• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

A Lifestyle Blog

  • About
    • Work With Me
      • Delightful Life Media
    • Privacy Policy & Disclosures
  • Travel
    • United States
      • Kansas
      • Missouri
      • Nevada
      • Nebraska
      • New York
      • Oklahoma
      • Texas
      • Wisconsin
    • Mexico
  • Taste
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
      • Salads
      • Sandwiches
    • Dinner
      • Grilled
      • Sides
      • Pasta
      • Rice
    • Appetizers
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
      • Cocktails
      • Non-Alcoholic
    • Snacks
  • DIY
    • Projects
  • Lifestyle
  • 100 Things to Do in Wichita Before You Die
  • Contact

candy store

Top Things to Do in Humboldt, Kansas

April 6, 2023 by Vanessa Whiteside 4 Comments

Disclosure: Kansas Tourism sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.

For a good reason, Humboldt is getting the attention of travelers and tourism publications. The southeast Kansas town of fewer than 2,000 people attracts people to the area for its reimagined attractions. Whether visiting for a day trip or staying overnight in one-of-a-kind lodging, you may want to never leave.

Humboldt, Kansas town center featuring a historic gazebo and water tower.
The center of town is anchored by a water tower and bandstand erected in 1907, featuring a plaque commemorating the town’s 50th anniversary on July 4, 1976.

Locals teamed up several years ago to brainstorm new ways to renovate the downtown district, a theme extending throughout town. A Bolder Humboldt and the greater community are reviving the town one business at a time, and the result is just plain cool.

Life is Fine complex Humboldt, Kansas
Life is Fine Plaza illuminates at night as a hang-out spot for locals and visitors during good weather.

Accommodations

The Bailey

Buzz is building about The Bailey (824 Bridge St.). I had the opportunity to enjoy a preview stay at the Airbnb hotel before it officially opens to the public. Located in a downtown historic building over Idle Hour Books (coming soon!) and Perrenoud’s Cocktail Bar (reopening soon!), the accommodations are unexpectedly modern and elegant. The five-room boutique-style hotel kept the historic building’s character while updating the amenities.

A speakeasy-style lounge bar is accessible via The Bailey or HoneyBee Bruncherie.
A speakeasy-style lounge bar is accessible via The Bailey or HoneyBee Bruncherie.

After a long day of exploring Humboldt, the plush king bed, free WiFi, and flatscreen TV make it a comfortable stay. My room included on-trend extras like a SMEG mini refrigerator and a spacious bathroom with a rain shower head.

One bedroom with modern bathroom at The Bailey in Humboldt, Kansas.
Framed artwork in the room showcases prairie landscape seasons and Kansas birds.

The common area features a ping pong table, velvety soft couches, and a kitchenette counter stocked with grab-and-go snacks. A self-serve water and ice dispenser are available at one’s convenience.

PRO TIP: Free on-street parking is available on two sides of the building. The Bailey is accessible via a door facing Bridge Street during business hours, and a code is assigned to each guest to gain room entry. Guests must walk a tall staircase to second-floor rooms.

The Bailey's common area.
The Bailey’s oversized lounge area extended into three separate rooms.
Velvet blue couches make the common lounge area a comfy place to relax.
Velvet blue couches make the common lounge area a comfy place to relax. The framed painting by G. Lawrence Armstrong (1998) features an 1804 scene when Alexander von Humboldt met Thomas Jefferson at Monticello.

BaseCamp Humboldt

Imagine a place where you can glamp from the comfort of Scandinavian-inspired loft cabins with access to a pond, trailhead, and bike park. Welcome to BaseCamp Humboldt (1268 Hawaii Rd.). It’s a full-service campground designed for solo travelers, couples, or families who prefer to explore the outdoors at their pace before retiring to their peaceful cabin, complete with a small kitchen and bathroom.

Modern cabins overlooking pond at BaseCamp Humboldt.
Each cabin is spaced far enough away from the others offering a secluded feel to one’s stay.

At night, view the night sky from a hammock or seating around your cabin’s fire pit – wood provided! Outdoor cooks will appreciate the charcoal grill provided at each cabin. The highly-rated accommodations cabins are a hit with guests.

An Airbnb Superhost, guests can connect with nature on the pond in kayaks, paddle boards, or canoes. Do you want to traverse The Southwind Rail Trail or the bike challenge course on two wheels? An on-site bike shop is available for any necessary repairs.

PRO TIP: Lifejackets for boating adventures are available. Provided tables and chairs making enjoying views of the pond easy. Fishing equipment is not provided.

Hammocks provide a place for an afternoon nap at BaseCamp Humboldt.
After a rigorous bike ride, hammocks invite guests to relax and nap under shade trees.
Free access to watercraft and fishing at BaseCamp Humboldt's pond.
The pond is large enough to give boaters or paddlers a good workout.

