Disclosure: Discover Osage County sponsored my trip. All opinions and photographs are my own unless otherwise noted with photo credit.
Osage County should be at the top of your list of destinations to enjoy in Kansas for a weekend getaway.
I explored most of the ten communities and various outdoor recreational attractions, including Main Street stops and the annual Smoke in the Spring barbecue competition, which you don’t want to miss.
At historical museums and Santa Fe Trail landmarks, I learned that the county was founded by the Osage Nation and developed by hard-working miners and railroaders.
Osage County has something for everyone. Use this comprehensive guide to find your fun.
Whether it’s focused on experiencing laid-back lake life at two federal reservoirs or small-town shopping and dining, Osage County is your getaway.
Osage County, Kansas: Best Things to Do During a Weekend Getaway
Arvonia
Arvonia is a tribute to Welsh immigrants who founded it in 1869. People chose to settle in the area after reading advertisements promising abundant farming opportunities.
Once home to Prince Owain Glyndwr’s descendants, with a population of over 700, Arvonia grew quiet until the 1970s, when buildings were thoughtfully preserved to honor Welsh heritage. Fewer than 20 residents remain.
Arvonia School House
The Arvonia School House (32381 S Arvonia Rd), established in 1869, stands atop a small hill in the countryside as a living historical site in Lebo. It is one of the earliest architect-designed schools in the state.
I admired the craftsmanship of the building’s original materials, from the creaky wood floors to the sun-drenched desks and well-used chalkboards in the classroom.
The Arvonia Historic Preservation Society also maintains the nearby Calvinistic Methodist Church of 1883 and the Town Hall of 1916. The Humphey’s House, the Hunting Cabin, the Main House, and the Quonset Building remain on the complex.
Visitors should plan their visit to the historic site around one of its events. The Arvonia Summer Kick-Off in early May includes family-friendly activities, food trucks, and tethered balloon rides.
In October, the Arvonia Fall Festival draws a large crowd for traditional Welsh food, activities, and demonstrations, including butter churning, crafts, and soap-making.
To schedule a schoolhouse tour, contact [email protected] or call 620-794-3917.
Melvern
The town of Melvern, located on K-31 highway, four miles north of I-35, is worth visiting to explore its natural scenery before or after enjoying a mid-day meal downtown.
Incorporated in 1884, the town flourished after the Kansas City and Emporia Railroad built lines through it.
Its proximity to Melvern Lake, four miles west of town, and the surrounding pastureland intersected by a railroad line make it a quintessential Kansas town. The north side of town sits along the Marias de Cygnes River.
Titi’s Mexican Cuisine
The owners of Titi’s Mexican Cuisine (117 SW Main St.) relocated from Emporia to open the restaurant after deciding that they loved Melvern.
The family-owned restaurant serves a two-sided menu of Mexican fare, including the daily special, available for dine-in or carry-out.
My order of savory steak and chicken fajitas arrived sizzling hot with warm flour tortillas, pico de gallo, and fresh guacamole.
The friendly, attentive service complemented the delicious mid-day meal as country music played in the background.
My only regret was ordering too much food because I should have planned to enjoy a paleta (Mexican popsicle).
PRO TIP: Not sure what to order? The town’s mayor recommends the Burrito Melvern.
The Hub
In 2025, Melvern added The Hub to the town’s park to encourage outdoor activity. Complete with a basketball, pickleball, and shuffleboard courts.
It truly is a family-focused spot with a nearby children’s playground and strategically placed park benches, ideal for a picnic or watching courtside play.
Melvern Railroad Park & One Room Schoolhouse
A visit to the nearby Melvern Railroad Park and One Room Schoolhouse is a must for history lovers of all ages. Melvern’s caboose sits in the foreground of the Santa Fe Pratt Truss Bridge, making it a photo-worthy spot.
Built in 1979, the caboose was relocated to the spot where one can watch trains pass by.
The Highland Schoolhouse, although not open for self-guided tours, evokes a sense of nostalgia for the days when Kansans attended school taught by a single teacher.
In a working-class town, Melvern’s history is preserved in the park, while the surrounding area is being transformed to meet residents’ needs with modern recreational facilities.
Melvern Riverfront Park
I enjoyed walking on the nature trail at Melvern Riverfront Park (710 NE Pine) after lunch, stopping to admire wetland birds at the overlook.
Although I didn’t have time to walk the entire trail, I did stop and read some of the signage along the river trail to learn more about native plants, trees, and wildlife. A trailhead kiosk includes brochures for the river trail.
Whether you’re hiking one of nearly a dozen trails or playing the new disc golf course at Melvern Riverfront Park, you’ll be glad you visited for the natural scenery that changes with the seasons.
Melvern Lake
Melvern Lake (US 75 and K-31 highways) is known as the Gateway to the Lakes, offering quiet relaxation at a campground or water activities such as fishing and boating.
During my visit to the Melvern Lake Marina, I chatted with the owners about what they loved about life on the lake.
They appreciate the laid-back vibes and fun-loving nature people bring to the lake, whether they’re fishing from inside the heated dock or enjoying uninterrupted sunset views over the water from a rented pontoon boat.
Visitors can also rent kayaks, paddleboards, a paddleboat, or a tube for use on the water for a half-day or full day. Each comes with all the equipment you need, plus required flotation.
While enjoying the tranquility of a day on the water, keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles that often nest in the area. Unsure where to look? Ask Jamie at the marina.
Need to rent a boat slip for the weekend? Need fish bait or need tackle? Perhaps you simply want to meet the lake’s four-legged mascot, Jake?
You’ll find everything you need and more at the Melvern Lake Marina Store.
PRO TIP: Don’t leave the marina without taking a photo with the unofficial World’s Largest Bobber.
Bonus Reasons to Love Melvern
Eisenhower State Park at Melvern Lake promises 1,785 acres of recreational fun. Aside from on-the-water activities, a park pass provides access to sand volleyball, an archery trail, cabins, yurts, a wildlife area, and a swimming beach. Visiting during the summer? Don’t miss the Melvern Fall Festival and Sunflower Days.
Lyndon
The Cabin at the Ranch House Wedding Venue and Event Center
Do you prefer the comforts of home, but want the privacy a vacation rental offers? The Cabin at the Ranch House Wedding Venue and Event Center in Lyndon is now at the top of my list of preferred rural retreats in the state.
The two-bedroom, two-bathroom rural retreat combined my love of high-end amenities with the seclusion you gain from staying on a ranch nestled in the Flint Hills.
I was the third guest to stay overnight at the newly built cabin, and felt spoiled by the soft bed linens, plush bath towels, spacious shower, and fully-stocked coffee station.
The host also provided a bottle of red wine (enjoyed lounging in front of the electric fireplace!) and farm-fresh eggs in the refrigerator.
In the morning, I enjoyed a fresh-brewed cup of coffee as the sun rose. And in the evening, I looked in awe as elk grazed on ranch land in the distance.
The ranch is also home to a wedding venue and an additional two-story vacation rental, The Ranch House. Hunting groups will be interested in reserving guided high-fence hunts at the ranch with Kansas Trophy Outfitters.
It’s rare to find an exceptional, rural getaway where the host has anticipated your every need. My stay at the cabin checked every box.
The property is not listed on a vacation rental home website. To reserve it, contact the owner directly.
More Vacation Rentals in the Area
Lyndon Guesthouse
Large groups will appreciate Lyndon Guesthouse‘s charming five-bedroom, 5.5 bathroom layout, complete with two dining rooms, a game room, and a large patio with a shaded yard. It is conveniently located between Melvern Lake and Pomona Lake.
