Disclosure: Explore Crawford Kansas sponsored my trip. All opinions and photographs are my own.
Frontenac, Kansas, is a town proud of its place on the map. Located on the Frontier Military Historic Byway, it is renowned for its rich coal-mining history and vibrant community spirit, making it one of my top small-town destinations in the Southeastern region.
Founded in 1886, Frontenac is the second largest city in Crawford County and is located less than a 10-minute drive northeast of Pittsburg. The population boomed after the Santa Fe Railroad attracted immigrants to the area in search of work opportunities. An area rich with coal, immigrants mined in the Cherokee Crawford Coal Fields, which was a primary occupation until World War II.
Today, the population totals almost 3,500 residents, and the ones I met were welcoming and kind. Everyone was eager to share their pride for Frontenac.
Find Your Fun in Frontenac, Kansas: Where Coal Mining History Meets Community Spirit
Miners Park
Your first stop when touring Frontenac should be Miners Park, located across the street from the new Frontenac Public Library (200 E. McKay) in the heart of downtown.
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 Little Balkans Days over Labor Day Weekend.
Heritage Hall Museum Inside Frontenac Public Library
Not only is Frontenac home to a new museum, but the town also gained a new library in 2025. The Heritage Hall Museum (200 E. McKay Street) offers an immersive experience for visitors, featuring replica buildings and exhibits that bring Frontenac’s mining, entrepreneurial, and religious past to life, while honoring its roots in Southeast Kansas dating back to 1886.
I can’t emphasize enough how impressive this museum is, particularly in its handcrafted design and thoughtfully curated artifacts.
Frontenac residents have a lot to be proud of, and you owe it to yourself to visit the Heritage Hall Museum at the Frontenac Public Library. Museum-goers begin a self-guided tour at the front desk. Meandering through a pathway that led me to each replica building felt like I was stepping into Frontenac’s past.
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.
McKay Street Coffeehouse
Next, visit McKay Street Coffeehouse (200 E. McKay), which is accessible via the Frontenac Public Library as well. Serving espresso drinks, Italian sodas, tea, and pastries, I thought the quaint cafe was the ideal place for an early-morning Bootlegger Bourbon Caramel Latté served over ice.
If you’re unsure which coffee drink to order, the staff told me locals love a signature drink, The Raider, prepared with dark and white chocolate syrup. They also feature a Drink of the Month, farm-to-table salads daily, and homemade pie one day a week.
The locally owned coffee shop sells Signet Coffee Roasters beans, a Pittsburg-based roastery operated by a couple who admittedly became coffee lovers later in life. You can also purchase scones, muffins, and bottled drinks.
During my visit, a steady stream of locals came and went, accompanied by music playing from a Bluetooth speaker.
PRO TIP: Visit the Free Little Library to select a complimentary book. Don’t miss the game wall, stocked with board and card games to play over coffee and conversation.
Shooters Neighborhood Bar & Grill
Shooters Neighborhood Bar & Grill (311 E. McKay) serves a tasty lunch or dinner meal in a sports bar atmosphere where televisions flank every wall and the billiards table is often in play.
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.
If it’s a juicy burger you crave, you have come to the right place, as the menu includes various styles, including a two-patty stacked burger named after the bartender, the Big Merle.
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.
Drinkers will find five beers on tap, and the complete bar can “make any drink you want,” according to a posted sign.
Granny’s Chip Chocolate Ice Cream & Candy Shop
What if the key to living a long life was to eat a bowl of ice cream before going to bed every night? The woman who inspired Granny’s Chip Chocolate Ice Cream & Candy Shop (214 E. McKay Street) lived to be 102 years old.
Add Frontenac’s favorite ice cream shop to your Southeast Kansas road trip. Open six days a week, it’s more than a place to grab a cone. It’s where the community gathers to swap stories over nearly 50 irresistible flavors of premium ice cream.
They serve super premium crafted with 16% butterfat for an unbelievably rich, velvety bite in every scoop. Go classic with a single or double scoop, blend your favorite into a thick, dreamy milkshake, or order an ice cream flight to sample four flavors in one go.
Chocolate Fudge Brownie? Yes, please. Chocolate Chip? Of course.
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 Facebook page for seasonal hours before arriving.
PRO TIP: If you’re unsure what ice cream flavor to order, ask for samples. They provided me with several during my first visit.
