Disclosure: Hiawatha Chamber and Visitors Bureau sponsored my visit. However, all opinions and photos are mine.
Hiawatha, Kansas, known as the City of Beautiful Maples, is considered one of the oldest towns, dating to 1857.
But Hiawatha’s most notable title is that it is the town most deserving of your visit.
Fall is the most popular time to visit for its vibrant foliage, though this Northeast Kansas town offers plenty to do year-round.
It’s a picturesque town you should experience firsthand overnight, with downtown shopping, dining, and a tranquil lakeside cabin that will make you want to stay longer.
Use this travel guide to plan your Hiawatha experience, whether you’re visiting for one of its festivals or lodging overnight for the weekend.
Hiawatha, Kansas: Things to Do During an Overnight Stay
Make Time for Glamping
The Country Cabin
If you’re like me, you love the outdoors but prefer a cabin to a tent. The Country Cabin (2534 Kestrel Rd.) offers the tranquility you seek without the hassle of managing camping gear.
Each of the four reservable cabins includes private parking, heating and air conditioning, a kitchen, and sleeps up to four guests. Towels, coffee, and a television with Roku® are provided.
I spent two nights in Cabin 1 within walking distance of The Country Cabin restaurant and a fish-stocked lake. It felt like glamping under the stars, surrounded by the comforts of home. Crickets chirped. The sun set over a panoramic view of the lake.
I arrived for my dinner reservation just as locals descended on the restaurant for Friday evening Happy Hour and the Prime Rib dinner special.
Presented with a bonus food menu featuring fall selections, I chose to savor a glass of cabernet with Brussels sprouts and leeks tossed with apples, bacon, blue cheese, and balsamic dressing.
The Brown Sugar Pork Chop with red skin mashed potatoes and “cabin style” asparagus surpassed my expectations of presentation and quality. Each plated entree leaving the kitchen and presented to nearby diners looked consistently well-plated and delicious.
For dessert, I relished each bite of Carrot Cake Cobbler, sipping a Bourbon Smash cocktail and catching glimpses of the lake through the table-side window.
The Country Cabin has been on my travel bucket list for years, and I hope to return, as it is one of those experiences you can’t wait to repeat.
NOTE: Cabins are not pet-friendly. Restaurant reservations are highly recommended.
Dine Where the Locals Go
In town, there are plenty of places to sip and savor local fare. Start your day at a cafe and end it with a sweet treat after dinner.
October Coffee
October Coffee (402 Oregon St.) deserves a place amongst some of the best small-town cafes in Kansas for its specialty coffee menu and scratch-made baked goods.
Open Tuesday through Friday, a short line forms at the register where locals order house-roasted coffee with breakfast.
Sure, you can order a to-go coffee if in a rush, but you’ll want to sit down and relax for a while to savor a quality cup of coffee from globally sourced beans. The upstairs lounge is small but inviting, with high-speed Wi-Fi and board games available.
You can’t go wrong with a scratch-made cinnamon roll or muffin served warm with a latte. I recommend asking about their seasonal drink specials. They also serve lunch.
New China Restaurant
Cars arrive and park in front of New China Restaurant (723 Oregon St.) as it opens for the day. Locals are eager to enjoy the lunch buffet.
After waiting to be seated, I chose not to join the buffet crowd waiting for the lunch selections to be refilled and instead ordered a made-to-order broccoli and beef entree. Served steaming hot with crab rangoon, it was satisfying, with umami flavor from soy sauce.
Guests watched Family Feud on a modest television. As soon as a table cleared, they seated more people.
The Hiawatha Creamery
A visit to town is not complete without stopping at The Hiawatha Creamery (725 Oregon St.) for a scoop of hard or soft-serve premium ice cream.
Opened in 2022, the sweet shop’s menu specialties, like ice cream nachos served on waffle chips, often come from recipes created by high school-aged employees.
You can choose from a line-up of 24 rotating Wisconsin-made ice cream flavors served traditionally or with cold brew concentrate from October Coffee.
The Hiawatha Creamery continues the town’s long-standing tradition of serving quality ice cream year-round, weekends only.
Prices are purposely affordable. Employees are happy you’re there.
Enjoy Some Retail Therapy
Hiawatha, a town of slightly more than 3,000 residents, has several boutiques and specialty stores.
Mainstreet Flower Shoppe
Mainstreet Flower Shoppe (713 Oregon St.) should be your first stop for chocolate truffles, home decor, gift-worthy items, and, of course, fresh floral arrangements.