EuroNook Dutch Windmill
EuroNook Dutch Windmill is another vacation rental option in Lyndon. I didn’t stay there, but it looks like an Airbnb I would enjoy for its European-inspired aesthetic. Suitable for six guests, the two-bedroom, one-bath cottage is a dog-friendly getaway worth reserving.
True Brew Coffee Co.
It was early in the morning, and True Brew Coffee Co. (804 Topeka Ave) was already busy with regular customers sipping coffee and eating pastries in the cafe while the staff fulfilled to-go orders in the drive-thru lane.
Known for handcrafted espresso drinks, I opted for a warm Cinnamon Honey Latté and a bowl of comforting oatmeal with fruit and nuts, to enjoy at a wood-topped table near the window.
True Brew Coffee Co.’s baristas are welcoming, and the atmosphere is especially homey. Go for a “soulful sip” seated by the fireplace or at a patio table on a sunny day.
Lyndon Carnegie Library
At the Lyndon Carnegie Library (127 E. 6th St.), visitors can drop by to admire the building’s stunning architecture dating back to 1911.
Today, the library is a hub of activity, with drop-in events such as book signings and kid-focused craft sessions.
Although it was closed when I visited, it was the site of a plant sale with proceeds benefiting the library’s programming and expansion.
I purchased a flowering plant and planted it at home to remember my delightful visit to Lyndon.
Osage County Historical Society Museum
I always say that the best place to get to know a destination and to truly understand how it was founded is at a local museum.
A visit to the Osage County Historical Society Museum (631 Topeka Ave) revealed that the county, originally established as Weller County in 1855 and renamed in 1859 for the Osage River, lay along the Santa Fe Trail. It ran through northern Osage County, passing through Overbrook, Scranton, and Burlingame.
Around 1860, coal was discovered in Carbondale, stimulating growth and attracting the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe railroad. Agricultural opportunities also attracted European immigrants to the area.
Take a self-guided tour of the Osage County Historical Society Museum to view locally sourced artifacts and curated photography, and if you’re from the area, inquire about their genealogy services.
NOTE: The museum is open April 1 through October 31 or by appointment.
Cattle & Clover Floral
Need a bouquet of fresh flowers for a dinner party? A house plant with hand soap to gift for a house-warming gift? Cattle & Clover Floral (720 N. Topeka Ave.) takes the guesswork out of last-minute gift giving.
The new owners have selected some of the best Kansas-sourced products to sell in the floral/gift shop. I was pleased to see KC Caramels on the shelf next to skincare products.
Refrigerated beef cuts from Wendling Farm and Cattle are regularly restocked in the reach-in cooler.
Poppy Boutique
Ladies, you’re going to want to shop at Poppy Boutique (714 Topeka Ave.). The women’s apparel and accessory business started as an online business and added the storefront for walk-in customers shopping for on-trend fashions.
Zenana and Risen denim, shoes, handbags, dresses, and hair accessories are beautifully displayed with seasonal merchandise front and center.
Carrying sizes ranging from XS to XXL, women will love mixing the latest styles with jewelry before checking out.
Smeeker’s Five & Dime
You know you’ve arrived at Smeeker’s Five & Dime (501 Topeka Ave.) when you spot the cat in a hat, Winky, sitting on the park bench in front of the store.
The variety store is full of personality, catering to the shopper who doesn’t know what they need until they find it.
Go for the inventory, which includes items ranging from sunglasses and disc golf supplies to vintage candy and seasonal decor.
The Wild Ones Bar & Grill
Locals know The Wild Ones Bar & Grill (609 Topeka Ave.) is where you go when you’re craving affordable bar-style grub.
The downtown hangout draws a casual crowd who leave their cares at the door.
Order a cold one with a cheeseburger and waffle fries or the daily special like Pork Rib Nachos, and enjoy it in good company.
The Burger Shack Diner
As I journeyed across the county, talking to residents, I heard good reviews of The Burger Shack Diner (1304 Topeka Ave), which I was told was a popular food truck-turned-restaurant.
One bite of my classic flat-top prepared cheeseburger confirmed the reviewer’s high praise. I opted for the perfectly crunchy onions and requested a side of ranch dressing for dipping because I’m from the Midwest, of course.
The 50’s diner menu includes classic dinner fare, and the specials on Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday feature fried seafood, wings, burgers, and a tenderloin sandwich. If you win the Ultimate Burger Challenge, you win a t-shirt.
PRO TIP: Leave room for an ice cream shake.
Buzzard’s Pizza
Buzzard’s Pizza (708 Topeka Ave.) claims to serve the Voted #1 Pizza in Northeast Kansas, and by the looks of the locals coming and going with take-out orders, I’d say it’s probably accurate. My Mega Mini Supreme pizza was served piping hot and had that extra cheese pull you’ll love. Other menu items include hot subs and salads.
A Ms. Pac-Man machine and a mounted television make for an entertaining experience if you choose to dine in. Employees are attentive and friendly.
Cilantro’s Mexican Grille
One of the perks of dining in Lyndon is the dining scene, which includes Cilantro’s Mexican Grille (1715 Topeka Ave.).
The menu features specialties like taquitos, street tacos, burritos, and enchiladas for lunch or dinner. Happy Hour is served daily from 2 pm to 5 pm.
Pomona Lake Marina
Don’t save your vacation days. Use them at Pomona State Lake (5260 Pomona Dam Rd.), with its 4,000 acres of water and 52 miles of shoreline, for boating or fishing for crappie, catfish, wiper, bass, and walleye. A daily vehicle permit is $5 at the self-pay station.
The place to start your relaxing getaway is at Pomona Lake Marina (4009 Marina Rd.), where you can rent a pontoon boat or kayak, stock up on fuel, food, alcohol, snacks, rentals, marine and water sports equipment, or buy a souvenir t-shirt.
Towing your own boat to the lake? The marina has four boat ramps, and the cost is included in the park’s day pass.
Pomona Lake Marina has 9 docks and 149 slips/ The owners bring the fun by hosting an entertaining, free summer concert series, which draws large crowds of 500 to 2,000 music fans. Check the marina’s Facebook page to view the upcoming show lineup.
PRO TIP: Bring your own lawn chair and beverages for the concert.
Lamont Hill Golf Course
For those who love to spend their days on the links, Lamont Hill Golf Course (22975 Highway 368) is located across the road from the entrance of Pomona State Park.
Open seven days a week, the 18-hole course includes some hilly terrain with wide fairways that are surrounded by a residential neighborhood, a motel and RV park for overnight stays.
Photo Courtesy Jennifer Anshutz
You have no excuse to feel hungry while playing a round of golf, as the on-site restaurant serves a daily lunch special.
Osage City
Osage City, home to about 2,500 residents, is located on the north side of Salt Creek and is considered a railroad town. The Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad passes through the central part of the city from northeast to southwest. It was named one of the 8 Best Places to Retire in Kansas by worldatlas.com in 2024.
No matter where I looked, I saw locally owned stores, an inviting park or hiking trail. But it was one particular event that brought me to town, Smoke in the Spring.
Smoke in the Spring
If the idea of tasting mouthwatering, award-winning barbecue sounds like your kind of dining experience, attend Smoke in the Spring (517 S. 1st St.) the second weekend in April.
It’s a Kansas City-sanctioned BBQ Contest with dozens of competitors submitting their best smoked meat to earn the top spot per category. More than 20 vendors serve their meals every year during Taste of Osage City on Friday at 5 pm until the food runs out.
You can buy BBQ Bucks ($1 for 1) to purchase meals as well as bottled sauces and barbecue seasoning rubs sold on the north side of the Community Building.
Saturday evening entertainment includes live music and a rave-worthy fireworks show, capping off the event at 9 pm. Cocktails and beers are available for purchase using cash or BBQ Bucks.