Outdoor Adventures

Neosho River Park

Overlooking the Neosho River is a tranquil place to listen to the waterfall and observe nature Neosho River Park. Plentiful trees offer shade to people who want to picnic or sit and relax. At the end of Rainbow Bridge is a staircase that leads to the water for fishermen looking to drop a line. When flowers bloom, the limestone walls overflow with vibrant flowers, shrubs, and plants, making for a picturesque view of the bridge.

PRO TIP: Neosho River Park requires a Kansas fishing license if you’re an angler.

Rainbow Bridge in Humboldt, Kansas
Located over the Neosho River, the arched bridge spans 120 feet, serving as one of the entrances to Humboldt. 

Southwind Rail Trail

The Southwind Rail Trail is a crush-limestone 6.5-mile trail connecting Humboldt to Iola if you love to bike, run, or walk long distances. Cyclists can escape the feisty Kansas winds in shaded areas along the path. It also connects to the Prairie Spirit Trail, a 51-mile section in Iola. Enjoy southeast Kansas scenery from the trail 365 days a year from dawn to dusk. The trail is accessible by motorized wheelchairs.

PRO TIP: Riders can park near the trailhead’s spacious gravel lot. If you need to air up your tires or repair them, BaseCamp’s bike shop is near the trailhead pictured below.

Southwind trail head
Located at 14th and Hawaii Street, the Southwind Rail Trail leads to Iola’s Riverside Park.

Humboldt Golf Club

Remember to pack a set of golf clubs to play Humboldt Golf Club‘s (300-548 Franklin St.) 9-hole course. Maintained by volunteers, the course costs $10 to play and is open to the community and visitors.

PRO TIP: Park in the gravel lot near Hole 1. The course operates on the honors system, so drop $10 into the box before starting play.

Humboldt Golf Club
Fore! Who’s ready for a round of golf? Pull-behind carts are available at Hole 1.

Shopping

Jae & Co.

Prepared to be wowed by Jae & Co.‘s (818 Bridge St.) selection of on-trend women’s apparel, shoes, and jewelry. You’re greeted by friendly staff as you walk inside the oversized wood doors. Whether it’s a Dolly Parton graphic tee or a complete outfit, they have what you need. New arrival inventory is located at the front of the store. They also carry extended sizes.

PRO TIP: Don’t see a size that you want? Ask them to check back stock. I got lucky, and they had the size I needed in fashionable sneakers. Shop online for mega deals here.

Jae & Co. in Humboldt, Kansas
The boutique store’s inventory is priced reasonably compared to big city shops.

Wild Poppy

Next door, Wild Poppy (808 Bridge St.) carries clothing, shoes, and accessories for kids of all sizes. Parents will be pleased to find sizing from infant to toddler in a boutique setting. Like me, you’ll find yourself exclaiming, “Oh, how cute!” and “That is perfect,” as you peruse racks of kids’ wear. I mean, what toddler boy doesn’t need a shirt that reads “Mr. Steal Your Heart,” paired with bumped-toed sneakers, right?

PRO TIP: Expecting mothers can shop for threads online and have them shipped directly for free with a purchase of $150 or more.

Wild Poppy sells kids clothes in Humboldt, Kansas
The store is equally divided into girls’ and boys’ clothing.

Everything Fitz

If you can’t find it at Everything Fitz (107 S. 9th St.), it doesn’t exist. The massive two-story consignment clothing store is stocked floor to ceiling with clothing and home decor. The top floor includes a large selection of women’s jeans in all sizes and styles and racks of kids’ clothing. Downstairs, shoppers will appreciate well-organized displays featuring seasonal clothing for women and men, handbags, shoes, and new home decor items.

PRO TIP: Ask about their latest markdowns or clearance selection. The staff was eager to help me shop, and they showed off new arrivals.

Everything Fitz consignment store in Humboldt, Kansas
Everything Fitz carries seasonal home decor items and gently used and new accessories for babies, kids, teens, women, and men.

Get ‘Em Tiger

A store that considers itself “the funniest thing to come to Humboldt, Kansas since cargo shorts,” the Midwest-centric shop Get ‘Em Tiger (105 S. 9th St.) stocks must-have gifts. The store was once known as Humboldt Mercantile but took on a new identity in 2023. The shelves are stocked with graphic tees with sassy messages, Kansas-themed merchandise, candles, soaps, games, puzzles, and a bunch of other stuff you don’t need but really want.

PRO TIP: Enter the store via Octagon City Coffee Co. and pay for your merchandise at their register.

