Disclosure: Scott City Chamber of Commerce & Tourism sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.
They say Scott City is where history and progress meet, and I agree after spending time uncovering the fun things to do in the rural Kansas town. Its scenic landscape experiences and hometown dining are worth visiting, and it’s only a 37-mile drive north of Garden City.
Drive to Scott City or fly into Scott City Municipal Airport to embark on a memorable adventure tour in Wild West Country.
Scott City has come a long way since 1884 when a progressive Chicago woman, Maria DeGeer, decided to found the town. In addition to serving as a stop near the Western Vistas Historic Byway, the area is also known for its Western and Native American heritage, fossil discoveries, Historic Lake Scott State Park and El Quartelejo Ruins.
MUST-VISIT MUSEUM
El Quartelejo Museum + Jerry Thomas Gallery & Collection
Start your day in Scott City at the El Quartelejo Museum + Jerry Thomas Gallery & Collection (902 W 5th Street) to dive deep into the town’s history, which is the best way to get to know a destination before exploring it.
Open Tuesday through Saturday, the museum’s exhibits are free to peruse and most self-guided tours require at least an hour (not including view the Jerry Thomas Gallery & Collection).
The initial exhibits take visitors on a marine fossil discovery with displays, which include skeletons of huge swimming reptiles.
If bringing kids, they will love the fossil dig table. Ice age mammal fossils like a mammoth tooth and massive tusk wow visitors.
Next, well-designed exhibits illustrate the early Native American experience. A replica of the El Quartelejo Pueblo explains how the Taos and Tewa Pueblo people came from New Mexico resided in the area 12 miles north of Scott City. Evidence supports that El Quartelejo was the first White Settlement in Kansas, operated by French traders in the 1700s.
A diorama of the last Indian Battle in Kansas at Punished Woman’s Fork is a a visual representation of the actual site (more on that later).
Pioneer life and the installation of the railroad are equally remarkable. Aside from antique farm machinery, original artifacts help visitors envision what it must have been like to live on land with 360-degree views of scenic Kansas during the early 1900s.
Venture inside the Western Kansas Fossil Lab, where the paleontological timeline of the High Plains is explained and a table, showcasing an actual fossil specimen on a display table. It’s fascinating to learn how Wichitan Kristopher Super, a fossil collector and educator, excavated a Elasmosaurs (a marine reptile).
PRO TIP: Purchase a memento of your visit in the museum’s store.
Finally, the Jerry Thomas Gallery & Collection, a spacious room filled sculptures and paintings depicting wildlife, landscapes, history and American West people, is a must-have experience. I was beyond impressed with the acrylic paintings on masonite board.
“The Girl I Left Behind,” a part of his Kansas series, will leave you awe-struck and seeking knowledge about the Civil War era. In particular, his depiction of the Cheyenne Indians at Monument Rocks proves why Thomas’ work earns him world-wide acclaim.
Given his immense talent, it’s hard to believe Thomas, who has a degree n Architectural Design and City Planning from Southwestern College, is a self-taught artist.
The gallery is also home to the artists’ personal collection of military artifacts, including Charles “Jesse” Buffalo Jones Springfield’s Model 1863 Rifle used on buffalo hunts and African safaris in the late 1800’s.
FANTASTIC FLIGHT FUN
Spencer Flight & Education Center
If you or someone you know wants to learn how to fly, Spencer Flight and Education (300 S. Mesquite Road) makes dreams come true. It is also the site of a nighttime air show every other year in September hosted at the Scott City Municipal Airport.
Three flight instructors guide new and experienced pilots through general aviation training.
Pilots and non-pilots can reserve time in the FAA-approved Redbird FMX Flight Simulator. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to fly a plane, this is an experience you’ll cherish.
Since 2012, the Spencer Flight Center’s 50-person classroom has served as home base for ground school and educational programs.
REMINDER: Save the date to watch the aerial performers wow hundreds of onlookers at the nighttime airshow. The event includes live music and a spectacular fireworks display.
TERRIFIC TOUR
Duff’s Buffalo Ranch
Imagine riding on the back of a truck as a stampede of buffalo approaches, looking straight at you. It’s snack time for buffalo treats. The most exhilarating feeling, and perhaps the most quintessential Kansas experience, Duff’s Buffalo Ranch offers private buffalo tours.
