Disclosure: Scott City Chamber of Commerce & Tourism sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.
They say Scott City is where history and progress meet, and I agree after spending time uncovering the fun things to do in the rural Kansas town. Its scenic landscape experiences and hometown dining are worth visiting, and it’s only a 37-mile drive north of Garden City.
Drive to Scott City or fly into Scott City Municipal Airport to embark on a memorable adventure tour in Wild West Country.
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 Western Vistas Historic Byway, the area is also known for its Western and Native American heritage, fossil discoveries, Historic Lake Scott State Park and El Quartelejo Ruins.
MUST-VISIT MUSEUM
El Quartelejo Museum + Jerry Thomas Gallery & Collection
Start your day in Scott City at the El Quartelejo Museum + Jerry Thomas Gallery & Collection (902 W 5th Street) to dive deep into the town’s history, which is the best way to get to know a destination before exploring it.
Open Tuesday through Saturday, the museum’s exhibits are free to peruse and most self-guided tours require at least an hour (not including view the Jerry Thomas Gallery & Collection).
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.
A diorama of the last Indian Battle in Kansas at Punished Woman’s Fork is a a visual representation of the actual site (more on that later).
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).
PRO TIP: Purchase a memento of your visit in the museum’s store.
Finally, the Jerry Thomas Gallery & Collection, a spacious room filled sculptures and paintings depicting wildlife, landscapes, history and American West people, is a must-have experience. I was beyond impressed with the acrylic paintings on masonite board.
“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.
Given his immense talent, it’s hard to believe Thomas, who has a degree n Architectural Design and City Planning from Southwestern College, is a self-taught artist.
The gallery is also home to the artists’ personal collection of military artifacts, including Charles “Jesse” Buffalo Jones Springfield’s Model 1863 Rifle used on buffalo hunts and African safaris in the late 1800’s.
FANTASTIC FLIGHT FUN
Spencer Flight & Education Center
If you or someone you know wants to learn how to fly, Spencer Flight and Education (300 S. Mesquite Road) makes dreams come true. It is also the site of a nighttime air show every other year in September hosted at the Scott City Municipal Airport.
Three flight instructors guide new and experienced pilots through general aviation training.
Pilots and non-pilots can reserve time in the FAA-approved Redbird FMX Flight Simulator. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to fly a plane, this is an experience you’ll cherish.
Since 2012, the Spencer Flight Center’s 50-person classroom has served as home base for ground school and educational programs.
REMINDER: Save the date to watch the aerial performers wow hundreds of onlookers at the nighttime airshow. The event includes live music and a spectacular fireworks display.
TERRIFIC TOUR
Duff’s Buffalo Ranch
Imagine riding on the back of a truck as a stampede of buffalo approaches, looking straight at you. It’s snack time for buffalo treats. The most exhilarating feeling, and perhaps the most quintessential Kansas experience, Duff’s Buffalo Ranch offers private buffalo tours.
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.
I appreciated learning about the biology and behavior of the North American plains buffalo from Richard and Susan Duff as we approached the herd. Once within a safe distance, we exited the truck and climbed a step ladder to sit atop the truck’s flatbed.
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.
I highly recommend the tour, which is a wildlife photographer’s dream excursion. View the ranch location and reserve a tour by calling or online here. Call Richard directly at (620) 874-5120 to inquire about schedule flexibility.
HISTORIC LAKE SCOTT STATE PARK
You owe it to yourself to purchase a Kansas State Park vehicle day pass ($5) to explore Historic Lake Scott State Park (101 W Scott Lake Drive), where historic sites and picturesque views await. A 20-minute drive north on Highway 83, stop at the park ranger’s stations and pick up a map to help you navigate to must-see locations and places for recreation.
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.
I parked the car to view the Steele Home built as a simple dugout, which evolved into a four-room house from sandstone sources from surrounding bluffs. The family were the first homesteaders in the area, and the residence is preserved as a museum featuring the artifacts from the late 1800s.
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.
BATTLE OF PUNISHED WOMAN’S FORK
On your way back to Scott City driving South on Highway 86 for a mile, look for the sign indicating the route to the Battle of Punished Woman’s Fork. It is the site of the last Indian battle fought in Kansas.
The five-minute road leading to the historic marker from the welcome kiosk is a bit rocky in areas but cars of all types should be able to make the voyage in good weather conditions. It is open from sun up to sun down, and you can view it for free.
