Disclosure: Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Jackson County Tourism Council sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own. Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.
Jackson County, originally named after Calhoun County in 1855, is dotted with towns founded because of the agricultural and railroad industries.
The Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation Reservation dominates the county’s Southwestern corner, and many references to the tribe’s culture can be found in public art spaces and at the Prairie Band Casino & Resort near Mayetta.
I toured eight towns, including Holton, the county seat, during my county-wide road trip.
Best Places to Explore in Jackson County, Kansas
DELIA
Located in the Southwest corner of the county, Delia‘s earliest residents were Indians, and eventually, European immigrants sought a new life and economic security in the area.
The town was named after its founder’s mother, Delia Cunningham. Like many Kansas towns in the early 1900s, the Union Pacific Railroad brought more people to town. Slightly more than 150 residents call Delia home today.
Tribute to Msawa Hale Mural
Your first stop in Delia should be the Tribute to Msawa Hale Mural (412 Nora Ave.), painted by artist Garrett Larson in 2023. Its vibrant colors draw the eye as you approach the community building where the installation was painted.
The painting features a Prairie Band Potawatomi singer and drummer, Little Soldier Drum, as well as Fancy Dancer and Fancy Shawl Dancer.
Don’t miss the nearby multicolored murals on the snack shack, propane tank, and a painted bench, which is the ideal spot for a family portrait.
Buffalo Sculpture
Also created by artist Garrett Larson, a 16-foot-by-16-foot iron Buffalo Sculpture adorns the west side of the community building.
The metalwork installation, one of many mediums for which Larson is known to create, is a nod to the prairie landscape and the American buffalo.
I also discovered more artwork painted on a long propane tank, which celebrates each person’s place in the world. After closer review, I recognized Native American symbolism depicting animals in nature.
On the opposite side of the community building, you’ll see quilt blocks adorning its facade.
BONUS: The Delia Sewing Group gathers at Delia Thrift Store (334 Nora Ave.) on Tuesdays if you want to see artisans at work. The store is open 10 am to 2 pm and on the second Saturday of the month from 8 am to 1 pm.
HOYT
Continue the road trip adventure by driving about 15 miles east to Hoyt (pop. 597). Founded in 1869, the town was relocated two miles to its current location because the Rock Island Railroad used to pick up cattle headed eastbound to market.
A friendly community, I discovered it was a worthwhile stop for its historical landmarks, scenic park, historic jail, and a quaint market store, which serves one heck of a sandwich.
Elm Creek Beef Local Market
At Elm Creek Beef Local Market (116 W. 4th St.), shoppers will be delighted to discover that the corner grocery store sells not only pasture-raised beef but also a variety of grocery staples and made-to-order meals.
As I arrived, a local resident delivered farm-fresh eggs for the market to prepare breakfast for its regular customers.
Since it was lunchtime, I ordered the market’s signature sub, a Toasted Italian, which rivaled any hoagie I’ve enjoyed, including in New York. Nikki slices the meat for each sandwich to stuff between pillowy soft bread with provolone cheese, peppers, and a drizzle of Italian dressing.
I listened to a televised western play and watched shoppers select meat cuts from a reach-in cooler as I devoured my sandwich and complimentary cookie.
Whether you stop for breakfast, lunch, or grocery supplies, bring a road-worthy cooler with ice to keep your premium cut meat cold.
PRO TIP: Check the market’s Facebook page for the weekly meal special.
Stithem’s Hoyt Service & Tire Repair
A For Sale sign adorns the exterior of Stithem’s Hoyt Service & Tire Repair (117 E. 4th Street), where road-trippers can stop for a full-service fuel up or tire repair.
In business for more than 25 years, it’s the kind of small-town gas station that is disappearing from communities. The owner greets you when you park, asking how he can help you, a style of customer service you don’t see elsewhere.
Visiting the family-owned filling station is like stepping back in time, and you should appreciate it before the owner, Jeff, sells the property to retire.
Old Jail
En route to the community park (117 E. 4th St.), you’ll see a small parking area in front of the town’s Old Jail, situated near 6th and Highland.
The one-room structure looks untouched. Peer into the see-through iron door to view a replica wooden bed and a wood-burning stove.
Constructed in 1911, the city jail is the oldest building in Hoyt. The primitive building sits on land purchased for $75
I didn’t have the gumption to open the door to a nearby outhouse, which I suspect was added as part of an Eagle Scout Project in the Spring of 2019.