Better yet, you’ll likely see sacred white buffalo with her calf during Spring. The mature bulls are massive and tower about as tall as the truck. For me, the open-air tour was a pinch-me moment, and one I’m still telling others about. The tours are available after May 15 through summer by appointment.
During the one-hour tour, which ranges in price based on the group size, you’ll climb inside the land owner’s truck to ride out to meet the buffalo where they’re grazing.
I appreciated learning about the biology and behavior of the North American plains buffalo from Richard and Susan Duff as we approached the herd. Once within a safe distance, we exited the truck and climbed a step ladder to sit atop the truck’s flatbed.
Susan rustled a bag and a herd of hundreds of buffalo enthusiastically ate a trail of food as the truck rolled slowly forward through the rugged terrain. We were so close to approaching buffalo, we heard their heavy breathing and occasional moans.
I highly recommend the tour, which is a wildlife photographer’s dream excursion. View the ranch location and reserve a tour by calling or online here. Call Richard directly at (620) 874-5120 to inquire about schedule flexibility.
HISTORIC LAKE SCOTT STATE PARK
You owe it to yourself to purchase a Kansas State Park vehicle day pass ($5) to explore Historic Lake Scott State Park (101 W Scott Lake Drive), where historic sites and picturesque views await. A 20-minute drive north on Highway 83, stop at the park ranger’s stations and pick up a map to help you navigate to must-see locations and places for recreation.
As you drive throughout the park, you’ll see rugged cliffs and open-fields jutting up to lake shoreline. Kayakers float their way around Scott State Fishing Lake, and some drop a line hoping for the day’s catch. Quiet campers mill about at designated campsites. You may see a mountain biker whizzing by on a nearby trail.
I visited the park to learn more about the history of the area at its historical markers.
I parked the car to view the Steele Home built as a simple dugout, which evolved into a four-room house from sandstone sources from surrounding bluffs. The family were the first homesteaders in the area, and the residence is preserved as a museum featuring the artifacts from the late 1800s.
Years before the Steele’s homesteaded on the land, Taos Indians escaping Spanish rule relocated to the area and built pueblos aka El Cuartelejo or “old barracks.” After 20 years, they returned to New Mexico. Later, Picurie Indians settled for a short time in the area. The El Cuartelejo pueblo ruins at this site were discovered and excavated by Steele and others in the mid-1890s.
The present site allows the visitor to see the pueblo site with its foundation reconstructed by the Kansas Historical Society in the 1970s.
BATTLE OF PUNISHED WOMAN’S FORK
On your way back to Scott City driving South on Highway 86 for a mile, look for the sign indicating the route to the Battle of Punished Woman’s Fork. It is the site of the last Indian battle fought in Kansas.
The five-minute road leading to the historic marker from the welcome kiosk is a bit rocky in areas but cars of all types should be able to make the voyage in good weather conditions. It is open from sun up to sun down, and you can view it for free.
After traversing to the the top of the bluff, I exited the car and a bit of sunshine began to force it’s way through a partly cloudy sky revealing low areas canyon and a cave. This location is where the Northern Cheyenne hid waiting to ambush the U.S. Cavalry.
I tried to envision the creek that once ran there in 1878, women and their children hiding in cave structures, and the barrage of violence that surely ensued. According to historians, the Northern Cheyenne’s rifle pits are still visible on the hilltops
The Northern Cheyenne lost the battle to the U.S. Calvary, and the surviving tribe members left their dead and moved on.
Located on the Western Vistas Historic Byway, the view from the top of the bluff is worth the drive for its the area’s historical significance and panoramic views.
PERFECT PAR PLAY
Scott City Community Golf Course
In town, the Scott City Golf Course (806 N Main Street) welcome golfers or all skill levels. The 9-hole golf course featuring bluegrass fairways and bentgrass greens is open to the public for a reasonable daily green fee for unlimited play.
Each hole features three tee shot locations and most fairways are lined by trees, but the putting green pin is easily visible.
The clubhouse and golf cart garages were accessible the morning of my visit, but I didn’t meet a staff member although I spotted a golfer already playing the course.
PRO TIP: Save money on the daily fee by taking advantage of the $15 Twilight Special.
Palmer Park Disc Golf Course
If you prefer to ring chains than sink putts, you’ll want to commit to a 9-hole round at Palmer Park Disc Golf Course (1101 Jefferson Street).