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.
Located on the Western Vistas Historic Byway, the view from the top of the bluff is worth the drive for its the area’s historical significance and panoramic views.
PERFECT PAR PLAY
Scott City Community Golf Course
In town, the Scott City Golf Course (806 N Main Street) welcome golfers or all skill levels. The 9-hole golf course featuring bluegrass fairways and bentgrass greens is open to the public for a reasonable daily green fee for unlimited play.
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.
PRO TIP: Save money on the daily fee by taking advantage of the $15 Twilight Special.
Palmer Park Disc Golf Course
If you prefer to ring chains than sink putts, you’ll want to commit to a 9-hole round at Palmer Park Disc Golf Course (1101 Jefferson Street).
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.
PRO TIP: Use UDisc’s course map to scope out each hole.
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS
DeGeer Corner
Scott City wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for Maria DeGreer, a woman with a mind of her own and steadfast goals.
A widow form Chicago arriving in a wagon with her daughter, the town’s founder camped under the stars holding strong to her faith that the area was the ideal place to establish a town in 1885. A statue at DeGeer Corner honors the Temperance Movement speaker’s life story. She also became the first lawyer of Kansas.
A stop on the town’s historic walking tour, the statue designed by Jerry Thomas, towers in the shadow of First National Bank. But Degeer’s accomplishments are worthy of the prominent statue.
As mentioned early, the El Quartelejo Museum includes an exhibit detailing DeGeer’s work as a lawyer, writer, feminist, news reporter, and the first woman admitted to the Kansas Bar Association.
Historic Walking Tour
I encourage you to continue the Clio app’s historic walking tour through Scott City to marvel at some of its oldest buildings. If you’d rather use a walking tour brochure, they are available at the Scott City Chamber office.
One of the most awe-inspiring, historic building on the route is the Scott City Courthouse (303 Court Street), a red brick architectural gem of Classic Revival style built from 1924 to 1925 by Henderson & Riggs.
SCOTT COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL
One of most poignant historical stops on the tour is the Scott County Veterans Memorial (415 E. 5th Street), which recognized every branch of the U.S. military, Gold Star Mothers, and POW-MIA.
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.
AMAZING ART
Mural Tour
First-time travelers should take time to locate each of the colorful murals and one-of-a-kind statuary that shares the spirit of the plains. While some of the public art installations are viewing on foot walking downtown, a few murals require using a vehicle to drive to them.
Scott City is a small town bursting with art, history, and heart. As mentioned earlier, I’d start your tour at the El Quartelejo Museum and Jerry Thomas Gallery & Collection for some background, and then go on a hunt to spot murals and statuary.
If you’re familiar with Mindy’s Murals, a Kansas-based street artist, you’ll recognize her work at the Scott County Fairgrounds (Follow Your Dreams) and on Main Street (Welcome to Scott City).
Adjacent to Main Street, take a moment to get out of the car and admire the mural at Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center (212 E. 5th Street), and note the children’s hands added to its frame.
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.
Did you know that 37 murals were completed in 14 Kansas communities in 2022 through a grant program? Scott City’s welcome mural is a recipient of the art initiative by Office of Rural Prosperity’s Rural Mural and Public Art Grant Programming.
DINING DISCOVERIES
Scott City, a community of less than 4,000 residents, has a number of restaurants to enjoy. Ranging from Mexican food and steak dinners to grab-and-go breakfast fare, you’ll find it.
TruNorth Cafe
Start the day at TruNorth Cafe (1313 Main Street) for an early-morning caffeine boost. I love it when a rural community’s coffee shop is open on a Monday, and TruNorth is a locals’ gathering place.
A group of locals chatted about the weekends happenings as conversation turned to coin collecting as I savored a breakfast burrito and hot coffee.
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.
PRO TIP: A small retail inventory includes faith-based books, candles, and handcrafted gifts.
The Original Grande
The Original Grande (1201 Main Street) serves fast casual Mexican food meant to “fuel your inner fiesta.”
One of two locations in Kansas, The Original Grande’s menu features menu items such as taco burgers, macho tacho, and my favorite, the nachos supreme.
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.
The Grill House
At The Grill House (702 E. 5th Street), expect a duality of menu choices from American cuisine to Mexican fare. You’ll find chicken wings, sandwiches, steaks, as well as lunch and dinner specials catering to a locals and people passing through town.
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.