I found that the lines to purchase barbecue at each food truck moved quickly, and there was little to no wait to buy ice cream or baked goods from local school groups. Despite the on-and-off rainy weather, people arrived in droves for the popular annual event.
Smoke in the Spring is a must-experience annual barbecue competition event in Osage City that I’m so glad I attended for its food trucks, vendors, and live music. You won’t want to miss it, so follow its Facebook page for announcements about next year’s festivities.
Marilynn’s Place
Marilynn’s Place (1216 Laing St.) is a casual restaurant offering stick-to-your-ribs country-style meals and a daily lunch special.
Open six days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, homestyle meals, ranging from smothered hamburger steak with mashed potatoes to a smoked pork chop.
Osage Garden & Produce
A visit to Osage City is not complete without shopping at Osage Garden & Produce (1048 Laing St.) for in-season vegetables, plants, and flowers.
During the summer, the retail shop is stocked with local/non-local produce, and a reach-in refrigerator is filled with Kansas-made products. The owners also sell their own jarred fruit jams.
They work diligently to carry a variety of annual flowers, as well as vegetable and herb plants that you don’t always see in a greenhouse. You’ll find a large selection of houseplants, succulents, and garden supplies indoors.
If I hadn’t been traveling for days, I would have purchased lush tomato starts or a bountiful hanging basket.
Becky and her staff are quite knowledgeable if you have questions about inventory. She frequently posts walk-through videos on the store’s Facebook page showcasing new merchandise and plants, which sell quickly.
Flint Hills Trail
It’s always nice to take a break from dining and shopping to get out in nature, and the Flint Hills Trail is ideal for a stroll or bike ride after a road trip.
The 188-mile rail-trail stretches from Osawatomie to Herington, passing through Osage City and nine towns and five counties. Cyclists love the maintained trail for its scenery, ranging from farmland to woodlands.
PRO TIP: I parked in a nearby commercial lot and accessed the trail at 513 N. 9th Street.
Ridge Iron Grill
Bring a friend to share conversation over a beer and a burger, sandwich, or loaded nachos at Ridge Iron Grill (611 Market St.) in downtown Osage City. Afterward, play a competitive game of darts while listening to live music.
While I didn’t get a chance to eat there, reviewers say the pork tenderloin sandwich and burgers are tasty.
KB SpecialTees
Shop KB SpecialTees (530 Market St.) makes custom-made shirts and gifts, and shoppers will be delighted to find items cute travel items for sale.
I loved the selection of Kedzie wallets and tote bags.
Need a baseball hat or t-shirt to show your lake life attitude? An Osage City keepsake or collegiate apparel for the upcoming game? KB’s SpecialTees carries it all.
Stay tuned to the store’s Facebook page for holiday-themed events or new apparel arrivals.
Osage Hardware
The couple who owns Osage Hardware (533 S. Market St.) deserves the small-business awards they’ve received over the years.
Of course, you’ll find household items, Paint Center, tools, grilling and camping gear. But you’ll be surprised by their elaborate outdoor garden center.
From May through October, the courtyard space transforms into an outdoor oasis featuring high-end tropical and in-season plants.
A flowing water feature is the anchor of a space, so breathtaking that families and couples often take pictures there.
The Railroad & Mining Museum/Santa Fe Depot
History seekers will want to stop at The Railroad & Mining Museum (508 Market St.), located inside a Spanish Mission-style Santa Fe Depot built in 1911.
It recently reopened after a dedicated volunteer brought it back to life, displaying hand-curated artifacts that showcase railroad and local history.
You can almost imagine the passengers awaiting their train’s arrival as they sat in the lobby with their tickets in hand.
Built along the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad tracks, it’s one of two Mission Style depots left in the United States, according to Osage County News.
The museum’s curator is slowly adding more artifacts. Be sure to check out the railroad’s communication room, and don’t miss the framed photography. A few glass cases house memorabilia that Osage City residents will especially appreciate.
The museum is free to enjoy, although donations are appreciated.
Gilday’s Gas Station
A beautifully restored, vintage filing station across the street caught my eye. Gilday’s Gas Station (5th and Holiday Streets) anchors the corner and can be toured inside if you ask the railroad depot’s employee to unlock it.
Antique car enthusiasts will appreciate the White Eagle Gasoline pump out front, and a drive-thru bay offers a picture-worthy spot.
Osage City Municipal Golf Course
The highly-rated Osage City Municipal Golf Course (1401 S. 4th St.) is a 9-hole course with well-maintained fairways and greens.
If you’d prefer to get in some practice before a round, use the putting green or driving range to perfect your swing. The clubhouse includes a pro shop, snack bar, and patio for pre- or post-game relaxation.
Preview golf course and cart fees prior to arrival.
Osage City Disc Golf Course
Spend an hour getting some exercise playing the Osage City Disc Golf Course at Jones Park (712 S. Martin St.), a 9-hole course with concrete tees that is considered moderately difficult with flat terrain.
The course is free to play and is one of six disc golf courses in the county.
Osage City Public Library
In search of a place to escape the rain while killing some time, I discovered the Osage City Public Library (515 Main St.), which, to my surprise, was one of the most memorable stops on my road trip.
The staff greeted me warmly as a drop-in visitor, offering to make me a Keurig coffee ($1) and encouraging me to make myself at home using the library’s complimentary Wi-Fi.
Choosing a table next to the periodicals, I read a few magazines and relaxed.
They offer programs for all ages, ranging from book signings for adults to story time for young readers. A room dedicated to Kansas history is a genealogy researcher’s resource.
Burlingame
Towns in Osage County don’t get much more charming than Burlingame, a one-time Santa Fe Trail stop and a coal mining town founded in 1854. Originally named Council City, the farming community was renamed two years later.
The town has just under 1,000 residents, and it appeals to visitors who want to combine historical stops with downtown shopping and dining. The town claims to have the Widest Brick Main Street in the United States, where cars can also park in the middle.
Council City Coffee Co.
Your first stop in Burlingame should be Council City Coffee Co. (110 Sw Santa Fe Ave) to fuel up with a coffee or tea drink and a locally made pastry (gluten-free available!) by The Forgotten Grain Bakery & Bistro.
I noted the sidewalk menu board advertising drink specials and chose to order a latté and what has to be the best-tasting carrot cake muffin I’ve ever enjoyed.
The coffee shop, which resembles something you would expect in a city, fittingly uses The Roasterie Coffee Company beans sourced from Kansas City.
If you don’t prefer coffee, ask about the homemade old-fashioned sodas and energy drinks.
Council City Coffee is a must-stop, especially if you like to cozy up with a caffeinated beverage and a baked treat while working on a laptop or chatting with friendly locals. Kids will seek out the reading nook.
Charming Historic Loft Vacation Rental
If you’re seeking a place to stay overnight (and love coffee!), I can think of no better place to reserve than the Charming Historic Loft vacation rental located directly above Council City Coffee.
The second-floor, two-bedroom, two-bathroom loft space comes with modern amenities in a meticulously renovated 120+ year-old brick building.
Plus, a stay includes coffee drinks for two guests each day at Council City Coffee downstairs.
PK Country Designs
What do you get when you combine the creativity and ambition of a mother-daughter duo? One of the state’s most wonderful gift stores, PK Country Designs (112 W. Santa Fe), sells handcrafted items.
Open on Saturdays, the retail shop’s inventory features products from 12 makers that blend a rustic/rural aesthetic with on-trend items.
In one corner of the store, you may find farmhouse-style decor and metal art, while other shelves display hand-poured candles and jewelry. A clothing rack features on-trend women’s blouses and dresses.
