Disclosure: Visit Coffey County Kansas sponsored my trip. All opinions and the majority of the photographs are my own. Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.
Founded in 1855, Coffey County, Kansas, offers today’s visitors a plethora to eat, see, and do. Burlington, the largest community with a vibrant downtown, is a solid starting point for a day trip or an overnight stay.
A major draw for visitors is the county’s two lakes, John Redmond Reservoir and Coffey County Lake, as well as outdoor recreational parks. Day trippers seeking shopping and dining will be happy to discover locally owned businesses that roll out the red carpet for visitors.
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.
Coffey County is rich in must-see scenic views, unique businesses, and a vacation rental so enchanting you’ll want to stay there with friends or family.
Kansas Getaway: Top Things To Do During an Overnight Stay in Coffey County
STAY AT A CHARMING VACATION RENTAL
Eagles Nest
Eagles Nest (located upstairs from EB Sports Outdoors (317 Neosho St.) is a delightful vacation rental to reserve, especially if you’re traveling with your family or hosting a girls’ getaway.
Accessible via 26 stairs to the second floor, Eagles Nest is a four-bedroom, two-bathroom loft space. Guests park on Neosho Street overnight.
Inside, you’ll discover a spacious, renovated home in a historic building, complete with painted tin ceilings and dark hardwood floors.
Ornate crown molding complements the homey aesthetic designed with antique furniture and quilts.
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.
Later, I chose a quiet, king-size bedroom at the rear of the home, with an oversized bathroom featuring a walk-in shower.
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.
The vacation rental is not listed on Airbnb or VRBO. You will need to contact the owner directly to reserve 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.
SAVOR DELICIOUS MEALS, COFFEE & ICE CREAM
Bake-Ary Donuts
Open for more than 30 years, Bake-Ary Donuts (401 N. 4th St.) is a staple of the community and a busy drive-thru early-morning stop.
The owner told me he wakes up at 2 a.m. to hand-prepare donuts and sausage rolls, also referred to as Little Smokies, and opens the doors at 5 a.m.
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.
PRO TIP: Bring cash.
11th Lane Roastery
The conversation amongst locals was lively as I entered 11th Lane Roastery (204 S. 4th St.), a popular coffee shop serving specialty espresso drinks made with in-house-roasted coffee.
Having already drank coffee, I opted for a vanilla-flavored iced matcha. It was the best-tasting matcha tea drink I’ve enjoyed.
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.
You may think 11th Lane Roastery is merely a coffee shop. It also doubles as a retail store selling local makers’ creations, from jewelry to bags of their gourmet, whole bean coffee. And a cooler is filled with individually packaged cuts of meat from Slead Farms in Lebo, Kansas.
Vintage Sisters
If you love coffee drinks, delicious homestyle meals, and shopping for antiques, you’ll feel like Vintage Sisters (114 N. 3rd St.) is heaven-sent.
A multi-page menu featuring cafe breakfast and lunch classics impresses, and the day’s special meal with a trip through the salad bar draws regulars daily.
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.
The Salty Dog, a hot espresso drink prepared with salted caramel flavoring, hit the spot after my early-morning drive. The Breakfast Bowl, a layered meal of tater tots, scrambled egg, bacon, and cheese, was equally crunchy and crave-worthy.
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.
Wildcat Grill
I’ve eaten a lot of grilled hamburgers on the road, and Wildcat Grill’s is one of the best.
Located in New Strawn, Wildcat Grill (255 N. Main) is the brainchild of a local who spent years in college towns like Lawrence and Manhattan.
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.
Whether you’re stopping by for the bar’s daily meal special, like Wing Wednesday, or a beer while watching the game from a comfy booth, Wildcat Grill will feel like the college sports bar you remember, but nicer.
Avocados Mexican Cuisine
In Burlington at Avocados Mexican Cuisine (318 Neosho St.), you’ll discover saucy enchilada dinners and combination platters that include authentic Mexican fare and Tex-Mex-style recipes.
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.
Main Street Sweets
Next door, Main Street Sweets (316 Neosho St.) serves rolled ice cream, boba, drink infusions, paninis, and cups of soup.
In the mood for dessert, I watched as an employee combined Oreo® cookies with vanilla ice cream on a frozen surface, then pushed it into cigar-shaped rolls.
Main Street Sweets is a must-stop. I loved my ice cream so much that I didn’t even realize it was gone until the last bite.
OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS
Drake Park
Drake Park, a five-minute drive from downtown Burlington, is a scenic hangout for anglers fishing for catfish and families seeking a place to picnic under a shade tree.
The Catfish Capital of the World, Burlington, competed with a nearby town, Chetopa, in a years-long feud for the title and trophy.
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.
Kelley Park
Burlington’s Kelley Park and Campground (625 S 3rd St.) doubles as a family-friendly playground and a place for self-pay RV campers to pull over, situated along the Neosho River.
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, Coffey County State Fair.
Eagle Nest Tower & Trails
The outdoor exploring continues at Eagle Nest Tower & Trails, located at the Wilson Cadman Environmental Education Area (1355 17th Rd. NE), a short drive from Burlington.
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.
John Redmond Reservoir
John Redmond Reservoir (1565 Embankment Road) offers boating, birdwatching, fishing, and endless sunsets for campers.
The US Army Corps of Engineers reservoir consists of more than 9,000 acres of outdoor recreation.
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.
Coffey County Lake
Why enjoy one lake when there are two in the area? A go-to fishing destination, Coffey County Lake occupies 5,090 acres, open from sunrise to sunset.
The county reports that largemouth bass and crappie are catchable near standing timber, while walleye, channel catfish, and smallmouth bass are caught in open water.