I visited Scott City from Sunday through Monday, so I look forward to returning to Act Two at the Majestic for a dinner show. Mom and Pop’s Burger Stand, which was closed both days, serves comfort food and yummy pie – I’ll be back!
RESTFUL RETREAT
Best Western El Quartelejo Inn & Suites
The Best Western El Quartelejo Inn & Suites (1610 Main Street) is the premier hotel in Scott City, offering overnight guests a restful retreat after a full day of exploring. Considered a 2-star hotel, amenities include a complimentary full breakfast, indoor swimming pool, and fitness facility.
I rely on speedy internet to get work done from the road, and the hotel’s free Wi-Fi was flawless. I could work from the provided desk or kick back with my laptop from an oversized chair.
PRO TIP: Best Western Reward Members earn flexible rates and bonus points.
BONUS PLACES TO EXPLORE IF YOU HAVE TIME
If you have the time to stay two nights in Scott City, I’d recommend driving to Monument Rocks, Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park, and Keystone Gallery. Each location appeals to outdoor explorers who appreciate the area’s natural beauty, and fossil hunters find it fascinating.
Traveling with kids? Check out the Scott City Municipal Pool, catch a ballgame at the Scott City Recreation Sports Complex, or a rodeo at the Scott County Indoor Arena and Activity Center. Park on the Plains at Patton Park features a elaborate playground the littles love to climb.
ONE MORE PLACED I LOVED
I can’t resist a locally owned hardware store in a rural Kansas town. The personable service and wide selection of products, which always includes Kansas-made goods, is a draw.
Visit Ace Hardware Scott City (1320 S. Main Street) to support local while stocking up on home and garden supplies. I came home with tomato plants, and I’ll always remember Scott City at harvest time.
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.
The Northeast Kansas town of slightly over 2,000 people is one you’ll wish you visited sooner. The perfect girl’s getaway, thanks to its plethora of downtown shops, it also caters to every kind of traveler.
Inventory includes recognizable brands such as Swan Creek Candles and Mudpie. Also offering custom picture framing, Leah stays busy with custom orders and bridal registry fulfillment.
The inventory includes a range of gifts for men, graduates, and decorations for your home’s seasonal switchover.
Celebrating 60 years in business, the family-owned and operated store provides courteous service. They quickly ask what you need and walk you to the item. My purchase? A rain gauge, which I couldn’t find for sale at other stores earlier in the week.
Seneca Variety
PRO TIP: Don’t miss shopping the Discount Wall. I spotted holiday decorations marked down 40 percent.
Seneca is a multi-denominational community, and Uniquely Gifted’s inventory reflects faith-based values, particularly Catholic ones.
The owner, who has a degree in apparel merchandise, does an impressive job of carrying on-trend brands and everyday apparel necessities. Racks and tables display primarily women’s apparel, but men’s clothing and children’s shoes are well-stocked.
Order a healthy protein shake or tea at the store’s beverage counter, 
If you choose a graphic design from the templates book, staff can usually print your shirt the same day. And if you’re a K-State fan, this shop carries the most extensive collection of collegiate wear in town.
The owner carries recognizable brand names, including Ashley Furniture, La-Z-Boy, and Sealy, and the showroom includes outdoor patio sets as well.
The hardware store, run by the owner’s family for generations, maintains its architectural charm. Painted ghost signs on the wall, original shelving, and framed black and white photographs over the register are a glimpse into its past.
The owner gets up early daily to make various bars and donuts – apple fritters sell quickly. Diners with gluten-free dietary needs will appreciate crustless quiche, energy balls, and muffins.
My ham and cheese breakfast cheese made with flaky crust was the real deal. It paired well with a Mixed Up real fruit smoothie prepared with strawberries, pineapple, mango, and peaches.
I watched from the bar as the waitstaff greeted regular customers with their usual drinks, often predicting what they wanted to order for lunch. The day’s special, a Philly cheese sandwich, sold out before 1:00 p.m.
Not only did a downtown shop owner tell me I should order the sausage and kraut pizza, but my server, Kim, admitted it was one of her favorite meals. My medium pizza arrived piping hot, covered in savory toppings and stretchy cheese. I savored two slices before taking the rest home.
I chose a table at the clubhouse restaurant amongst golfers and locals on lunch dates. The menu, consisting of appetizers, sandwedges, and fried food baskets, was extensive given the size of the restaurant. The Hole In One quesadilla prepared with grilled chicken was fulfilling and worthy of a repeat order.