‘You can expect to see brands such as Rabbit Creek®, Nora Fleming®, and Eat My Socks Kids® items artfully displayed with seasonal decor front and center.
PRO TIP: Don’t leave without purchasing decadent chocolate truffles, the perfect road trip treat.
Blue Byrds Creativity Room
Blue Byrds Creativity Room (715 Oregon St.) lives up to its name.
Its inventory includes hand-crafted gifts created by ten vendors, from totes and tumblers to whimsical jewelry.
The creative spirit inspired the owner to add a seasonal menu of coffee drinks plus a daily lunch special. Because who doesn’t need homemade cinnamon rolls and chili, right?
Wright’s Eclectibles
For more than a decade, Wright’s Eclectibles (709 Oregon St.) has offered shoppers a chance to curate unique, nostalgic items from an inventory of antiques and collectibles.
Ornate glassware tries to dominate the selection, but organized tables and shelves of vinyl records, kitchen tools, and antique tools compete for space.
You’re bound to find a relic that reminds you of your childhood. At the very least, don’t leave without purchasing a bottle of Hiawatha Maple Syrup.
Faith + Foliage
Shop Faith + Foliage (708 Oregon St.) for houseplants, faith-based books and gifts, jams, jellies, and other inspired-living items.
The downtown boutique is an extension of Wolf River Nursery, a garden center and greenhouse located an 8-minute drive outside of town.
Wolf River Nursery
Drive south on Highway 73 to Wolf River Nursery (1460 195th St.) to stock up on gorgeous, flowing hanging baskets of plants and flowers.
During my autumn visit, rows of bountiful mums in a variety of orange, red, and yellow colors lined the sidewalks.
Large wind chimes, bulk vegetable seeds, container posts, and garden tools round out the garden center’s inventory.
With more than 25 years of experience, the owners are skilled at answering customers’ questions during peak gardening season.
PRO TIP: Attend the Spring Open House the last Saturday in April to shop, enter prize giveaways, and savor local food.
Just For You Jewelry & Gifts
Fashion and fine jewelry. Children’s toys and gifts. Puzzles. Collegiate gear. Women’s blouses. You’ll find it all and more at Just for You Jewelry and Gifts (620 Oregon St.).
It’s the best place in town to purchase Hiawatha Red Hawks merchandise, from magnets to earrings.
The employees are cheerful, and like me, you’ll likely leave with a keepsake to remember good times in Hiawatha.
Oak & Willow
Creating an outfit with the latest fashions is easy for women at Oak & Willow (618 Oregon Street). The style of apparel is classic and feminine, with separates that are easy to pair in sizes small to extra-large.
I thumbed through racks of puffy-sleeve blouses, wide-leg pants, and Risen® jeans.
If you love to dress it up for an occasion, you’ll find rompers and free-flowing dresses. Moms with little girls will appreciate a selection of accessories.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss the clearance rack at the back of the store.
Sarah Kathryn’s Quilts
If hand-sewing quilts is a hobby that brings you joy, shop Sarah Kathryn’s Quilts (518 Oregon St.) for fabric and supplies.
Pre-cut fabric bundles. Notions. Quilting kits. You’ll find it all toward the rear of the store.
The front half of the store is a retail space resembling part antique store, part Hobby Lobby. So even if you don’t need quilting supplies, you’re likely to find bakeware or seasonal decorations that appeal to you.
PRO TIP: Ask about Chester’s fabric bundles named after the shop’s cat.
Uncover History Around Town
Hiawatha City Hall – 2nd Floor
Locals visit Hiawatha City Hall (701 Oregon St.) to pay a utility bill or apply for a permit. Visitors walk upstairs to learn more about Brown County and the township’s history.
An impressive, modest collection of antiques occupies a portion of the upstairs area.
I appreciated the mural, painted by local artist Ron Allerton, portraying Brown County’s agricultural roots. Painted during the Kansas Centennial year, 1961, it is an oil painting on cotton duck canvas.
Brown County Historical Society Museum
Take a deeper dive into history at the Brown County Historical Society Museum (611 Utah), a treasure trove of tucked-away relics.
Open by appointment, the building itself is awe-inspiring. Built in 1920, it has served as a community gathering space for Hiawatha Area Arts and Theatre Society performances.
People don’t realize that its basement houses rare finds organized by theme. Volunteers worked endless hours to create the museum.
