Disclosure: Visit Coffey County Kansas sponsored my trip. All opinions and the majority of the photographs are my own. Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.
Founded in 1855, Coffey County, Kansas, offers today’s visitors a plethora to eat, see, and do. Burlington, the largest community with a vibrant downtown, is a solid starting point for a day trip or an overnight stay.
A major draw for visitors is the county’s two lakes, John Redmond Reservoir and Coffey County Lake, as well as outdoor recreational parks. Day trippers seeking shopping and dining will be happy to discover locally owned businesses that roll out the red carpet for visitors.
Locals welcomed me warmly during my time exploring Coffey County, whether it was a fisherman about to drop a line at the Burlington Dam or the coffee shop owner who told me his business story while I sipped a matcha latté.
Coffey County is rich in must-see scenic views, unique businesses, and a vacation rental so enchanting you’ll want to stay there with friends or family.
Kansas Getaway: Top Things To Do During an Overnight Stay in Coffey County
STAY AT A CHARMING VACATION RENTAL
Eagles Nest
Eagles Nest (located upstairs from EB Sports Outdoors (317 Neosho St.) is a delightful vacation rental to reserve, especially if you’re traveling with your family or hosting a girls’ getaway.
Accessible via 26 stairs to the second floor, Eagles Nest is a four-bedroom, two-bathroom loft space. Guests park on Neosho Street overnight.
Inside, you’ll discover a spacious, renovated home in a historic building, complete with painted tin ceilings and dark hardwood floors.
Ornate crown molding complements the homey aesthetic designed with antique furniture and quilts.
The kitchen’s cabinets are stocked with basic cooking tools, and guests have access to a full-size oven, refrigerator, and coffee maker (bring coffee and creamer).
Leather couches in the living room are ideal for chatting with friends or curling up with a book. After a day of exploring, I used the large dining room table as my laptop station for the strongest Wi-Fi connection.
Later, I chose a quiet, king-size bedroom at the rear of the home, with an oversized bathroom featuring a walk-in shower.
If you’re part of a quilter’s group (a nearby fabric store) or a small family who appreciates the historic charm of staying in a thoughtfully restored building, I recommend staying overnight at Eagles Nest.
The vacation rental is not listed on Airbnb or VRBO. You will need to contact the owner directly to reserve Eagles Nest.
PRO TIP: I’d recommend connecting to your phone’s hotspot if you want to use the internet from the bedrooms. Perhaps it was me, but I couldn’t find streaming options on three of the home’s televisions, so I opted to watch YouTube via my iPhone instead.
SAVOR DELICIOUS MEALS, COFFEE & ICE CREAM
Bake-Ary Donuts
Open for more than 30 years, Bake-Ary Donuts (401 N. 4th St.) is a staple of the community and a busy drive-thru early-morning stop.
The owner told me he wakes up at 2 a.m. to hand-prepare donuts and sausage rolls, also referred to as Little Smokies, and opens the doors at 5 a.m.
Limited indoor seating is available. A reach-in refrigerator houses bottled drinks, and a self-serve coffee station is stacked with mugs.
I selected two freshly baked donuts, which were soft, sugary sweet, and scrumptious. They didn’t last more than a few minutes before I gobbled them up.
PRO TIP: Bring cash.
11th Lane Roastery
The conversation amongst locals was lively as I entered 11th Lane Roastery (204 S. 4th St.), a popular coffee shop serving specialty espresso drinks made with in-house-roasted coffee.
Having already drank coffee, I opted for a vanilla-flavored iced matcha. It was the best-tasting matcha tea drink I’ve enjoyed.
The staff makes house-made bagels (jalapeño cheddar is popular) and pastries daily. More than 12 flavors of ice cream, made in-house, are sold by the pint. A reach-in refrigerator is stocked with grab-and-go meals ideal for the lunch hour.
You may think 11th Lane Roastery is merely a coffee shop. It also doubles as a retail store selling local makers’ creations, from jewelry to bags of their gourmet, whole bean coffee. And a cooler is filled with individually packaged cuts of meat from Slead Farms in Lebo, Kansas.
Vintage Sisters
If you love coffee drinks, delicious homestyle meals, and shopping for antiques, you’ll feel like Vintage Sisters (114 N. 3rd St.) is heaven-sent.
A multi-page menu featuring cafe breakfast and lunch classics impresses, and the day’s special meal with a trip through the salad bar draws regulars daily.
I chose a cafe table near a display of individually packaged pie slices. The coffee shop’s customers’ mugs sit on a shelf labeled with their names near the register.
The Salty Dog, a hot espresso drink prepared with salted caramel flavoring, hit the spot after my early-morning drive. The Breakfast Bowl, a layered meal of tater tots, scrambled egg, bacon, and cheese, was equally crunchy and crave-worthy.