Over the years, the buildings’ owners have worked long hours preserving its wood floors and stained glass arched windows to create an inviting space.
I chatted with the owner, who showed me before and after photos of the building’s renovations. A Seneca resident introduced himself and told me stories of his past while he ate a cinnamon roll and sipped coffee. Cornerstone CoffeeHaus is a delightful stop.
As you walk upon the building’s original wood floors, explore a makeshift saloon, replica schoolroom, and original artifacts for the Smith Hotel, a refuge for riders needing a break.
PRO TIP: The museum is open Memorial Day to Labor Day, Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 pm and 9:00 am – 1:00 pm on Saturdays. To guaranteed a tour, call (785) 294-6655 to schedule an appointment.
The 
The museum is small, but well organized and includes fire station relics unique to its location.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss viewing the a model buildings layout, a tribute to Seneca’s days gone by.
You’ll see graphic panels on points of interest along Main Street, each providing context to the building’s history. A self-guided walking tour requires at least 30 minutes, but it will take longer if you’re like me and want to take photos of the architecture while taking your time.
The well is 34 feet wide by 65 feet deep, and the original pump remains on top of a service platform. Tours are available from May through October by calling the 
I was so impressed with the accommodations that I immediately called home to tell others about it. The owners did a meticulous job restoring the two-story space, which includes original wood floors and crown molding, and each room contains framed antique photographs of downtown Seneca.
Guests climb a tall set of stairs using a self-entry keypad entrance before entering the loft’s entrance. A modernized, open kitchen/living concept includes tall windows facing Main Street. A full-size laundry room with supplies is located off the the kitchen.
I had my choice of two large bedrooms, and settled on the one pictured below featuring a queen bed with jersey knit duvet bedding. Each bedroom included a dresser drawer for personal items and a flatscreen Roku TV.
After a full day of exploring and shopping downtown boutiques, I spent the evening unwinding in one of the living room’s leather recliners with a glass of rosé wine.
The following day, I watched the sunrise from one of the swivel window seats pictured above with a tall mug of complimentary coffee. As traffic increased on Main Street, I felt sad knowing that I had to check out of my Airbnb and say goodbye to Seneca.
Interestingly, the town got its name during the days of water scarcity in the 1870s. A resident, Mr. Rogers, didn’t charge for water and people often replied “that’s mighty Liberal of you.”
I’ve never viewed a 
The next stop on the tour takes visitors to a 5,000 square foot interactive space, Land of Oz, where Dorothy leads you through scenes from the movie. My experience started by watching an approaching tornado. The thunder rolled, lights flickered like lightening, and window curtains blew.
Following Dorothy as we encountered each whimsical character (mannequins), I was delighted by the craftsmanship of the displays. Each scene reminded me of my childhood when I watched the movie for the first time.
PRO TIP: Make time to tour the retail gift shop. From comfy ruby red slippers to pretty postcards, the shop’s inventory is hard to resist.
Toto’s Dog Park is a new addition providing dog owners a place for their furry family members to roam.
PRO TIP: Take a photo of the life-size bronze sculpture representing the explorer.
Walking inside the museum is like opening a tiny treasure box. The walls and glass cases are adorned with antiques that tell the story of Liberal’s industries.
Outside the museum, the walls of Landmark Center serve as a gallery for framed black and white photography depicting Liberal’s early days.
No matter what you’re in the mood to shop for, it’s likely you’ll find something you can’t live without.
A few handprinted 
While I wasn’t in the mood for a large meat platter with all the fixins’, the menu includes options for more hungry eaters.
The 
I found the first floors collection of lithographs on paper by John Steuart Curry to be the most awe-inspiring. The Kansas-born painter is the same artist painted murals at the state’s capital building, Kansas Pastoral and Tragic Prelude.
Thematic collections of various other pieces, mostly created by Kansas artists, were awe-inspiring including pottery and paintings.
I gravitated to planes produced by Cessna, a company founded in Wichita, but I was equally intrigued when learning that Beech Aircraft once had a production division in Liberal.
The museum also does an excellent job of properly honoring pilots who gave all with a POW-MIA display and exhibit cases filled with uniforms and medals of pilots from Liberal who went to war.
My steaming not P5 Phô with Shrimp had light flavor and oodles of noodles for slurping. I also ordered Fried Spring Rolls, which didn’t last long between spoonfuls of phô.
