Kansas’s scenic views—from public courses on farms and college campuses to lakeside fairways and city parks—make it the prime place to design a disc golf course. Ranked as the ninth-best disc golf state in the United States, Kansas has 372 courses, according to UDisc (2025)
I’m not a regular disc golf player and I’m definitely still learning how to throw. But my boyfriend is an avid player, so I’ve walked countless courses, interviewed a course designer for the blog, and I’ve attended a tournament to observe how the pros play.
Please consider this list a starter guide to disc golf courses in Sunflower State. Of course, for a comprehensive list, consult the UDisc golf app.
EMPORIA
If there is one thing Emporia is well-known for, it is disc golf. The South Central Kansas town has earned the name, Disc Golf Capital of the World.
Jones Park is 70 acres of a championship-level disc golf course known as The Supreme 18. Sports lovers will appreciate Peter Pan Park Optimist 18-hole disc golf course, the home of the Dynamic Discs Open.
Serious disc golfers travel from afar to compete in the PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Champions tournament in late summer/early fall. The park includes two courses that provide golfers with a chance to showcase their athleticism.
BONUS STOP: The disc golf craze in Emporia is undeniable. The town was named America’s #1 Disc Golf Small Town by UDisc. I added an extra stop to my itinerary after a world champion, Eric McCabe, message me via Instagram I tour Dynamic Distribution (840 Overland Rd. Suite A).
The enormous warehouse houses multiple rooms of shelves stacked to the ceiling with discs, bags, and apparel.
BONNER SPRINGS
I’m a novice at the sport, so meeting Cedar Ridge Disc Golf Course‘s co-designer, Jared, for a quick lesson was a plus.
The 18-hole course (1200 South 134th St.) is highly rated on UDisc for its meticulous design featuring cart-friendly paths and tree-covered baskets. Flags atop each basket make them easy to spot, and the maps perfectly match each hole’s design. Cedar Ridge is easy to navigate.
Each hole can be played two ways from concrete pads. Only a couple of water hazards make it challenging. The course hosts five to seven tournaments a year.
View a second course in Bonner Springs, Wyandotte County Park.
MANHATTAN
Calling all outdoor adventurers! A beautiful day spent at Tuttle Creek State Park isn’t complete without a round of disc golf.
Of course, you’ll need to purchase a $5 vehicle day pass to the park ($25/year), but it’s worth it to access the 18-hole Tuttle Creek State Park River Road course.
Disc golfers can expect a course that winds through shaded tree canopies, opening to picturesque views of the 80-acre lake. Concrete tee boxes and manicured fairways make ringing chains a delight.
View more courses in Manhattan.
MARYSVILLE
The northeast corner of the state is home to excellent disc golf courses, and Marysville’s city park disc golf course, Black Squirrel, is no exception.
Part of the thrill of playing the amateur course is pausing to spot black squirrels running up and down trees amongst the fairways.
View more courses in Marysville.
LINDSBORG
Disc golf is a popular sport for outdoor enthusiasts in Kansas, and Bethany Lutheran College’s 9-hole course is a no-cost way to play a round on campus.
Over 2,000 feet of course, golfers can catch glimpses of gorgeous sculptures on campus. Each hole is a par 3; grass tees and open spaces make the course approachable for beginners. To find Hole 1, walk to the Northwest corner of Gregory Hall.
GREAT BEND
In my travels across Kansas, I’ve seen many city parks, and Great Bend’s Veteran’s Memorial Park (17th and McKinley Streets) is at the top of the list for its offerings, which include a disc golf course.
The moderately challenging course is designed among beautiful trees of nearly every variety. Concrete tee pads and highly visible red baskets make it idyllic for a round of 18 holes.
Due to the 12-acre lake, novice players will find a couple of holes challenging, so I recommend they pack a retriever or floating disc.
View more courses in Great Bend.
COLWICH
The first course I ever played was in Colwich at Cowskin Disc Golf Course, and let me tell you, it wasn’t easy. At least, not for me at the time.