The flat land course includes concrete tee pads with obvious fairways. Consider it prime for recreational play. You’re not going to compete for space with competition-level golfers.
As someone who’s accompanied other disc golfers and attempted to play a few as well, I can attest that this course is ideal for amateur play with few trees as obstacles or hazards.
PRO TIP: Use UDisc’s course map to scope out each hole.
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS
DeGeer Corner
Scott City wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for Maria DeGreer, a woman with a mind of her own and steadfast goals.
A widow form Chicago arriving in a wagon with her daughter, the town’s founder camped under the stars holding strong to her faith that the area was the ideal place to establish a town in 1885. A statue at DeGeer Corner honors the Temperance Movement speaker’s life story. She also became the first lawyer of Kansas.
A stop on the town’s historic walking tour, the statue designed by Jerry Thomas, towers in the shadow of First National Bank. But Degeer’s accomplishments are worthy of the prominent statue.
As mentioned early, the El Quartelejo Museum includes an exhibit detailing DeGeer’s work as a lawyer, writer, feminist, news reporter, and the first woman admitted to the Kansas Bar Association.
Historic Walking Tour
I encourage you to continue the Clio app’s historic walking tour through Scott City to marvel at some of its oldest buildings. If you’d rather use a walking tour brochure, they are available at the Scott City Chamber office.
One of the most awe-inspiring, historic building on the route is the Scott City Courthouse (303 Court Street), a red brick architectural gem of Classic Revival style built from 1924 to 1925 by Henderson & Riggs.
SCOTT COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL
One of most poignant historical stops on the tour is the Scott County Veterans Memorial (415 E. 5th Street), which recognized every branch of the U.S. military, Gold Star Mothers, and POW-MIA.
The above memorial inscription lists the fallen soldiers from the Scott County community. I paused to read each name as is customary for me when visiting a memorial.
The memorial, which is illuminated at night, honors community members who paid the ultimate sacrifice for others’ freedom. A single American flag flies above the plaza.
AMAZING ART
Mural Tour
First-time travelers should take time to locate each of the colorful murals and one-of-a-kind statuary that shares the spirit of the plains. While some of the public art installations are viewing on foot walking downtown, a few murals require using a vehicle to drive to them.
Scott City is a small town bursting with art, history, and heart. As mentioned earlier, I’d start your tour at the El Quartelejo Museum and Jerry Thomas Gallery & Collection for some background, and then go on a hunt to spot murals and statuary.
If you’re familiar with Mindy’s Murals, a Kansas-based street artist, you’ll recognize her work at the Scott County Fairgrounds (Follow Your Dreams) and on Main Street (Welcome to Scott City).
Adjacent to Main Street, take a moment to get out of the car and admire the mural at Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center (212 E. 5th Street), and note the children’s hands added to its frame.
The All-American City Mural (400 W. 5th Street) was painted by volunteers to depict a typical Kansas wheat harvest with a nod to the cattle industry. Grain elevators protrude through the blue skyline. The mural was a paint-by-number project.
Did you know that 37 murals were completed in 14 Kansas communities in 2022 through a grant program? Scott City’s welcome mural is a recipient of the art initiative by Office of Rural Prosperity’s Rural Mural and Public Art Grant Programming.
DINING DISCOVERIES
Scott City, a community of less than 4,000 residents, has a number of restaurants to enjoy. Ranging from Mexican food and steak dinners to grab-and-go breakfast fare, you’ll find it.
TruNorth Cafe
Start the day at TruNorth Cafe (1313 Main Street) for an early-morning caffeine boost. I love it when a rural community’s coffee shop is open on a Monday, and TruNorth is a locals’ gathering place.
A group of locals chatted about the weekends happenings as conversation turned to coin collecting as I savored a breakfast burrito and hot coffee.
The café’s menu features espresso drinks, smoothies, frappes, and teas. Ask about the selection of freshly baked bierocks, ham and cheese pockets, and fruit scones.
PRO TIP: A small retail inventory includes faith-based books, candles, and handcrafted gifts.
The Original Grande
The Original Grande (1201 Main Street) serves fast casual Mexican food meant to “fuel your inner fiesta.”
One of two locations in Kansas, The Original Grande’s menu features menu items such as taco burgers, macho tacho, and my favorite, the nachos supreme.