You’ll find it difficult to leave the shop without a gift in hand for yourself or someone else.
Not only does the shop feature handcrafted gifts and home decor, but it also stocks well-known food brands such as Wind & Willow and Holmes Salsa. Don’t leave without adding a fresh-baked cupcake to your order at checkout.
Patty and Kelly also teach craft classes and seasonal open house events, which they announce on the store’s Facebook page.
Sweet Savings Bank Ice Cream Parlor
That sweet smell? It’s freshly prepared waffle cones. You’ll find Sweet Savings Bank Ice Cream Parlor’s (102 W. Santa Fe Ave.) selection of premium hand-scooped ice cream and Sundaes Your Way hard to resist.
And I can vouch that their giant milk chocolate chunk cookie (larger than a dinner plate) is soft and scrumptious.
If you prefer soft-serve ice cream, order a Concrete with toppings and sauces of your choice. Families should try a flight of six to twelve scoop flavors.
And if you bring your dog along on your trip, you are in luck because the ice cream shop offers Pup Cups free with purchase.
Burlingame Schuyler Museum
The motto of the Burlingame Schuyler Museum (117 S. Dacotah St.) is “preserving the past for the future,” and the volunteers that operate it do an excellent job of organizing and displaying the history of the Santa Fe Trail and Burlingame heritage under one roof.
Actually, my guided tour started in a separate building that houses a meticulously restored 1938 Ford Pumper Open Cab fire truck. Used in parades when not on display, it represents the region’s proud firefighting history and those who put their lives on the line.
The museum, located inside a former school building, has thematic rooms.
Pioneer history and agriculture. A replica one-room schoolhouse. A 1960s nuclear missile silo diorama. Sports memorabilia and trophies earned by local athletes.
Each room’s contents tells a visual story of the people and historical moments that made Burlingame unique.
Open to tour for free on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 1 pm to 4 pm, the museum also hosts various events, from Kansas Day celebrations to quilt shows and rummage sales.
PRO TIP: Don’t leave the museum without asking to walk into the basement to view a replica coal mine.
Historic Landmarks & Sites
Kansas Chapter of the Daughters of the Revolution Santa Fe Trail Marker
Burlingame is “where the Santa Railway Crosses the Santa Fe Trail,” a place where European immigrants settled during the late 1800s to work in coal mines.
So, it’s fitting that the Kansas Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Santa Fe Trail Marker, recognizes this historic site.
It is dedicated to Mrs. Fannie Geiger Thompson, a civic leader who proposed that the markers preserve the trail’s history across the state.
School Bell Memorial Project
The first school in Burlingame was established in a wagon suspended between two cabins. Eventually, a proper schoolhouse was built on a hill in 1869, and a bronze bell was installed a year later.
Over time, the bell was relocated several times and pulled in and out of storage. Fred Diver, a school board member, wanted it to ring again and the School Bell Memorial Project began.
The bell was repaired and rang again for the first time after 75 years. It stands as a permanent display at a memorial sculpture in front of the Burlingame Junior/Senior High School (417 N Dacotah St.), where it is rung when the football team scores a touchdown.
Will you ring the bell when you visit? Take note of the unique bricks added to the back of the memorial wall.
Federated Church of Burlingame Organ
Installed in 1909, the Estey A2 Opus 635 pipe organ inside the Federated Church of Burlingame (322 S. Topeka Ave.) features 506 pipes and an electric blower.
Its massive size and awe-inspiring beauty are complemented by three stained-glass, towering windows on the opposite side of the sanctuary, best admired indoors.
PRO TIP: To view the organ and windows, check the hours for the Federated Church of Burlingame.
Superior Schoolhouse
Another important stop on the self-guided tour of historic Burlingame is the Superior Schoolhouse, which is located two miles south of Burlingame on Highway 56.
Built in 1902, it has been painstakingly preserved, a reminder of the town of Superior that no longer exists.
A portrait of George Washington hangs on the wall above the restored wood-beam flooring. Sun floods the empty room from tall windows adorned with yellow curtains.
Civil War Memorial Statue at Burlingame Community Cemetery
One should visit the Civil War Memorial Statue at the Burlingame Community Cemetery, located one mile south of Burlingame on Topeka Avenue.
It represents those who gave all for the war effort. The cemetery has more than 250 Civil War burials, and 230 of them were town residents.
Overall, Burlingame offers so much to do and see for a town of its size.
You’ll want to plan your trip around the town’s annual events, including the PRA-sponsored Rodeo Days (third weekend in May), and Country Christmas (first Saturday in December).
Scranton
The town of Scranton was founded in the late 1800s by coal-mining families. Although its population is slightly more than 650 residents, it thrives thanks to its proximity to area attractions, Saturdays in the Park, and two sought-after restaurants.
The Drunk Bernard Tavern
A long-standing tavern on the corner, The Drunk Bernard Tavern (301 S. Brownie Blvd.) is the locals’ hangout and go-to place for stacked burgers like The Big Dog or The Hell Hound.
Also known for its Taco Tuesday special, the menu features a short list of Mexican-inspired specialty meals, and I can vouch that the taco salad was a satisfying lunch.
The owner, Ryan, wanted to create a place where people would want to “watch the game on Sundays,” and the tavern hosts live music on the first Saturday of every month during spring and summer.
I could easily see how the tavern would attract a game day crowd or those looking for an after-work drink and a meal.
PRO TIP: If you’re a dog person, check out the photo of the owner’s Saint Bernard above the bar.
Four Corners Steakhouse and Lounge
Locals will tell you that a stop at Four Corner Steakhouse and Lounge (15745 S. Topeka Ave.) is a must when in Scranton, open seven days a week. The parking lot is usually full of cars.
Since 1994, diners have enjoyed country-style lunch and dinner specials, hearty Mexican Night meals, pasta entrees, and sandwiches. The restaurant and the menu items are named in honor of The Duke, the actor John Wayne.
Carbondale
Carbondale gets its name from the Carbon Coal Company, from which the town gets its roots. As you drive into town, you’ll notice its hilly terrain and the charming neighborhoods surrounding its central business district.
If you park downtown, you’re within walking distance of the public library and a family-friendly must-stop, the ice cream shop.
Weg’s Ice Cream Shop
Owned and operated by a retired pipefitter and current volunteer firefighter, Weg’s Ice Cream Shop (224 Main St.) serves hand-scooped premium ice cream, soft-serve ice cream sandwiches, shakes, and kettle corn.
The dessert stop is open nearly every day of the week, and the digital sign above the shop advertises its hours. Bring the kids for Movies in the Courtyard on Saturdays during the summer from 6 to 9 pm when the owner projects family-friendly films.
PRO TIP: Weg sells “ugly Oreo® ice cream sandwiches” by the bag (the ones that don’t meet his perfection standard) at a discount.
Carbondale City Library
The Carbondale City Library (302 Main St.) is considered the “front porch of the community,” offering residents and visitors events to enjoy, from plant swaps, bingo games, and craft classes.
The library operates shortened hours on Saturdays, so I missed checking it out. Open Monday-Saturday, preview its hours before your arrival.
Carbondale City Park
A stop at the Carbondale City Park (302 Main St.) is well worth it, especially if you’re traveling with kids or a leashed dog who needs to stretch its legs.
If you visit from late May through October on a Wednesday from 4 to 6 pm, you’ll see the local Lions Club-sponsored Farmers Market in progress.
Photo by Jennifer Anshutz
Carbondale City Hall
Should you need to ask a general question about Carbondale or its upcoming events like a city-wide garage sale, a great resource is the Carbondale City Hall (234 Main St.).