The ambiance was quiet as I watched a video of wild birds on TV and listened to classical music play from speakers.
When not enjoying my King Rooms 
The staff was courteous upon check in and check out ensuring that I my needs were met.
If you read my blog often, you know I love supporting local restaurants. I’ll return to Liberal to dine at one of dozens of Mexican restaurants or food trucks, a type of cuisine that dominates the dining scene. Plus, a visit to 
Liberal offers visitors plenty of entertaining things to do for an unforgettable day trip or overnight stay. I made memories while dining, shopping, and perusing incredible museums.
If traveling east on Highway 54, use my itinerary suggestions to 
PRO TIP: Cash only. An ATM is located at a bank nearby.
Many of the predominantly Swedish town’s residents gather there for an early-morning coffee and breakfast pastry, and the restaurant recently started serving lunch for mid-day diners.
You’re alway guaranteed to find the owner’s famous cinnamon rolls under the glass case. Don’t miss a chance to purchase his family’s jarred jams and jellies.
Tasty Pastry Bakery & Coffee Shop is open every day except Sunday. Arrive early to order the best pastry selection. The coffee is hot, and the donuts are fresh.
Other bakeries in Lawrence worth checking out include 
Not only do they serve delectable pastries for early-morning crowds, their baristas can prepare a short list of classic coffee or hot tea drinks. Late-day patrons may appreciate the bar menu.
The display case is refilled with cake and old-fashioned style donuts as they run out. Expect to find bottled drinks, including cold coffee brands and milk in the reach-in cooler.
I judge a donut shop by a perfectly soft, glazed donut. Carol Lee Donuts knows what they’re doing. Add it to your Salina travel bucket list.
I recommend ordering a Bacon Hand Pie, served warm with a butter-flavor flaky crust and a soft interior filled with egg, cheese, and of course, bacon. I sampled a sausage burrito, and it was tasty but not nearly as delectable as the hand pie.
My ham and cheese breakfast cheese made with flaky crust was the real deal. It paired well with a Mixed Up real fruit smoothie prepared with strawberries, pineapple, mango, and peaches. The berry scone was to die for.
The lunch menu includes multi-layered sandwiches, salmon cake, BBQ meals, and more.
The display case was filled with every kind of donut you could imagine. Apple fritters the size of your hand. Blueberry cake donuts. Cinnamon rolls. And classics like maple long johns and old-fashioned crullers.
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.
Other Wichita must-stops for donuts or pastries include 
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.
If you’re not into sweets, consider order their yummy meat and cheese breakfast burritos – don’t forget to ask for salsa.
If you’re someone who loves to order a steaming cup of coffee with their breakfast, please read my blog post, 
PRO TIP: If traveling with a pet, ask the hotel staff to direct you to the pet walking area. Prepare to pay a pet deposit.
After lunch, we shopped the retail store downstairs, loading up on Sweet Corn Salsa and Maple Dip jars as well as a six-pack of Doc Otto’s Hard Cider. Customers will find it hard to resist sweet and salty bagged snacks, and the frozen pie case is irresistible. (The orchard dates back to the 1940s!)
Outdoors, the 
I appreciate the hard work and dedication that new owners Denny and Emily Stucky and their employees have put into maintaining and improving The Community Orchard, a favorite destination for locals and visitors searching for an immersive farm experience.
PRO TIP: Check for 
Anne, the winemaker, introduced us to wines we never knew we liked but most certainly loved at the Tasting Bar. Our tasting experience included a short list of dry wines, starting with Ghost Pig (Apple Cider and Rosé Wine) and ending with Marquette 2021 Limited Release (Red). She explained how she uses only Iowa grapes to produce each handcrafted wine.
After tasting six different wines, we enthusiastically raved about dry white Petite Amie 2022 (Best of Show at the 2023 Iowa State Fair) and Marquette 2021 (Fruit-forward dry red). We were gleeful when she offered us a bottle of Marquette 2022 to bring back to Kansas.
After the tasting session, Anne gave us a tour of the winery’s newly expanded production facility and further explained the process of making wine from concept to harvest.
Are you interested in a tasting experience? You can walk in during tasting room hours or make an appointment. I recommend reserving a tasting if traveling with a small group. Light snacks and non-boozy drinks are available to purchase, and they welcome DoorDash food deliveries.
