Disclosure: Chanute Area Chamber of Commerce & Office of Tourism sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.
Strolling downtown Chanute, Kansas, one realizes they’ve arrived in a town with a welcoming, vibrant personality. Mural-lined streets invite shoppers and foodies seeking local fare. One-of-a-kind museums, an art gallery, and a historic walking trail intrigue.
Beyond Main Street, I discovered off-the-beaten-path attractions, confirming Chanute is worth an overnight stay. It’s a delightful town.
The Neosho County town is named after civil engineer Octave Chanute who developed the 1896 biplane glider that inspired the Wright Brothers. Revered for its railroad, agriculture, milling, and natural gas industries, Chanute is more recently known for its title as the official Center on Google Earth as displayed on Apple products.
The town ranks amongst one of the coolest towns in Kansas, and yet, its one of the most humble. It’s the kind of town, where after I arrive, I’m ready to check into my overnight lodging accommodations and excitedly start exploring Main Street.
CHARMING VACATION RENTAL
Merles Nest
Have you ever stayed at a vacation rental that you raved about afterwards?
Located downtown and upstairs from Merle Norman Cosmetics, Merles Nest is a stunning vacation rental in a renovated historic building. The second-story spacious retreat consists of two bedrooms, a full bathroom, dining room, and a living room with pull-out sofa.
The vacation rental is ideal for adult couples or a family who wants to unwind in comfortable accommodations. The owner felt inspired to bring life back to an old building, and she did an remarkable job maintaining its historic character while adding modern day amenities.
I chose the bedroom across from the dining room to bunk for the night, which was in close proximity to a full kitchen complete with a coffee station and laundry facilities. Blackout shades and a complimentary eye mask guaranteed a good night’s sleep.
Each room’s television included streaming Roku channels; however, it was the record player with a stack of vinyl that drew my attention.
I felt a sense of home at Merles Nest, which is a compliment to the owner who provided an upscale vacation rental experience in a beautiful space. I’m sure you’ll feel equally impressed with her attention to detail.
NOTE: This is an upstairs loft space, so guests must be comfortable carrying their bags up nearly 30 steps to the second floor. Shoes must be taken off and kept in the hallway prior to entry.
Reserve Merles Nest, a highly-rated Guest Favorite Airbnb property.
SAVOR THE LOCAL DINING SCENE
Expect the unexpected from Chanute’s dining scene, which varies from healthy juice bars and homestyle breakfast joints to burger dives and upscale eateries.
FireEscape Coffee House
Every town needs a hub where the community gathers to discuss daily happenings, and FireEscape Coffee House (126 W. Main Street) is the place.
Operating as a non-profit, faith-based youth ministry, the café serves espresso coffee drinks with small-batch, house-roasted beans until 11 a.m. Tuesday through Friday.
My hot Lavender Fog tea drink prepared tasted spot on as I chatted with locals about the historic building turned coffee house.
The location is a major draw for high school and college-aged adults, a hangout on Friday and Saturday evenings, where youth play billiards, games, and listen to music.
PRO TIP: View the upcoming events calendar. Listen to their radio station.
Java Junction
During an early-morning at locally owned Java Junction (425 W. Main Street), multiple employees are handcrafting espresso drinks, smoothies, and breakfast sandwiches for guests arriving via the drive-thru window and inside.
It was easy to see why the coffee shop remains busy. My toffee nut coffee with a breakfast croissant sandwich was exceptional.
The quality of the beans, which are sourced from Pittsburg’s Signet Coffee Roasters, was perhaps one of the best-tasting coffees I’ve enjoyed on the road in a long time. The owner sources gourmet coffee syrups from Kyya Chocolate in Arkansas.
If you don’t prefer a breakfast sandwich, a case of scones, cinnamon rolls, and muffins will tempt your sweet tooth. At lunchtime, they serve a choice of salads, panini with chips, and chicken or tuna salad sandwiches.
PRO TIP: Inquire about the soup of the day at lunchtime. In Kansas tradition, chili pairs well with a homemade cinnamon roll.
ElevenEleven Fresherie
If you want to feel instantly delightful, brunch at Eleveneleven Fresherie (214 E. Main Street), a juice bar known for fresh pressed juices, grab-and-go salads, panini, and wraps, is a delightful choice. The owner serves a scratch-made brunch, which is out-of-this-world delicious.
I enjoyed toast and toppings with soft, homemade breads, fresh pesto, guacamole, and fig jam with a juice flight. The tables were adorned with stunning spring flowers from nearby farms Lulabelle’s Flower Farm and Yale Road Flowers (tulips for sale!).