Bonus things to do in the area include fishing, boating, and hiking at Carbondale East and West Lake, located 2 miles east of town.
And if you’re road-tripping during autumn, the Carbondale Fall Festival and Street Dance is a can’t-miss Main Street event with food trucks, vendors, a parade, and an evening street dance. Consider attending the town’s annual Christmas in Carbondale community gathering, held on the first Sunday of December.
Overbrook
My final stop traversing Osage County took me to Overbrook, and when I spotted the water tower’s message “Don’t Overlook Overbrook,” I knew I was in for a treat.
For a town of about 1,000 residents, it has a lot going for it. I’d recommend spending a half-day exploring Overbook to fish on its lake, shop downtown, and walk the nature trails.
Sunflower Bakery
Make your first stop in downtown Overbook at the Sunflower Bakery (307 Maple) for a specialty coffee prepared by the town’s mayor, Jon Brady, who sports a cap reading The World’s Best Barista.
He makes a delicious Brown Sugar Iced Coffee with Vanilla Cold Foam. And while it’s certainly delicious, the homemade pies and cinnamon rolls are the primary reasons to visit.
The bakery, situated inside a restored historic building, is an inviting space with family-size tables. The space is tastefully decorated with sunflowers, including a hand-painted mural by Tammy Metzger.
On an average day, Jon’s wife, Joanna, bakes 20 pies and 100 cinnamon rolls. My slice of blueberry pie and a cinnamon roll were the best I’ve tasted in the state.
PRO TIP: Preview available pie flavors at the bakery’s Facebook page.
Overbrook Public Library
After a delightful coffee and pie moment, walk down the street to the Overbook Public Library (317 Maple).
You don’t have to be an Overbook resident to relax with a book in the stacks or drop in for one of its events.
Overbook Quilt Connection
You know you’re at Overbrook Quilt Connection (500 Maple) when you see a towering old tree with plastic flamingos attached to it.
It’s that kind of whimsy that quilters will appreciate in the store’s inventory and displayed projects.
Vicky Lawrence, the store’s in-house quilt designer, is renowned for her patterns and projects. A new block is announced monthly.
The shop produces live Facebook videos every Saturday to announce new fabric panels and half-pack quilt arrivals, and YouTube live demonstration videos.
I’ve toured dozens of quilt shops across the Midwest, and Overbrook Quilt Connection is well worth the visit.
Cooper Moose Market
The Cooper Moose Market (313 Maple) is a picker’s paradise, a thrift store with a variety of antiques and handcrafted gifts for the home.
During my visit, I saw quite a few seasonal items, and the Christmas tree in the front corner of the store is a great place to find a souvenir of your trip to Overbrook.
Any of the artwork you see was likely created by incarcerated people, as the shop also serves as a charity for the prison ministry.
Note: It’s open exclusively on Saturdays.
TJ’s Mainstreet Grill
From Tuesday through Saturday, there is a meal special worth savoring at TJ’s Mainstreet Grill (311 Maple).
Features like hamburger steaks, patty melts, and taco salads with chips bring regulars to the restaurant. If you want to see the day’s meal special, the owner posts it to the restaurant’s Facebook page.
Landon Trail
Park at the Landon Trail to walk, run, or ride your bike along 24 miles of gravel trail that was formerly the Missouri-Pacific Railroad.
It’s the only American trail to link the Oregon National Historic Trail with the Santa Fe National Historic Trail, according to Kanza Trails.
Surrounded by woodland and prairies, the trailhead is tucked away near the Overbrook Vet. Keep a lookout for a sign when driving along Maple Street.
Santa Fe Trail Marker
Overbrook, founded in 1886, was named at the suggestion of a railroad worker from Overbrook, Pennsylvania. The Kansas, Nebraska, & Dakota railroad was built through the area.
The town was also a major stop on the Santa Fe Trail, and a historical marker noting its significance is located in front of the post office on Main Street. I nearly missed it, so take my advice and look in the landscaping.
Overbrook City Lake
For a town of its size, Overbrook City Lake, with access to fishing, impresses. The wind cut through the trees as I walked along the sidewalk around the lake, stopping periodically at a bench to enjoy the sunny weather.
While swimming isn’t allowed, you’ll find plenty of anglers dropping a line or two during the day. It’s a quiet, peaceful place.
If you bring a tackle box and fishing pole, don’t forget your Kansas State fishing license (ages 16+).
The fun continues. Overbook is known for its inviting annual events, namely its 4th of July Celebration and Children’s Fishing Derby, both held in the same month.
What a whirlwind trip! My two-night, three-day trip exploring Osage County was a full itinerary, and I know you’ll love your travel experiences as much as I did.
Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure. Pick one town or tour them all.
If you plan to extend your road trip through northeast Kansas, consider using my blog post, Kansas Getaway: Top Things To Do in Coffey County During an Overnight Stay to inspire your travels to more nearby lakes.
I listened to classic rock music play over a speaker as regular customers approached the counter.
Fire Lake Soapery’s retail products are sold in over 1,500 retail shops, including Whole Foods, across the county. Visitors to the Paola shop can expect an extensive selection of plant-based bath and body essentials.
PRO TIP: Monitor the shop’s 
Founded in 1965, its volunteer staff has curated artifacts that tell the story of the area’s heritage through well-designed exhibits.
Displayed in chronological order, the first exhibit details Miami County’s shallow sea fossil history, waterfowl taxidermy, and artifacts from early tribal presence. The museum maintains one of the largest collections of American Indian artifacts in the state.
PRO TIP: View its 
The inviting space, gifted by one of its founders, Baptiste Peoria, features a public water fountain and a Victorian bandstand gazebo built in 1867. The nearby benches are situated, allowing parents to rest while watching their kids play on a nearby swing set.
Walk across the street to view artist Lynnsey Fletcher’s colorful mural on the side of a building at 11 S. Pearl Street, a photo-worthy backdrop to capture your visit to Paola.
Decorated with antique light posts, car racing memorabilia, and beer neon signage, the restaurant’s aesthetic is a mix of auto racing signage and beer neons.
Known for their tenderloin sandwich, I opted for the lunch special, served with curly fries. The fried sandwich meal, a half-order serving, was more than enough for a midday meal.
Located in the same building where the Paola Livestock Auction takes place at 1 p.m., diners form a line at the lunch counter to order burgers, meals, or the day’s special, and slices of fruit or cream pie.
If you’ve never witnessed a cattle auction, you should. The auctioneer’s high-energy cattle rattle fills the space with phrases like, “Twenty-five, now thirty, thirty, who’ll give me thirty-five?” as bidders signal bids.
Outside, the smell of smoked meat over apple and cherry wood greets diners. Rib bones are massive, the smoked turkey melts in your mouth, and a serving of overflowing sweet barbecue beans is a must-try.
PRO TIP: When there are no airplanes to watch land or take off, check out the owner Terry Bright’s collection of Super Bowl and Kansas City Chiefs memorabilia.
Beginners can sign up for day camps and lessons. Boards, helmets, and wetsuits included. Traveling with young kids? Consider suiting up to play at the inflatable Aqua Park.
And if you’re like me and you’re more interested in watching the action from the shore with a lakeside drink, order a beverage or ice cream scoop from the Surf Shop’s boat-shaped counter.
PRO TIP: Pack comfortable walking shoes or your bicycle to trek the park’s ADA hike/bike paved trail, which is considered easy.
The boutique offers a curated selection of home decor and gift-worthy items sourced from Kansas and Missouri. Guys will appreciate the retail selected with them in mind, including the cigar cabinet.
If you appreciate rye whiskey, order Prom Night prepared with blackberry and sage syrup. It pairs well with one of their shareable appetizers, such as the Lunch Lady Favorite, a toasted baguette served with herb olive oil and fig balsamic.
