactus candle to unexpected aromas like Dill Pickle, the store is stocked to the brim.
To learn about upcoming candle-making or crafting classes, follow the store’s Facebook event page.
The Thistle Quilt Shop
Walking to a quilt shop feels cozy. Soft, colorful bedspreads with intricate patterns adorn the walls at The Thistle Quilt Shop (120 W. 9th St.).
The owner moved to the area and took over a historic spot that once served as a dress shop. Notions, threads, and bolts of fabric organized by color fill the space.
Although she isn’t teaching classes or workshops yet, customers can find ready-made quilt kits.
Colonel Coffey’s Trading Post
Walking through Colonel Coffey’s Trading Post (205 W. 9th St.) reminds me of the days I spent hunting for treasures at garage sales with my mom as a kid. Endless vendor booths occupy the large store.
Some booths are more organized than others and are decorated thematically with antiques and collectibles. Other sections resemble thrift-store inventory, with racks of clothes and accessories. The back of the store holds gently used furniture, awaiting a new home.
PRO TIP: The store is part of the Resale Trail, which includes 10 Coffeyville shops.
Coffeyville Farmers’and Makers’ Market
Vendors at the Coffeyville Farmers’ and Makers’ Market at Walter Johnson Park (701 Hargis Drive) sold jarred jellies, crafts, meat cuts, and hot peppers on the Saturday of my arrival.
To my surprise, a farmer was even selling a pair of ducks.
The market is open May through October on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to Noon and Tuesdays (only in September) from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
TAKE A TOUR
Dalton Defenders Museum & Dalton Death Alley
If you only have enough time to make it to one attraction, it must be Dalton Defenders Museum (814 S. Walnut St.). It is the place to start your history journey through town.
When a group of outlaws, the Dalton Gang, thought they could pull off two bank robberies at once in October 1892, they didn’t expect the townspeople to fight back, let alone win.
The Dalton Defenders Museum features authentic artifacts from the shootout and rooms filled with collected local memorabilia. The museum honors the citizens who died.
The outlaws (Grat, Bob, and Emmett Dalton with Bill Powers and Dick Broadwell) were tracked by U.S. Marshals for weeks before they arrived in Coffeyville to rob two banks simultaneously. When stalled by a bank employee for a delayed safe release, the community armed themselves and prepared for a gunfight.
A battle ensued outside C.M. Condon & Co. Bank and the First National Bank. Gallant citizens returned fire, killing the gang, except for Emmett. He was shot multiple times, survived, and served 14 years at Kansas State Penitentiary before getting pardoned in 1907.
Locals stripped the gang of their personal artifacts, cut pieces from their clothes, and took their guns.
Today, the Dalton Defenders Museum displays those historical relics. Visitors should start their self-guided tour with a 45-minute movie, then take up to an hour to view the museum’s contents.
Museum visitors should start the tour in this room to watch a film and see the guns and saddles the outlaws used. The picture on the wall is the image taken on the fateful day, showing the men lying dead inside the city jail.
Next door, walk Dalton Death Alley, where the outlaws tied their horses up during the bank raids and where part of the shootout took place. Cartoon boards tell the story of the raid.
Every October, the town hosts Dalton Defenders Days, an event that draws large crowds to watch the reenactment of the battle in the exact spot of the original shootout. The weekend event also honors the residents lost defending the town.
PRO TIP: Ask the Dalton Defender Museum’s employee to show you the original bank door with bullet holes.
Isham Hardware Store
“Everyone, grab a gun!” During the Dalton Gang bank raid, Coffeyville citizens obtained guns from Isham Hardware (810 Union St.). The business still operates today, selling every tool, bolt, or belt needed for household or farm chores.
I took a cargo elevator to the basement to view the original owner’s shelves and hardware back stock. Although the basement windows were filled in, the openings still let him fire at the bank robbers.
Opened in 1870, Isham Hardware is Kansas’s oldest hardware store. The last family member is running the store today with help from a second employee.