Diners behind me exclaimed, “Oh my, this is pretty and the food is so good!” They’re right. Expect to be impressed with Eleveneleven Fresherie’s quality of ingredients and attentive service.
PRO TIP: In a hurry, the reach-in refrigerator is stocked with juices, sandwich wraps, and yogurt parfaits for the road. I also recommend purchasing a can of Zen Donkey Farms sparkling water.
Cardinal Drug Store & Gifts
Step back in time and sip on some nostalgia at Cardinal Drug Store & Gifts (103 E. Main Street), where the historic soda fountain is stocked with the best-tasting ice cream and fudge. There’s nothing like an old-fashioned ice cream float from a classic soda fountain—bubbly, creamy, and oh-so-dreamy.
My cherry vanilla ice cream soda was so yummy I closed my eyes upon first sip.
Retro Coca-Cola signage, a vintage cash register, and a marble-topped counter was a nostalgic setting. Country music played while I enjoyed what has to the be the yummiest, best value lunch ($5) in the state.
The lunch menu consists of a nine sandwich options made on wheat bread and served with chips and a pickle. Regular fountain drinks and coffee are available.
Also doubling as a pharmacy, Cardinal Drug Store and Gifts is a one-stop shopping destination for housewares and decorations. From greeting cards and children’s games to farmhouse decor and body products, they sell it all.
The store’s inventory was surprisingly on-trend. It’s the ideal place to bring a date for lunch followed by shopping.
The Hangout
Head to The Hangout (1202 S. Steuben) when you want to bite into a juicy burger loaded with flavor and stacked with yummy ingredients. A popular sports bar on a Saturday, I chose a seat at the bar to watch a televised game while devouring The Hangout burger.
Drooling started before the first bite. The burger was topped with a slice of brisket, sweet barbecue sauce, and fried mac-n-cheese bites sandwiched between a toasted bun.
The Hangout’s patio on a sunny day is a nice place to split a bucket of beers or sip the Drink of the Day before a meal.
K’s Place
Chanute is lucky to have K’s Place (5 E. Main Street), an upscale dine-in restaurant with natural stone walls and dark wood finishes. Nearly all of the downtown eatery’s meals are prepared with family recipes, and I’m told the pasta dishes are often requested from a menu featuring a daily dinner special.
Jazz music played as guests filled in the restaurant’s seating eager to enjoy a family dinner or a date night experience. From a backlit bar flanked by wine bottles, a server prepared my blended whiskey cocktail while I perused a meal featuring steak, grilled chicken, and pasta.
I chose the dinner special, Hot Honey Glazed Salmon served on a bed of rice with vegetables accompanied by a dinner salad. A larger portion than expected, the salmon filet was perfectly cooked and I was pleased with my selection.
The owner, who studied the culinary arts, recommended homemade cheesecake or peach cobbler for dessert. I consider myself a bit of a cobbler connoisseur, and this serving met my expectations for the traditional Southern dessert.
PRO TIP: Dine on Saturday night for the steak night special.
BONUS RESTAURANTS WORTH CHECKING OUT: I ran out of time during my visit before I could sample some of Chanute’s recommendable restaurants: Opie’s (pizza), The Grain Bin (breakfast served all day), The Outsiders on Main (bar & grill), and Mizumi (food truck).
SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP DOWNTOWN
Chanute’s downtown corridor is lined with an array of independently-owned retail stores. Park xnear the intersection of Main and Lincoln Streets and let the fun begin.
Al’s Jewelry
In business for decades, Al’s Jewelry (101 E. Main Street) offers customers personalized service selecting 10K and 14K diamond or precious stones jewelry. You can also bring in jewelry for custom repairs or cleaning.
I was surprised to learn today’s shoppers are interested in lab-created diamonds, and the store carries a small selection.
PRO TIP: Shop during Valentine’s Day and Christmas to take advantage of deep discounts on jewelry for a special someone.
Talk of the Town Floral Boutique
Across the street, Talk of the Town Floral Boutique (108 E. Main Street) smells of fresh cut flowers and shelving brims with houseplants and giftable items.
Additionally, female shoppers will appreciate a selection of farmhouse decor, women’s clothing, and jewelry items. The store was buzzing with shoppers on a Friday afternoon, many of whom were interested in the seasonal decor table near the front of the store.
Every Kansan needs a custom cutting board packaged with a bouquet of sunflowers, right? Don’t leave without purchasing fine chocolates, which the owner sources from Emporia’s chocolatier Sweet Granada.