Each hole of the 18-hole course has three tee pad options, some fairways are considerably tree lined or tree covered while others are open and easier to play.
EL DORADO
El Dorado’s Legion Park is an 18-hole amateur (short pad) and championship level course (long pad) with concrete tees and cart-friendly paths.
Parts of the fairways meander adjacent commercial-use buildings and the sound of traffic hums.
View more courses in El Dorado.
NEWTON
Concrete tee pads and wide open play make Centennial Park’s Disc Golf Course worth an 18-hole round to ring chains. The well-groomed landscape includes signage for easy-to-navigate play for beginner to experienced players.
GREENSBURG
If you like disc golf, Davis Park is the place to master your long and short game. The park has two picnic shelters, plenty of shade, playground equipment, and RV electric hookups.
ANDOVER
We played Andover’s Centennial Park’s 18-hole disc golf course, which UDisc ranks high based on over 600 ratings. Players can expect concrete tee pads and baskets with flags at each hole.
The map and signage make the course easy to follow, and the scenery consists of mature trees and George Lake. The play is moderately complex, with short and long shots from well-kept, wide fairways. Although the map included amateur and pro-play options, pro baskets were unavailable during our visit.
WELLINGTON
Meander your way through Woods Park to fling discs into 18 baskets nestled amongst playgrounds, picnic areas, and a pond serving as a water hazard.
Established in 2016, the course includes concrete pads and wide fairways make for relaxing play. Pause between holes to rest on a nearby bench under a canopy of trees or snap pictures of a nearby waterfall.
COFFEYVILLE
Walter Johnson Park is home Dena Dee, 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.
For most disc golfers, many of the course’s holes are considered easy to moderate. The course is ranked the 113th-best course in the state.
WINFIELD
The Farm at Quail Valley (934 194th Dr.) isn’t just an event center located outside of town used for weddings and large events. It’s also the site of the #1 disc golf course in Kansas that is also ranked #58 in the world. For disc golfers, it’s the holy grail of courses.
The 18-hole course is casually referred to as The Beast because of its challenging design that includes many opportunities to potentially lose one’s discs in water hazards and challenging holes. Designed by disc golf world champion Eric McCabe, the course often hosts tournaments.
View more courses in Winfield.
PITTSBURG
Exploring the outdoors is made more fun at Schlanger Park. The home of a disc golf course, dog park, playground, and splash pad, it provides hours of entertainment for the entire family.
If you choose to play the 18-hole course, expect the wooded areas to offer a bit of a challenge. The course is a mix of open fields and covered trails. All 18 holes are a par 3.
View more courses in Pittsburg.
SCOTT CITY
Bring your discs to Palmer Park to play 18 holes from concrete tee pads. The in-town course is located across from the municipal pool and winds through the park.
Scott City is also home to a second course, Lake Scott State Park, which is located outside of town. You need to pay for a $5 park day pass or use your Kansas State Parks Vehicle Pass to enter the area. Established in 2019, the course is uneven terrain with dirt tee boxes.
BONUS! We’ve also traveled to other parts of the United States playing courses worthy of visiting: Fort Dodge, Iowa, Lincoln, Nebraska, and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
My journey to discover more about disc golf culture has only begun. I look forward to improving my skills as I travel to more courses throughout Kansas and elsewhere.
If you’ve played a Kansas disc golf course that I didn’t include, drop a suggestion in the comments below and let me know why you recommend it.
We perused shelves of gently used books for sale available for purchase with a one-dollar donation. At a nearby window, we watched bluebirds compete for nesting boxes as butterflies flew from flower to flower at the library’s garden. To my surprise, I also discovered a partially completed puzzle on a table, which I sat down to work on for awhile.
Additionally, the library offers endless fun for families. The children’s section includes activity bags parents can check out that teach kids about science, baking, and the outdoors.