After your meal, shop in the Vintage Sisters’ multiple rooms, which showcase more than two dozen vendors’ wares, ranging from antiques to handcrafted home decorations.
Wildcat Grill
I’ve eaten a lot of grilled hamburgers on the road, and Wildcat Grill’s is one of the best.
Located in New Strawn, Wildcat Grill (255 N. Main) is the brainchild of a local who spent years in college towns like Lawrence and Manhattan.
The owner knows what people want when dining at a sports bar. The menu, featuring stacked burgers, chicken wings, and big-portion dinner meals, delivers.
Sandwiched between a soft bun, the Wildcat Burger with crispy bacon, spicy mustard, and “all the garden” was thoughtfully prepared. I opted for a garden salad over fries.
Whether you’re stopping by for the bar’s daily meal special, like Wing Wednesday, or a beer while watching the game from a comfy booth, Wildcat Grill will feel like the college sports bar you remember, but nicer.
Avocados Mexican Cuisine
In Burlington at Avocados Mexican Cuisine (318 Neosho St.), you’ll discover saucy enchilada dinners and combination platters that include authentic Mexican fare and Tex-Mex-style recipes.
Festive music plays from overhead speakers in a dining room decorated with colorful picado banners and neon signage.
The owner recommended the Los Comadres platter served with a savory shredded chicken enchilada, bacon-wrapped shrimp, and a crunchy beef taco. Probably more food than I needed, I savored each scrumptious bite, adding homemade salsa to the meal.
Main Street Sweets
Next door, Main Street Sweets (316 Neosho St.) serves rolled ice cream, boba, drink infusions, paninis, and cups of soup.
In the mood for dessert, I watched as an employee combined Oreo® cookies with vanilla ice cream on a frozen surface, then pushed it into cigar-shaped rolls.
Main Street Sweets is a must-stop. I loved my ice cream so much that I didn’t even realize it was gone until the last bite.
OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS
Drake Park
Drake Park, a five-minute drive from downtown Burlington, is a scenic hangout for anglers fishing for catfish and families seeking a place to picnic under a shade tree.
The Catfish Capital of the World, Burlington, competed with a nearby town, Chetopa, in a years-long feud for the title and trophy.
The sound of falling water at the Burlington City Dam sets the scene. Also a tucked-away spot for RV campers, the park includes eight concrete stalls with water and electric hookups near the Neosho River shoreline.
Two rod-and-reel anglers told me they were fishing for crappie during a sunny afternoon at the dam.
Kelley Park
Burlington’s Kelley Park and Campground (625 S 3rd St.) doubles as a family-friendly playground and a place for self-pay RV campers to pull over, situated along the Neosho River.
I recommend planning your visit to the 46-acre park during a rodeo at Kelley Park Stadium. It’s also the site for the oldest consecutively held annual fair in the state, Coffey County State Fair.
Eagle Nest Tower & Trails
The outdoor exploring continues at Eagle Nest Tower & Trails, located at the Wilson Cadman Environmental Education Area (1355 17th Rd. NE), a short drive from Burlington.
After parking in the car, I followed the dirt road past an abandoned red barn to Eagle Nest Tower. Defying my fear of heights, I ascended its spiral staircase to the top, where I was rewarded with a 360-degree view of the countryside and Coffey County Lake.
If you prefer to hike the trails, start at the silo and trek the well-worn path until it loops back to the silo. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles and osprey.
John Redmond Reservoir
John Redmond Reservoir (1565 Embankment Road) offers boating, birdwatching, fishing, and endless sunsets for campers.
The US Army Corps of Engineers reservoir consists of more than 9,000 acres of outdoor recreation.
I visited the reservoir on what must have been the windiest Spring day in Kansas history. Gusting at 30 miles per hour, the winds created white-cresting waves crashing along its rocky shoreline.
Coffey County Lake
Why enjoy one lake when there are two in the area? A go-to fishing destination, Coffey County Lake occupies 5,090 acres, open from sunrise to sunset.
The county reports that largemouth bass and crappie are catchable near standing timber, while walleye, channel catfish, and smallmouth bass are caught in open water.
New Strawn City Park / Disc Golf Course
Another peaceful outdoor escape in the area is New Strawn City Park (110 4th St.) Whether you’re seated on a park bench watching the ducks swim by or practicing watching your kids play on the equipment, it’s definitely worth checking out.
Do you play disc golf? The park is home to a moderately difficult 10-hole disc golf course with concrete tee pads and flat terrain, featuring mostly Par 3 and a couple Par 4 holes.
The course is well-kept by the city. I had the park to myself mid-day, which offered peaceful refuge that only a small town can provide.
SHOP MAIN STREET
Vintage Sisters
Cute collectibles. Antique glassware. Hand-sewn quilts. Vintage Sisters (114 N. 3rd St.) is home to more than 20 vendors, making it easy to find the perfect treasure.
To make sure you don’t miss a gem, start in the front of the shop and meander through the center dining room, ending in the rear of the store.
