Updated October 2026
Disclosure: Visit Coffeyville and Kansas Tourism sponsored this post during separate trips. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.
If you love delving into the history of The Sunflower State, no town is a better place to start than Coffeyville, Kansas.
The town is proud of its legacy and offers plenty to do during your visit. From outlaws and aviators to entrepreneurs and artists, Coffeyville stands out.
Use this ultimate travel guide to explore Coffeyville, a town of more than 8,000 people with captivating history and local businesses.
Top Places Worth Checking Out in Coffeyville, Kansas
COMFORTABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
Coffeyville Cape Cod Vacation Rental
If you’re seeking a tucked-away, quiet vacation rental for an overnight stay, I recommend Coffeyville Cape Cod, a highly-rated Airbnb guest favorite.
I thoroughly enjoyed the spaciousness and comfort of the bungalow-style, two-bedroom home. Plus, the home is less than a ten-minute drive to downtown Coffeyville and most attractions.
The 1940s home is filled with modern furniture and amenities, and it is exceptionally clean and inviting. A living room area flows into an open dining space. When I wasn’t watching movies, I used the high-speed Wi-Fi to get work done on my laptop.
I chose the queen bedroom closest to the single bathroom, which offers a tub and walk-in shower. Retro black-and-green tiled walls and vintage bathroom fixtures set a mid-century tone
In the morning, you’ll appreciate the Keurig coffee station and provided coffee pods. A full kitchen and bonus kitchenette dining space let you prepare meals if you prefer.
PRO TIP: Windows with blinds lack curtains, so pack a sleep mask for blackout slumber. NOTE: The pet-free home is not wheelchair accessible.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Coffeyville
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Coffeyville (8701 Northeast St.) has received more than 500 nearly perfect ratings, and for a good reason.
The front desk employee gave me a warm welcome and told me about the hotel’s amenities, including complimentary breakfast, an indoor heated pool, and a fitness center with elliptical machines, treadmills, and free weights.
The King Room, featuring modern amenities, had plenty of room for a solo traveler like me. When I wasn’t exploring the town, I appreciated the in-room work desk area where I could get work done.
PRO TIP: Get a sneak peek at the hotel’s accommodations by viewing its online photo gallery here. NOTE: Pet fee per stay: $200. Elevator available.
BRING YOUR APPETITE
Hersh’s Coffee House
The smell of freshly brewed coffee fills the air at Hersh’s Coffee House (123 W. 9th St.) as locals gather at the counter to order specialty lattes and an early morning meal.
I sipped the Howler, an iced espresso with cinnamon, honey, and vanilla, between bites of a breakfast burrito. The delightful breakfast combo set the tone for a day of exploring Coffeyville.
If you visit at lunchtime, ask about the sandwich menu and don’t leave without ordering a scoop of the highly requested Cookie Batter gelato. They serve more than a dozen gelato flavors.
PRO TIP: Choose a seat in the back for a quieter space. Admire the art for sale.
Eggbert’s
If a traditional homestyle breakfast suits you, Eggbert’s (201 W. 11th St.) morning menu features classics like the Reuben Egg Benedict and three-egg Cowboy Breakfast.
I arrived on a Sunday morning to a bustling restaurant and was ushered to a counter seat with a view of the kitchen. The phone rang with to-go orders, and servers pulled plates from the kitchen and ran them to diners.
My diner-style Belgian waffle arrived promptly and tasted delicious, but the orange juice and bacon side made the meal pricier than expected for a simple breakfast.
Expect a Denny’s-style menu and atmosphere. The Oklahoma and Kansas-based franchise also serves lunch and dinner.
The Donut Palace
The employees at The Donut Palace (403 W. 11th St.) greet early-morning donut fans warmly no matter how many orders they are fulfilling.
A heaping tray of donut holes rested on the counter. Beating the customer rush, I ordered a classic cake donut and sausage roll, which was actually a hot dog baked in soft bread and less like a savory Kolach.
The bakery’s drive-thru and dual entrances stayed busy with new customers as I sank my teeth into the freshly baked donut. I heard an employee say, “It’s about to hit!” as the drive-thru bell dinged yet again.
The Donut Palace’s menu also includes biscuit and croissant sandwiches, if you prefer savory options.
The Yoke Bar & Grill
I enjoyed The Yoke Bar & Grill‘s (128 W. 9th St.) food and drink service so much that I returned for a second visit in two days.
The casual bar and grill is a locals’ hangout. Pinned dollar bills with handwritten messages hang above the bar. Bartenders greet regulars as friends.