I loved the concept of adding my selection of condiments from the Keep It Saucey station, adding pico de gallo and hot sauce to my heaping mound of nachos.
The Grill House
At The Grill House (702 E. 5th Street), expect a duality of menu choices from American cuisine to Mexican fare. You’ll find chicken wings, sandwiches, steaks, as well as lunch and dinner specials catering to a locals and people passing through town.
People came in to pick up call-in orders while I watched American Ninja from the dining room’s TV. My beef fried steak dinner was made fresh-to-order served with homemade mashed potatoes and a dinner roll. Dinner entreés come with a house salad.
PRO TIP: Pay in cash to avoid a 3% credit card fee.
I visited Scott City from Sunday through Monday, so I look forward to returning to Act Two at the Majestic for a dinner show. Mom and Pop’s Burger Stand, which was closed both days, serves comfort food and yummy pie – I’ll be back!
RESTFUL RETREAT
Best Western El Quartelejo Inn & Suites
The Best Western El Quartelejo Inn & Suites (1610 Main Street) is the premier hotel in Scott City, offering overnight guests a restful retreat after a full day of exploring. Considered a 2-star hotel, amenities include a complimentary full breakfast, indoor swimming pool, and fitness facility.
I rely on speedy internet to get work done from the road, and the hotel’s free Wi-Fi was flawless. I could work from the provided desk or kick back with my laptop from an oversized chair.
PRO TIP: Best Western Reward Members earn flexible rates and bonus points.
BONUS PLACES TO EXPLORE IF YOU HAVE TIME
If you have the time to stay two nights in Scott City, I’d recommend driving to Monument Rocks, Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park, and Keystone Gallery. Each location appeals to outdoor explorers who appreciate the area’s natural beauty, and fossil hunters find it fascinating.
Traveling with kids? Check out the Scott City Municipal Pool, catch a ballgame at the Scott City Recreation Sports Complex, or a rodeo at the Scott County Indoor Arena and Activity Center. Park on the Plains at Patton Park features a elaborate playground the littles love to climb.
ONE MORE PLACED I LOVED
I can’t resist a locally owned hardware store in a rural Kansas town. The personable service and wide selection of products, which always includes Kansas-made goods, is a draw.
Visit Ace Hardware Scott City (1320 S. Main Street) to support local while stocking up on home and garden supplies. I came home with tomato plants, and I’ll always remember Scott City at harvest time.
I’m so glad you’re considering an day trip or overnight stay in Scott City, Kansas. It’s a delightful community featuring plenty of historical museums and sites for life-long learners, celebrated artwork, and comfortable charm.
From upscale dining and laid-back cafés to shopping strolls and an underground cave tour, there is more than enough to experience in three days. Lincoln, aka The Star City, is your destination, no matter your travel personality.
The expansive lobby is filled with UNL sports artifacts and framed illustrations of notable Nebraskans like Warren Buffett. Comfy couch configurations and desk sets provide plenty of room to gather with friends before or after a day of exploring the city.
Where can you eat and drink at the hotel? 
While I didn’t have time to create a candle, I came home with a French Press soy candle that smells like fresh brewed coffee.
As I perused the store’s shelves, I noticed non-licorice candies available for sale as well. This is the ideal shopping destination if you want to build a gift basket for someone with a sweet tooth.
In business for over 20 years, Licorice International is likely unlike any candy store you’ve visited and one of the most interesting in the Midwest. Ask about homemade fudge and pecan rolls.
Kid clothing, art supplies, dolls, toys, they carry it. You won’t find typical big-box store toys at Paper Kite. They stock handmade toys and wearables created by local and regional artisans.
In search of a gift for my niece and nephew, an employee helped me search the store for the perfect sentiment. The store’s beautiful stationary and art prints made it hard not to leave without something for myself.
Opened in 2006, the inventory consists of on-trend fashions and everyday clothing. Tables display jewelry, handbags, and sneakers to complement outfits and create classic, timeless looks.
The owner refreshes inventory curating items at market to sell at the College View store and its Omaha sister store, 
I thought the variety of wearable classics was affordable compared to Lululemon or its competitors. The clearance racks at the back of the store are the place to look for deep discounts.
Items are grouped by function and design. Dried flowers and garlands adorned the garden room. A dark, moody room included man cave decor. An upstairs room catered to shoppers seeking stylish bedroom accents.