Find something you can’t live without? Pay for it at the coffee/restaurant counter, where you’ll be tempted to order a latté or purchase a tasty bite to eat.
Strawder’s & Daughters Gifts
Don’t you love a florist that also carries your garden needs and gifts in one place?
Strawder’s & Daughter’s Gifts (201 Neosho St.) is a happy place, and you can tell from the moment you walk in and see cheerful animal figurines situated amongst houseplants and silk flowers.
I spent almost half an hour chatting with employees and taking in all that the store offers, from Village Candles to garden gnomes.
The back corner of the store is devoted to houseplants and gardening supplies, while the outdoor courtyard is often filled with shrubs and trees trucked in from Strawder’s & Daughters Nursery and Tree Farm during warmer months. In October, piles of pumpkins are for sale.
Silver Threads & Golden Needles
Calling all quilters! Silver Threads & Golden Needles (321 Neosho St.) in Burlington is where you want to shop for fabric, quilt project kits, notions, and threads. The completed quilts hanging in the front windows will inspire your next project.
I chatted with an employee who told me about her quilting journey, and she pointed out the variety of fabrics in the store. Open five days a week, the shop regularly runs a sale. On the day of my visit, the west wall of fabric was marked down 15 percent.
Perhaps you need to stock up on solids or simple prints, or a seasonal fabric with matching thread for your next quilt project? Golden Needles and Silver Threads carries it all. Don’t miss the fabric scraps basket.
Hornet Games
Card collectors and fans of Warhammer®, Lego®, and Magic: The Gathering® will love shopping at Hornet Games (306 Neosho St.) in Burlington.
Often the site for gaming groups, the store’s owner, Nathan, does an excellent job of stocking the shelves with a variety of games and puzzles. A massive display case houses booster packs of cards.
He told me that what started as a baseball card collection grew into a one-stop shop for gamers and parents in search of Lego™ Duplo sets for their kids.
Several customers gathered at a back table, and a school group was expected to arrive within minutes of my visit.
PRO TIP: Hornet Games often hosts events, so check its Facebook Events page for demo week information or Board Game Day announcements.
Sweet Grass Home & Design
Sweet Grass Home & Design (407 Neosho) is Burlington’s newest downtown store.
Known for custom engraving, home décor, and handcrafted metal art, the shop also sells grab-and-go meals.
Its grand opening took place after my visit. I’ll definitely want to shop there during a return trip to Burlington.
SHOP GARDEN CENTERS & NURSERIES
Strawder’s & Daughters Nursery & Tree Farm
Tap into your love of gardening or landscaping at Strawder’s & Daughters Nursery & Tree Farm (1272 23rd) in Lebo. After a guided tour by the owner, I learned that the quality and price of the trees are unbeatable, and people will drive up to three hours to shop at the family-owned business.
The sound of a water fountain with koi splashing is the backdrop as you shop for noticeably better-than-a-big-box-store sun and shade-loving shrubs. From fruit-bearing to topiary trees, the nursery stocks a variety of hard-to-find trees, all maintained by a small staff of dedicated workers.
Walk through the rows of trees and don’t miss the greenhouse, which contains seasonal tree seedlings. Steve Strawder, his wife, and staff are kind and helpful, willing to provide expertise in selecting and maintaining trees and shrubs for years to come.
Lulabelle’s Flower Farm
Lullabelle’s Flower Farm (1290 Lynx Ln.) is a must-stop 20-acre you-pick flower farm known for its full-service flower shop and retail store, which carries garden-inspired home products and personal beauty items.
Visitors are welcome during select dates from June through August to pay a freewill donation to pick in-season flowers to fill a cup. Events like the farm’s popular Mother’s Day brunch are announced on social media.
PRO TIP: Check the farm’s hours on Facebook before arriving.
Arnold’s Prairie Greenhouse & More
Gardeners will think it’s worth the short drive to Arnold’s Prairie Greenhouse & More (1430 KS-58) in LeRoy. Open seven days a week, the garden center is a go-to shop for in-season plants, indoor house plants, and gifts.
Thanks to the work of owners Tom and Laura and their staff, you’ll feel the friendly vibe when shopping at Arnold’s. The greenhouse is stocked with vegetables, herbs, and annual and perennial plants, organized on tables for almost as far as the eye can see.
PRO TIP: View the Facebook page for the frequent announcements about new arrivals.
RELAX WITH A GOOD READ
Coffey County Library – Burlington Branch
What’s not to love about a community library? It’s a hub of activity, and the Coffey County Library – Burlington Branch (401 Juniatta) is known for its calendar of events, which visitors are welcome to participate in, like the Chess Club or Adult Craft classes.
The library’s dark wood shelves house books, magazines, and lounge areas that cater to those who just want to sit down and relax with a new read. Public access computers with internet access are available to patrons.