I chatted with a Coffeyville High School alumnae visiting for Homecoming weekend while sipping an ice-cold beer.
Attendees of the Class of 1976 reunion filed into a separate party room, some wearing cowboy boots and spurs. A couple approached the bar and ordered root beer.
The Country-Fried Steak, with salad and two side dishes, was enough for next-day leftovers. The hearty, gravy-covered steak was the star of the plate.
The following day, I returned for a cocktail and Tater Kegs (imagine giant tater tots filled with cheese and bacon). Next visit, I’ll order a tray of Bacon Cheese Fries. Dinner service after 5 p.m. includes surf-and-turf fare.
El Pueblito Mexican Restaurant
Where do you eat when nearly every local you ask suggests the same place? El Pueblito Mexican Restaurant (600 Northeast St.).
Open daily, the Mexican restaurant serves a classic menu plus bar drinks at its walk-up cantina (locals rave about the margaritas!).
Lunch service was swift despite a full dining room. While browsing the extensive menu, I ate a basket of warm tortilla chips with impressive homemade salsa. The #3 Lunch Special, Ground Beef Taco & Enchilada, comes with rice and beans, a tasty meal for the price.
PRO TIP: The menu is multiple pages, so preview the menu so you don’t feel rushed when ordering.
Sunflower Soda Fountain, Hometown Diner & Coffee Shop
Made-from-scratch food is a major draw at Sunflower Soda Fountain (125 W. 8th St.) downtown. Locals share good old conversation over stacked sandwiches like the Dalton Mega Club and slices of homemade pie.
The Roosevelt Drive Cherry Chocolate Chip or Cedar Bluff Pecan Caramel Sundae are dessert favorites, and shakes and malts keep the soda fountain employees busy.
Staff were incredibly friendly, and the service was attentive. The hometown diner feels comfortable, just like sitting at Grandma’s house.
PRO TIP: Ask about the seasonal soup selection.
ICEE Frozen Slushie at Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce
Did you know the original ICEE frozen slushie was created in Coffeyville? Don’t leave town without buying a $3 drink at the Coffeyville Area Chamber of Commerce’s office.
The history behind the popular drink comes down to one local man’s honest mistake in 1958.
Omar Knedlik, owner of a Dairy Queen in town, improvised by freezing Coke until it was half frozen. The “coldest drink in town” caught on, so he brought in a machine that made the icy concoction on demand.
PRO TIP: Learn more about the legendary drink by watching this video.
STROLL AND SHOP
CrazyKooky Candles
Candles. Wax Melts. Bath and body products. Car Diffusers. At CrazyKooky Candles (232 W. 9th St.), you’ll find it all, plus handmade gift items created by 12 local vendors.
The owner hand-pours jarred candles and wax melts using coconut soy wax in more than 130 scents.
From the ever-popular Kansas Pear Cactus candle to unexpected aromas like Dill Pickle, the store is stocked to the brim.
To learn about upcoming candle-making or crafting classes, follow the store’s Facebook event page.
The Thistle Quilt Shop
Walking to a quilt shop feels cozy. Soft, colorful bedspreads with intricate patterns adorn the walls at The Thistle Quilt Shop (120 W. 9th St.).
The owner moved to the area and took over a historic spot that once served as a dress shop. Notions, threads, and bolts of fabric organized by color fill the space.
Although she isn’t teaching classes or workshops yet, customers can find ready-made quilt kits.
Colonel Coffey’s Trading Post
Walking through Colonel Coffey’s Trading Post (205 W. 9th St.) reminds me of the days I spent hunting for treasures at garage sales with my mom as a kid. Endless vendor booths occupy the large store.
Some booths are more organized than others and are decorated thematically with antiques and collectibles. Other sections resemble thrift-store inventory, with racks of clothes and accessories. The back of the store holds gently used furniture, awaiting a new home.
PRO TIP: The store is part of the Resale Trail, which includes 10 Coffeyville shops.
Coffeyville Farmers’and Makers’ Market
Vendors at the Coffeyville Farmers’ and Makers’ Market at Walter Johnson Park (701 Hargis Drive) sold jarred jellies, crafts, meat cuts, and hot peppers on the Saturday of my arrival.
To my surprise, a farmer was even selling a pair of ducks.
The market is open May through October on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to Noon and Tuesdays (only in September) from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
TAKE A TOUR
Dalton Defenders Museum & Dalton Death Alley
If you only have enough time to make it to one attraction, it must be Dalton Defenders Museum (814 S. Walnut St.). It is the place to start your history journey through town.
When a group of outlaws, the Dalton Gang, thought they could pull off two bank robberies at once in October 1892, they didn’t expect the townspeople to fight back, let alone win.