PRO TIP: Get a sneak peek at new inventory arrivals by viewing its 
I sipped a Maracuyá fruit drink between bites of a Confetti Blueberry Mini Loaf at an indoor cafe near the shop’s retail area. The smell of fresh baked goods permeated the air.
Reserve a table to enjoy elevated fresh, innovative cuisine with views of bustling downtown Lincoln. The interior’s grey walls and black accents are illuminated by pendant lighting, creating a monochromatic aesthetic.
The menu features recipes that incorporate seasonally available sustainable ingredients. We asked our server, Evan, to present us with a variety of entrees in a progressive style, starting with Pistachio-Peach-Prosciutto and followed by Fried Chicken Yogurt and Pickles.
The award-worthy meal continued with Smoky Mussels + Parmesan Broth, concluding with homemade fruit sorbet served with melon segments.
The restaurant, which also serves lunch and dinner, is led by owner and executive chef Eric Lemke, who incorporates farm-fresh ingredients into seasonal menu selections.
We couldn’t eat another bite. In fact, we took the leftovers home with us because leaving them behind would be a crime. Nevertheless, our helpful server showed us the dessert tray featuring an array of goodies made by a local baker, especially for the restaurant. Next time, I’ll order the two-tiered carrot cake, one of the most requested desserts.
We dropped by before embarking on the farmers’ market just before a line formed at the register. The drink menu, featuring single-origin coffee and loose-lea tea drinks, also includes made-to-order crepes and panini.
I enjoyed a chai tea latted seated from a 70s style upholstered couch under a wood beam and brick ceiling. A couple chatted at a nearby cafe table as people came and went on a busy Saturday morning.
People stroll brick streets in the Historic Haymarket District looking to buy something they didn’t know they needed until they saw it. A few shoppers are greeted with familiarity by vendors.
Fresh cut flowers, jewelry, bagged coffee, woodcut wall art. Each booth ignites a sense of discovery for something new at every glance.
If you’re feeling hungry while shopping, many food trucks offer nourishment from full meals to grab-and-go snacks. Preview what you can expect at an upcoming market via its 
The store is a sea of red. Mascot bobbleheads shake, and neon signs buzz as you walk by shelves of grill accessories, foam fingers, coolers, and more. Racks of t-shirts, available in sizes S to XXXL Tall, anchor the center of the showroom.
Ascend the stairs to the Tailgate Deck to comb through racks of casual ware ideal for rooting on your favorite Nebraska team.
Don’t worry—the store also celebrates the Game Day spirit by featuring scarlet red attire and fanny packs. Check out the sales racks in the back of the store for deep discounts.
Bring your camera to take photos with a backdrop of vibrant roses, flora, and public art. We witnessed people reading on park benches to the sound of the fountain’s falling water. In the distance, I spotted a giraffe feeding through the fence at the nearby 
The garden is free to explore and open to all ages. We watched as young children curiously discovered bronze statuary while other visitors admired blooming perennials.
We sat at a sunlit table indoors during lunch and enjoyed a Seared Salmon Nicoise salad and a Bistro Burger. The salad was impressive in size and flavor, and I’d order it again. The stacked burger was served with traditional toppings on a brioche bun with fries.
PRO TIP: Ask for a Brunch menu if dining Saturday-Sunday from 8:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. Bar selections include a Piedmont Mimosa Pitcher for sharing amongst friends.
After entering a nondescript doorway, we flipped through a leather-bound book listing cocktails named after famous Nebraskans. Lively conversation at the bar ensued while we waited for our drinks: Malcolm Little and Johnny Carson.
You can expect the cocktail ingredients to match the interior’s vintage vibe. A seasonal menu features handcrafted cocktails with names like The Days Go By, Betty Rose, and Good Grief. I sipped a blanco tequila drink, Hot Donna, prepared with blackberry jalapeño syrup and lime saccharum while the sound of Barry White’s voice sang, “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love” through the lounge’s speakers.
I chatted with the barista, Garrison, who told me the café doubles as a cocktail wine bar appealing to patrons who want to enjoy an evening libation.
The interior is decorated with color murals, a prelude to the outdoor park’s intriguing public art installations.