Pickled Pete’s Bar & Grill
At Pickled Pete’s Bar & Grill (303 E. McKay), live music, performed by local and national songwriters, is the draw on Fridays and Saturdays. The kitchen, which serves fried appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, nachos, and chili, operates Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to dine there since I was only visiting Frontenac for a few hours before driving on to explore more of Crawford County. But I’ll definitely be back.
The locally-owned sports bar prides itself on honoring first responders and the military community.
PRO TIP: View the upcoming live music and trivia calendar.
Pallucca’s Italian Meat Market & Deli
In 1909, a grocery store opened by Atillo Pallucca and Enrico Moriconi in Frontenac. A family-run business, Pallucca’s Italian Meat Market & Deli (207 E. McKay Street), continues the tradition of providing Italian deli meats and meals to shoppers as well as serving sandwiches to walk-in customers.
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.
Palluccas is a fantastic option if you want to purchase meals made from original recipes, such as take-and-bake lasagna, stuffed shells with cheese, or pulled pork. Preview the menu to order online.
PRO TIP: Attend Festa Italiana: A Taste of Nations festival, which draws up to 3,000 people in September at the Raider Sports Complex. You won’t want to miss the cannoli-eating contest.
Barto’s Idle Hour Steakhouse & Lounge
A stop on the Freedom Chicken and Fried Chicken Trail, Barto’s Idle Hour Steakhouse & Lounge (201 Santa Fe Street) serves double duty as a dinner destination and bar where live music plays on Friday and Saturday nights for a dance-happy crowd.
In business since 1951, the restaurant’s famous fried chicken keeps folks coming back. Why fried chicken? That’s what the owner, Ray Barto, liked to eat, so they perfected the recipe.
The restaurant wasn’t open when I was in town, but what a thrill it will be to mark it off my Kansas fried chicken restaurant bucket list the next time I’m in the area.
Farmhouse Cafe
If you’re seeking a breakfast sit-down meal, Farmhouse Cafe (4130 S Parkviews) serves large portions of comfort classics seven days a week. Not only do they serve breakfast all day, but the menu features lunch items and a daily dinner special.
I wasn’t overly hungry when I arrived, so I chose a toasted breakfast sandwich with a side of fresh fruit instead. The owner, Ismail, introduced himself, and within minutes of talking with him, it was easy to see how passionate he is about cooking scratch-made meals for the community. His recipes use fresh ingredients and homemade sauces.
PRO TIP:
Bonus Stops
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Frontenac City Park Lake (700 N. Cherokee Street), a scenic spot to drop a line at the fishing dock or teach kids about nature, seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Crawford State Park, Lake, and the Farlington Fish Hatchery are about a 30-minute drive northeast if you are interested in camping, fishing, boating, hiking trails, wildflower walks, or taking a tour of the hatchery (appointments required).
Are you more interested in shopping local? Past Time Antiques & Flea Market (4030 Parkview Drive) is a treasure hunter’s escape. Old furniture, sports equipment, home decorations, and more await those who are ready to find a deal.
I promise you will delight in how much it offers visitors who visit during a day trip. I’ve explored several small towns in Kansas, and Frontenac makes my list for communities that exceed expectations.
If you’re interested in extending your trip, consider my blog post, The Ultimate Travel Guide to Pittsburg, Kansas.
As I drove up to the building, I saw shoppers milling around a nearby business looking at furniture on display. Some people were exiting with full shopping bags while others were excitedly making their way inside. It was a thrift shop. Very cool.
The barista crafted the perfect chai latté for me. The cafe smelled of freshly baked peanut butter cookies while I sipped my drink and watched shoppers peruse the shelves. Quiche, homemade tarts, and cookies sat in the pastry case waiting for someone to enjoy. A line formed at the counter.
To my surprise, the cafe’s menu prices were quite reasonable. A brown sugar latte on the seasonal board was only $2. Considering they serve 
That’s a mission that I can get behind, and I’m sure you can as well. When in Topeka, consider driving to Judee’s Coffee for a breakfast treat before a morning of shopping. View the cafe’s hours 
The best way to appreciate the collections is to start in the Early People exhibit and work your way through to the museum to the Recent Past. Along the way, you’ll learn how Native Americans settled in areas of Kansas, the impact of the Civil War on the state’s people, and the tragic story of Bleeding Kansas.
The final exhibit features pop culture artifacts from the recent past. It’s an immersive experience. Sit down in the 1950s dinner. Gaze at the glass shadow boxes filled with fast food artifacts. Think back to the early days of Big Cheese Pizza and White Castle, NuWAY, and Pizza Hut. Which Kansas restaurant was your favorite as a child?