The Dalton Defenders Museum features authentic artifacts from the shootout and rooms filled with collected local memorabilia. The museum honors the citizens who died.
The outlaws (Grat, Bob, and Emmett Dalton with Bill Powers and Dick Broadwell) were tracked by U.S. Marshals for weeks before they arrived in Coffeyville to rob two banks simultaneously. When stalled by a bank employee for a delayed safe release, the community armed themselves and prepared for a gunfight.
A battle ensued outside C.M. Condon & Co. Bank and the First National Bank. Gallant citizens returned fire, killing the gang, except for Emmett. He was shot multiple times, survived, and served 14 years at Kansas State Penitentiary before getting pardoned in 1907.
Locals stripped the gang of their personal artifacts, cut pieces from their clothes, and took their guns.
Today, the Dalton Defenders Museum displays those historical relics. Visitors should start their self-guided tour with a 45-minute movie, then take up to an hour to view the museum’s contents.
Museum visitors should start the tour in this room to watch a film and see the guns and saddles the outlaws used. The picture on the wall is the image taken on the fateful day, showing the men lying dead inside the city jail.
Next door, walk Dalton Death Alley, where the outlaws tied their horses up during the bank raids and where part of the shootout took place. Cartoon boards tell the story of the raid.
Every October, the town hosts Dalton Defenders Days, an event that draws large crowds to watch the reenactment of the battle in the exact spot of the original shootout. The weekend event also honors the residents lost defending the town.
PRO TIP: Ask the Dalton Defender Museum’s employee to show you the original bank door with bullet holes.
Isham Hardware Store
“Everyone, grab a gun!” During the Dalton Gang bank raid, Coffeyville citizens obtained guns from Isham Hardware (810 Union St.). The business still operates today, selling every tool, bolt, or belt needed for household or farm chores.
I took a cargo elevator to the basement to view the original owner’s shelves and hardware back stock. Although the basement windows were filled in, the openings still let him fire at the bank robbers.
Opened in 1870, Isham Hardware is Kansas’s oldest hardware store. The last family member is running the store today with help from a second employee.
A mural on the side of the building and artwork in the sidewalk mark historical points of interest.
PRO TIP: Ask the owner if you can look at some of their oldest hardware.
Dalton Graves
At Elmwood Cemetery (288 Eldridge St), the graves of the three bank bandits Bob Dalton, Grat Dalton, and Bill Powers lie in rest near a marker. Dick Broadwell’s family returned his body to Hutchinson, Kansas
Emmet Dalton survived the gun battle with 23 gunshots. Given a life sentence, he was pardoned after 14 years and died in California. He was a real estate agent, actor, and author.
Do you see the pipe near the tombstone in the photo? It is the original hitching post the bank robbers used to tie up their horses in Death Alley.
PRO TIP: After entering the cemetery, follow the signs to the marker. You can park on a road parallel to the gravesite.
Chainsaw Art Sculpture Garden
The Chainsaw Art Sculpture Garden (Corner of 8th and Beech Streets) features more than 70 creative chainsaw sculptures carved from trees.
A project of the Coffeyville Community College art department, it continues to expand its collection. Aliens, animals, school supplies, vegetables–you’ll likely find a selfie photo-worthy sculpture.
PRO TIP: Coffeyville Community College hosts public fine arts events.
Coffeyville Art Trail
You don’t have to travel through the heart of Coffeyville very long before you spot a mural or painted electric box. Download the Coffeyville Art Trail, a free-to-use digital pass that lists all the murals and hand-painted electric boxes downtown.
The late Don Sprague painted most of the murals, depicting the people and places that put Coffeyville on the map. The beloved local artist painted 14 murals between 1988 and 1992.
Each painted electric box in the downtown area is painted by a local artist. The brightly colored scenes on each one vary in subject matter.
PRO TIP: Look at Don Sprague’s signature on each mural. Each period punctuated by his name represents a hidden “Tim” in the painting.
Historic Time Capsule
Inspired by the Kansas State Centennial in 1961, a group created an above-ground Historic Time Capsule situated near Isham True Value Hardware. It will be opened in 2061.
Locals reportedly placed wooden nickels, a newspaper, and other items in it.
Aviation Heritage Museum
History buffs and airplane enthusiasts will love Aviation Heritage Museum (2002 N. Buckeye St.) for its extensive collection of restored aircraft and artifacts dedicated to early aviation.
The 1933 hangar houses displays featuring local pilots, including several who flew as Tuskegee airmen or as Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II. Framed color photographs adorn the walls in a dedicated room, honoring their milestone moments.