PRO TIP: The Andover Public Library hosts events open to the public. View their 
We played the 
On occasion, a basket is partially hidden or elevated, making for unique shot opportunities. We were the only ones walking the course during the early morning hours on a weekday, and very few people walked the paved pathways near the course.
Walking from Hole 1 to 2 requires golfers to meander a woodland path under a tree canopy. Holes 13-18 are designed around Lake George, a home to waterfowl.
If you need to rest between holes, I recommend choosing a shaded bench seat near Hole 13 and 15.
Pro Tip: The park is home to Capitol Federal Amphitheater®, which hosts live events. Bring a lawn chair and a friend to enjoy concerts and theatrical performances when you’re not playing disc golf.
The cozy store is stocked to the brim with treasures. I recommend walking to the rear of the store to view the clearance table, where each item is priced at one dollar. The owner is also known to announce store-wide sales.
Reward yourself for scoring good deals with a slice of homemade pie, a cupcake, or a cinnamon roll. Renew Consign & Cafés outdoor patio is open year-round.
The staff member told us that most of their meat selection is processed in El Dorado. A fan of sourcing groceries close to home, I also appreciated their dry goods inventory and jarred pickled vegetables.
Whether it’s a thick-cut fresh or frozen steak or pork chops you’re after for dinner or a package of Honey BBQ Snack Sticks, Walnut Valley Meat Market’s got your covered.
Add men’s and women’s new and gently used apparel and shoes to your closet. Well-organized racks of kids’ clothing for all ages, toys, and board games are displayed.
You can feel good about purchasing items at Sunlight Thrift Boutique because proceeds from each purchase are donated to Sunlight Children’s Services, which provides resources and a temporary safe home for abused and neglected children and their families.
We bought new-to-us board game and a couple of men’s polo shirts. You’ll be shocked at the low prices of most items. New inventory is added six days a week.
I was curious about the latest trend, Forever Jewelry, a product and service the store offers during appointment-only sessions. Designed to be worn every day, a gold or silver necklace, bracelet, or anklet’s end pieces are welded together. The store also offers charms or a connector for each piece during select events.
The family-owned and operated jewelry store’s selection will please you. Whether you desire a new treasure for your jewelry box or need one repaired or restored, K. Westphal Jewelers does it all.
Made-to-order sandwiches like The Philly are prepared with sirloin (more like a ground beef patty than sliced meat), onions, Swiss cheese tomatoes, and crushed ripple potato chips. The non-traditional lunchtime meal is one of eight featured sandwiches, including their signature sandwich, The Bistro Burger. It was my favorite of the two options.
But it’s not your usual burger. Expect unique ingredients added to toasted Cuban bread. Burger meat is topped with grilled portobello mushrooms, fresh arugula, Fontina cheese, and red onion and drizzled with copious amounts of balsamic sauce. Side items are available upon request.
I was pleasantly surprised to find non-dairy sorbet and 100 percent vegan, plant-based 
Of course, CuppaYo’s topping stations include chunky bites of chocolate, cookies, and gummy candies, but for more health-conscious customers, you’ll also find fresh sliced fruit and nuts available.
A staff member weighed my frozen yogurt bowl at checkout to finalize pricing. It was less than four dollars. The experience was so much fun that I signed up for the loyalty program to earn points toward free frozen yogurt.
A newly constructed sports park, it is truly a remarkable place for families and friends to gather. Open to the public, an event lawn is available for hosting events and food truck parking. With so many options for exploration, we immediately selected one of four available pickleball courts for a game.
I had a blast learning how to play the game, and let’s just say we didn’t keep score. All the same, I appreciated the newly surfaced courts, positioned at a comfortable distance from other pickleball players.
PRO TIP: Bring your sports equipment, and don’t forget to pack sunblock. Follow Andover Parks and Recreation’s 
The rail-trail features different surfaces depending on your route of choice for walking or biking, including concrete, crushed limestone, and gravel flanked by wooded areas.