A soda fountain counter, high school letter jackets, an antique letterpress, old photographs, and more are just a few of the must-see items.
Brown County Agricultural Museum and Windmill Lane
The historical museum tour continues at the Brown County Agricultural Museum and Windmill Lane (301 E. Iowa St.).
Admittedly a city girl, I find it fascinating to see antique tractors and learn how farming equipment was used back in the day.
The site resembles a 1900s farmstead, with a schoolhouse, milking barn, and corn-threshing area. The best view of Windmill Lane is from the second-story patio of the new event center, which is also the prime spot to view fireworks on Independence Day.
More than 40 windmills and wind chargers line a country road surrounded by cornfields, making for a unique photo backdrop. Museum tours are available by appointment.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss Corn Picking Days in mid-October that include hands-on activities at no cost.
Davis Memorial at Mount Hope Cemetery
Make the short drive to Mount Hope Cemetery (606 E. Iowa St.) on the outskirts of town to view the Davis Memorial, a finalist for the Kansas Sampler’s 8 Wonders of Kansas.
The granite and marble memorial was erected by Hiawatha farmer John Davis after his wife Sarah’s death in 1930.
Some people think the memorial was a misuse of Davis’ savings that could have funded a hospital. No matter your viewpoint, most will agree its design is extravagant and verges on creepy.
PRO TIP: Use the electronic kiosk to locate Elizabeth Krebs’s grave, the mother of Halloween in Hiawatha. Theodore H. T.J. Korthanke, one of the town’s founding fathers, is buried there as well.
Korthanke Fountain
Hiawatha is known for its abundant maple trees, and one man, T.J. Korthanke, is responsible for it.
Locals admired the stunning hard maple tree on his farm, which inspired him to plant the tree’s seeds, creating a seedling grove available for locals to care for as their own.
The Korthanke Fountain sits between the firehouse and police station on Oregon Street.
Murals
I discovered about a half dozen murals painted in the downtown area, and each one included imagery depicting Hiawatha’s industries.
One in particular was created to honor a Hiawatha native and war hero, Homer White, who “died as he lived, an honest and good man.”
Experience an Annual Festival
Maple Leaf Festival
My first Hiawatha Maple Leaf Festival is in the books. The town goes all in, bringing endless vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment to downtown on the third Saturday of September.
The one-day festival coincides with homecoming weekend, so alums return to participate in the activities at the downtown square. Local museums are open and free to the public.
I’ve experienced many community festivals, and this one is one of the best because of the number of vendors and the variety of entertainment.
Kids jumped excitedly in bouncy houses, several climbed a rock wall, and others eagerly waited in line for sweet treats. The smell of kettle corn filled the air, and a local band played as families mingled while eating food truck fare.
The town also hosts Hiawatha Halloween Frolic, the oldest continuous Halloween parade and festival in the United States, on October 31.
During Christmastime, don’t miss the Festival of Lights and Holiday Homes Tour.
Choose Leisurely Outdoor Activities
Brown County Courthouse Square Trees
Take a stroll around the Brown County Courthouse grounds to admire the dozens of mature trees. Each one in the collection is labeled at its base, identifying the type of tree. And yes, you’ll find maple trees amongst others.
I escaped a rainstorm under the trees’ canopy and ventured into the courthouse for a self-guided tour until the storm passed.
Hiawatha City Lake
Hiawatha City Lake, located one mile south of town on US Hwy 73, is a bonus recreational area worth checking out if you want to play nine holes of disc golf or play volleyball. Bring your rod and reel to fish for channel catfish.
Hiawatha Walking Trail
Hiawatha is a health-minded community. You’ll appreciate the paved 2.4-mile walking trail.
Park at Fisher Center (201 E. Iowa St.) and then embark on the trail, which winds past a skate park, Kiddle Korral playground, and beyond Noble Ball Park.
Hiawatha is an inviting getaway for solo travelers, couples, or families seeking the charm of Northeast Kansas. I adored my time there and hope to return next year.
Whether you’re in town for a lively community celebration or settling in for a leisurely weekend, you’ll find plenty to see, do, and enjoy, along with a warm welcome at every turn.
And if you want to explore nearby communities, use my travel guides for Seneca, Holton, and Atchison.
Wichitans will tell you the city is large, but it feels like a small town. After a brief conversation with photographer Mickey Shannon, we learned that we are Wichita natives who share a love of Colorado.