I was pleased to find resources on the area’s history, and the public art outside was delightful.
EXERCISE LIKE A PRO
Burlington Recreation Center
If you’re a road tripper looking for a place to exercise indoors, you’ll be impressed with the Burlington Recreation Center (1110 Shea St.). It exceeds your expectations for a small town fitness facility.
Pay a Daily Use Fee ($3 per person), and you gain access to workout spaces that rival any YMCA.
Consisting of two equipped workout rooms, an indoor swimming pool and hot tub, a dance/yoga studio, a walking track, and a table games area. One can also reserve use of the indoor Golfzon TwoVision simulator for $25 per hour or $15 per half hour.
The weight-lifting/cardio rooms are no joke. Filled with top-notch equipment and free weights, the facility will please visitors looking to put in a full-body workout. Enjoy the free Wi-Fi and water bottle station during a fitness session.
Athletic courts are popular amongst pickleball players in the morning.
The outdoor swimming pool (13th and Neosho St.) with diving boards and water slides for family-friendly fun is open starting Memorial Day weekend. Kids also have access to outdoor playground equipment.
PRO TIP: Refer to the Facebook page to learn about upcoming events and new classes for all ages. The center doubles as a community event space.
DISCOVER STREET ART
Mural Tour
Most of the murals in Coffey County were painted by Jim Stukey, a self-taught artist who uses his talents to beautify public spaces.
From the Greetings to Burlington mural at Drake Park to the history of a town as depicted on buildings in Le Roy, his work connects visitors with the county’s history. I appreciated how many of the ghost signs on Burlington buildings were restored to their original vivid color.
PRO TIP: Pick up a mural map at the Burlington caboose kiosk before embarking on a self-guided trek to find each one.
ATTEND AN ANNUAL EVENT
There is never a dull moment in Coffey County, and I encourage you to plan a getaway around one of its annual events or a grand-opening business celebration.
In Burlington, the Rooted in Rural Spring Festival at Kelley Park in April combines agriculture and rural heritage into a free-to-attend event for families.
Early June marks Strawnfest, where families gather for a fishing derby, games, and a disc golf tournament in New Strawn.
Barbecue fans will want to attend Smoke on the River BBQ Competition taking place over Labor Day weekend in September.
Locals love Boo Fest in October, the Christmas Craft Fair & Gift Annex in November, and Burlington’s lighted parade in December.
I hope you add a Coffey County road trip to your travel plans this year. In-town shopping and dining, combined with outdoor recreation, is certain to impress you. This itinerary merely scratches the surface of the places you can visit in the county.
Sure, you could day trip, but I would stay overnight because you’ll have plenty to explore, starting in Burlington and stretching throughout the county to its lakes, garden centers, small-town parks, and unique Main Street shops.
Do you want to extend your route through the region? You will appreciate my road trip itineraries for nearby Emporia and Topeka.
Founded in 1886, 
The memorial honors the miners who lost their lives in the worst mining disaster in Kansas history at the Cherokee and Pittsburg Coal and Mining Company Mine No. 2 on November 9, 1888. Family members gathered at the mine’s entrance, distraught and waiting for news about their loved ones, many of whom did not survive the dust explosion.
Whenever I approach a memorial, I vow to read every name inscribed on it, and this time was no different.
PRO TIP: Clear your calendar to attend Frontenac’s 140th birthday at Mining Days on June 5-7, 2026. The Heritage and Homecoming Celebration is an annual event featuring family-friendly activities and historical tours. Don’t miss 
Frontenac residents have a lot to be proud of, and you owe it to yourself to visit the Heritage Hall Museum at the 
Original artifacts curated from local families added a storytelling quality, enhancing the high-quality exhibits. I was amazed by the attention to detail, from the testimonials of miners to the newspaper clippings about business openings.
The history of Southeast Kansas, and Frontenac in particular, is the story of European immigrants, miners, bootleggers, religious devotees, and family members who looked out for one another and supported the community.
Walking inside the bakery, I felt as if I were a customer seeking to buy a loaf. Tools of the miner’s trade and newspaper clippings about the worst mining disaster in history adorned a room dimly lit by lanterns. A peek inside a replica chapel revealed the history of long-standing Catholic and Methodist communities.
Another aspect of the museum that makes it better than most is that the director thought to include an interactive component, adding visual and audio stations, making it more accessible for visitors. Due to the museum’s proximity to the Frontenac Public Library, its artifacts are deeply rooted in the area’s genealogy.
Former and current Frontenac residents will relish the displays featuring curated Raiders memorabilia. Peering inside the displays, it was as if I could hear the football players and cheerleaders rooting for the Raiders to win the high school’s first-ever state football championship over Stockton in 1994.
Visiting the Heritage Hall Museum, located inside the Frontenac Public Library, is well worth it, offering visitors a glimpse into the cultural legacy and mining history of Frontenac and the greater Southeast Kansas region.