City Park
It’s worth driving from 4th Street, about a quarter mile on Highland, to City Park to stretch your legs during the road trip. It was raining during my visit, but that didn’t keep me from admiring the park’s beautiful flowers situated around its gazebo.
Volunteers, which included students, painted the mural that wraps around the building housing the park’s restrooms.
Take a closer look. Each of those faux bricks is hand-painted to look realistic.
Hoyt also has a second recreational area, Robinson Park, near 6th and Highland Streets.
MAYETTA
Continue your journey to Mayetta (pop. 361) , a town founded by a woman, Mary Etta Lunger, in 1886. The Rock Island Railroad purchased land from the Lunger family to develop a rail line from Topeka to St. Joseph, Missouri.
I was on a quest to find the murals and paintings by the late Lester Arnold, a Potawatomi artist, but what I discovered was so much more.
Murals
Installed in the 1960s. Arnold’s mural on Main Street is faded from years of weather, but its design still illustrates the impact of the railroad’s history on the town.
It’s located near former railroad tracks and an empty lot that still has the original tile flooring from a raised building.
I appreciate that Arnold left the ghost sign of a former furniture sign untouched on the building’s surface above his mural.
Across the street, I entered Sweet Sassy Molassy (108 East Main St.) to catch a glimpse of Arnold’s wall murals inside the hometown restaurant and dessert shop.
Sweet Sassy Molassy serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with menu items ranging from burgers and chicken strip baskets to salads. Ask about ordering cinnamon rolls to go.
Spray Park
The newly installed Spray Park is perfect for family outings during the summer months and is open from Memorial Day through the season.
Adjacent playground equipment lets kids burn off energy while parents relax on a shaded bench beneath a canopy of trees.
The facilities and available parking are free to use.
Prairie Band Casino & Resort
Beyond downtown Mayetta, road-trippers seeking something entertaining to do will want to stop at Prairie Band Casino & Resort (12305 150th Road) for high-energy gambling fun.
The Native American casino features a 35,000-square-foot gaming floor with more than 1,000 slot machines, dozens of table games, and a 300-seat bingo hall open around the clock.
While gambling is not my preferred activity, I took a beeline for its resort, noting a tranquil outdoor courtyard and an on-site spa meant to inspire relaxation.
As a hotel guest, I could envision myself ordering a cocktail at the nearby indoor bar and sitting in the courtyard as the sun sets and the waterfall trickles.
Prairie Band Casino & Resort also hosts live music and stand-up comedy shows. Golfers will want to pack their clubs to play Firekeeper, a par-72 championship golf course, designed by a PGA winner.
CIRCLEVILLE
Circleville (pop 154) is located about eight miles northwest of Holton, and while it may be small, it’s worth visiting if you appreciate history or want to watch a rodeo.
The town has little commercial industry, but the Circleville Saddle Club Arena is a major draw.
Barnes Brothers Mural
Painted in 2024 by Katie Morris, the Barnes Brothers Mural depicts Zeke and Jesse Barnes, who were well-known Major League Baseball players from Circleville. Jesse pitched in the 1917 World Series.
The Barnes family moved to Circleville when the boys were young during a time when they were influenced by their father’s love of the game.
Circleville Saddle Club Rodeo Arena
The Circleville Saddle Club Rodeo Arena operates as a nonprofit for people of all ages who love riding horses or watching action-packed rodeo events.
Events like the Barrel Series are posted regularly on their Facebook page.
Circleville Cemetery
Visiting a cemetery isn’t always part of a road trip plan, but when there is a historic landmark or a person of significance buried there, it’s worth the visit.
Located just beyond town, Circleville Cemetery dates back to the first recorded official burial in 1864. As you enter, take note of the original railing used by horsemen. As you drive through the small cemetery, you’ll also find a marker honoring former slaves.
I visited prior to Memorial Day, so numerous gravestones honoring military veterans were decorated by volunteers or family members.
The scene was tranquil, and the only sound I could hear was the occasional neigh from the horses grazing across the road in nearby countryside.
SOLDIER
Not far from Circleville, the town of Soldier (pop. 100) was established in 1877 and renamed “Soldier” in 1878 due to its proximity to Soldier Creek. Interestingly, water is paramount to the town as a historic water pump is a designated point of interest downtown on First Street.
Soldier thrives because of its residents who have kept it going despite two major tornadoes, and one of the town’s largest draws is its barbecue restaurant, Mercer Cue.