New Strawn City Park / Disc Golf Course
Another peaceful outdoor escape in the area is New Strawn City Park (110 4th St.) Whether you’re seated on a park bench watching the ducks swim by or practicing watching your kids play on the equipment, it’s definitely worth checking out.
Do you play disc golf? The park is home to a moderately difficult 10-hole disc golf course with concrete tee pads and flat terrain, featuring mostly Par 3 and a couple Par 4 holes.
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.
SHOP MAIN STREET
Vintage Sisters
Cute collectibles. Antique glassware. Hand-sewn quilts. Vintage Sisters (114 N. 3rd St.) is home to more than 20 vendors, making it easy to find the perfect treasure.
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.
Strawder’s & Daughters Gifts
Don’t you love a florist that also carries your garden needs and gifts in one place?
Strawder’s & Daughter’s Gifts (201 Neosho St.) is a happy place, and you can tell from the moment you walk in and see cheerful animal figurines situated amongst houseplants and silk flowers.
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 Strawder’s & Daughters Nursery and Tree Farm during warmer months. In October, piles of pumpkins are for sale.
Silver Threads & Golden Needles
Calling all quilters! Silver Threads & Golden Needles (321 Neosho St.) in Burlington is where you want to shop for fabric, quilt project kits, notions, and threads. The completed quilts hanging in the front windows will inspire your next project.
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.
Hornet Games
Card collectors and fans of Warhammer®, Lego®, and Magic: The Gathering® will love shopping at Hornet Games (306 Neosho St.) in Burlington.
Often the site for gaming groups, the store’s owner, Nathan, does an excellent job of stocking the shelves with a variety of games and puzzles. A massive display case houses booster packs of cards.
He told me that what started as a baseball card collection grew into a one-stop shop for gamers and parents in search of 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.
PRO TIP: Hornet Games often hosts events, so check its Facebook Events page for demo week information or Board Game Day announcements.
Sweet Grass Home & Design
Sweet Grass Home & Design (407 Neosho) is Burlington’s newest downtown store.
Known for custom engraving, home décor, and handcrafted metal art, the shop also sells grab-and-go meals.
Its grand opening took place after my visit. I’ll definitely want to shop there during a return trip to Burlington.
SHOP GARDEN CENTERS & NURSERIES
Strawder’s & Daughters Nursery & Tree Farm
Tap into your love of gardening or landscaping at Strawder’s & Daughters Nursery & Tree Farm (1272 23rd) in Lebo. After a guided tour by the owner, I learned that the quality and price of the trees are unbeatable, and people will drive up to three hours to shop at the family-owned business.
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.
Lulabelle’s Flower Farm
Lullabelle’s Flower Farm (1290 Lynx Ln.) is a must-stop 20-acre you-pick flower farm known for its full-service flower shop and retail store, which carries garden-inspired home products and personal beauty items.
Visitors are welcome during select dates from June through August to pay a freewill donation to pick in-season flowers to fill a cup. Events like the farm’s popular Mother’s Day brunch are announced on social media.
PRO TIP: Check the farm’s hours on Facebook before arriving.
Arnold’s Prairie Greenhouse & More
Gardeners will think it’s worth the short drive to Arnold’s Prairie Greenhouse & More (1430 KS-58) in LeRoy. Open seven days a week, the garden center is a go-to shop for in-season plants, indoor house plants, and gifts.
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 Facebook page for the frequent announcements about new arrivals.
RELAX WITH A GOOD READ
Coffey County Library – Burlington Branch
What’s not to love about a community library? It’s a hub of activity, and the Coffey County Library – Burlington Branch (401 Juniatta) is known for its calendar of events, which visitors are welcome to participate in, like the Chess Club or Adult Craft classes.
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.
EXERCISE LIKE A PRO
Burlington Recreation Center
If you’re a road tripper looking for a place to exercise indoors, you’ll be impressed with the Burlington Recreation Center (1110 Shea St.). It exceeds your expectations for a small town fitness facility.
Pay a Daily Use Fee ($3 per person), and you gain access to workout spaces that rival any YMCA.
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.
The outdoor swimming pool (13th and Neosho St.) with diving boards and water slides for family-friendly fun is open starting Memorial Day weekend. Kids also have access to outdoor playground equipment.
PRO TIP: Refer to the Facebook page to learn about upcoming events and new classes for all ages. The center doubles as a community event space.
DISCOVER STREET ART
Mural Tour
Most of the murals in Coffey County were painted by Jim Stukey, a self-taught artist who uses his talents to beautify public spaces.
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.
ATTEND AN ANNUAL EVENT
There is never a dull moment in Coffey County, and I encourage you to plan a getaway around one of its annual events or a grand-opening business celebration.
In Burlington, the Rooted in Rural Spring Festival at Kelley Park in April combines agriculture and rural heritage into a free-to-attend event for families.
Early June marks Strawnfest, where families gather for a fishing derby, games, and a disc golf tournament in New Strawn.
Barbecue fans will want to attend Smoke on the River BBQ Competition taking place over Labor Day weekend in September.
Locals love Boo Fest in October, the Christmas Craft Fair & Gift Annex in November, and Burlington’s lighted parade in December.
I hope you add a Coffey County road trip to your travel plans this year. In-town shopping and dining, combined with outdoor recreation, is certain to impress you. This itinerary merely scratches the surface of the places you can visit in the county.
Sure, you could day trip, but I would stay overnight because you’ll have plenty to explore, starting in Burlington and stretching throughout the county to its lakes, garden centers, small-town parks, and unique Main Street shops.
Do you want to extend your route through the region? You will appreciate my road trip itineraries for nearby Emporia and Topeka.
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.