A mural on the side of the building and artwork in the sidewalk mark historical points of interest.
PRO TIP: Ask the owner if you can look at some of their oldest hardware.
Dalton Graves
At Elmwood Cemetery (288 Eldridge St), the graves of the three bank bandits Bob Dalton, Grat Dalton, and Bill Powers lie in rest near a marker. Dick Broadwell’s family returned his body to Hutchinson, Kansas
Emmet Dalton survived the gun battle with 23 gunshots. Given a life sentence, he was pardoned after 14 years and died in California. He was a real estate agent, actor, and author.
Do you see the pipe near the tombstone in the photo? It is the original hitching post the bank robbers used to tie up their horses in Death Alley.
PRO TIP: After entering the cemetery, follow the signs to the marker. You can park on a road parallel to the gravesite.
Chainsaw Art Sculpture Garden
The Chainsaw Art Sculpture Garden (Corner of 8th and Beech Streets) features more than 70 creative chainsaw sculptures carved from trees.
A project of the Coffeyville Community College art department, it continues to expand its collection. Aliens, animals, school supplies, vegetables–you’ll likely find a selfie photo-worthy sculpture.
PRO TIP: Coffeyville Community College hosts public fine arts events.
Coffeyville Art Trail
You don’t have to travel through the heart of Coffeyville very long before you spot a mural or painted electric box. Download the Coffeyville Art Trail, a free-to-use digital pass that lists all the murals and hand-painted electric boxes downtown.
The late Don Sprague painted most of the murals, depicting the people and places that put Coffeyville on the map. The beloved local artist painted 14 murals between 1988 and 1992.
Each painted electric box in the downtown area is painted by a local artist. The brightly colored scenes on each one vary in subject matter.
PRO TIP: Look at Don Sprague’s signature on each mural. Each period punctuated by his name represents a hidden “Tim” in the painting.
Historic Time Capsule
Inspired by the Kansas State Centennial in 1961, a group created an above-ground Historic Time Capsule situated near Isham True Value Hardware. It will be opened in 2061.
Locals reportedly placed wooden nickels, a newspaper, and other items in it.
Aviation Heritage Museum
History buffs and airplane enthusiasts will love Aviation Heritage Museum (2002 N. Buckeye St.) for its extensive collection of restored aircraft and artifacts dedicated to early aviation.
The 1933 hangar houses displays featuring local pilots, including several who flew as Tuskegee airmen or as Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II. Framed color photographs adorn the walls in a dedicated room, honoring their milestone moments.
Restored planes, including those owned by Joe Funk, sit on display. I was delighted to learn that Coffeyville residents were pivotal in developing aircraft and aircraft parts. Funk Aircraft Company built 365 planes; 200 fly today.
Walking amongst the planes, honorary medals, library, and pilot uniforms makes for an unforgettable experience.
Brown Mansion
Sitting atop a hill on the edge of town, the Brown Mansion (2109 S. Walnut) makes an impression on passersby. Built in the early 1900s, the three-story home has five bedrooms and features original furniture and a signed Tiffany chandelier.
Originally designed for the Brown family, the 20,000-square-foot, 16-room mansion was completed in 1906 for $125,000.
The historic landmark features entertainment spaces, including a library, bedrooms, a parlor, and an opulent dining room. Nine gas-burning fireplaces of various styles showcase Wilder and Wight’s architectural style.
The mother and her daughter preferred green interior walls, offset by ornamental rugs and dark wood furniture.
I was so enthralled by the family’s story and the home’s contents that I suggested writing a book about its history. Although the family’s wealth came from discovering natural gas, their savings dwindled after the father’s death.
NOTE: Locals recommend viewing the Brown Mansion during Christmas Candlelit Tours. Check the museum’s website hours, call ahead to schedule a private tour, or ask about upcoming events such as a paranormal tour during the fall season.
PRO TIP: The family’s burial plot at Elmwood Cemetery is marked by a large red rock.
EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS
Bike-Share Stations
Prefer to explore on two wheels? You can temporarily rent a bike for a reasonable cost from two KANcycle bike stations. One station is located at the corner of 8th and Walnut Streets downtown, and the other is on the Coffeyville Community College campus.
Use your mobile phone to follow the check-out directions via the Movatic App to rent for an hour, an afternoon, or longer.
Walter Johnson Park
Your entire family will find a reason to love Walter Johnson Park (701 Hargis Dr.), named after the town’s early resident and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer who pitched for the Washington Senators from 1907-1927. A monument plaque with his biography is near the baseball field’s entrance.
Nearby one of the park’s entrances, an ATSF steam locomotive is an eye-catching sight. The train engine is a tribute to “The Big Train,” Walter Johnson.
The park also has an 18-hole disc golf course that winds around the ball fields, playground, and RV park. It’s free to play the course and available from dawn to dusk.
Pfister Park
Pfister Park‘s Big Hill Splash Aquatic Center is an ideal place to bring the family. Adults who want to take to the links appreciate Hillcrest Golf Course for its 18-hole design with hills and water hazards. Home of the Coffeyville Community College Red Ravens, Veterans Memorial Stadium hosts sporting events.
Prefer to exercise on paved trails? Use the Roosevelt Drive Trail and the Rails-to-Trails Pathway.
Locate more parks and the Coffeyville batting cages.
VIEW MOVIES AND MORE
Midland Theater
Built in 1928, the historic Midland Theater (214 W. 8th St.) is undergoing final renovations and is expected to reopen for movie nights, live performances, and community events.
I had the pleasure of a private tour, and the community will love what they see when the beloved 1928 landmark opens its doors.
Upon entry, the original tile floor and crown molding give you pause to appreciate the theater’s ornate interior design.
The front-of-house concession stand stands poised to welcome hungry guests ordering popcorn and beverages. The auditorium has 773 available seats with a clear view of the stage where vaudeville acts once performed.
Coffeyville High School reunion groups are invited to take guided tours during the restoration process. Follow the restoration progress on the theater’s Facebook page.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I can’t stay away from Coffeyville because there are more than enough reasons to explore. Events like Dalton Defenders Days (October) and Inter-State Fair & Rodeo (August) are major draws.
You can expect a genuine welcome from residents wherever you go, and the town’s top destinations are some of the best in the state.
Are you considering extending your Southeast Kansas road trip? Use my travel guides to nearby communities, Chanute and Pittsburg.
Walk west to the clock tower, Window in Time, located at the roundabout. Its sculpted panels detail scenes from the Chisholm Trail. A time capsule is buried at its base.
I recommend downloading the PocketSights mobile app to listen to a fascinating audio tour, 
Bar drinks are served with or without booze. Add delectable bites such as chips with dip or gourmet pizza to your order.
Expect comfort classics on the menu, and if you’re a bourbon lover, you’ve come to the right place. I recommend starting a meal with brisket stuffed mushrooms to share with friends.
Voted the best Japanese cuisine by Wichita Magazine readers it’s also listed as one of the 50 Ramen Destinations by USA Today, the menu’s most popular dishes include Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl, but I’m partial to Spicy Yakisoba.
I’ve heard good reviews about their sandwiches, but I can’t seem to order anything other than pizza because I crave the Cajun Bacon Ranch and The Banick.
I recommend arriving when they open at 11:00 am (Monday-Friday) to secure a booth before the restaurant fills up quickly.
They often feature a seasonal drink special, and the fruit smoothies and refreshers over ice are solid choices.
Enjoy buy-one, get-one-free Junior NuWays with a purchase of a drink on Sundays.
View the records under the Local Bands section, and if you still own a CD player, you’ll appreciate their used inventory selection.
In business for decades, the hattery offers concierge services to create a custom design after taking your measurements.
The massive store also carries high-end outdoor furnishings, making it the go-to shopping destination if you’re ready to redo your home patio or deck.
I often leave having purchased Wichita postcards and refrigerator magnets. People with a sense of humor will feel at home at Vortex Souvenir.