Post Office
I always say, “if a town has a post office and a gas station, it can survive,” and the Soldier Post Office (205 1st Street) is an architectural beauty.
It’s the community hub, where residents not only pick up their mail but also pick up a copy of The Holton Recorder, pausing to chat with locals while their dog sips water from the complimentary bowl on the front steps.
Mercer Cue
From a sought-after food truck to a restaurant, Mercer Cue (209 1st Street) has grown over the years to accommodate hungry fans of its award-winning barbecue.
People who travel from nearby communities wait for the door to unlock to claim a table as white smoke billows from an outdoor meat smoker out back.
The family-owned and operated restaurant serves meat combination plates, stacked and sauced sandwiches, and you can bet there is a unique meal special written on the dry-erase board.
If a barbecue restaurant serves soft, juicy brisket with just the right amount of smoke color and flavor, you can bet the rest of the meats on the menu are high-quality as well.
My brisket meal checked all of the boxes, served with my choice of two sides: truffle mac-and-cheese and cheesy corn. Each one was scumptious, and overall I thought the mac-and-cheese was well prepared, although I didn’t detect a truffle flavor.
I couldn’t resist ordering a slice of homemade pie. A short list of available pie flavors, prepared by a local baker, was written on the glass of a reach-in cooler.
When the baker, who was seated nearby, heard me order a Peanut Butter Cup pie slice, she waved at me.
Take my advice, order a slice of pie. Even if you’re taking it to go. It delicious like the pie your grandma made.
The Red Rock Guest Ranch
The heart of any community is the people, and the owners of The Red Rock Guest Ranch (4340 270th Road) are some of the nicest people I’ve met, anywhere.
Located a short drive from downtown Soldier, the bed and breakfast is a beautifully scenic and comforting getaway reserved for solo travelers, couples, groups of hunters, and families seeking a quiet retreat.
Bill and Debra offered me a freshly baked cookie before we set out on a walking tour of the property, which included gardens, an event center, and additional buildings for overnight guests. Soon after, I was ushered to the Knottingham Room, a bedroom suite with a king-size bed and private bathroom.
Just as the sun was beginning to set, I read a book and listened to the birds sing from a comfy patio chair on the deck. It’s the same delightful spot where I enjoyed my coffee each morning and chatted with the owners, who told me their life-work story.
I was amazed to learn that the happily married couple and their son manage the entire ranch and event center, from preparing breakfast meals for guests to hosting wedding and church groups.
For me, the highlight of my stay was meeting the animals that roamed the ranch. Howdy, a cattle dog, greeted me daily, offering me his paw as we sat and watched hummingbirds dance around a feeder.
And just as the sun began to set, I walked to a nearby field to meet the owners’ horses and a donkey, who took to me fondly.
The Red Rock Bed and Breakfast is a delightful place for a getaway that far exceeds your expectations, and one I’d repeat given how comfortable I felt there after getting to know the family who lives on the property.
Mornings start with a home-cooked breakfast served in the dining room. Enclosed sunrooms and a wraparound outdoor porch are enchanting spaces for chatting with others or reading a book in the afternoon, and if you’re seeking adventure, the ranch also offers six miles of groomed walking trails featuring 23 wildflower species.
And more adventures await! Anglers will want to drop a line at one of the ranch’s stocked ponds. Go swimming or borrow a paddleboat or kayak to enjoy a day on the water.
And this list simply scratches the surface of the many activities you can enjoy at the ranch.
If you’d like to make a reservation to enjoy a peaceful getaway at The Red Rock Guest Ranch, call 785.834.2552, and don’t forget to tell Bill and Debra “hello!” for me. I miss them already.
NETAWAKA
Another Jackson County town worth exploring is Netawaka (pop. 140), ten miles north of Holton.
The name translates from the Potawatomi Native American word meaning “grand view,” and is tied to the Kickapoo Reservation, which existed before the railroad established a presence in 1866.
Netawaka Family Fitness Center
A primary reason to visit the town is the Netawaka Family Fitness Center (233 White Way), which offers access to state-of-the-art exercise equipment and an indoor swimming pool when visitors purchase an affordable day pass.
For the size of the surrounding community, this gym impressed me with its cardio and weightlifting area, walking lanes, and 8,000-square-foot aquatic center.
They also have a full-size gymnasium for basketball and volleyball games, and if you’re visiting for the day, the locker rooms offer private access to showers.