The trails are 10 feet wide, making it easy for dog walkers, joggers, and bikers to navigate together. The Andover-August rail trail is well-marked, and free parking is available at the 13th Street trailhead.
Our host ushered us to a dining table with a view of the putting green, Hole 1, and Hole 18. Seated near a stone fireplace and dark wood accents, we sipped Oak Grove wines by the glass between appetizers, bone-in wings, and ahi tuna bites.
Happy Hour specials feature $3 off wine by the glass, $3.50 well drinks, and $3 Coors Light and Bud Light draft beer on Tuesday-Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and all day on Wednesday.
We appreciated watching golfers at play and chatting about the day while waiting for a dinner selection; a Grilled Chicken Caeser wrap with a choice of side dish. Opting for the roasted Brussels sprouts, I loved them even more than the sandwich wrap as they were perfectly prepared and sitting on a bed of semi-sweet sauce.
The locally owned and operated restaurant, known for its American cuisine, serves a variety of appetizers, lunch, and dinner options for every kind of diner. I recommend dining on the patio (weather permitting) or indoors with a remarkable golf course view.
PRO TIP: Our drop-in visit on a Tuesday did not require reservations; however, groups will want to reserve a table or private room in advance. Arriving solo? Sit at the newly remodeled bar.
I’m a big fan of Andover’s 
Local vendors sell indigenous-inspired jewelry every day in front of the Palace of the Governors. You’ll see the most extensive collection of vendors available on Saturday morning.
Most plaza shops carry variations on the same theme – all things Southwestern from clothing to housewares. But if you’re like me, you’ll appreciate a handful of unexpected business like Los Padres Records, which sells classic rock and country music vinyl records.
If you only have an hour to tour the museum, you’re going to have to do it quickly if you want to see its entirety. Two hours for a tour is more appropriate.
The Georgia O’Keeffe: Make a Life exhibit provides an insight into how she lived when she wasn’t in the studio painting. It details her hobbies, and showcases clothing, furniture, and art tools. It’s an intimate glimpse into her life.
PRO TIP: It’s essential to 
I preferred the artwork on view upstairs with access to a reading library of art books. This museum supports artists of all mediums, which I found refreshing as some historical museums tend to lean into the same subject matter.
I was thrilled to discover that the red and green chili enchiladas served “Christmas Style” lived up to the hype. A roasted, medium-spice flavor dominated the meal, a local food tradition you must experience firsthand. View the menu.
In a chile-crazed town, I was keen to order chile rellenos, a cheese-stuffed, deep-fried pepper smothered in red sauce. It was one of the best I’ve eaten in years. The shareable Chiquito Nachos were prepared to my Nacho Queen standards with every layer of tortilla chips touched by savory meat and garnishes.
I discovered handcrafted doors of noteworthy design everywhere we traveled, from courtyards in museums like the Pueblo-style door pictured above to the intricate carvings of church doors.
The ornamental doors make a fabulous backdrop for a photo, adding to the historic charm of Santa Fe’s authentic architecture.
Referred to as the Miraculous Stair, a central pole supports it and consists of 33 stairs with a two-turn spiral to the choral loft.
The church is more of a museum, and a place where we witnessed visitors in awe of its architectural design. If you go, respect the museum’s request to remain quiet. Restless children will not find it as appealing.
We were awe-struck by the mesmerizing beauty, from the decorative tiles on the ceiling to the patterned wood floors. Tall Gothic windows illuminated the space, and we admired the display cases containing artifacts from saints who once visited the parish.
Like us, you’ll likely encounter worshipers praying quietly as you meander the church when a mass is not in session.
A live band or musician typically plays outdoors while shoppers mill about the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market Pavilion.
I regret not eating before attending the market, as there are several vendors and an on-site mini restaurant serving breakfast items. Bring your appetite.
PRO TIP: The taproom’s patio makes for an excellent place to enjoy the sunshine. Check their 
On night two, we skipped the downtown dining scene opting to read books in the comfort of an air-conditioned living room while sipping margaritas. A makeshift meal was easy to prepare thanks to a full kitchen setup.