PRO TIP: Attend 
After watching a 15-minute introductory film about Mark Twain and the cave’s natural formations, I embarked on the tour with a guide during a scheduled time. We mainly walked level ground into the well-lit cavern, stopping to admire the dugout considered Jesse James’ hideout. The outlaw and Mark Twain each signed their names in the cave.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the tour was at its end when we chatted about the artifacts recovered from inside on display behind glass.
The bartender did an excellent job educating customers about each one as she poured wine flights for them. I sipped a recommendable dry chardonnay, Satire, from an oversized chair while listening to streaming music. (The bartender’s Spotify playlist featuring Indie Rock was excellent.) For non-wine drinkers, a selection of beer and non-alcoholic drinks is available.
Patio seating is available outdoors. The winery hosts occasional live music on weekends, which is promoted on its 
PRO TIP: Look up at the wood beam and down at the original flooring to admire its architectural details.
How many references from Twain’s books can you recognize about these buildings?
As I approached the Jim’s Journey building, I was met by its director, who invited me to sit on a shaded bench and chat about our personal stories. During the guided tour of the one-room museum, I felt a sense of appreciation for her efforts to educate others about the black experience in Hannibal. I peered into cases containing handwritten letters and flipped through black-only class yearbooks.
The museum may be small in size but the impression it makes on visitors is impactful thanks to its incredible artifacts collection, the handiwork of its director.
I was struck by the café’s size and its menu offerings, which include nutritious meals for health-minded customers. The overnight oats parfait made with fruit and nuts complemented a hot vanilla latté, a nice alternative to a plate of eggs and potatoes.
PRO TIP: Bring the kids to enjoy a scoop of 12 flavors of hand-dripped ice cream served in waffle cones or cake cones.
PRO TIP: I asked my server what her favorite meal when on break at work. She recommended the Smoked Pork Sandwich with barbecue sauce.
The experience started with staff snapping my photo in front of a nautical backdrop before ushering me aboard and to my reserved table. Musician Tim Hart played acoustic guitar while guests enjoyed drinks and views of the river. After the captain announced dinner was ready, each table was invited to the buffet for a chicken breast or beef-tips dinner with a choice of sides.
Located about a 10-minute drive from downtown Hannibal, I recommend staying there if you’re seeking comfortable accommodations, whether traveling solo or with your family. The family dog is welcome, too.
As a first-time visitor, I was impressed by how the town has evolved since its days as the last stop for pioneers heading West. For a location considered the place to go in 1861, it’s maintained its visit-worthy status as a Midwest travel destination.
Entering into the Patee House Museum is like walking into Missouri’s version of the Smithsonian. The historic building’s enormity and contents are awe-inspiring.
I suspect you’ll find the U.S. provost marshall’s office, a wagonmaster’s blacksmith shop, and restored cars outside a 1920 replica service station fascinating. A self-guided tour of the first railway mail car and a ride on the Wild Thing Carousel is a must.
Not only is the three-room home historically accurate, but its glass cases house artifacts from Jesse’s grave recovered when they exhumed his body in the 1990s. DNA evidence proves with 99.7% accuracy that he was shot in the home.
Open Monday through Saturday from April through October; the Jesse James Home takes about 30 minutes to tour if you read the signage and ask questions of the museum’s host.
PRO TIP: Ask to see a replica skull that debunks the myth the gunshot that killed James exited his head, although a hole in the home’s wallpapered wall may prove otherwise.
PRO TIP: 
Wood floors creak under each step as you choose a seat at a student desk for the day’s lesson. An authentic pot-bellied stove, slate boards, and presidential portraits create a historically accurate setting.
Push button interactive stations play videos of his life story and CBS News broadcast clips, including Vietnam’s coverage during the war.
Various exhibits chronicle moments in Cronkite’s career history, including NASA’s landing on the moon, JFK’s assassination, and coverage of 16 Republican National Convention events. The “We Came In Peace” Saturn V Sculpture and Cronkite’s original newsroom desk make an impression.
The restaurant is decorated with draped beads on chandeliers and rope lights around interior columns. A taxidermy alligator on an upper shelf rests under neon signage.
The Blackened Salmon arrived heavily-seasoned for dinner, although slightly overcooked, so I requested a white cream sauce to drizzle on top of it. The signature Boudreaux Potatoes were cubed and boiled potatoes served in savory vegetable broth.
PRO TIP: Plan to save room for dessert. My only regret was not ordering dessert, which unfortunately did not include New Orleans-style beignets, but it did feature Bourbon Pecan Pie and Turtle Cheesecake.