I would compare the fitness facility’s offerings to those at a YMCA, making it a must-stop destination if you like to stay in shape while traveling.
PRO TIP: Review the facility’s Facebook page to learn about upcoming events.
WHITING
The town of Whiting (pop. 198 ) may have a one-block downtown corridor, but its historic filling station, grocery store, and community park are reasons enough to pull over.
The original site of the Kickapoo Indian Reservation, Whiting became a Union Pacific Railroad company settlement after 1866. This railroad history is honored by its handcrafted street signs, each adorned with a metal locomotive cutout.
Historic Filling Station
It’s wonderful to see that the town’s residents value its historic buildings, such as the Historic Filling Station, which is undergoing renovation.
Once a dilapidated building, it is brought back to life by a new roof and a fresh coat of white paint.
This historic filling station is no longer a forgotten roadside gem, but an appreciated relic of the town’s past.
C & D Food Mart
Across the street, C & D Food Mart (211 N. Whiting) supplies locals and drop-in shoppers with grocery essentials, ranging from canned goods to laundry supplies.
I appreciate a small-town grocery store with a deli counter, where a store employee slices meat for each order. And while I didn’t purchase groceries, I enjoyed chatting with an employee as she rang me up for a cold cream soda.
When asked why she likes living in Whiting, she said, “It’s quiet.”
HOLTON
The final stop on your Jackson County road trip is one you won’t forget.
Located 30 minutes north of Topeka, Holton offers road trippers a variety of activities, from outdoor recreation and downtown shopping to casual dining and coffee shops.
I’ve taken two road trips to Holton since 2022, and each visit reaffirms my love for the county seat.
Use my comprehensive travel guide to plan a day trip or an overnight stay in Holton, without missing a moment of its small-town appeal.
EVENTS YOU SHOULDN’T MISS
Glory Days
Holton’s annual celebration, Glory Days, is one you must experience firsthand in late May.
High school alumni cruise around the Jackson County Courthouse square, throwing candy and beads; the sun sparkles on classic cars’ chrome at the car show, and kids play joyfully in bouncy houses nestled among vendor booths as families chat nearby.
The hum of food trucks’ generators can be heard over the festival announcer’s voice.
If you want to experience Americana, I mean real-deal Kansas roots, you have to attend this annual festival. Especially if you appreciate classic cars.
Car Show
If your heart races when you see a pristine, restored classic car with perfectly buffed chrome fenders, you’ll want to attend the Glory Days Car Show. Vehicles of every type, including a row of motorcycles, are positioned around the courthouse square.
I couldn’t resist striking up a conversation with a couple who sat ready to chat about their car to passersby. They told me the story of the car’s restoration using original parts with pride.
Vendors & Kids Zone
Glory Days participants can expect to park their cars in the surrounding neighborhood and walk to the hub of activity on the courthouse lawn, which features vendor booths and a Kids Zone with games and bouncy houses.
If you buy a maker’s creation or a homemade cookie, you’re likely supporting a small business or a worthwhile local cause.
Fall Fest
Holton’s Fall Fest celebration showcases shopping and food vendors, a scarecrow contest, a Shut The Back Door contest, and a chili cook-off.
Residents gather on sidewalks in front of tables serving chili samples from various businesses. Children wait in line to get their faces painted. Townies greeted one another in passing. The town bustles with activity.
Shut the Door Contest
A handful of local businesses in town paint a back door as an entry for the Shut the Door Contest. Each colorfully painted door draws foot traffic to a business while beautifying downtown’s back alleyways.
During my self-guided tour, I came upon whimsical paintings depicting flowers and landscape scenes. One door showcased a Mexican restaurant’s theme.
PRO TIP: You don’t need a map to find the back door murals. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk down the alleyways in the downtown area.
Quilt Show
They say, “to quilt is to live.” The quilts displayed in the Fall Fest show were wow-worthy, intricate patterns. People file in and out of a courthouse room to get a glimpse of the handiwork of the town’s top quilters.
With names like “Giraffes on Parade,” “Random Scraps,” and “Flying Geese,” each quilt is an expression of the creator’s personality. Table toppers and queen-sized bedding creations draw attention.
PRO TIP: Take a few minutes to appreciate the Modern Eclecticism style of the courthouse’s architecture, from its marble walls to its tile floor.
Scarecrow Decorating Contest
I won a costume contest dressed as a scarecrow. So, I’d like to think I’m a good judge of creativity when it comes to putting one together.