Historic Delano is certainly a Wichita neighborhood worth exploring, whether you’re visiting for the day or seeking weekend-worthy fun.
As I devoured a chocolate cake donut and a melt-in-your-mouth glazed donut, customers came and went with brown bags filled with tasty early morning treats. A little boy stood on his tip toes while excitedly pointing at chocolate Long John while his grandmother looked on.
I noticed the bakery also sells a variety of muffins, turnovers, and fruit and cheese croissants. Coffee is available for $2.00. (The owner does not sell gluten-free donuts, but an employee told me she is developing the recipe.)
I was warmly greeted by a college-aged employee as Ed Sheeran played over the speaker in the background. I chose a house roast coffee and the Breakfast Croissant sandwich prepared with scambled eggs, diced onion, and bell pepper. The spread, a pepper fruit jam, added sweetness.
Diners can order from their sandwich menu all day, and I whole-heartedly recommend the Kettle Chicken on Ciabatta served with a side of your choice. I expected chunk chicken but the panini-pressed sandwich came with sliced deli meat, bacon, cheese, and fresh spring mix greens, which I appreciate.
PRO TIP: The Wi-Fi password is posted near the pickup counter. Additional seating is available on the patio behind the cafe.
Most people seem to use the drive-thru window, but I prefer eating breakfast inside while reading a magazine. Located near the community college’s stadium, it’s a convenient place to pick up a flavored Lotus Energy Drink before or after a game.
The menu features pages of burgers, comfort classics like ribeye or country fried steak dinners. My merlot mushroom cheeseburger was dripping with cheese served with a choice of side. I order the sweet potato fries to dip into homemade honey mustard sauce, a combo flavor bomb. The Happiness Burger and Philly Burger are also solid choices.
I usually choose a House Speciality menu selection like General Tso’s Chicken, but you can’t go wrong with Mongolian Beef prepared with tender steak and served with signature sliced potatoes.
When I noted their location parked at Walnut River Brewing Company, I showed up early to order the Blarney Fries served smothered in smoked corned beef, melted cheese, and sour cream. Their loaded fries are decadent shareable meal.
I returned to the taproom to grab as seat at the recycled wood bar for a flight of beer, and like always, I was more than happy with their flagship beers and rotators. Read more about my love of the brewing dating back to 2020 in this earlier 
The small-batch distillery serves tastings for $20 per person (no cocktails) Thursday-Saturday. I recommend the Barn Burner Cinnamon Rum or the Dodgy Fox six-year bourbon.
Expect single-batch barrel bourbon whiskey, bourbon, agave spirit, run and vodka. If you’re not charged a fee for your tasting experience, consider purchasing a bottle.
From aromatic candles and whole-bean coffee to live plants and seasonal displays, they carry it all. Don’t miss the discount plant table positioned in the rear of the store, accessible via the back door.
The first floor women’s clothing racks are organized by size and color, with handbags displayed nearby. Upstairs, shoppers will discover men’s casual and formal attire, children’s clothing, and a significant inventory of pre-owned and never-worn wedding dresses.
The store includes the collectibles of 50 vendors displayed throughout the store by theme. Unlike antique stores that carry mostly glassware or dishes, Antique Alley has something for every kind of shopper, ranging from old lanterns and fishing equipment to framed artwork and seasonal decorations.
Voted Best Antique Store by the Butler County Times-Gazette readers, it is open four days a week, and the inventory is often refreshed.
Owner Denise Wick is a talented, self-taught artist known for her jewelry creations, which incorporate stones and beads, and her clothing pieces are considered collectible, wearable art.
Catering to women’s fashion, the store also sells a few brands, such as plant-based Zum® laundry and body products.
From antiques to oddities, the store’s eclectic selection features a diverse range of items, curated by five booth vendors. I spotted a few collectibles, but the majority of the inventory on the day of my visit consisted of a diverse array of household items, similar to what you might find at a garage sale.
The back of the store is primarily for fiber arts creatives seeking hand-dyed yarn. Knitters will feel right at home relaxing on the couch, chatting with other creatives while brainstorming a new project.