The staff is eager to direct you to places to explore in the area, plus the center houses display cases showcasing the town’s history. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, West Plains is steeped in history.
I was impressed with the well-stocked inventory of regionally made products ranging from honey to home decor items.
PRO TIP: If traveling by RV, you’ll love the center’s expansive parking lot, water fill, and dump station. Visitors with dogs will love the shaded grassy areas to take a stroll.
After exploring the downtown area, we drove to spots around town, seeking out other permanent paintings.
We sipped ice-cold lattés while listening to the staff give instructions on throwing techniques and the rules of play. Despite my best efforts, the hatchets and Ninja stars I threw toppled off the target, coming to rest on the ground.
Watching others take turns throwing sharp weapons at the wood wall with better success was fun, and the coffee drinks made it a delightful experience.
One of the best parts of visiting the family-run business is their pride in selling locally sourced baked goods, coffee beans, and gifts.
PRO TIP: Look at the framed photographs on the wall for a few minutes. Each one captures historical moments when Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton visited West Plains. The building is where Wagoner launched his famous career.
As the book states, “Sometimes a bottle or flask was handed around from person to person, and some people complained about the loud, rowdy behavior exhibited by some of the dance’s inebriated patrons.”
Did a prohibitionist cause the explosion? Did J. M. Weiser, found dead behind the building with a door knob in his hand, cause the accident that killed 39 people and injured 23 others?
Photographer Joyce McMurtrey’s work “King of The Ozarks” was on display on the day of our visit. The native Missourian captured portraits of family members and neighbors of H. King Davis while interviewing them.
According to Explore West Plains, services were held in every church in town on April 19, 1928. This memorial remembers the 19 unidentified people laid to rest along with 20 identified people.
During our visit, locals gathered around the bar during Happy Hour. Nearby, a father and son played a game of pool while arcade games like Big Buck and Golden Tee flickered in the background.
Known for their wings, we shared a 5-piece basket with our choice of sauces: Thai Chili and Spicy BBQ – cooked and sauced to perfection. The Traditional Chef Salad with ham and eggs was fully loaded and crave-worthy. Our server said they are adding a salad bar.
If you order a burger, expect it to be stacked high like the West Plains Pride served on a jalapeño bun with pepper jack cheese, onion, and mango habanero sauce.
PRO TIP: Opt to sit outside on a nice weather day. They host local musicians on Saturday nights – no cover charge.
The brewery has a variety of beers for every kind of craft beer connoisseur, but for us, it was an easy choice.
To our delight, friendly locals joined us outside to raise a glass to West Plains.
The menu includes unexpected delights like homemade baked goods, avocado toast on artisan bread, and handcrafted breakfast sandwiches.
The faith-based gathering space is also a boutique that supports local makers and creators. The retail shelves ran the length of a brick-exposed wall and were piled high with irresistible merchandise from apparel to home decor.
PRO TIP: Look at the menu boards or ask a friendly barista for the day’s drink or food special.
The spring produces 6.5 million gallons of water per day, flowing beneath sandstone blocks.
The mill is closed to the public., but consider taking advantage of beautiful walking trails, putting your feet in the cold water (28 million gallons per day!), or primitive camp nearby.
PRO TIP: Park your car in the gravel lot at the base of the mill. None of the privately owned buildings are open to the public, so walking the grounds for stunning Ozark views is advisable.
Specialty sandwiches, burgers, and wraps dominate the menu. Our friendly server suggested the French Dip Sandwich and zesty Cuban sandwich, both equally scrumptious. The meat was juicy, the bread soft, and the flavor delivered.
The Brick Oven Pizza menu includes 8″ personal pizzas cooked to order if you crave something other than a sandwich.
We peered into display cases featuring military items and clothing once worn by the town’s residents. Equally interesting, old photos, newspapers, and Zizzer high school yearbooks were accessible.