The entries at Fall Fest are positioned on the Jackson County Courthouse lawn in all their splendor. The overstuffed scarecrows are dressed as recognizable animals, movie characters, and celebrities.
Cruise Night
What’s a small-town festival without a Cruise Night? Locals lined up their vehicles one by one in the shadow of the courthouse on the evening of Fall Fest. Gearheads talked shop.
The smell of exhaust hung in the air. Locals walked by each car, checking under the hoods. And every so often, you’d hear the roar of an engine starting up as a driver left the lineup to take a cruise around town. Classic.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss other Holton’s festivities throughout the year, like fireworks during July Jubilee and the Holton Country Club Golf Tournament.
WALK THROUGH HISTORY
Jackson County Historical Museum
For me, the best way to get to know a town I’m visiting for the first time is to visit the county museum. Who are the town’s founders, and why did they choose the area? What industries flourished in the area?
Jackson County Historical Museum (327 New York Ave.) is a treasure box of valuable information and artifacts.
You can expect a free, self-guided tour featuring exhibits on one-room schoolhouse items, Carrie Nation history, barbed wire history, World War I & II memorabilia, and the tools of 1900s trades.
View aged photographs of the people and places that founded the county, agricultural tools, period furniture, and millinery relics round out the collection.
Originally a tin shop, the building is historic for its aging architecture and pressed-tin ceiling tiles.
Welcoming history lovers since 1984, the museum is also known for rotating art exhibits, and the artwork is often for sale. View the museum’s hours here.
Sign the guestbook at the visitor’s desk when you arrive.
Historical Homes & Landmarks
Sears and Roebuck Co. Historic Home
Historical homes make up a portion of Holton’s residential area. I took a self-guided driving tour to see them and discover other landmarks.
The homes on the tour are private residences except one, which is maintained by the Jackson County Historical & Genealogical Society.
I was amazed by the Sears Roebuck and Co. (216 New York St.) concrete block house, originally featured in the 1908 catalog, which is a 2 1/2 story house with four bedrooms.
If you want to view the home’s interior, make an appointment with the Jackson County Historical Museum.
Jackson County Courthouse & Historic Installations
The Jackson County Courthouse (400 New York St.) anchors the downtown area and is open to the public Monday through Friday.
Walk its grounds to admire the war memorial honoring US Army Sergeant Bernard Lee Deghand in the town’s courthouse square. You’ll also be within walking distance of a cannon statue, “Erected by Will Wendell in 1913.”
The cannon pictured below is dedicated to Civil War soldiers and sailors and rests at the base of the town sign.
As you continue your walk around the courthouse, you’ll find an original horse water trough, circa 1880, positioned at the base of an old tree, indicating where riders would let their horses hydrate when stopping at the original courthouse square.
BONUS: Find another livestock water-trough marker north of the Linscott Park tennis court, within walking distance of downtown.
ADMIRE PUBLIC ART
Mural Tour
Several murals dotted the town’s urban landscape, including one of my favorite street art installations, painted by Wichita artist Lindsey Kernodle, on the exterior of the Jackson County Museum (327 New York Ave.).
As you drive into town, its striking colors and storytelling images will beg you to pull over.
Kernodle’s two-frame mural showcases an early version of how the Tallgrass Prairie used to look when it flourished. The second painting on the right represents the current state of the prairie.
During my visit, I chatted with the artist and discovered how important it is to preserve the remaining native prairie. Comparing both images gave me pause and inspired me to revisit the area.
Other murals around town will grab your attention. Cruise just beyond the downtown boundary to see murals like the one pictured below, painted on the side of a building at Banner Creek Reservoir (10975 KS-16).
These murals are a small sampling of the public artwork available throughout Holton and Jackson County. Refer to Murals in Jackson County to learn about each one and its location.
DINE LIKE A LOCAL
HotSpot Coffee Shop
The next morning, I made my way to HotSpot Coffee Shop (316 Pennsylvania St.).
The quaint café serves patrons gourmet coffee, pastries, and quick bites like breakfast burritos. I opted for two seasonal favorites: an Apple Crumb Macchiato and a warm cinnamon roll.
Seated indoors, I noticed that most of the morning café traffic came via the drive-thru. I found the café’s interior inviting. The employees were patient as I chose my menu items and were more than welcoming.