Open Monday-Friday, the reader’s hangout includes a vault filled with El Dorado historical documents.
The nursery carries an impressive collection of succulent plants. Open seven days a week, the store also posts to a 
PRO TIP: Many of the sculptures are easily viewable by walking downtown, but don’t miss iconic creations on display at the historic train depot (430 N. Main Street) as well.
Located the Greetings from El Dorado mural at Central Avenue and Main Street. A new addition, Brickmob’s mural at 
Free to explore (donations appreciated), the exhibits are both permanent and temporary.
Admire cowboy fine art by Frederic Remington, Bill Walton, and Milo West upstairs, or look for the first and second floors’ exhibits showcasing a variety of artists’ styles.
Over the years, local oil companies and the 
PRO TIP: Don’t leave without taking a photo at the stadium’s baseball-themed mural.
I recommend viewing the explanatory video before perusing the room showcasing over one hundred years of oil equipment. Although it wasn’t yet open for the spring season, I’m told the museum’s grounds, featuring 23 replica buildings and oil drilling rigs, is worth the price of admission.
After the oil lease of 1918, multiple refineries operated throughout the county. Today, 
If you listen closely, you’ll hear the sound of an Aeolian harp’s changing notes as the wind passes over it.
A replica Statue of Liberty sits on the grounds, an installation by the Strengthen the Arm of Liberty campaign by the Boy Scouts of America in 1950.
Built in 1918, the red brick building resembles late 19th and 20th-century Mission/Spanish Colonial Revival design. Don’t miss the numerous statues installed on the grounds, including the town’s second Statue of Liberty replica and a 9/11 memorial.
An archery range, a BMX trail, playgrounds, and picnic areas are near 
You’ll have access to 
PRO TIP: Don’t own a boat? Rent one at the marina. Pack water shoes and swimsuits to enjoy two designated 
Taking advantage of the Wi-Fi, I kicked back while watching a movie after the sun set. The bed was firm but quite comfortable.
PRO TIP: Bring earplugs if your room is located near the ice machine.
I’m confident you’ll find plenty of fun things to do during your overnight stay in El Dorado, Kansas, whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, award-worthy art, unique shopping, or rave-worthy dining.
McClain’s Market
Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant
Blind Box BBQ
Paulo and Bill
Nick & Jake’s
Flying Cow Gelato
Indoors, the air conditioning was inviting. I watched professional volleyball on TV as 1950s music hits played from the speaker.
Land-based activities include equestrian, hiking, and biking trails, which appeared well-groomed and easy to navigate. I saw dog parents watching four-legged friends at the 44-acre off-leash area. Families ate lunch while admiring stunning lake views at picnic shelters.
To fully understand how Shawnee was established, tour the inside of a 1878 farmhouse, barn, smokehouse, and chicken coop (live roosters and hens welcome you!).
I found the botanical gardens, planted and maintained by K-State Research and Extension Center’s master gardeners, to be a highlight. The Typewriter Repair Shop was by far my favorite building for its authenticity.
The museum’s annual Bloody Mary Party is a popular fundraiser that uses the working farm’s tomato crop. You will want to attend their celebrations. Check their 
Are you following my Kansas road trips on social media? I post bonus content on 
The third floor’s “Wichita the Magic City” displays help visitors learn the heritage of the Wichita Indians that gave the city its name, the days of booming downtown businesses, and the rise of the Air Capital of the World.
I chose the Cinnamon Dolce Chai Tea Latte served over ice during my visit. I didn’t mind the short wait for my iced coffee because I was keen to sit in a tiny alcove of the café decorated with modern finishes and seating for two people. It provided a private space to enjoy my beverage while using free Wi-Fi to catch up on work.
Admission is free Monday-Friday from 9 am-5 pm – remember to call in advance at 316-221-8000 to schedule a visit.
Let this guide be a starting point for your adventure touring the city on #316Day or any day of the year. For more travel inspiration, head to 