A London Fog hot tea and layered pastry filled with Nutella curbed my cravings. Although the courtyard patio was inviting, I chose to sit inside while it rained outdoors. Chatting with employees about their love of the town’s art scene only confirmed my appreciation of St. Joseph.
PRO TIP: J
I selected a River Cream Ale, an approachable light beer from over 12 craft beers. It went down easy as I observed families gathering and couples arriving for date night entertainment.
Upon arrival, classical music played in the home’s foray, where a hand-carved wooden staircase led my eye upstairs to a row of stained glass windows. Opulent crystal chandeliers and tiled fireplace mantels adorned each room on the main floors. Period furniture, artwork, and a bust of Shakespeare completed the Queen Anne-style home’s interior.
I stayed in the 
A peek inside unoccupied suites revealed similar amenities. The bed and breakfast caters to couples and solo travelers, although the 
Innkeeper, Isobel, offers guests a remarkable experience unlike anything you’ve likely experienced. Reserve a suite at 
The 
Scott, a Kansas native, has completed several murals in the state and his work is commissioned nationwide. Visitors to Hutchinson are bound to stumble upon his large-scale paintings. His contemporary style often includes animals, people, references to the prairie, and history.
Scott’s “Bison Trail” mural (411 S. Main) was completely painted by hand. I appreciated the small brushstrokes that gave the animal’s coat texture. The bison’s piercing blue eye looks down at you from above as if to say, “This is my home where I roam.” The Latin “Ad Astra Per Aspera” translates to “to the stars through difficulties” and adorns the work.
Mural seekers will discover a piece painted with a sun, moon, and stars on the side of 
As you drive down Main Street into the center of town, you will notice numerous murals, including “Community Mural” painted by Shaelee Mendenhall (29 S. Main). The artist added brightly colored landmarks to create a sense of hometown pride. She is the same artist who combined forces with Kylee Baldetti to paint the “Spread the Love” mural series featuring heart-shaped murals in Hutchinson.
Keeping your eyes peeled is key when looking for murals. The Chester I. Lewis Plaza (15 East 1st Ave.) is home to three murals. The first panel (left) is by Brendan Martinez, the middle panel is by Josh Tripoli and Rebekah Lewis, and the last panel (right) is by Jocelyn Woodson. I recommend parking on the street and walking up for a photograph of the murals. What thoughts come to mind when you view them?
The three-fold mural pictured below was finished in 2008 and serves as an anchor piece for the 
A mural by the local non-profit 
Jose Ray painted this whimsical wonder on the side of a building at Avenue A Park in 2013. I love the way her eyes are looking up at the top window. Ray’s works typically include fantastical scenes painted using bright colors. When not painting murals, Ray works as a DJ spinning tunes.
“Farmer Time” (111 W. 2nd Ave.) by Brady Scott beautifies the side of Sandhills Brewing Company. It makes a good-looking backdrop for brewery fans who want to take a photo to document their visit.
“Ad Astra” (Avenue A and Main) painted by David Loewenstein in 2012 shows a night sky full of stars. But if you look closely, the constellations resemble symbols of the Sunflower State. Which ones do you recognize?
A ferris wheel, which I think references the Kansas State Fair, is part of “Ad Astra 2” near the constellations painting. Just below it figures enjoying Hutchinson attractions like the 
The “Rainbow Lion” (2 N. Main) leaves a big impression on downtown passersby. Painted by Jerimiah Tolbert, the colorful cat was commissioned by Bob and Ann Bush in 2018. It’s a stretched canvas print, but it looks like a mural from afar. The artist sells mini prints, coffee mugs, and cards featuring the lion 
I’ve often taken photos of this pheasant in flight mural while visiting downtown Hutchinson. Brady Scott adorned the backside of Sandhills Brewing Company (111 W. 2nd Avenue) with the bird scene. Although referred to as the “Farmers Market Mural,” it suits the building well since the brewery’s interior is decorated with illustrations of feathered friends.
A hub of all things creative in town, the 
Hutchinson, Kansas, is a vibrant community with murals to match. A short drive from Wichita, I encourage you to visit the town and slowly drive up and down its downtown while looking at street art.
This mural round-up only scratches the surface of Hutchinson’s street art collection. To view more of them and locate their whereabouts, visit this 