Mare’s Coffee Shop and Cool Stuff
Another stop for those seeking a caffeinated beverage or early-morning bite to eat is Mare’s Coffee Shop and Cool Stuff (413 New York Ave.) After some of my social media followers recommended it, I confirmed the coffee shop is wildly different from most.
The entire place is adorned with frogs. Paintings, toys, and sit-a-bouts feature the green-colored amphibian. A life-size astronaut sculpture keeps watch over them.
It’s a hangout if you want to sip a specialty latté while putting together a puzzle or reading one of the $1 books. At lunchtime, order a sourdough panini.
Jhett’s Pizza
Since 2006, Jhett’s Pizza (401 New York Ave.) has been the locals’ go-to place for a satisfying slice. The restaurant’s dining room was nearly full during the lunch hour.
I ordered an 8″ Meat Lovers Pizza at the counter and sat down and waited for it. Families continued to pour into the restaurant looking for open seating. Customers with call-in orders approached the counter. The phone never stopped ringing.
PRO TIP: Beat the lunch rush or call the restaurant for a to-go pizza, especially if you’re visiting Holton during a community festival. Bring cash for payment or pay a fee when using a credit card.
Trails Cafe
At lunchtime, I was famished, so I joined local friends at Trails Cafe (601 Arizona Ave.) on the edge of town.
The eatery is well-documented in regional travel magazines and on food review websites for its irresistible pressure-cooked, or “broasted,” fried chicken.
As we made our way to a table, I stopped to peer into a double-door refrigerator stocked with plates of sliced pie. I knew I wasn’t leaving the restaurant without devouring a slice.
For lunch, I had a garden salad, followed by a two-piece chicken entree with my choice of potato and vegetable side dish. Although I was stuffed, I stuck to the plan and ordered a hefty slice of a lemon meringue pie.
The meal lived up to the hype, and the cafe is worthy of a repeat visit.
Boomers’ Steakhouse and Grill
Boomers’ Steakhouse and Grill (401 Colorado Ave.) will send your taste buds into overdrive with a delicious menu of hand-cut steaks cooked to perfection on the broiler.
Other menu items include broasted chicken, smoked pork chops, seafood, and a long list of crave-worthy sandwiches.
Boomers’ Steakhouse, Grill and Catering gets my vote for the best dinner experience in Holton for its friendly service, quality steak dinner, and strawberry pie (don’t skip dessert!).
The restaurant includes full bar service, so if you’re hoping to complement your meal with a hand-crafted cocktail, cold beer, or glass of wine, you’re in luck.
PRO TIP: The waitstaff is efficient and checks on guests often. A couple of them attempted to remove my plate before I was done eating, so beware of hasty hands.
Kat Ballou’s Bar and Grill
For diners seeking a casual, bar atmosphere where locals gather for a sizzling burger and hand-cut fries, Kat Ballou’s Bar and Grill (325 New York St.) delivers. A full menu plus weekly specials is served during lunch, 11 am to 2 pm, and dinner, 5 pm to 9 pm.
I chose the last open seat at the bar to order a BLT and fries. Packed with Glory Days attendees looking for a bite to eat, I waited about 30 minutes for my meal. Bar-seat diners can watch as staff drops handfuls of fries and appetizers into boiling-hot fryer grease.
The local hangout is the ideal place to enjoy a bite to eat if you want to watch the game or chat over burger baskets with friends from a vinyl booth.
Ozzie Bakes
Homemade cheesecake in a jar? Scratch-made bierocks, pillowy soft sausage rolls, and savory meat pies?
You’ll find it all, plus grab-and-go lunch and dinner sandwich options at Ozzie Bakes (119 W. 4th St.).
The owner/baker moved to Kansas from Australia, bringing her culinary talents to a loyal following of customers. She prepares a rotating selection of more than 150 cheesecakes sold by the jar.
PRO TIP: Looking for gluten-free cheesecake? Inquire about her specialty cheesecake recipe of the week, which is also sugar-free.
SHOP AT LOCAL BOUTIQUES
A number of shops in the downtown area make spending your dollars to support local businesses a fun experience. I suggest parking near the courthouse and walking the four-block radius to discover each one.
Holton Mercantile
Holton Mercantile (415 New York Ave.) is a general store that carries everything from cards and seasonal decorations to kitchen tools and puzzles.
It’s the kind of store where you shop for essentials, but you also walk away with something you didn’t know you wanted, like cookware or a decorative sign for your home.
But it’s more than a general store. It’s where locals make memories, from purchasing sweet treats to reserving tuxedos for the high school prom.