It’s an excuse to mingle with friends with a handcrafted cocktail between bites of local fare. You can count on a lively atmosphere with live music, and organizers always gift guests a swag bag at the end of the night.
We watched feats of bravery as each pilot pushed their aircraft to the limit overhead. The show boss called the action to the backdrop of high-energy music choreographed with each pilot’s show.
The crowd engaged with applause and often jumped out of their seats to examine the action on the ground before takeoff.
Our seats, positioned directly behind the guide rope, gave us unobstructed close-up views, which you don’t often get at big city airshows. The Saturday and Sunday daytime shows were spectacular. Unfortunately, due to rain, we didn’t watch the Twilight Airshow.
A proud Wichitan, I especially love witnessing people admire the airworthy 
A DTWA helicopter whizzed overhead, providing non-stop rides over the airport and the surrounding area. Attendees needing speed fastened their seat beats for a Drive Experience with Precision Exotics racing down the tarmac.
At the DreamBig Entertainment experiences, airshow attendees paid a small fee to climb into a stationary F-18 or F/A 18 cockpit for a photo opportunity.
The presence of these remarkable aircraft is fitting, given that Great Bend Army Field was a United States Air Force base. Today, it operates as Great Bend Municipal Airport, the same airport I took my first flight at as a second grader.
Constructed in the 1940s, the installation honors pilots trained to fly the Superfortress bombers and the B-29’s support staff.
PRO TIP: Bring a lawn chair to position it where you’d prefer to watch the show. Keep in mind some vendors only accept cash. Parking is free.
I ordered a single Build Your Own Burger with cheddar cheese and delicious homemade potato chips. The Philly sandwich arrived stuffed with sauteéd mushrooms, peppers, and onions with melted Swiss cheese on a hoagie roll.
PRO TIP: Order your meal when you put in your drink order to accommodate a busy dining room. Prepare to spend more if you order side sauces like au jus or ranch dressing.
The well-designed restaurant’s dining room transports you to Mexico, and the bar area, complete with televisions, is the ideal place to watch the game.
I devoured a traditional chicken and chorizo entreé with savory beans, rice, and warm tortillas. After a visit to the Salsa Bar, I topped each bite with a creamy avocado salsa for added heat.
If you love enchiladas or burritos, you have a variety to choose from, and the steak burrito covered with white queso is worth ordering.
PRO TIP: Visit the restaurant on Taco Tuesday for $2 tacos with your choice of six meats.
The smell of carne asada permeated the air as we ordered street tacos and burritos for an early lunch. Sitting at one of a few booths, we sipped bottled drinks, watching as people arrived to pick up to-go orders.
The food was crave-worthy. Mary’s Kitchen deserves its stellar online reviews.
I’ve drank craft beer at over 30 Kansas breweries, and this one is easily one of my favorites for its beer quality and selection. The staff, who took time to get to know us, was friendly and attentive.
We loved our experience so much on Friday night that we returned to celebrate Oktoberfest on Saturday, which included a laugh-inducing stein-holding competition. (If you don’t drink beer, Dry Lake Brewing serves seltzers and signature cocktails and can make just about any drink from its full bar.)
PRO TIP: Lazy Bacon BBQ makes regular appearances in Great Bend. Check its 
The store carries brands including Pendleton, Liverpool, and Wrangler. If you’re in a rush to find a comfortable pair of jeans or a shirt for a last-minute date night, you’ll find it here.
Aside from shoes, leather handbags, and hats, their inventory of women’s jewelry impressed me. Ask to try on a turquoise necklace or ring from inside the Southwest jewelry case.
Mosey to the rear of the store to the 
Known for its therapeutic horse-riding program, Rosewood names each wine varietal after one of the horses. From dry to sweet wine, we loved the Smooth Movin Sheik Malbec enough to purchase a bottle.
The shop’s owner stocks various Kansas-made products, including souvenir gifts for travelers seeking a sunflower or Wizard of Oz trinket. However, I spend the most time perusing the shelves in the back of the store shopping for jarred condiments of dip mixes – samples available
The other side of the store is devoted to selling women’s apparel and jewelry. Look for the clearance shelves for deep discounted finds.
If you’re shopping for a gift, consider purchasing Blind Date With a Book (mystery title!) or one of the many screen-printed graphic t-shirts available.
The best part? A massive indoor enclosed patio at the rear of the store is home to new and antique must-have gifts ranging from garden displays to signage with messaging. Refined Medley sells an assortment of great finds hand-selected by its owner, and I’ll cherish the seasonal decor I purchased.
