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.
Locals welcomed me warmly during my time exploring Coffey County, whether it was a fisherman about to drop a line at the Burlington Dam or the coffee shop owner who told me his business story while I sipped a matcha latté.
Inside, you’ll discover a spacious, renovated home in a historic building, complete with painted tin ceilings and dark hardwood floors.
The kitchen’s cabinets are stocked with basic cooking tools, and guests have access to a full-size oven, refrigerator, and coffee maker (bring coffee and creamer).
Leather couches in the living room are ideal for chatting with friends or curling up with a book. After a day of exploring, I used the large dining room table as my laptop station for the strongest Wi-Fi connection.
If you’re part of a quilter’s group (a nearby fabric store) or a small family who appreciates the historic charm of staying in a thoughtfully restored building, I recommend staying overnight at Eagles Nest.
PRO TIP: I’d recommend connecting to your phone’s hotspot if you want to use the internet from the bedrooms. Perhaps it was me, but I couldn’t find streaming options on three of the home’s televisions, so I opted to watch YouTube via my iPhone instead.
Limited indoor seating is available. A reach-in refrigerator houses bottled drinks, and a self-serve coffee station is stacked with mugs.
I selected two freshly baked donuts, which were soft, sugary sweet, and scrumptious. They didn’t last more than a few minutes before I gobbled them up.
The staff makes house-made bagels (jalapeño cheddar is popular) and pastries daily. More than 12 flavors of ice cream, made in-house, are sold by the pint. A reach-in refrigerator is stocked with grab-and-go meals ideal for the lunch hour.
I chose a cafe table near a display of individually packaged pie slices. The coffee shop’s customers’ mugs sit on a shelf labeled with their names near the register.
After your meal, shop in the Vintage Sisters’ multiple rooms, which showcase more than two dozen vendors’ wares, ranging from antiques to handcrafted home decorations.
The owner knows what people want when dining at a sports bar. The menu, featuring stacked burgers, chicken wings, and big-portion dinner meals, delivers.
Sandwiched between a soft bun, the Wildcat Burger with crispy bacon, spicy mustard, and “all the garden” was thoughtfully prepared. I opted for a garden salad over fries.
Festive music plays from overhead speakers in a dining room decorated with colorful picado banners and neon signage.
The owner recommended the Los Comadres platter served with a savory shredded chicken enchilada, bacon-wrapped shrimp, and a crunchy beef taco. Probably more food than I needed, I savored each scrumptious bite, adding homemade salsa to the meal.
The sound of falling water at the Burlington City Dam sets the scene. Also a tucked-away spot for RV campers, the park includes eight concrete stalls with water and electric hookups near the Neosho River shoreline.
Two rod-and-reel anglers told me they were fishing for crappie during a sunny afternoon at the dam.
I recommend planning your visit to the 46-acre park during a rodeo at Kelley Park Stadium. It’s also the site for the oldest consecutively held annual fair in the state, 
After parking in the car, I followed the dirt road past an abandoned red barn to Eagle Nest Tower. Defying my fear of heights, I ascended its spiral staircase to the top, where I was rewarded with a 360-degree view of the countryside and Coffey County Lake.
If you prefer to hike the trails, start at the silo and trek the well-worn path until it loops back to the silo. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles and osprey.
I visited the reservoir on what must have been the windiest Spring day in Kansas history. Gusting at 30 miles per hour, the winds created white-cresting waves crashing along its rocky shoreline.
The course is well-kept by the city. I had the park to myself mid-day, which offered peaceful refuge that only a small town can provide.
To make sure you don’t miss a gem, start in the front of the shop and meander through the center dining room, ending in the rear of the store.
Find something you can’t live without? Pay for it at the coffee/restaurant counter, where you’ll be tempted to order a latté or purchase a tasty bite to eat.
I spent almost half an hour chatting with employees and taking in all that the store offers, from Village Candles to garden gnomes.
The back corner of the store is devoted to houseplants and gardening supplies, while the outdoor courtyard is often filled with shrubs and trees trucked in from 
I chatted with an employee who told me about her quilting journey, and she pointed out the variety of fabrics in the store. Open five days a week, the shop regularly runs a sale. On the day of my visit, the west wall of fabric was marked down 15 percent.
Perhaps you need to stock up on solids or simple prints, or a seasonal fabric with matching thread for your next quilt project? Golden Needles and Silver Threads carries it all. Don’t miss the fabric scraps basket.
He told me that what started as a baseball card collection grew into a one-stop shop for gamers and parents looking for Lego™ Duplo sets for their kids.
Several customers gathered at a back table, and a school group was expected to arrive within minutes of my visit.
The sound of a water fountain with koi splashing is the backdrop as you shop for noticeably better-than-a-big-box-store sun and shade-loving shrubs. From fruit-bearing to topiary trees, the nursery stocks a variety of hard-to-find trees, all maintained by a small staff of dedicated workers.
Walk through the rows of trees and don’t miss the greenhouse, which contains seasonal tree seedlings. Steve Strawder, his wife, and staff are kind and helpful, willing to provide expertise in selecting and maintaining trees and shrubs for years to come.
Thanks to the work of owners Tom and Laura and their staff, you’ll feel the friendly vibe when shopping at Arnold’s. The greenhouse is stocked with vegetables, herbs, and annual and perennial plants, organized on tables for almost as far as the eye can see.
PRO TIP: View the 
The library’s dark wood shelves house books, magazines, and lounge areas that cater to those who just want to sit down and relax with a new read. Public access computers with internet access are available to patrons.