You’ll see everything from vintage toys and coins to furniture and depression glass inside 22,000 square feet of retail space. I was drawn to an illuminated glass case filled with relics from the town’s past.
The signature of Elwin Charles “Preacher” Roe, a professional baseball player who retired after the 1954 season and opened a supermarket in town, was scrawled upon several artifacts. Roe played with the St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Brooklyn Dodgers.
A gift-giver’s go-to shop, Country at Heart is known for its handcrafted baskets decorated for themed parties.
The specialty store carries toys, books, novelty socks, candles, and more. You’ll find it hard to resist buying a gift or candy for yourself or a friend once you walk inside.
Why buy a generic print for your home’s wall when you can purchase an exquisite painting or photograph?
Located a short walk from downtown West Plains, the gallery is a place to admire the talent of regional artists while igniting your own creativity.
The smell of leather. The overwhelming rows of boots, handbags, and accessories make HB Boot Corral the number-one place to shop for western apparel.
PRO TIP: Pack brightly colored discs should you unintentionally throw one into a tall grass, wooded area.
As we entered, the staff directed us to an available table. We chose instead to pony up to the bar, a place I prefer so we can watch the action and have a direct view of the beer taps.
We worked up an appetite while sipping on a Belgian Blonde and Marzan, eventually ordering a stone-fired meat pizza and a plate of house-smoked tri-tip steak with sides.
PRO TIP: With dozens of flavorful beers on tap, locals rave about the brewery’s cream soda and root beer ordering growlers of it to go.
I heard, “Hi honey, how are you?” upon entering the store, where I waited patiently in line to order an iced vanilla latté and breakfast quinoa protein bowl to go.
The dual-purpose space was tastefully decorated with fresh floral arrangements, holiday decorations, and grab-n-go gifts for any occasion.
Just as I was leaving to take my breakfast to the park to enjoy it, I felt a tap on the shoulder. Turning around, the owner handed me a rose.
I settled into a picnic table under a canopy of towering trees to enjoy breakfast and coffee. A couple stood at the park’s map, choosing a walking trail while birds and butterflies fluttered about.
Owned and maintained by the city, it features a wood bridge over a creek, benches for relaxation, a pavilion, a children’s play area, and a paved walking trail.
PRO TIP: The park is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Dog walkers must bring a leash.
Regina Willard is a contemporary impressionist painter who captures the natural world with every brush stroke. Her business partner, Ellen Hones Martin, is a wheel-thrower who creates unique pottery – each sells their creations at the studio.
Whether they are teaching students how to create a masterpiece or creating their own, the studio is abuzz with activity. I witnessed local shoppers in awe of for-sale artwork as the owners welcomed them to an open house party.
PRO TIP: The best resource for learning about upcoming workshops or events at the collaborative gallery and studio is to check the 
Sandwiches and quarter-pound burgers dominate the lunch menu. We couldn’t resist a Club Sandwich and Fried Bologna Sandwich that hit the spot. I hope to return again to order the infamous Chicken Fried Steak dinner.
Will you order a soda float, a cup of classic chocolate ice cream, or a shareable sundae?
I took my time gazing at the selection of ice cream flavors before settling on a classic cone of sweet and creamy Chocolate Chip Cheesecake. You can’t rush a good thing.
Spring Dipper is the perfect way to end a weekend in West Plains.
Before the celebration, stop by 
I hope my travel guide inspires you to explore West Plains in the heart of the Ozarks, which deserves recognition for its attractions, shopping, and dining scene.
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 as the owner, Ron, told us the brewery can produce 15 beers using 5 fermenters. They are the only brewing in town that serves beer on nitrogen.
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 
Just like everything else in Fort Dodge, this TV-turned-fishbowl was yet another unique surprise to what could have been a typical stop for coffee experience.
We were pleased with the friendly customer service (the owner does it all!) and impressed by the breakfast menu featuring Eggels (bagel sandwiches) and an Acai Energy Bowl for health-conscious eaters.