The 40-acre farm includes over 20 alpacas, which, despite the misconception associated with llamas, are friendly and lovable. Did you know alpaca fiber is used to produce clothing, hats, socks, and more?
Be sure to visit the farm’s retail store to purchase homemade and globally imported gifts for yourself or others. Kids will love the alpaca plush toys. If you can’t make it to the farm, purchase fiber products from the farm’s 
The weekend-only wine venue is home to growing vines, which have produced grapes for over 20 years and wine commercially for 14 years. They use varietals grown on-site, complemented by other local vineyards’ produce.
During my private tour with the owner, I learned that he taught himself how to grow a vineyard by watching YouTube and reading books, which is mind-blowing considering the sophistication of the vineyard. His visits to Spain inspired the business.
My two-bedroom suite was in the stunningly restored upper level. While the owners live on the property and other guests were present, I never heard them.
Whether you’re planning a solo escape, a girls’ weekend, or a romantic getaway, this is where vintage elegance meets contemporary comfort. 
Open ten months out of the year, the course attracts paintball-playing groups from six to 60 people at a time – rain or shine. The owners teach groups how to play and referee 8 to 10 games per session, each lasting 10 to 15 minutes, for a total of about two hours.
The newly added High Creek Mini Golf provides a more low-key space to enjoy a round of 18 holes when not participating in paintball competitions on Wednesdays through Saturdays.
The Family Aquatic Park is open May through August for splish-splash play. A nearby fitness park with low-impact workout equipment helps people of all abilities increase their strength and stamina.
Visitors can view a bronze statue and read interpretive signage about the battle before touring the 
The 1912 family cabin, including original furniture and the family’s belongings, was relocated to the John Brown Memorial Park. The personal artifacts used by John Brown make up the remainder of the museum collection.
Civil War weaponry, a trunk used by John Brown, his desk, and a melodeon (a small organ played at his funeral) comprise part of the collection. Brown, who walked alongside a wagon from Chicago, had 60 cents to his name when he arrived at the Adair home.
PRO TIP: Ask the historic site’s staff about the Adair home’s architecture and its contents. You’ll want to hear the story about Florella Adair’s sewing kit.
At one time, over 50 trains passed through Osawatomie per day to the depot. The MoPac Railroad Depot Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts. A meticulously restored passenger caboose is available to tour (kids love the upper deck view!).
At 118 miles across east-central Kansas, it is the seventh-longest rail-trail in America.
The Walker Station access point is one of the most well-kept I’ve seen in Kansas, complete with informative signs and maps.
I drove down a descending, rocky road to the lake as the overcast skies began to reveal sunbeams on the water. I didn’t bring my rod and reel to fish, but it didn’t matter. I walked away with the memory of a scenic postcard.
Cozy bed, indoor shower, air conditioning, barbecue grill… and the 600-acre views? Amazing. Provided a self-entry code, I checked into the wagon and then sat down and enjoyed the view from a private fire pit seating area.
Whether you’re sipping wine at golden hour, stargazing by the fire pit, or waking up to peaceful prairie vibes, this spot gives Little House on the Prairie chic.
The estate includes four covered wagons (one is tucked away in the woods), The Cottage, and The GuestHouse. Despite a heavy rainstorm during the night, I stayed dry and warm inside my wagon, resting in a queen-sized bed.
The winery’s tasting room is breathtaking. A massive space, I chose a table amongst locals playing Yacht Rock trivia and sipping wine. A server delivered my order: a board of cheese and fruit accompanied by a white wine-tasting flight.
Non-wine drinkers will appreciate the Bourbon, scotch, whiskey, and tequila flights or complete bar offerings. The flatbread pizzas are a popular order.
Beyond downtown, its outdoor recreational spots and restaurants make it one of the fastest-growing towns in the metro area.
Whether it’s a breakfast burrito or a plate of warmed pastries, the menu has something for everyone. I watched as a little girl jumped up and down while pointing at a purple Pop-Tart inside the pastry case.
I enjoyed a chat tea latté with a warm cinnamon roll as families and cyclists came and went for an hour. Because the food was so tasty, I returned for lunch to dig into a Green Goddess salad from a window seat.
Quilters, who often seek out retreat spaces in groups, will appreciate The Creative Place’s sleeping quarters, which include a full kitchen (bring your recipes!), two full baths, and individual lockers.
If you’re an artist or writer and need to escape to a place where creativity is fostered through community, this is your getaway destination.
The Vault partners with Level Up to provide users of the Esports Arena with 16 CPU set-ups, 3 Nintendo Switches, as well as PS5 and Xbox consoles. Well-attended summer camps, classes, and chess nights bring game players of all ages together.
On opening day, a line formed out the front door, and people have waited for the doors to open ever since. They serve Blue Bell Ice Cream by the scoop, in a malt, or as a shake, along with homemade fudge and organic cotton candy.
The decor in the candle room is farmhouse style, although the rest of the store’s inventory reflects an earlier time when handmade cabinets and bookcases were the norm.
The shop hosts seasonal open house events and participates in 
Soap bars, lotion bottles, and room sprays sit on wood tables adjacent to racks of gift items, such as kitchen towels. A faith-based, small business, some home decor items feature biblical phrases.
A smaller street art installation, Angel Wings and Sunflowers is located behind Nana’s Tiny Town.
Local artist Jonathan Munden was commissioned to paint the Play Ball! and The Hill murals near the baseball fields.
Walking in the direction of the ballfields from the parking lot, keep your eyes peeled for two sculpture installations.
If you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast meal, the country-fried steak with two eggs or biscuits and gravy is the way to go, whereas omelets or The One “Egger” (pictured above) offer lighter fare.
The coffee beans, sourced from Kansas, are used to prepare espresso, lattés, or cappuccinos, hot or iced. I opted for an all-natural strawberry and banana smoothie. Hungry? They also serve egg bites, power balls, breakfast burritos, or scone croissants.
I grabbed a seat at the three-sided bar under a banner reading, “The best smoked meat is at the creek.” As country music played, I placed an order for a barbecue brisket sandwich and listened to country music.
The brisket was lean and dipped in a sweet barbecue sauce served on a toasted bun with a side of my choice (coleslaw).
I’ve shopped at innumerable antique stores over the years, and I thought the selection was reasonably priced. From items you would likely find in Grandma’s house to architectural salvage and quirky souvenirs, items are displayed from floor to ceiling.
Referred to as the Pirate’s Pantry, an inventory of jarred and packaged food items are for sale. Who doesn’t need a jar of Missouri-made Papa Brown’s BBQ sauce?
Partitioned walls separated vendors’ booths, and some of them were designed thematically, while others were a hodge-podge of antique treasures displayed with no particular theme.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss the 
Dedicated volunteers have created a safe, humane space for large cats for over 20 years. Tour guides escort visitors around the sanctuary’s perimeter, educating them about each cat’s life story and their day-to-day behavior.
Over two dozen large cats of various ages explored outdoor living quarters, some marking territory and calling to one another while others perched themselves from platforms above. My tour experience was a positive one and certainly unforgettable.
Walk-ins to the tasting room are welcomed, offering visitors an opportunity to sample hard ciders and cider wine before purchasing bottles to take home. If you love wine, ask about the apple, apple cherry, or elderberry wine varietals.
Louisburg Cider Mill is far more than a country store. Families flock to it for seasonal events, particularly during fall, to explore the pumpkin patch and corn maze. View the 
Scott City has come a long way since 1884 when a progressive Chicago woman, Maria DeGeer, decided to found the town. In addition to serving as a stop near the 
The initial exhibits take visitors on a marine fossil discovery with displays, which include skeletons of huge swimming reptiles.