The locally owned coffee shop sells 
During my visit, a steady stream of locals came and went, accompanied by music playing from a Bluetooth speaker.
The dining room was already filled with locals when I stopped by on a weekday for a midday meal of boneless chicken wings coated in Sully Sauce. With my choice of side dish, my meal was appetizing and one I’d order again.
On Saturday nights, Shooters Neighborhood Bar & Grill is a popular hangout attracting diners seeking the Chef’s Choice special. Happy Hour specials are served Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
And for the kids (and young-at-heart), there’s a self-serve candy station, perfect for mixing and matching your favorite sweets by the pound. It’s the ultimate sugar-fueled pit stop for your Kansas adventure.
I would refer to the shop’s 
In addition to slicing deli meat by the order, refrigerated glass cases house homemade sausage, pasta meals, and pre-made sandwiches. A few tables provide a place for lunch-goers to sit down and savor a panini prepared with bread from the local bakery.
In Sweden (and Lindsborg!), families celebrate Lördagsgodis, which translates to “Saturday Sweets.” This tradition originated in the 1950s, becoming a way for children to look forward to enjoying special candies on the weekend.
So, it’s no surprise that the store became busy with families and visitors from out of town. I perused the shelves of Nordic chocolate bars and hand-crafted fudge, and I spotted a reach-in refrigerator of Grandpa Joe’s sodas and canned fizzy drinks.
I was in candy heaven, scooping a mix of Swedish fish, licorice, and soft watermelon bars into a to-go container. The variety of candy types, including ropes, salted candy, and soft foam treats, was unlike anything I’d seen before.
Visitors to the store will appreciate that Swedish candy doesn’t use artificial dyes for color. The owner also thoughtfully stocks gluten-free candy.
A fan of lingonberries, which are Scandinavian cranberries, I recommend ordering the Det Bästa croissant sandwich. It’s served warm with layers of Gouda cheese, turkey, bacon, and a thick layer of lingonberries jam.
I also recommend the sweet yet tangy Lingonberry Lemonade served over ice, a thirst quencher on a spring or summer day.
Pro Tip: After ordering at the counter, walk to the back patio to relax at a table under the grapevine-covered pergola to the backdrop of a trickling water fountain.
The aroma of handmade waffle cones greets you as you walk the brick pathway to the ice cream shop, which resembles an outdoor European patio.
Whether you prefer a cup, cone, sundae or ice cream sandwich, Indigo Moo’d Ice Cream’s flavorful selections will be a highlight of your Lindsborg visit. They also sell ice cream cupcakes, pies, and pints of available flavors.
Choose from flavors such as Blacksmith Coffee, Ligonberry Swirl, Kringler, Strawberry Cheesecake, and Key Lime Pie. Locals and visitors can enjoy a sweet treat six days a week, and the shop stays open late.
I’ve ordered coffee and breakfast at Blacksmith Coffee Shop & Roastery countless times, and one of their standout menu items is the warm berry cobbler served in a cast-iron skillet–ice cream is optional.
If you’re in the mood for a cold drink to take with you for breakfast or a midday treat, order the slightly sweet Lingonberry Smoothie with whipped cream. Take the totable drink with you as you stroll Main Street to shop locally owned boutiques.
PRO TIP: Avoid the morning rush. Order your food for quick pick-up 
The refrigerated baker’s case houses nearly a dozen pies and cakes baked fresh daily by the owner’s daughter.
I took my server’s suggestion and tried the old-fashioned Coconut Cream Pie. The thick, creamy coconut filling, topped with a mound of fluffy whipped cream and flaked coconut, satisfied.
Crown and Rye prepares fruit pies and cream-filled pies, so you will likely find a flavor you are craving. Additionally, individually wrapped homemade cookies are available for the road trip home.
PRO TIP: The 
One of my go-to selections is Nyakers Ginger Snaps, referred to as pepparkakor in Swedish. Traditionally served during winter, I eat the spicy, crunchy cookies year-round. The Swedish foods section of the store is well-stocked with imported spices, should you decide to prepare Swedish cuisine at home.
Savvy shoppers know to look inside the refrigerated reach-in coolers for traditional favorites, including frozen pies and tea ring cakes.
Don’t walk by end-of-the-aisle displays without getting a glimpse of packaged candy, ranging from salted licorice and Nordic fine chocolate bars.
And of course, you should not leave White’s Foodliner without purchasing a couple of jars of lingonberries. I add the tangy fruit spread to open-faced breakfast toast, pancakes, and charcuterie boards.
It is a Scandinavian tradition to enjoy a social coffee break, referred to as Fika, accompanied by sweet pastries. I love the thought of inviting my loved ones over for conversation over coffee and cookies.
Hemsjöld’s inventory not only includes imported cookies and culinary spices, but an extensive collection of coffee cups and pretty tableware for your Fika-themed gatherings.