I spotted two new-to-me oversized creations, which prompted me to get out of my car for a closer look at “Leave a Legacy” by artist Melanie Ryan (1307 Lakin Avenue) and a Kansas-themed mural by artist Brady Scott at 1125 Williams Street.
Other artistic creations in the downtown area include painted boxes with varying whimsical designs.
Not to be missed is the awe-inspiring bronze statue of Jack Kilby in front of the Barton County Courthouse, “The Gift,” by local artist Chet Cale (1400 Main Street). It depicts the microchip inventor, a man who grew up in Great Bend, transmitting knowledge from one generation to the next.
Another sculpture installation, “Remember When,” donated by Tommy Hammond, is located at Rosewood Furniture Gallery (1607 Main Street). It features four aging men of distinctive character looking forward to a vision of their youth.
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.
As mentioned, the park is home to native and non-native trees to pay homage to the Battle of Argonne Forest. If you walk the paved sidewalk through the park, note signs near trees explaining the variety.
Bonus reasons to spend time at Veteran’s Memorial Park include the Kiwanis Club Fitness Trail, new playground equipment areas, tennis courts, ballparks, and sand volleyball.
PRO TIP: Spend a few minutes admiring the restored tanks at the park’s entrance, which are displayed beyond a row of flagpoles.
Managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism, the education center is a must-stop for nature lovers who want to learn how the state’s ecosystems evolved from the days of its earliest inhabitants to today.
An illuminated floor display and tactile exhibits made the self-guided tour engaging and one that kids would certainly appreciate. We especially enjoyed viewing snakes, rodents, and fish in the classroom’s aquariums.
Before returning to the car to drive the Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve and admire birds, we learned more about the recently spotted waterfowl in the area.
Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve is a birder’s paradise offering glimpses of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Before embarking on our trek, a helpful staff member provided a handheld map, which came in handy navigating the acreage.
As we meandered dirt roads on a portion of the 41,000 acres, we spotted a half dozen bird varieties and picturesque views of the Kansas scenery. You’ll love this free outdoor activity.
Outdoor and Indoor Habitats
During our Sunday visit on a cool fall morning, exotic birds mimicked our whistle calls, a grizzly bear used its claws to expose soil in search of grub worms, and a female lion tracked our steps from a raised platform.
Wild birds escorted us, including swans, ducks, and a peacock from habitat to habitat. Periodically, we stopped to take photos at interactive photo displays and bronze sculptures.
For a truly immersive zoo visit, I recommend an animal encounter session led by a zoo keeper, reservable in advance.
You can also opt for a behind-the-scenes tour led by a zookeeper who explains each animal’s story and daily behavior.
PRO TIP: Bring cash for a donation in lieu of admission, if you wish. The zoo’s retail store is stocked with keepsakes ideal for the youngest animal lovers.
The renovated 1950s-era single-family home sleeps four guests and features a queen bed and two twin beds. The highly rated vacation rental, outfitted with traditional-style furniture, is designed with a patriotic theme.
Wood floors creaked underfoot as we toured the home after self check-in (4:00pm). The home was meticulously clean and each room was designed for a comfortable stay with extra blankets, alarm clocks, and charging stations.
We avoided cooking a meal or grilling outside to prevent clean-up, however, I used a Keurig coffee machine and supplied coffee daily.
Although the home doesn’t allow pets, the fenced backyard is a decent size and includes a quaint patio seating area and Blackstone Grill.
REMINDER: The provided house manual emphasizes the house rules and clean-up tasks, which you should adhere closely to avoid added fees.
Nearby towns 
The community draws musicians of various genres because of its respect for songwriters. Musicians including Keb’ Mo’, Joe Bonamassa, B.B. King, and Etta James have all performed or recorded music in Nashville.
I loved learning how each musician influenced another and the collaborations are endless.
Like me, I think you’ll find the displays showcasing the clothing and guitars particularly interesting. I gravitated to Keb’ Mo’s electric guitar and artists’ song lyrics visible behind display case glass.
The Crossroads gallery tells the chronological story of the blues from its migration from the Deep South north to cities including Nashville.
PRO TIP: For an additional $5 dollars, you can use a RFID bracelet to interact with tech-savvy displays that allow you to save custom music you create and email it to yourself.
As they say, “all are welcome” and this sentiment extends beyond merely hosting country music stars. Blues musicians have also graced the Ryman’s stage, including but not limited to Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jonny Lang, and Blues Traveler.