Created in 2015, concrete tee pads and easily recognizable holes make the course simple to navigate without using the UDisc app. If you want to play the entire course, plan for 1.5-2 hours and be prepared to walk a course mostly without shade.
Each 18-hole course provides manicured course play using rentable golf carts for golfers of all skill levels. While we didn’t have time to play a round of golf, I could easily see myself returning to Fort Dodge and carving out time to do so. Having played high school golf, the courses looked well-maintained and worth playing.
We sipped on a flight of four beers ranging from a crisp lager to a red ale. The brewery can produce 15 beers using 5 fermenters.
The size of the brewery is intentionally smaller than most, creating a setting where the community can sit down over a beer and get to know one another. The back patio features a meat smoker and grill available to patrons who want to cook dinner for themselves or friends while they sip on sids.
Check out the brewery’s 
The restaurant’s setting is unique, located inside the 
We enjoyed savory Dak-gang-jeong (fried chicken) and Mandu (dumplings) as appetizers.
A delightful evening in Fort Dodge isn’t complete without visiting The 
The Freedom Rock pictured above is dedicated to veterans suffering from the after-effects of service, like PTSD and mental illness. The front side of the mural rock honors two local aviators and medal recipients who both graduated from Fort Dodge High School
The state’s largest mural, it depicts Fort Dodge residents who contributed to the community. Do you see the man holding the ornate bowl? The town’s pottery industry is represented by this scene.
While admiring another downtown mural, I accidentally discovered The Starry Night (Central Ave. and South 9th St.) painted by Iowa Central Community College students.
No matter where you are in town, you’re bound to see a mural in the distance, whether it’s under a bridge like the one pictured below or in town visible to passersby.
Click 
If pizza isn’t your go-to at lunchtime, the brewery also serves specialty and build-you-own sandwiches with chips. Seven macaroni and cheese bowls appear on the menu.
If you go, flights of four 5-ounce beer samples are $12. Not a beer drinker? Opt to view the cocktails, wine, and Moscow mules menu instead.
PRO TIP: Dining with four people? Ask about the Big A$$ Mule, a 192-ounce Moscow Mule served in a monstrous mug.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time in our itinerary to sit down and create a piece, but I did chat with the owner and several women who were busy creating new glass projects.
They told me how they meet there once a week to chat about their lives and bond while creating art. Soon, they grabbed their phones to show me photos of past projects completed for friends and family. What started as something fun to do became a love affair producing fused glass.
You don’t need an appointment to work at the studio, but if you’re traveling with several people, you should call to reserve seating.
PRO TIP: If you want to take a structured class to create a holiday project. check the 
Beyond the home showroom, women’s apparel racks displayed the latest fashions in the season’s popular colors. Tunics, pants, shorts, and accessories make shopping at The Apple Attic worthwhile.
Located on the 
With an ever-changing display of works from their 1,200 permanent collection, you will see something new each time you visit. The museum hosts a visiting artist every three months.
PRO TIP: Admire the black and white photography on the walls highlighting the day Senator John F. Kennedy visited Fort Dodge before speaking at an airport rally in 1960. You’ll appreciate learning the story Olde Dog and a Massachusetts town that inspired the restaurant’s name 
Decidedly stuffed from my dinner meal, I choose a small dish of classic vanilla soft serve with rainbow sprinkles. Couples approached the walk-up window, ready to order, as I watched car after car enter the drive-thru.
A popular stop for locals near downtown, Snack Shack reminds me of a hangout you’d see in a 1950s movie. The community loves to gather at the colorful tables outside to gab about local happenings between bites of ice cream.
Known for their scratch-made scones, Andy Mae Coffee and Desserts has a loyal following that often tracks down their food truck when it shows up at community events.
I encourage you to walk inside the original Harcourt City Jail, where town drunks, thieves, and outlaws were once taken. Tour the Border Plains School, one of the oldest school buildings in Webster County, to imagine life as a student from 1857-1959.
Tour the inside of the Carlson-Richey Log Home from 1855 to smell the musty wood planks and admire the handiwork of the log home’s builder.
We appreciated the historic details inside a blacksmith shop, drugstore, carriage repair shop, and wood shop. I recommend spending about an hour exploring all the buildings on a cool weather day.
Other nearby buildings house actual artifacts curated from the area that documents one of Iowa’s most valuable resources, gypsum. Early settlers mined the mineral in and around Fort Dodge. Now, the chalky material is used to make wallboard, and Fort Dodge contributes nearly 75% of the state’s gypsum production.