Translated in Swedish to Sweet Dreams, the Dröm Sött Inn’s accommodations exceed my expectations every time I stay there.
The rooms are impeccably clean, and the plush bedding is so soft it feels like you’re sleeping on a cloud. (People adore the sheets so much, they sell bedding sets in the gift shop.) Quiet hours guarantee a good night’s slumber.
At check-in, guests are given two meal selections, and my choice this time was the Swedish pancakes served with warm maple syrup and a side of requested lingonberry sauce. Similar to crepes, the kitchen staff prepares them one at a time over a hot griddle in view of the dining room.
Last but not least, guests are gifted a homemade soft sugar cookie in the shape of a Dala horse as a parting gift. But since you know about the cookie gift, request it during your stay to enjoy with a glass of complementary wine in the inn’s secluded Wine Shelter.
I’ve also compiled 
The area is known for its 
Whether you’re sipping lingonberry lemonade on a sunny patio or savoring sticky buns at sunrise, your self-guided sweet eats tour promises memorable bites and cozy small-town moments.
If you’re searching for the best desserts in 
Discover Kansas ice cream and gelato shops serving unforgettable scoops on my list of favorite sweet spots, all locally owned and operated.
Cozy up with ice cream in the lounge and enjoy it while reading a book or solving a puzzle.
CuppaYo’s topping stations include chunky bites of chocolate, cookies, and gummy candies, but for more health-conscious customers, you’ll also find fresh-sliced fruit and nuts.
If ice cream floats are more your thing, they’ve got you covered. Choose from one of eight flavors from the Stubborn Soda fountain. Open during evening hours, the dessert shop also serves customers milkshakes and ice cream sandwiches.
My cherry vanilla ice cream soda was so yummy I closed my eyes upon first sip. 
The shop is connected to Soul Sisters Ceramics, where the owner hosts ceramic paint parties and the retail space is stocked with home decor goods. Located in a renovated gas station, 
The Frontenac ice cream shop is a community hub six days a week, where families gather to enjoy premium ice cream available in nearly 50 flavors. The store stocks super premium ice cream made with 16 percent butterfat, which tastes rich and flavorful in every bite.
Go classic with a single or double scoop, blend your favorite into a thick, dreamy milkshake, or order an ice cream flight so you can sample four flavors in one go. Chocolate Fudge Brownie? Yes, please. Chocolate Chip? Of course.
Claim a booth or a counter barstool during lunch or dinner hours to order a made-to-order burger with fries and a thick chocolate malt or shake. I recommend sitting at the counter to see a view of the bustling kitchen staff.
Tell them you want to try the EF5 Challenge ($40). If you can eat 15 scoops of ice cream and 10 toppings in 30 minutes, you get your photo on the Wall of Fame.
The store often hosts an Ice Cream Bar Day during Second Saturday downtown shopping events. Choose from seven ice cream flavors and endless toppings.
An employee will serve vanilla ice cream in a cup, and you have a choice of crumbled cookies, nuts, or sprinkles for toppings.
Ice cream, baked goods, and candy dominate the menu, and the place smells like freshly made waffle cones. I opted for a double scoop of Rocky Road ice cream, but seriously, you can’t go wrong no matter your menu choice. I recommend taking a few minutes to view the Flavor Wall before committing to your ice cream order.
Thick, chunky, and dense in flavor, it satisfied. Word to the wise! Order a smaller size than you’re craving. The ice cream is filling. If you love it, they sell to-go pints.
Bogey’s is a busy place. Consider dining outside on the patio where fewer people are seated. In a hurry? Order via the drive-thru window.
Forget your cares as you sip a latté or enjoy an ice cream sundae or ice cream flight at the horseshoe counter, an original from Harsh Drug Store.
They serve Blue Bell Ice Cream by the scoop, in a malt, or as a shake, along with homemade fudge and organic cotton candy. Nana’s homemade Italian cannoli are a local favorite.
One of about forty authentic soda fountains still in operation in the state, Gibson’s includes seating for nine patrons. Thirsty? Flag down any employee who is ready to happily whip up an malt, shake, or soda drink for you.
The list of hard scoop ice cream flavors were hard to choose because they all sounded delicious. After the employee offered me a sample, I quickly decided on my first choice, Salted Vanilla Bean served in a Munchkin (small) cup. The names of the serving sizes are a reference to the town’s 
The classic ice cream flavor reminded me of the homemade ice cream my grandparents used to make the grandkids using the hand-cranked mixer.
Take a step back in time and order one of the restaurant’s most popular desserts, an turtle sundae. Watch a consistent flow of customers arrive and listen to the shake machine whizz as you sit at the marble counter enjoying each bite of your sundae.
A great way to find out about their latest small-batch ice cream flavors is to monitor their 
Of course, if you want a single dip cone or cup after a Coney Island hot dog lunch, the staff is happy to serve it.