I started my tour of the historic district by ducking inside the 
Visitors also enjoy the quirky antique stores and inviting eateries that make up the restored neighborhood. You’ll likely need a couple of hours to truly shop the stores because each one is stocked full of collectibles and uniquely individual pieces. If you’re someone who drools over mid-century furniture, step inside of 
Street art and oversize murals make NOTO Arts & Entertainment District a must-stop. Notable murals include brightly colored scenes of animals, dreamscapes, and flowers. You’ll stop in your tracks when you see the building that doubles as a massive mosaic. It’s covered with intricately placed, tiny pieces of colored glass.
Famished from a morning of exploring the city, I dined on the Pennant Original Burger topped with everything with a side fries (don’t forget the truffle sauce for dipping). If you’re craving it, you’ll find it on the menu. Homemade chili three ways. Patty melts. Milkshakes topped with cupcakes and sprinkles. Most patrons leave the restaurant with a box because they don’t want to leave a bite behind.
The day Monroe Elementary School opened in 1927, it was was a racially segregated school. Parents of several students joined others in Topeka as plaintiffs in the Brown v. Board of Education lawsuit against the “separate but equal” doctrine, which was eventually ruled as a violation of the 14th Amendment by the United States Supreme Court.
Having been a product of the bussing system as a child in the 1980s and a high school teacher later in life, I felt chill bumps walking through Monroe Elementary School during my self-guided tour.
Visitors should start their tour inside the gymnasium to watch a 30-minute introductory film explaining the climate of the civil rights era and the case that ended legal segregation in public schools. Afterward, you can walk inside each classroom dedicated to the timeline of events. The upstairs is closed to visitors.
I was moved to tears as I watched videos of civil unrest. I imagined what it was like to be a student at Monroe Elementary School. A visit to the historic site is one that is well spent and it is certainly a memorable one.
If you have questions upon entering the school, I recommend asking the knowledgeable National Park Service ranger on site. To view the museum’s hours, plan you visit 
The building is over 100 years old, but you can’t tell from its up-to-date style. Hip furnishings with brass finishes are the backdrop for well-designed spaces throughout the hotel. My corner room had floor-to-ceiling windows that provided stunning views of downtown, especially at night when the skyline was aglow.
I found the in-room amenities to be exceptional. The interior design included built-in storage and an oversized desk. A frequent traveler, I appreciated the convenience of having a refrigerator, Keurig coffeemaker, and free Wi-Fi access in the room. When it was time to retire for the night, I loved the luxurious bed linens. Cyrus Hotel considered every detail when designing a space for ultimate relaxation.
Hotels guests will appreciate the lounge with a fire pit in the courtyard. Ready for dinner and drinks? You don’t have to leave the hotel to find an excellent dining option. 
As I sat at the clothed table enjoying my meal and sipping on an espresso martini, I felt as if I had been transported outside of Kansas to New York City. To top off the experience, I indulged in an after-dinner drink, a classic Old Fashion. Swanky, indeed.
If you get the opportunity to choose your accommodations for an overnight stay in Topeka, I hope you’ll choose the Cyrus Hotel. Not only does it make for a comfortable stay in the heart of the city, but the amenities spoil you. Did I mention it is also pet-friendly and street parking is free from 5pm-9am? It just keeps getting better.
With more than enough to do in Topeka, an overnight stay is simply not enough time to experience it all. I look forward to visiting the 
The residents have always treated me kindly. Their welcoming spirit is genuine. I’m one of the town’s biggest fans for its progressiveness, focus on the arts, and plethora of entertainment options.
LODGING
I had the pleasure of staying in the 
The new hotel features Hilton’s expected amenities and then some. The beautifully decorated hotel is designed in a modern style with references to the region from the lobby’s opulent, gas-powered fireplace to the private library with the finest furnishings.
Guests also have access to complimentary free nearby parking, a hot breakfast, free WiFi, evening socials Monday-Wednesday. The impressive evening socials give guests a chance to unwind with an alcoholic beverage and a light dinner – and it’s all included in your stay.
The fitness room was the largest I’d ever seen in a hotel and it featured top-of-the-line exercise equipment. For swimmers looking to do laps, the pool is definitely large enough. Lounge chairs also make it an ideal place to sit back and close your eyes in relaxation. The facilities were clean and spacious. 
Homewood Suites by Hilton has thought of EVERYTHING. For travelers who have an extended stay, they’ve provided a laundry room for guests to use, a delightful discovery. Imagine arriving home with a suitcase of clean clothes!