Museum-quality illuminated glass cases caught my eye during a tour displaying iconic memorabilia. Elvis’ winter coat. Johnny Cash’s acoustic guitar. B.B. King’s blazer.
Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum is the kind of place music lovers could spend at least an hour exploring. If you use the technology stations to make music, plan on a two-hour museum experience.
The creative genius behind the process, Jack White, originally of the band The White Stripes, not only is a fan of blues music but also has recorded blues-inspired music of his own.
Their award-winning barbecue is served with southern hospitality, and if you’re lucky, Carey might swing by your table for a casual chat during the meal.
Menu favorites include heaping BBQ Nachos, Memphis Sushi, and Dry Rubbed Ribs, but when in doubt, opt for the shareable Combo Platter.
PRO TIP: Make time before or after your meal to get a glimpse of the 
With multiple locations to choose from, diners can easily find one near them.
Seating in the bar is limited, and due to its popularity, reserving seats is necessary Wednesday-Saturday. No need for reservations on Monday or Tuesday when walk-in seating is welcomed. View the venue’s upcoming show 
Part retail store, part venue, it’s candyland for guitar enthusiasts. Plus, it’s not uncommon for celebrities to stop by. Chris Stapleton sat down and strummed a few chords. Slash of Guns-N-Roses made an appearance. (Gibson carries the signature 
Veteran campsites use banners to identify their location, making it easy for friends to find them and join their jam circle. The more years a group has camped at the festival, the larger their banner and gathering site seemed.
Fried food, vegan dishes, ethnic entrees, smoked meat dishes–no matter what you’re craving, you’ll find it.
Most food truck items started at $5 and went up. I suggest bringing $20 per person to enjoy a full meal with a drink.
PRO TIP: Don’t assume all food truck vendors accept credit cards, although most do. ATMs are available.
Colorful tapestries hang from booth walls. Tie-dye shirts, dresses, and many hats hang from clothing racks. Shoppers leisurely wind their way in and out of booths.
If it’s a band’s merchandise you’re after, you’ll find it available in a designated area after each band’s show. Musicians often remind fans where to find them when they wrap a set.
This mini grocery market of sorts is just the thing campers and festival-goers need to stay fueled during a weekend. Besides, you never know when you may want to share a whole fruit pie, right?
Second, the festival is well-managed and a safe place to hang out. Staff and volunteers do an excellent job of keeping attendees comfortable and happy to the best of their ability. Attendees take pride in the festival by keeping the fairgrounds clean.
Thirdly, you’ll be surprised to see people getting work done on laptops and phones. Our cell phone signal, typically strong elsewhere, wasn’t strong at the fairgrounds–except at The Wi-Fi Café.
Lastly, bringing collapsible chairs is advisable, as standing to watch shows isn’t appreciated (it blocks the view), and typical band sessions last 45 minutes.
We appreciated the 
Do you need a bicycle or golf cart to navigate the fairgrounds? Not necessarily, but you should be prepared to increase your step count if walking to and from campsites. Ask about Festi-Cab, a golf cart ride for a minimal fee.
You’ll want to buy the latest festival T-shirt to wear with pride to next year’s celebration. We noticed dozens of audience members wearing them.
STAYING INFORMED
EXPLORING WINFIELD
Didn’t get to join the jam? Prepare for the next Walnut Valley Festival. Land rush will be here before you know it.
Click my 
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.
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 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, including scones and pecan rolls, muffins, and breakfast burritos. You’ll also find heartier options like grilled PB&J or cheese sandwiches, as well as turkey wraps.
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.
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.
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 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 easily accommodated several guests. Original chalkboards carved with the initials of rambunctious students flanked two sides of the room.
Two bedrooms with plush queen-sized beds, 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, a Keurig coffeemaker, and a 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.
I had the opportunity to meet various animals during a guided tour led by facility employees. I watched black bears dine on snacks. A lemur ate raisins from my hand. And beautiful birds like those pictured above chatted excitedly as we observed them.
Ginger has operated the business for 36 years, providing locals and visitors with a place to shop for gifts for themselves or others.
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.
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.
The Uptown Girls host Thursday Coffee Talk sessions on Facebook live showcasing the newest inventory. Events like All That Glitters Christmas Showcase always draw big crowds, so signing up in advance for one of the sessions 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 and fill it 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.
The 4th Annual Java Junkies T-Rex Race for charity drew hundreds of spectators. 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.
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.