Other displays house Native American arrowheads, beadwork, and clothing. Nearby, military uniforms and weaponry tell the story of those who fortified Fort Dodge.
When visiting Blanden Art Museum, you will be in the 
My sense of wanderlust is strong, and I typically have a fun travel experience wherever I travel. Yet something about Fort Dodge, my first Iowa travel experience, stays with me. It’s a feeling of contentment and longing to return.
I had the pleasure of staying overnight in Clay Center to make the most of my visit. With a population hovering at about 4,000 people, the tight-knit community rolls out the red carpet for visitors. I arrived in town just after sunrise and parked not far from the limestone courthouse in the town square.
I ordered The OG Acaí Bowl, a blend of acaí (berries of a South American palm tree) and banana topped with fresh fruit, locally sourced honey, coconut shreds, and granola. The delicious breakfast bowl was filling and a healthy alternative to a traditional breakfast. I sat at a table covered in chalkboard paint (colored chalk available!) and admired the artwork on the walls. A table near a cozy seating area sat covered with colorful stickers and board games.
Happy Hippie Studios is more than a place where wellness-driven people come for a tasty bite. A certified yoga instructor, Hammel encourages visitors and locals to join a yoga class or enjoy on-site massage therapy, sauna treatments, and esthetician services.
Hammel’s drive and determination are the only things more impressive than the studios. An award-winning business owner under 30, she grew Happy Hippie from a one-blender farmers’ market stand to a flourishing business. In fact, she served 150 smoothies on opening day. No wonder her slogan is “Smoothies Make People Happy.”
The town’s espresso bar and artisan restaurant are centrally located near retail shops and local businesses. I talked with the owner, Mike Peerson, about his business while he made cold brew. Multi-tasking is a skill Java Junkies employees have to master since the coffee shop is seemingly always busy.
The smell of coffee permeates the air. I enjoyed the Latté of the Week selection while relaxing inside the cafe during my visit. The menu also features early morning selections ranging from scones and pecan rolls to muffins and breakfast burritos. You’ll also find heartier meals like grilled PB&J or cheese sandwiches, as well as turkey wraps on the menu.
I returned on Day 2 of my stay in Clay Center for a hot coffee. The line reached from the counter almost to the door while employees hurriedly served patrons. They were busy for a good reason. The 4th Annual Java Junkies T-Rex Race for charity was about to start, and race fans wanted to fuel up before watching it. (More on the race later!)
The 299-seat theatre is a gem in the heart of the town. It’s where many locals have come for years, noting memorable moments. Director Reneé Langvardt and her employees work hard to provide an unforgettable experience. During the summer, families enjoy Free Movie Friday. When school children are released early from school on scheduled days, the theatre plays a movie to keep them entertained.
When the lights are up, visitors can see the theatre’s stunning architecture including ornate plaster made of horsehair. The modern seating provides a comfortable movie screening experience. Newly restored bathrooms are adorned with framed images of Hollywood stars of the past. The original tile floor and entryway harken back to an earlier time.
The concession stand is fully stocked with the movie popcorn, cotton candy, and candy selections you crave. Ask about combo deals. Adults can enjoy beer and wine.
As I drove up to The Schoolhouse Inn, I noted the bell in the tower and the oversized windows and doors. Inside, the interior was decorated in neutral tones. The restored hardwood floors creaked as I toured the accommodations. The open living room space easily included enough seating to accommodate several guests. Original chalkboards carved with the initials of rambunctious students flanked two sides of the room.
Two bedrooms with plush queen-sized beds with end tables and armoires welcomed me. Which one would I choose? The rooms were equally inviting. The full bathroom with a modern shower included the amenities of home plus a basket of toiletries.
Although The Schoolhouse Inn did not have a kitchen, I had access to a small refrigerator and freezer, Keurig coffeemaker, and microwave. The refrigerator was filled with bottled water and soda products. Complimentary drinks and snacks made the stay unexpectedly comfortable.
Because The Schoolhouse Inn sits on the owner’s private property, I found it to be a peaceful and quiet setting. If you want to stay overnight in The Schoolhouse Inn, contact the owner via their 
The brewery is kicking out some of the area’s best beers. I ordered a four-pour beer flight to sample several brews. As a travel writer, I’ve drank quite a bit of craft beer, and I’m pleased to say that I enjoyed all of the Brew House’s selections. Peel Out, comparable to Blue Moon, lived up to the hype. The two-time National Grand Champ Belgian Wit was my favorite, followed by 1 Eye Open Tropical IPA.