Everyone in town raves about its old-fashioned soda fountain, so I had to order a classic chocolate ice cream cone. The owner is known for preparing homemade lemonade, and if you’re lucky, baked goods, tempting add-ons to any ice cream order.
During my visit, I watched as parents pushed strollers and ushered their kids up to the old-fashioned, original ice cream counter to order for them.
I also spotted kids in the store gleefully looking at the candy shelves and asking their parents for retro candy or premium chocolate bars, which are among the store’s biggest sellers. It’s an after-school drop-by spot for kids who want to buy bulk candy on their way home.
Holton Mercantile is a mainstay, dating back decades. You’ll appreciate the building’s original floors and tin ceiling. Go for the nostalgia, the ice cream, and shop the store’s inventory to support local.
Beverly Brown Boutique
Offering a large selection of women’s and men’s apparel, Beverly Brown Boutique (124 W. 5th St.) resembles a big city clothing store. You’ll be hard-pressed not to find something that you’ll want to try on.
Family-owned and operated, the boutique carries well-known brands and an extensive selection of denim jeans. I found the customer service to be helpful when inquiring about jeans in my size.
Shoppers earn discounts if they sign up for the “Text Club” and are willing to ship items via USPS to you. If you join their rewards membership, you earn one point per pre-tax dollar you spend.
More Than Lemons
Have you shopped at a store featuring blown-glass creations?
More Than Lemons (424 Pennsylvania) features one-of-a-kind glass gifts made in the owner’s hot shop. Every glass item you see in the store is an original handcrafted creation.
Glass orbs hang from delicate strings on display. The sunlight through the store’s windows shines through pretty paperweights and beams through bowls and colorful vases.
You can also make your own glass project with two colors of your choice, if you schedule an appointment. The cost of each project varies.
PRO TIP: Check the More Than Lemons Facebook page to plan a visit during a glass-blowing demonstration by the owner behind the building.
Heart To Home
Jewelry. Candle warmers. Bath and body products. Designer purses. Farmhouse decor. You’ll find it all and then some at Heart To Home (105 W. 4th St.). As soon as you walk inside, your eyes dart around the store, looking at items you want to bring home.
Shoppers travel miles to shop at the store for Nora Fleming, Spartina purses, Vera Bradley bags, and Melissa & Doug toys. The front of the story features in-season displays.
NOTE: The store’s owner is closing its doors for good after 12 years of business on June 27, 2026.
The Gossip
Also located on The Square, The Gossip (409 New York) was voted Kansas’s Favorite Vintage Shop by Flea Market Style. The 4,000-square-foot shop also sells antiques in the rear of the store, artfully displayed amongst newer, on-trend market finds.
Displays of battery-operated candles flicker from store shelves nestled next to beautiful plates and framed art. Love the table or the armoire? It’s probably for sale. Seeking Kansas-inspired artwork? Check out Triple B Hilltop Farm’s items.
At the front of the store, I spied a pop-up floral display with fresh, locally grown flowers for sale on the day of my visit. Jewelry, handbags, and some body projects were displayed near the register.
In addition, you’ll discover more Kansas-made products, from home decor to packaged specialty foods, on display. You’re bound to want a canister of hot chocolate mix, apple butter, or bread mix.
Midwest Dixie
Women who want to add fashion-forward pieces with vibrant colors to their wardrobe will want to shop at Midwest Dixie (405 New York St.). Think: polka dot pants, cropped sweaters, floral dresses, and feminine blouses to pair with jeans.
Nearby women discussed accessories as I shopped the rear of the store, which displayed children’s plush toys and clothing and accessories for girls who love pattern and ruffled dresses.
Benevolence Total Wellness
At Benevolence Total Wellness (115 W. 4th St.), you’re invited to make better health a priority, from booking massage therapy to shopping for holistic products.
Rows of all-natural dietary supplements and essential oils line store shelves. T-shirts, hair accessories, jewelry, and Natural Life® gift items can be purchased to create a gift basket for someone you appreciate.
785 Antiques
Walking into 785 Antiques (400 Pennsylvania) is a picker’s dream, as nearly every inch of the store is filled with vintage items, from collectibles to furniture.
The inventory consists of twenty-two vendors’ hand-curated antiques, and like me, you’ll find yourself wandering from room to room in search of a nostalgic item that triggers a memory.
PRO TIP: Road-trippers will want to view the stairway covered in vintage license plates, a photo-worthy backdrop.