Additionally, stop in Newton at 
I was the second customer of the day after Korean Garden opened its doors for the day, and a Korean woman behind the counter was taking to-go orders by phone and hurriedly packaging styrofoam containers. The grill sizzled in the kitchen as I placed my order, and she ushered me to my appointed table.
PRO TIP: You must order from the dinner entree menu on Saturdays. Bento Boxes are available during the week. Expect a $10 minimum purchase for credit card orders.
PRO TIP: 
For 20 minutes, I watched Fast & Furious from a nearby television while sipping a sweet Jamaican bottled soda. Then, the colorful seafood dish served with pickled cabbage and rice was delivered to my table by the owner.
PRO TIP: Strike up a conversation with the owner. Her love of Junction City is infectious, and her business story is admirable.
Rather than ordering a large entree, I opted for Veg Samosas, a fried pastry stuffed with diced potatoes, seasonings, and peas served with a thin yogurt-based sauce. Each deep-fried bite was piping hot, delivering a mild flavor. Two samosas per order are a light lunch, but you’d want to order more food for a substantial meal.
PRO TIP: 
After ordering at the counter, I sat listening to soul music play from a speaker in the dining room where families and downtown workers enjoyed lunch. A buzz with activity near the door, a steady stream of locals arrived to order to-go meals.
I ate every bite of my overflowing, messy hot dog. The sausage snapped with every bite, just as one would expect from an authentic Chicago hot dog.
Known for signature pizzas like Pesto Chicken and Flint Hills Burn, Mill Pizza serves a hearty, flavorful salad. I enjoyed each bite between sips of my beer while listening to patrons at neighboring barstools discuss their work day.
I was the only customer until more people arrived around 8:00 pm. My impression was that the lounge is known for serving a late-night, adult crowd, a sentiment the staff confirmed.
I devoured avocado toast between sips of Reverie Coffee Roasters drip coffee by the fireplace. I recommend the scratch-made breakfast to anyone seeking a healthier meal option.
Amongst cutting boards and kitchenware, the store displays Finch + Fennel pantry staples. The jarred condiments, seasoning blends, and bottled barbecue sauces designed to make cooking at home effortless and enjoyable.
During my second visit to the center, I paused to admire the rehabilitated birds of prey housed outside before trekking the trail. 
Once on the trail, walkers gain access to an open-air pathway leading to learning stations. The information plaques detail types of wildlife and teach onlookers what to watch for during their hike.
PRO TIP: After exploring the Tallgrass Trail, spend a few minutes inside Milford Nature Center (donations encouraged). The education center consists of live animal exhibits, such as snakes, prairie dogs, lizards, and more.
A new art installation, JC Statues, continues to tell the story of the town’s history and its residents. Each one is painted by an individual artist, unveiling a theme represented by symbols and paint colors.
Museum staff and volunteers created three floors of thematic exhibits with relics of the county’s past to convey the story of Geary County.
They designed each exhibit a full sensory experience. You hear the sound of the locomotive pulling into station. Sniff History stations make a self-guided tour an immersive experience, and flip-to-learn-more installments test one’s knowledge of pioneer life.
PRO TIP: If you want to tour 
PRO TIP: If traveling with a pet, ask the hotel staff to direct you to the pet walking area. Prepare to pay a pet deposit.
After lunch, we shopped the retail store downstairs, loading up on Sweet Corn Salsa and Maple Dip jars as well as a six-pack of Doc Otto’s Hard Cider. Customers will find it hard to resist sweet and salty bagged snacks, and the frozen pie case is irresistible. (The orchard dates back to the 1940s!)
Outdoors, the 
I appreciate the hard work and dedication that new owners Denny and Emily Stucky and their employees have put into maintaining and improving The Community Orchard, a favorite destination for locals and visitors searching for an immersive farm experience.
PRO TIP: Check for 
Anne, the winemaker, introduced us to wines we never knew we liked but most certainly loved at the Tasting Bar. Our tasting experience included a short list of dry wines, starting with Ghost Pig (Apple Cider and Rosé Wine) and ending with Marquette 2021 Limited Release (Red). She explained how she uses only Iowa grapes to produce each handcrafted wine.
After tasting six different wines, we enthusiastically raved about dry white Petite Amie 2022 (Best of Show at the 2023 Iowa State Fair) and Marquette 2021 (Fruit-forward dry red). We were gleeful when she offered us a bottle of Marquette 2022 to bring back to Kansas.
After the tasting session, Anne gave us a tour of the winery’s newly expanded production facility and further explained the process of making wine from concept to harvest.
Are you interested in a tasting experience? You can walk in during tasting room hours or make an appointment. I recommend reserving a tasting if traveling with a small group. Light snacks and non-boozy drinks are available to purchase, and they welcome DoorDash food deliveries.