If bringing kids, they will love the fossil dig table. Ice age mammal fossils like a mammoth tooth and massive tusk wow visitors.
Next, well-designed exhibits illustrate the early Native American experience. A replica of the El Quartelejo Pueblo explains how the Taos and Tewa Pueblo people came from New Mexico resided in the area 12 miles north of Scott City. Evidence supports that El Quartelejo was the first White Settlement in Kansas, operated by French traders in the 1700s.
Pioneer life and the installation of the railroad are equally remarkable. Aside from antique farm machinery, original artifacts help visitors envision what it must have been like to live on land with 360-degree views of scenic Kansas during the early 1900s.
Venture inside the Western Kansas Fossil Lab, where the paleontological timeline of the High Plains is explained and a table, showcasing an actual fossil specimen on a display table. It’s fascinating to learn how Wichitan Kristopher Super, a fossil collector and educator, excavated a Elasmosaurs (a marine reptile).
“The Girl I Left Behind,” a part of his Kansas series, will leave you awe-struck and seeking knowledge about the Civil War era. In particular, his depiction of the Cheyenne Indians at Monument Rocks proves why Thomas’ work earns him world-wide acclaim.
Three flight instructors guide new and experienced pilots through general aviation training.
Since 2012, the Spencer Flight Center’s 50-person classroom has served as home base for ground school and educational programs.
Better yet, you’ll likely see sacred white buffalo with her calf during Spring. The mature bulls are massive and tower about as tall as the truck. For me, the open-air tour was a pinch-me moment, and one I’m still telling others about. The tours are available after May 15 through summer by appointment.
During the one-hour tour, which ranges in price based on the group size, you’ll climb inside the land owner’s truck to ride out to meet the buffalo where they’re grazing.
Susan rustled a bag, and a herd of hundreds of buffalo enthusiastically ate a trail of food as the truck rolled slowly forward through the rugged terrain. We were so close to approaching buffalo that we heard their heavy breathing and occasional moans.
As you drive throughout the park, you’ll see rugged cliffs and open-fields jutting up to lake shoreline. Kayakers float their way around Scott State Fishing Lake, and some drop a line hoping for the day’s catch. Quiet campers mill about at designated campsites. You may see a mountain biker whizzing by on a nearby trail.
I visited the park to learn more about the history of the area at its historical markers.
Years before the Steele’s homesteaded on the land, Taos Indians escaping Spanish rule relocated to the area and built pueblos aka El Cuartelejo or “old barracks.” After 20 years, they returned to New Mexico. Later, Picurie Indians settled for a short time in the area. The El Cuartelejo pueblo ruins at this site were discovered and excavated by Steele and others in the mid-1890s.
The present site allows the visitor to see the pueblo site with its foundation reconstructed by the Kansas Historical Society in the 1970s.
After traversing to the the top of the bluff, I exited the car and a bit of sunshine began to force it’s way through a partly cloudy sky revealing low areas canyon and a cave. This location is where the Northern Cheyenne hid waiting to ambush the U.S. Cavalry.
I tried to envision the creek that once ran there in 1878, women and their children hiding in cave structures, and the barrage of violence that surely ensued. According to historians, the Northern Cheyenne’s rifle pits are still visible on the hilltops
The Northern Cheyenne lost the battle to the U.S. Calvary, and the surviving tribe members left their dead and moved on.
Each hole features three tee shot locations and most fairways are lined by trees, but the putting green pin is easily visible.
The clubhouse and golf cart garages were accessible the morning of my visit, but I didn’t meet a staff member although I spotted a golfer already playing the course.
The flat land course includes concrete tee pads with obvious fairways. Consider it prime for recreational play. You’re not going to compete for space with competition-level golfers.
As someone who’s accompanied other disc golfers and attempted to play a few as well, I can attest that this course is ideal for amateur play with few trees as obstacles or hazards.
A stop on the town’s 
As mentioned early, the 
One of the most awe-inspiring, historic building on the route is the 
The above memorial inscription lists the fallen soldiers from the Scott County community. I paused to read each name as is customary for me when visiting a memorial.
The memorial, which is illuminated at night, honors community members who paid the ultimate sacrifice for others’ freedom. A single American flag flies above the plaza.
Adjacent to Main Street, take a moment to get out of the car and admire the mural at 
The All-American City Mural (400 W. 5th Street) was painted by volunteers to depict a typical Kansas wheat harvest with a nod to the cattle industry. Grain elevators protrude through the blue skyline. The mural was a paint-by-number project.
The café’s menu features espresso drinks, smoothies, frappes, and teas. Ask about the selection of freshly baked bierocks, ham and cheese pockets, and fruit scones.
I loved the concept of adding my selection of condiments from the Keep It Saucey station, adding pico de gallo and hot sauce to my heaping mound of nachos.
People came in to pick up call-in orders while I watched American Ninja from the dining room’s TV. My beef fried steak dinner was made fresh-to-order served with homemade mashed potatoes and a dinner roll. Dinner entreés come with a house salad.
PRO TIP: Pay in cash to avoid a 3% credit card fee.
PRO TIP: Best Western Reward Members earn flexible rates and bonus points.
Traveling with kids? Check out the 
I’m so glad you’re considering an day trip or overnight stay in Scott City, Kansas. It’s a delightful community featuring plenty of historical museums and sites for life-long learners, celebrated artwork, and comfortable charm.
I’m not a regular disc golf player and I’m definitely still learning how to throw. But my boyfriend is an avid player, so I’ve walked countless courses, interviewed a course designer for the blog, and I’ve attended a tournament to observe how the pros play.
Please consider this list a starter guide to disc golf courses in the Sunflower State. Of course, for a comprehensive list, consult the 
Serious disc golfers travel from afar to compete in the 
Each hole can be played two ways from concrete pads. Only a couple of water hazards make it challenging. The course hosts five to seven tournaments a year.
Disc golfers can expect a course that winds through shaded tree canopies, opening to picturesque views of the 80-acre lake. Concrete tee boxes and manicured fairways make ringing chains a delight.
Part of the thrill of playing the amateur course is pausing to spot black squirrels running up and down trees amongst the fairways.
We also threw discs at 
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 a floating disc.
Each hole of the 18-hole course has three tee pad options, some fairways are considerably tree lined or tree covered while others are open and easier to play.
Parts of the fairways meander adjacent to commercial-use buildings, and the sound of traffic hums.
Nestled in a residential neighborhood, the course includes dirt pads, and golfers will need to be watchful of the pond in the center.
At first glance, I thought the course was well-maintained for golfers pulling a cart. Tee boxes are paved, and if you’re traveling with a dog, they’re allowed to tag along.
Established in 2016, the course includes concrete pads and wide fairways make for relaxing play. Pause between holes to rest on a nearby bench under a canopy of trees or snap pictures of a nearby waterfall.
For most disc golfers, many of the course’s holes are considered easy to moderate. The course is ranked the 113th-best course in the state.
The 
If you choose to play the 18-hole course, expect the wooded areas to offer a bit of a challenge. The course is a mix of open fields and covered trails. All 18 holes are a par 3.
Scott City is also home to a second course, Lake Scott State Park, which is located outside of town. You need to pay for a $5 park day pass or use your Kansas State Parks Vehicle Pass to enter the area. Established in 2019, the course is on uneven terrain with dirt tee boxes.
My journey to discover more about disc golf culture has only begun. I look forward to improving my skills as I travel to more courses throughout Kansas and elsewhere.
After reviewing this fun-filled weekend itinerary, scroll to the bottom of this post with my bonus recommendations of more things to do curated from previous visits.