Petals and Praise Flowers and Gifts
Petals and Praise Flowers and Gifts (215 E. 5th St.), located inside an old school building, was closed during my return trip to Holton, so I’ve added it to my travel bucket list for the next time I’m in town.
The Holton florist sells fresh floral arrangements for every occasion, and also retails Doyle Beef Iron Horse BBQ products in its retail section.
CELEBRATE THE ARTS ON STAGE
Holton Community Theatre
Reserve a ticket to a show at the Holton Community Theatre (401 New Jersey Ave.), a short walk from downtown.
Performances include local actors, and I was impressed by the caliber of talent while watching “Now and Then,” a romantic comedy in which a young man and woman discover their destiny by meeting their future selves.
Prior to the performance, attendees enjoyed a catered homestyle meal with dessert at community tables with other audience members. Affordable cocktails were available for purchase.
Later, the lights dimmed, and the room was illuminated by stage lights and candles on each table. About 60 audience members watched the thought-provoking performance.
I’d highly recommend planning your trip to Holton around the theater’s upcoming performance. To view the event schedule and reserve a ticket, visit the box office details here.
MORE REASONS TO PULL OVER
Beck Bookman Library
The nearby Beck Bookman Library (420 W. 4th St.) wows passersby with its bleached white exterior and awe-inspiring architecture.
It was named in honor of Major and Mrs. Milton Moses Beck, who were early residents of the town. The library has remained open to the public since 1952.
Check its Facebook events calendar for activities available to the public.
Linscott Park & Veterans Memorial
Linscott Park (4th and Iowa St.) is historic in many ways. Named for Shephard Linscott, a banker and real estate investor who built a mansion on the property in the 1800s, the property is marked by stone pillars at its original entrance.
The Veterans Memorial impresses. Holton is a Purple Heart City, so the on-site memorial honors every medal recipient. A World War II memorial pays tribute to Company “E” of the 137th Infantry, which died in the war.
The park features tennis and basketball courts, playground equipment, and a shelter house available for reservation. The park is one of six public parks and recreational facilities in Holton.
EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS
Holton Municipal Pool
The Holton Municipal Pool at Rafter’s Park (7th and Nebraska St.) was constructed as a Works Progress Administration federal project in 1938. It is considered one of the largest municipal pools in Northeast Kansas, open from Memorial Day weekend until early August.
No matter the season, take a moment to walk the grounds and look at its stone construction. A one-time kiddie pool is now a sunflower mural.
Banner Creek Reservoir & Watch Your Glass Orb Hunt
Continue your outdoor adventures at the lake, where tucked-away treasures await discovery.
I set out to discover Banner Creek Reservoir (10975 K-16 Hwy), a short drive outside of town. Not only did I set out to take in the views of the no-wake lake surrounded by native vegetation, but I was also determined to find a glass orb.
Jackson County’s Watch Your Glass Orb Project initiative encourages tourists to find one of 100 glass orbs hidden in the county. The hunt was on.
As I looked for a clear or colored orb, I appreciated the picturesque views, including fishing piers, a 9-hole disc golf course, and campsites. Walking trails weaved around the lake.
Unfortunately, I didn’t find an orb, but I enjoyed the search.
If you find one, you can keep it. But should you locate a second orb, you are encouraged to leave it where it is or hide it again. Maybe I’ll have better luck next time! View a map of the area here.
The reservoir, established in 1997, is an outdoor lover’s playground with free access to miles of hiking and biking trails, campsites, bird-watching, and fishing for catfish, walleye, and largemouth bass.
The Banner Creek Science Center & Observatory, an educational center featuring hands-on activities that honor nature and Native American culture, remains on my travel bucket list.
Lane Freedom Trail
No visit to Holton is complete without a drive along the Lane Freedom Trail. The site of the Battle of the Spurs, where John Brown led slaves to freedom, is located south of this roadside historical marker.
You will be in awe of the shady spot surrounded by a canopy of trees for its historical significance
After visiting countless Kansas towns, I’ve decided that Holton is not only one of the most welcoming, but it also offers more than enough to see and do during a visit. You may need to visit multiple times, like me.
As they say, you can have it all in Jackson County. Holton embraces its visitors, and you’ll feel just as welcome as I did exploring the picturesque landscape and charming towns that make up Jackson County.
If you have questions about visiting the area or suggestions for nearby destinations, leave them in the comments below.