Created in 2015, concrete tee pads and easily recognizable holes make the course simple to navigate without using the UDisc app. If you want to play the entire course, plan for 1.5-2 hours and be prepared to walk a course mostly without shade.
Each 18-hole course provides manicured course play using rentable golf carts for golfers of all skill levels. While we didn’t have time to play a round of golf, I could easily see myself returning to Fort Dodge and carving out time to do so. Having played high school golf, the courses looked well-maintained and worth playing.
We sipped on a flight of four beers ranging from a crisp lager to a red ale. The brewery can produce 15 beers using 5 fermenters.
The size of the brewery is intentionally smaller than most, creating a setting where the community can sit down over a beer and get to know one another. The back patio features a meat smoker and grill available to patrons who want to cook dinner for themselves or friends while they sip on sids.
Check out the brewery’s 
The restaurant’s setting is unique, located inside the 
We enjoyed savory Dak-gang-jeong (fried chicken) and Mandu (dumplings) as appetizers.
A delightful evening in Fort Dodge isn’t complete without visiting The 
The Freedom Rock pictured above is dedicated to veterans suffering from the after-effects of service, like PTSD and mental illness. The front side of the mural rock honors two local aviators and medal recipients who both graduated from Fort Dodge High School
The state’s largest mural, it depicts Fort Dodge residents who contributed to the community. Do you see the man holding the ornate bowl? The town’s pottery industry is represented by this scene.
While admiring another downtown mural, I accidentally discovered The Starry Night (Central Ave. and South 9th St.) painted by Iowa Central Community College students.
No matter where you are in town, you’re bound to see a mural in the distance, whether it’s under a bridge like the one pictured below or in town visible to passersby.
Click 
If pizza isn’t your go-to at lunchtime, the brewery also serves specialty and build-you-own sandwiches with chips. Seven macaroni and cheese bowls appear on the menu.
If you go, flights of four 5-ounce beer samples are $12. Not a beer drinker? Opt to view the cocktails, wine, and Moscow mules menu instead.
PRO TIP: Dining with four people? Ask about the Big A$$ Mule, a 192-ounce Moscow Mule served in a monstrous mug.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time in our itinerary to sit down and create a piece, but I did chat with the owner and several women who were busy creating new glass projects.
They told me how they meet there once a week to chat about their lives and bond while creating art. Soon, they grabbed their phones to show me photos of past projects completed for friends and family. What started as something fun to do became a love affair producing fused glass.
You don’t need an appointment to work at the studio, but if you’re traveling with several people, you should call to reserve seating.
PRO TIP: If you want to take a structured class to create a holiday project. check the 
Beyond the home showroom, women’s apparel racks displayed the latest fashions in the season’s popular colors. Tunics, pants, shorts, and accessories make shopping at The Apple Attic worthwhile.
Located on the 
With an ever-changing display of works from their 1,200 permanent collection, you will see something new each time you visit. The museum hosts a visiting artist every three months.
PRO TIP: Admire the black and white photography on the walls highlighting the day Senator John F. Kennedy visited Fort Dodge before speaking at an airport rally in 1960. You’ll appreciate learning the story Olde Dog and a Massachusetts town that inspired the restaurant’s name 
Decidedly stuffed from my dinner meal, I choose a small dish of classic vanilla soft serve with rainbow sprinkles. Couples approached the walk-up window, ready to order, as I watched car after car enter the drive-thru.
A popular stop for locals near downtown, Snack Shack reminds me of a hangout you’d see in a 1950s movie. The community loves to gather at the colorful tables outside to gab about local happenings between bites of ice cream.
Known for their scratch-made scones, Andy Mae Coffee and Desserts has a loyal following that often tracks down their food truck when it shows up at community events.
I encourage you to walk inside the original Harcourt City Jail, where town drunks, thieves, and outlaws were once taken. Tour the Border Plains School, one of the oldest school buildings in Webster County, to imagine life as a student from 1857-1959.
Tour the inside of the Carlson-Richey Log Home from 1855 to smell the musty wood planks and admire the handiwork of the log home’s builder.
We appreciated the historic details inside a blacksmith shop, drugstore, carriage repair shop, and wood shop. I recommend spending about an hour exploring all the buildings on a cool weather day.
Other nearby buildings house actual artifacts curated from the area that documents one of Iowa’s most valuable resources, gypsum. Early settlers mined the mineral in and around Fort Dodge. Now, the chalky material is used to make wallboard, and Fort Dodge contributes nearly 75% of the state’s gypsum production.
Other displays house Native American arrowheads, beadwork, and clothing. Nearby, military uniforms and weaponry tell the story of those who fortified Fort Dodge.
When visiting Blanden Art Museum, you will be in the 
My sense of wanderlust is strong, and I typically have a fun travel experience wherever I travel. Yet something about Fort Dodge, my first Iowa travel experience, stays with me. It’s a feeling of contentment and longing to return.