Get 'Em Tiger gift shop

Take a Tour

Neosho Valley Woodworks

One step inside Neosho Valley Woodworks (118 S. 8th St.), and you’ll think you’ve time-warped to the 19th century. Pat Haire, who operates the woodshop, is a master craftsman who uses only belt-driven machines to create furniture. The building, constructed in 1866, is a fitting setting to make his highly requested cabinets. The sawdust flies, the belts turn, and the machinery whirls as he makes each cut. You may find the former musician playing his guitar if he’s not working.

PRO TIP: To avoid interrupting the artist at work, schedule a guided tour by calling 719-293-4177.

Neosho Valley Woodworks
Period-style furniture, especially cabinets, is the most often requested by Patrick Haire’s clients.

Humboldt Historical Museum

The Humboldt Historical Museum (416 N. 2nd St.) preserves the town’s heritage inside a turn-of-the-century house containing displays of civil records, photos, and artifacts. Outside, a replica one-room schoolhouse represents the original Fairview School. Unfortunately, I couldn’t visit the museum, but it wasn’t for lack of trying. The host’s off-season schedule didn’t allow for a private tour.

PRO TIP: Call 620-473-5055 to schedule a tour on weekends 1:30 pm-4:00 pm June through the 2nd week of October.

Humboldt Historical Museum
The Humboldt Historical Museum’s grounds feature an early jail, schoolhouse, and civil war-era canon.

Civil War Markers Walking Tour

Exercise while learning about Humboldt’s connection to the Civil War by taking a walking tour of 12 historical markers. Made of stone and marble, each is a micro version of the larger Civil War Monument on the north side of City Square. Locate a map here.

PRO TIP: The town square is a great place to find several markers. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Historical marker Humboldt, Kansas
Humboldt was raided in 1861 by Confederate invaders. This marker reads, “During the burning of Humboldt, Sophia Fussman saved valuables on a feather bed thrown down her well.”

Sip & Savor

Octagon City Coffee Co.

At my first stop in Humboldt, Octagon City Coffee Co.,  I ordered a steaming hot matcha latté. While waiting, I listened to indie rock classics and read a copy of The Iola Register newspaper. As locals came and went, I heard a woman tell the barista, “You’re awesome,” when she predicted her order before she could say it.

The café is surprisingly modern, like a coffee shop you’d expect to see in a big city, but its small-town charm makes it a sure win. Stop by to refuel on caffeine or to shop its retail shelves stocked with KC-made Messenger Coffee bags or cold brew bottles.

PRO TIP: Read the cartoon on the wall.

Octagon City Coffee
According to a sign on the wall, the four ways to get things done without coffee include: 1.) Laugh at the moment 2.) Make coffee 3.) Drink coffee 4.) Get things done.

HoneyBee Bruncherie

Honeybee Bruncherie (822 S. Bridge St.) is a restaurant gem serving made-to-order freshly prepared brunch and lunch meals. A few locals recommended the tenderloin sandwich, which arrived with my choice of spinach salad on the side for an extra couple of dollars. I didn’t leave a morsel of food on the plate – it was delicious, along with the citrus green iced tea.

PRO TIP: Seat yourself but be prepared to bring your ticket to the counter’s register area to pay. In the mood to purchase honey? Check out the retail shelves.

HoneyBee Bruncherie, Humboldt, Kansas
The stylish restaurant is a popular spot to eat lunch amongst residents mid-day.

Bijou Confectionary

Homemade macarons. Blocks of fudge. Soft cookies. Bulk candy. You’ll find all of it, plus nostalgia bottled sodas, available at Bijou Confectionary (810 S. Bridge St.). I recommend stopping by to select a sweet treat after having lunch next door at HoneyBee Bruncherie. Use a scoop and bag to stock up on bulk candy priced at $10/lb. My lemon macaroon was perfectly soft, and the no-bake cocoa cookie lasted only minutes.

PRO TIP: Upstairs, Bijou Apartment is a luxe, two-bedroom apartment available for a weekend getaway.

Taffy for sale at Bijou Confectionary in Humboldt, Kansas
The store has a large selection of taffy, retro candy, and “candy for adults” made with liquor.

Red Beard BBQ

It’s not just a food truck, it’s a vibe. Red Beard BBQ (113 S. 9th St) is located at Life is Fine Plaza near City Square, where the locals pick up scrumptious barbecue meals. Open for lunch and dinner, the menu features loaded mac-n-cheese, pit potatoes stuffed with pulled pork, meaty sandwiches, and nachos. Outdoor seating on the patio makes for a delightful dining experience.

PRO TIP: The food truck serves heaping boxes of to-go barbecue meals that could easily feed two people (a good thing!), so plan accordingly.