Restored planes, including those owned by Joe Funk, sit on display. I was delighted to learn that Coffeyville residents were pivotal in developing aircraft and aircraft parts. Funk Aircraft Company built 365 planes; 200 fly today.
Walking amongst the planes, honorary medals, library, and pilot uniforms makes for an unforgettable experience.
Brown Mansion
Sitting atop a hill on the edge of town, the Brown Mansion (2109 S. Walnut) makes an impression on passersby. Built in the early 1900s, the three-story home has five bedrooms and features original furniture and a signed Tiffany chandelier.
Originally designed for the Brown family, the 20,000-square-foot, 16-room mansion was completed in 1906 for $125,000.
Nine gas-burning fireplaces of various styles showcase Wilder and Wight’s architectural style. 
The historic landmark features entertainment spaces, including a library, bedrooms, a parlor, and an
The mother and her daughter preferred green interior walls, offset by ornamental rugs and dark wood furniture.
I was so enthralled by the family’s story and the home’s contents that I suggested writing a book about its history. Although the family’s wealth came from discovering natural gas, their savings dwindled after the father’s death.
NOTE: Locals recommend viewing the Brown Mansion during Christmas Candlelit Tours. Check the museum’s website hours, call ahead to schedule a private tour, or ask about upcoming events such as a paranormal tour during the fall season.
PRO TIP: The family’s burial plot at Elmwood Cemetery is marked by a large red rock.
EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS
Bike-Share Stations
Prefer to explore on two wheels? You can temporarily rent a bike for a reasonable cost from two KANcycle bike stations. One station is located at the corner of 8th and Walnut Streets downtown, and the other is on the Coffeyville Community College campus.
Use your mobile phone to follow the check-out directions via the Movatic App to rent for an hour, an afternoon, or longer.
Walter Johnson Park
Your entire family will find a reason to love Walter Johnson Park (701 Hargis Dr.), named after the town’s early resident and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer who pitched for the Washington Senators from 1907-1927. A monument plaque with his biography is near the baseball field’s entrance.
Nearby one of the park’s entrances, an ATSF steam locomotive is an eye-catching sight. The train engine is a tribute to “The Big Train,” Walter Johnson.
The park also has an 18-hole disc golf course that winds around the ball fields, playground, and RV park. It’s free to play the course and available from dawn to dusk.
Pfister Park
Pfister Park‘s Big Hill Splash Aquatic Center is an ideal place to bring the family. Adults who want to take to the links appreciate Hillcrest Golf Course for its 18-hole design with hills and water hazards. Home of the Coffeyville Community College Red Ravens, Veterans Memorial Stadium hosts sporting events.
Prefer to exercise on paved trails? Use the Roosevelt Drive Trail and the Rails-to-Trails Pathway.
Locate more parks and the Coffeyville batting cages.
VIEW MOVIES AND MORE
Midland Theater
Built in 1928, the historic Midland Theater (214 W. 8th St.) is undergoing final renovations and is expected to reopen for movie nights, live performances, and community events.
I had the pleasure of a private tour, and the community will love what they see when the beloved 1928 landmark opens its doors.
Upon entry, the original tile floor and crown molding give you pause to appreciate the theater’s ornate interior design.
The front-of-house concession stand stands poised to welcome hungry guests ordering popcorn and beverages. The auditorium has 773 available seats with a clear view of the stage where vaudeville acts once performed.
Coffeyville High School reunion groups are invited to take guided tours during the restoration process. Follow the restoration progress on the theater’s Facebook page.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I can’t stay away from Coffeyville because there are more than enough reasons to explore. Events like Dalton Defenders Days (October) and Inter-State Fair & Rodeo (August) are major draws.
You can expect a genuine welcome from residents wherever you go, and the town’s top destinations are some of the best in the state.
Are you considering extending your Southeast Kansas road trip? Use my travel guides to nearby communities, Chanute and Pittsburg.
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.
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.
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.
Guests watched Family Feud on a modest television. As soon as a table cleared, they seated more people.
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.
‘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.
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?
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.
The downtown boutique is an extension of 
Large wind chimes, bulk vegetable seeds, container posts, and garden tools round out the garden center’s inventory.
PRO TIP: Attend the Spring Open House the last Saturday in April to shop, enter prize giveaways, and savor local food.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Korthanke Fountain sits between the firehouse and police station on Oregon Street.
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.”
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.
The town also hosts 
I escaped a rainstorm under the trees’ canopy and ventured into the courthouse for a self-guided tour until the storm passed.
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 