Voted “Best Burgers in Clay County,” I wasn’t going to miss my opportunity to order the stacked and smothered Gouda Mac burger. The sandwich is a feast for the eyes. Gouda bites drip with chipotle aioli atop a burger with bacon. You won’t leave a single bite on the plate – so leave room for crispy waffle fries! Other menu options include steaks, pizzas, salads, and appetizers. View the 
I was fortunate to get a private tour of the backroom brewing facility by Brew Master & General Manager Clint Armstrong. A few questions in, and I realized that Clint is the real deal. He cut his teeth on beer brewing like most beginners and then sought the mentorship of the pros while living in Colorado.
When visiting Brew House, carve out enough time to enjoy a meal and a few beers while chatting with locals. Taproom Manager Phil Kasper is a friendly, welcoming guy eager to chat about Clay Center or beer. If the weather is nice, enjoy the newly installed patio for a view of downtown.
I had the opportunity to meet various animals thanks to a guided tour by facility employees. I watched black bears dine on snacks. A lemur ate raisins from my hand. And beautiful birds like the ones pictured above chatted excitedly while we observed them. The zoo is undergoing a major renovation that includes the addition of an aviary that will become a habitat for various birds.
Ginger has operated the business for 36 years providing locals and visitors a place to shop for a gift for themself or someone else. They pride themselves on carrying the best brands in the business. Nora Fleming, Brighton, Michel Design Works, The World’s Best Pan…you name it, you can find it at Ginger’s Uptown. Plus, they make shopping for their products easy if you can do so in person.
I challenge you to try leaving the store without buying something. I couldn’t do it. Home cooks will appreciate the specialty foods corner that includes fill-a-bottle olive oils. Ladies looking to add glam to their wardrobe will appreciate the clothing and jewelry selection. And women looking to purchase seasonal home decor will gasp in amazement at the displays that welcome shoppers.
Known for its wedding registry services, the store caters to those who need to pick up a gift for the bride and groom. Rumor has it that they’re on almost every local wedding registry. Ginger is the queen of ribbons and is known for creating wow-worthy gift baskets. They can also ship you 99% of the inventory, and you can shop from the store’s website to order online.
The Uptown Girls host Thursday Coffee Talk sessions on Facebook live showcasing the newest inventory. Events like All That Glitters Christmas Showcase always promise big crowds, so signing up to attend one of the sessions in advance is key.
The 
PRO TIP: If you accompany a country club member, you can golf the course or enjoy a meal in the dining room as their guest.
After a fire destroyed their old facility, the owners drew design plans for the current building on butcher paper. The converted Dollar General Store is the town’s meat locker keeping locals’ refrigerators stocked with Kansas beer and pork products. It’s also a one-stop shop for grab-and-go shopping. They carry a large selection of beer and road-ready snacks.
PRO TIP: Pack a large iced-down cooler for your trip to Clay Center to fill it up with frozen meat. Oh, and don’t miss the back shelves stocked with private-label pickled vegetables and salsa.
Piotique Celebration takes place on the last Saturday of September every year. A tradition since 1936, hundreds of people turn out to watch parades, shop for food and craft vendors, play games, watch Cruise Night, and listen to live music. Expect large crowds to watch festivities downtown if the festival falls on the same weekend as homecoming.
The 4th Annual Java Junkies T-Rex Race for charity drew hundreds of spectators this year. Sponsored participants donning inflatable costumes sprinted down a city block to earn their way into the final heat. The winner earned $1,000 to donate to a charity of choice. It’s an event that is not to be missed.
Milford Lake is a 30-minute drive southeast of Clay Center. It’s an exceptional location for birdwatching, hiking, water sports, and overnight lodging in cabins or via campgrounds. Read what you can expect at Milford Nature Center in a post about Junction City 
I’m not going to lie. I felt a little tug on my heartstrings as I pulled out of town, leaving my new friends behind. The town’s people are welcoming, and with so much to do and see in Clay Center, it made it hard to leave.
Go for the murals. Drop into town to dine at the restaurants. Plan a trip around the town’s many events and festivals. No matter the time of year, Clay Center is a wonderful place to explore.