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.
Do you like to maintain a fitness routine while on the road? The hotel’s gym is designed to include exercise machines you’d expect to see, plus free weights. The room is large enough that several hotel guests can get in a workout and not get in one another’s way.
PRO TIP: Access a filtered water station in the fitness facility to refill your reusable bottle before departing for the day.
No matter the time of day, I always find something I love on their menu. If it’s the early morning, I opt for breakfast burritos and a drip coffee. In the evening, I order a creative cocktail from the seasonal menu. When unsure what to order, I leave it up to the staff to make something inventive, like a bourbon margarita.
I ordered mouth-watering burnt ends and mac-n-cheese, which tasted 100% delicious. You can’t go wrong with anything you order, from rings and smoked turkey to bbq nachos and Legend Mac Bowls.
With an extensive lunch menu of thoughtfully prepared appetizers, salads, and soups, my friend and I ordered Fried Goat Cheese Balls for starters. My only wish is that we had more of them.
Sandwiched between homemade bread, the chicken salad was scrumptious, and the salads served on the side or as a meal are unmistakably good.
The chef brought warm apple dumplings with vanilla ice cream adding to the delightful dining experience.
Since it was Friday night, I took advantage of the steak special and ordered a ribeye and all the fixings – the comfort meal I craved while away from home. When pressed for his menu favorites, the owner suggested the Pastrami Burnt Ends Sandwich and the Surf-N-Turf dinner.
My al-a carte taco with chips and salsa made for a perfect lunch. Known for South of the Border favorites, El Pollo Loco, enchiladas, and burritos add to expected sports bar menu offerings.
I ordered a lager from KC Bier Company Dunkel to keep with the theme of supporting area breweries.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
It’s not a race but a chance to push yourself and support your besties. Obstacles like the Vertigo Bus gave me pause, so I left it to the ladies to show me how it was done. They ran the hamster wheel, crawled through muddy ball pits, and swung from ropes, cheering one another on.
If you’re interested in other events at Zip KC, the owners convert the landscape into a walkable haunted path at Halloween, complete with fright-inducing rein actors. At other times of the year, events like Ultimate Field Day and Family Timber Challenge draw a crowd.
In the air, attendees can sign up for aerial activities like the
The park is also home to sports fields, a basketball court, paved walking trails, three playgrounds, and a dog park. You may catch a baseball game or practice in progress if you’re lucky.
PRO TIP: Check the 
Did you know there are over 45K acres of farmland, which accounts for 87.5 percent of all Kansas land? You support families and communities by shopping locally from a farmer or area business.
PRO TIP: Be the first to arrive at the market when it opens for the best product selection. View hours and vendor details 
I found the items for sale reasonably priced for a Midwest market. They have several restored cabinets with drawers to choose from if adding furniture to a home’s entryway or living space. Additionally, you’ll discover many neutral-tone lamps, sit-abouts, faux plants, and framed artwork for sale.
PRO TIP: Take your photo in front of the store’s super cool neon sign.
The curated pieces resemble high-fashion styles you see in big-city boutiques. I found it hard to resist the latest KC gear, and I still regret not buying the beaded earrings calling my name.
PRO TIP: Ask the staff about recent mark-downs.
Keeping with their #stayvintage theme, shoppers can expect to find antiques for their homes and closet. Need a retro dress? They have it. Want a set of dishes? They have it. Hoping to find a cool chair for your office? They have it.
Woodland & Willow
But that’s not all! Home decor finds are tucked amongst racks of clothing and jewelry. The store’s owner is great about helping you find what you want.
The Small Hinge Boutique and Creative Studio
PRO TIP: If you lack time to attend a workshop, consider shopping the boutique space for a decorative sign to take home. From personalized door hangers to wall decor, you’ll find it there.
PRO TIP: Check the refrigerated cases for cheese samples.
The town is one that I’ll repeatedly visit for a plethora of things to do and people to meet.