And it gets better! Upon check-in, you’ll be asked what kind of complimentary coupon you would like to use at the hotel’s Starbucks cafe. Buy One, Get One specialty coffee beverages? Don’t mind if I do. Homewood Suites by Hilton rolls out the red carpet. After getting settled into your room, you’ll want to extend your stay. I highly recommend 
The 90-minute dramedy, set in 1912, told the story of scientist Marie Curie who spent two months at her friend Hertha Ayrton’s seaside home recovering from the emotional scars from public scrutiny. The two-person cast performed in a black box theatre where the audience sat only feet from them. It was a moving experience.
I love a museum that tells a story well. Did you know that Salina was once the third-largest producer of flour in the world? The newest exhibit, “
Eventually, the town became a crossroads for industry that included the railroad, Schilling Air Force Base (closed in 1966), technology companies, trucking, and healthcare.
The museum includes an abundance of hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. From examining parts of a buffalo to building a city and starting a tornado to playing with old-fashioned toys, Smoky Hill Museum is an entertaining experience. Make sure to walk upstairs to 
Before you exit the museum, purchase Kansas-made products and keepsakes in the gift shop. They have a wide selection of travel guides and non-fiction books about Kansas.
There is no charge to visit the Smoky Hill Museum. They are closed on Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays. Plan your visit 
Opened as the Fox-Watson Theatre in 1931, it was the idea of a wealthy grocer and banker in Salina. W.W. Watson, with help from others, opened the doors to the movie palace considered “one of the most beautiful in Kansas.” (Source: Stiefel Theatre). It was later renamed after Milton Stiefel who was a major contributor to its renovation.
Fast forward decades later after a major renovation in 2003. The theatre’s state-of-the-art sound system, backstage accommodations, and stunning interior make it a must-stop venue for performers.
Later, I met up with the executive director of the 
If you also appreciate listening to orchestral music or perhaps have always wanted to hear it, you can purchase tickets to one or all of the six concerts performed each year. The holiday show is so well attended that it was expanded to two days.
My first priority when touring Rolling Hills Zoo was to visit the giraffe exhibit. I approached the area slowly as to not startle them. To my surprise, Zuri, Billie, and the youngest, Korey, were as interested in me as I was in them. Korey, who was born in December 2020, is 10 feet tall and growing. The other giraffes are 11 years old.
I visited the zoo in the early afternoon hours when most of the animals were napping, including a bear in a hammock. However, a tiger rose from his slumber to yawn in acknowledgment of passersby. Capybaras and flamingos explored. Barnyard animals greeted children.
The zoo has an 
A visit to Rolling Hills Zoo should be at the top of your list of things to do when in Salina. To experience the upcoming events, view gate admission prices and the zoo’s hours, visit the 
BOUTIQUE SHOPPING
Known for carrying antiques, market finds, and locally-made jewelry, 
In search of new clothes to add to your closet? 
I came home with a pair of earrings from 
Also a place for families, the youngest visitors will appreciate the children’s book section and inviting gumball machine. I recommend asking about the specialty coffee of the month. Proceeds from my purchase of a Bee Kind Latté went to a local non-profit. You’ll find it difficult to leave without buying a book, t-shirt, or Kansas-themed gift.
DAGNEY’S ICE CREAM
MARTINELLI’S LITTLE ITALY
Leave room for homemade tiramisu or creme brûlée. Ask for the drink and dessert menus before ordering your meal to plan ahead. The family-style portions are HUGE. A quarter-size pasta dish is prepared with a half-pound of pasta. The spaghetti comes with a one-pound meatball. You’ll need a to-go box.
DAIMARU STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR
Daimaru is popular with locals. The sushi chefs never stood still. I watched as they prepared enormous sushi platters. Artfully designed, the sushi tasted as good as it looked.
While your oven is heating up, clean and cut vegetables of your choice into chunks and add them to a large mixing bowl. Then, do the same to a package of link Sweet Italian sausage. Next, drizzle the vegetables and sausage lightly with olive oil, add a pinch of red pepper flake, paprika, Italian seasoning, and then salt and pepper. Finally, toss the bowl’s contents with a large spoon (or use your hands).
Transfer the contents of the bowl to a parchment-lined large sheet pan. Spread the sausage and vegetables evenly across the surface of the sheet pan so they roast evenly during cooking time. 
Bake 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove from the sheet pan from the oven and move around the sausage and vegetables with a spoon. Bake an additional 15-20 minutes until the sausage no longer looks pink and the vegetables have softened and browned.