Pulled Pork bbq nachos
Nom Nom Nachos $15 came with pulled pork, quest, bbq sauce, sour cream, pickled onion, jalapeños, and cilantro over tortilla chips.

The Hitching Post

Like a scene from a spaghetti western, The Hitching Post (820 Bridge St.) is a bar with a 1950s-era honky tonk style that focuses on old-school country music, beer, and whiskey. The vintage theme fits, considering its located in the oldest building in Humboldt, built in the 1880s. When the owner, Paul, took over the space, it was in rough shape. He rolled up his sleeves and got to work. From the stone to the studs, the building was completely refurbished.

The Hitching Post in Humboldt, Kansas
The bar’s owner had the honky tonk’s sign custom-made.

A whiskey bar, the shelves are stocked deep with spirits at every price point. Craving Scotch? Prefer a beer or a cocktail? They’ve got it. While patrons sip on spirits, retro country classics play from vinyl by cowboys like Dwight Yoakam or Waylon Jennings.

Pool table inside The Hitching Post, Humboldt
Are you interested in a game of 8-ball? Check out the one-of-a-kind lamp over the table.

Antique beer cans and retro beer signs decorate the bar. Framed black-and-white photos of cowboys and landscape scenes set the mood. The bathrooms’ custom wallpaper is worth a second glance. Cowboys use the Willie Nelson bathroom, and cowgirls powder their noses in the Dolly Parton bathroom.

PRO TIP: The bar is open a few nights a week (check the hours), and if you’re lucky, you might catch live music playing on stage. When the neon sign is buzzing over the door, come on in.

The Hitching Post honky tonk bar, Humboldt, Kansas
Vintage finds from estate sales adorn the bar.

Other Places or Events Worth Checking Out

The town boasts popular events such as Movies on the Square and Water Wars festival and parade during the summer. Perfect your swing at Sticks Golf Lounge using indoor simulator bays with over 100,000 courses to practice on, and it has a bar in the back of the lounge. Frost Bite Shave Ice serves frozen treats downtown during the summer.

A panoramic view inside the town’s historic bandstand.

Humboldt Fitness Center (1301 N. 9th St.) is open 24/7 if you crave an early morning workout. The Walter Johnson Athletic Field pays homage to an MLB pitching legend who played for the Washington Senators for 20 years. Watch modified cars race at Humboldt Speedway during warm weather months.

Walter Johnson Athletic Field in Humboldt Kansas
The baseball player was raised near Humboldt and was named “The Big Train” for his pitching speed and power.

Coming Soon

Humboldt is a town in forward motion. Several businesses, including Cozy’s Grind House and Union Works Brewing Company, are in the works. An old church is under renovation to become a music venue, Revival Music Hall.

Former church becomes music venue
Revival Music Hall will offer concerts to national touring artists inside a renovated church.

I was beyond pleased with my visit to Humboldt, which lived up to the hype I read in national publications. It’s a small town with bold ideas; you can feel positive energy everywhere. Humboldt is a must-visit destination in southeast Kansas and a town I’ll return to again.

To learn more about Humboldt, check out Kansas Tourism’s directory page. Check my Kansas travel page to view other Kansas towns worth stopping at.

Overnight Trip Humboldt Kansas Top Things To Do In HumboldtHumboldt Kansas Pinterest

Filed Under: Kansas, Travel Tagged With: Airbnb, Allen County, antiques, bbq, boutiques, bruncherie, cabins, camping, candy store, confectionary, consignment, cowboy bar, cycling, food truck, glamping, golf course, historic hotel, honky tonk, Humboldt, indoor golf, Neosho River, Southeast Kansas, trail head, walking tour, whiskey, woodshop, woodworking

Primary Sidebar

SEARCH

Ammar
Hello! I'm Vanessa. Welcome to One Delightful Life, a blog created to add more delight to your life with delicious recipes, travel destinations, and lifestyle improvement ideas. Thanks for exploring my blog!

Archives

Contact Us

  • Email
    info@onedelightfullife.com

Popular Posts

Back to School Brain Breaks12K Total Shares
Going Underground in Historic Ellinwood, KansasGoing Underground in Historic Ellinwood, Kansas7K Total Shares
Weston, Missouri: Making the Most of a Weekend VisitWeston, Missouri: Making the Most of a Weekend Visit2K Total Shares
Cucumber Lime Vodka SplashCucumber Lime Vodka Splash1K Total Shares
Experience Sun Palace: A Couples-Only Resort in Cancun, MexicoExperience Sun Palace: A Couples-Only Resort in Cancun, Mexico575 Total Shares
  • About
  • Travel
  • Taste
  • DIY
  • Lifestyle
  • 100 Things to Do in Wichita Before You Die
  • Contact

© 2023 · onedelightfullife ·