The menu features an array of slow-smoked meats and a short list of homestyle side dishes. We shared the three-meat platter with friend okra (ranch dressing for dipping!) and their signature mac-and-cheese. The brisket, sausage, and burnt ends (more like pulled pork) had authentic smoke flavor and color.
A caddie of four barbecue sauces made our lunch experience more enjoyable as we tried each one in the “How Q are you?” challenge.
Cox Bros. BBQ sauces are worth buying before you leave, especially the Carolina sauce.
After one sip of Cart Girl, a pink lemonade vodka cocktail, I nearly scored a hole-in-one on the first hole. We listened to streaming Indie Rock music and we teased one another in true competitive style.
The best moments were when the course required golfers to enter fully designed rooms. We stopped playing long enough to snap photos within the rainbow room.
The cost for two people to play nine holes of mini golf (table golf not included) and two drinks was a bit steep, but the photo-worthy rooms made up for some of the expense. Expect to pay more money if you’re dining from the Sinkers Lounge food menu.
In the dimly lit ambiance of the original hotel’s interior, we sipped cocktails surrounded by dark green painted walls complementing dark wood finishes and burnt orange curtains. Crown molding and chandeliers accented a nearby space devoted to lounging with friends.
I deviated from the dinner menu, substituting a charcuterie board and deviled eggs on a bed of arugula for an entree. The fig-flavored spread, soft ricotta cheese, and cured ham layered on crackers were just what I hoped for and the deviled eggs sprinkled with chopped bacon delivered a big flavor. I sampled the table’s 1800 Steak entree, which was delicious in flavor but not as impressive as its price.
After self-parking in the hotel’s garage, we received a warm welcome from the staff member in the lobby, who checked us into 
The lobby’s Bistro Bar serves Starbucks® drip coffee and grab-and-go snack items. In the evening, it transforms into a full bar, an added perk since it’s located adjacent to the rooftop lounge, where couches and fire pit tables await.
We took advantage of the hotel’s high-speed Wi-Fi, in-room mini fridge, and proximity to the neighborhood’s attractions, including a Starbucks® coffee shop next door.
To my surprise, the line moved swiftly, likely because it consisted of regular customers who knew what they wanted to order. I opted for the Classic Coffee Flight, which included four 3-ounce cold and hot drip coffee pours.
As we sat down to enjoy coffee and breakfast pastries, we couldn’t help but notice the waiting line for customers from the register stretched to the front door, about 25 people deep.
I recommend ordering a Bacon Hand Pie, served warm with a butter-flavor flaky crust and a soft interior filled with egg, cheese, and of course, bacon. I sampled a sausage burrito, and it was tasty but not nearly as delectable as the hand pie.
As you meander from room to room, you’ll likely be wowed by the curated artifacts detailing the plight of the American soldier from the Revolutionary War through 1950.
You can expect to learn how the frontier was shaped, the Kansas-Missouri Border War, and the ongoing struggle for freedom thereafter.
Overall, the storytelling exhibits showcase a historical timeline while emphasizing the plight of the American soldier. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll appreciate the video displays and kids’ zone offering immersive experiences. The museum is fully accessible via elevators for aging visitors.
Exhibits represent soldiers’ efforts from 1917 to present. Well-worn uniforms and boots, guns, artillery, and photography on display humanize their experience fighting in World War I to current operations.
I was emotionally moved reading the displays about the typical Army soldier in each war. As the soldier’s eyes stared back at me, a sense of empathy and civic pride came over me. As you tour the museum, I suspect you’ll revere their civic duty similarly.
The sense of teamwork and devotion is clear when you look inside the D-Day diorama representing the infantry’s heroic actions on June 6, 1944.
Available for self-guided or guided tours, Custer House is not the colonel’s original home, but it represents it with rooms featuring period furniture and 19th-century homewares.
The museum’s employee informed us that the teddy bear, located upstairs in the children’s room, is said to move around the house, although she’s never witnessed any signs of haunted activity.
PRO TIP: Drive by Quarters 123 (123 Huebner R0ad) to see the residence where the chaplain resided until 1890. One of the oldest buildings on post, it was later used as a hospital during the cholera outbreak.
Outdoors, a memorial honoring the battalions who fought in various wars, pays tribute to U.S. Army soldiers.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss a chance to view outdoor displays of tanks outdoors, nearby memorials, and the 
My tomato bisque and Caesar salad combo was tasty and met my needs for a healthy lunch. The Italian panini prepared with savory meats and cheese was equally flavorsome.
Colobus Monkeys were the most active in the late afternoon, followed by prairie dogs, pelicans, and flamingos. The best time to visit a zoo is typically in the morning at feeding time if you want to see animals the most active, so it was no surprise that many species were sleeping.
I enjoyed taking photos of buzzing bees at work in the Master Gardener’s Butterfly Garden. Inside the Nature Exploration Center, we observed reptiles exploring their aquarium habitats. The zoo’s wide sidewalks and ample shade made exploring a pleasure.
PRO TIP: If visiting when school is out of session, sign up for the 
Owned by a Jamaican native and a Manhattan local, the menu is a mix of Jamaican and American entrees. The walls of the restaurant are covered in framed artwork, particularly of rock and blues musicians. An alternate dining room airs televised sports.
The Rasta Pasta with added shrimp was a large portion of penne pasta covered in Alfredo sauce. I kicked it up a notch by adding homemade jerk sauce (so good!) added heat.
Exploring A&H Farm is incredibly fun conjuring up thoughts of when we were kids playing adults-size yard games, swinging, and petting goats.
The highlight for me was walking inside the bird aviary. We watched as dozens of budgies (parakeets) flew by our heads from one side of the aviary to the other. In quieter moments, they ate from provided feeding sticks only inches from one’s hand.
Choose to dine inside the native limestone clubhouse or enjoy brunch from the patio. Ranked the top public golf course in Kansas, the fairways and greens are a vibrant emerald contrasted by blue skies matched only by the beauty of the rolling Flint Hills in the distance.
The 
Like any good brunch venue, Colbert’s also serves a short list of boozy beverages. The look of the golf course transported us to Ireland, so I ordered an Irish Coffee.
Established in 2014, the tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday year-round for wine-tasting flights, wine slushies (non-alcoholic available), hard ciders, and beers.
The patio slowly filled with patrons as we watched dragonflies and swallowtails fly excitedly over 20 acres of vineyard. On this September day, the green of the Flint Hills was beginning to take on a slight tinge of yellow, a signal of upcoming autumn. An occasional breeze blew through the trellised vines.
Hungry? 
I purchased a record player last year, so I’m always keen to find a record store that appeals to my love of blues and rock music. Sisters of Sound Records carries a large selection of those genres, plus a few more.
Plus, if you’re looking for a new record player or jambox, peruse the back wall for available component systems.
If you’re shopping with someone who doesn’t like shopping (ahem!), they can hang out on the leather sofa under the “Kansas Is Not That Bad” banner, a picture-worthy backdrop.
PRO TIP: 
At first glance, it’s a sea of purple from wall to wall, stocked with clothing, apparel, home decor, and gifts. Look closer; you’ll also find Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals merchandise.
A haven for college students, the upstairs tables are typically occupied by college-aged scholars seated behind laptops. Downstairs, the register area doubles as a cafe.
PRO TIP: Look for the table of Mystery Books bags labeled by genre that are sold for a set price.
We sat amongst football fans supporting various teams while dining on Grilled Chicken Lips (tenders) and Cranberry Walnut Salad. Choose from burgers with unique toppings, grilled chicken sandwiches, and chicken wings to dominate 
PRO TIP: Plan your visit around Tanner’s 