I was pleased to find resources on the area’s history, and the public art outside was delightful.
Consisting of two equipped workout rooms, an indoor swimming pool and hot tub, a dance/yoga studio, a walking track, and a table games area. One can also reserve use of the indoor Golfzon TwoVision simulator for $25 per hour or $15 per half hour.
The weight-lifting/cardio rooms are no joke. Filled with top-notch equipment and free weights, the facility will please visitors looking to put in a full-body workout. Enjoy the free Wi-Fi and water bottle station during a fitness session.
Athletic courts are popular amongst pickleball players in the morning.
From the Greetings to Burlington mural at Drake Park to the history of a town as depicted on buildings in Le Roy, his work connects visitors with the county’s history. I appreciated how many of the ghost signs on Burlington buildings were restored to their original vivid color.
PRO TIP: Pick up a mural map at the Burlington caboose kiosk before embarking on a self-guided trek to find each one.
In Burlington, the 
The 
This hotel offers guests breakfast at The Bistro, which also serves dinner and cocktails in the evening. On-site fitness facilities and an indoor pool make it easy for guests wanting to get in a workout.
Breakfast burritos, flavorful skillets, and stacked pancakes – oh my! When everything looks delicious, what should I order? I opted for the corned beef hash, eggs, and hashbrowns.
No matter what you order at Pegah’s, you’ll be thankful for the fresh ingredients and oversized portions. Plan accordingly. The restaurant is also known for delectable pies, and once you see them, you’ll want to order dessert. Cruise by the refrigerator case in the front of the restaurant before asking for your check. You’ll thank me later.
Thanks to the vision and hard work of three partners, the Aztec Theatre is fully restored and open to the public. It hosts live acts ranging from bands and comedians to open-mic performances and special events.
Inside, every detail of the building’s design, from the tin tile ceiling to the illuminated flooring, screams Art Deco design. The theatre’s lighting is worthy of an Academy Award. Neon lights and backlit sconces give it a retro vibe.
During live shows, a food truck is often parked outside the theatre. To view the upcoming line-up of food trucks, check the 
I had the pleasure of getting a behind-the-scenes tour of the theatre’s balcony and green room, a space used by touring musicians.
For more event information or to see the theatre’s latest announcements, follow them on 
Old Shawnee Pizza has a long history of serving slices. They got their start making pies and selling them out of a house in 1969. Since then, they’ve had their pizza recognized in Pizza Magazine, the industry’s authority on pies.
Between shopping downtown and touring breweries, 
Think of your favorite TV show. They have a hoodie or hat with your favorite actor on it. I mean, who doesn’t need a candle that reads, “Besties: Smells like petty gossip and a lot of venting. So drink up buttercup. ‘Cuz we’re not doing this sober.”? Ha!
During my private tour, I learned that the owners always wanted to serve a variety of beers. Nearly a dozen taps line the wall behind the bar, consisting of flagship beers and collaborations with other breweries. I enjoyed a flight featuring five beers with varying flavors and ABVs. Top Traveler, a New Zealand IPA, took the award for the best beer in the line-up.
I noticed a chalkboard near the bar with tally marks scribbled on it. Each mark represented a beer purchased for an active-duty service member or veteran. You can buy them a beer to be redeemed later.
To check the brewery’s hours and view the upcoming food truck schedule, head over to their 
Saevaes Brewing Company is the first Kansas brewery owned and operated by a female head brewer. They earned my respect for the process, unapologetic beer flavors, and inviting tasting room.
Open Tuesday-Sunday, the brewery hosts pop-up shops, trivia nights, and more. Visit on Wednesday nights to build a mixed four-pack or to enjoy a $5 full pour during Music Bingo. Check the 
The building has been a number of businesses over the years but has always remained a memorable landmark on the edge of downtown Shawnee. Today, it’s owned by Kansas City residents who have enlisted the expertise of an executive chef and sommelier to celebrate food and drink. One step inside the castle and you are transported to an exceptionally beautiful setting.
Reservations are highly recommended; however, I stopped by the castle for a wine flight during the late afternoon between meal times and was served swiftly in the bar area. I chose Reds of the World, a flight that included three pours from Portugal, Washington, and Spain ($16). Premium wine flights are $26. I loved them all.
During my chat with the owner, I discovered that Wandering Vine at the Castle is known for collaborating with and serving wine from 
Additionally, the castle hosts numerous events during the year that pair wine tasting with thoughtfully crafted meals. For example, the New Year’s celebration includes a five-course meal perfect for couples wanting to welcome the year in style.
During other times of the year, they serve lunch until 4 pm, small plates, dinner, and brunch on Sundays. Take a look at the menus 
Whether you visit with family for the day, as a part of a school field trip, or simply want to watch a demo or take a class, Shawnee Town 1929 offers visitors an immersive experience unlike what they’ll find anywhere else in the region.
Themed trees adorn the showroom floor, nestled closely to gift displays and baskets of holiday ornaments. Better still, 
I look forward to returning to the store when they host the Fall Festival Event that includes live music, bites to eat, and activities for all ages. I think you’ll enjoy the visit any time of the year. View Family Tree Nursery’s hours and upcoming events schedule 
The Hereford’s House steaks are beyond delicious. I’ve enjoyed them on more than one occasion while in Kansas City. Now, I can vouch for the grilled salmon flavored to perfection with a crispy crust. They have perfected surf and turf entrees.
The town touts the phrase “good starts here,” and now I understand why. From its incredible attractions to its exquisite dining options, it is worth an overnight visit when in the Kansas City area. Shawnee deserves the accolades.