Consignment
Consignment (109 E. Main Street), a thrift store for men and women, is the most organized store of its kind with the best quality apparel selection that I’ve shopped in the state.
Clothing racks included apparel for all sizes and you’ll find on-trend fashionable pieces on display amongst handbags, jewelry, and shoes.
Their inventory is affordable, including name brand items. I purchased the shirt pictured above for less than five dollars.
PRO TIP: Claim items before they’re sold by viewing online inventory to purchase for in-store pickup or ship it to your home.
Little Consignment
The expense of purchasing clothes and shoes for growing kids adds up quickly. Little Consignment (113 E. Main) offers families deep discounts on gently worn closet staples, many of which I was surprised to see looked brand new.
Additionally, shelves displayed new and like-new toys appropriate for various ages. A back corner of the store displayed dance wear.
Little Consignment is the ideal place to sift through racks to find cute clothing for the season for the littles in your life.
Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio & KSD Salon and Boutique
Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio & KSD Salon and Boutique is one-stop shopping for women who make skin care a priority. For the last eight years, the Chanute beauty shop has offered make-up services and try-before-you-buy cosmetics for generations of women.
This is not your grandma’s makeup store. I discovered products I loved, including eye shadow in hues I don’t normally wear.
You’ll find brands such as Thymes and Spongellé amongst others in the retail area consisting of bath and body products, and a good amount of inventory is specifically for men. I purchased an luxury bar soap made by an Australian body products company.
PRO TIP: Walk to the rear of the store to admire the wall mural depicting Chanute painted by local artist Kerry Ann Bowman.
Patriots Boutique & More
Midwestern style is celebrated at Patriots Boutique & More (119 E. Main Street), where the majority of the store’s inventory consists of western-themed apparel for all ages and sizes.
Expect vibrant colors and bold patterns. Other merchandise includes home decor and pet supplies.
BUY TREASURES AROUND TOWN
Cleaver Farm & Home
Go to Cleaver Farm & Home (2103 S. Santa Fe Avenue) to shop for hardware, gardening and grilling, or pet supplies. The third-generation business offers exceptional customer service.
I wished I had grabbed a cart within ten minutes of shopping for Traeger® wood pellets, dog supplies, and gardening needs. My arms overflowed with items as I approached the register.
An official Stihl® dealer, they carry an extensive selection of tools and equipment for your outdoor projects.
The Daily Grind Nutrition at Inertia Health & Fitness
After a workout at Inertia Health & Fitness (2816 S. Santa Fe Drive), you deserve to treat yourself to a new outfit and a protein shake at The Daily Grind Nutrition.
Inertia Health and fitness may be open exclusively to members 24/7 for a cardio workout, but the public has access to reservable tanning beds, clothing retail, or to order a protein shake or loaded energy tea.
I hadn’t tried a Herbalife flavored tea, so I appreciated the staff guiding me to a less sweet iced-down drink. I’d order it again.
Tony’s Garden Center and Gift Shop
Next door, Tony’s Garden Center and Gift Shop (320 S. Santa Fe Avenue) is the place to purchase in-season bedding plants, annual baskets, and Big Green Egg® grilling necessities. Home decorators also appreciate it for the expansive showroom of home and garden decor.
I couldn’t resist buying a gold frog wearing a crown to beautify a shelf in my home. The store is a garden lovers dream complete with do-it-yourself practical and beautifying supplies.
PRO TIP: Shop the back room for mega deals. Stop by during the Christmas season to see the store transformed into a winter wonderland.
TAKE A TOUR OF MUSEUMS
You’ve come to the right place if you’re a lifelong learner who appreciates visiting museums to learn about local history and art.
The Chanute Art Gallery
A sense of wonder sets in as one admires the displayed works at The Chanute Art Gallery (117 N. Lincoln Avenue.) Founded in 1973 by a group of women, the multi-room building houses rotating wall art with a few permanent paintings and sculptures on display.
The walls were adorned with children’s artwork curated from various schools in the area, which is a popular annual event. It was such fun to submit my vote for the People’s Choice overall winner of Youth Art Month.
View the gallery’s monthly exhibits via its Facebook page. The Festival of Trees from the later half of November through December is a well-revered event.
Martin and Osa Safari Museum
Imagine a life of adventure at The Martin and Osa Safari Museum 111 N. Lincoln Avenue.) Located inside the historic Santa Fe Depot, the two-floor museum’s galleries tell the story of a husband and wife team of wildlife documentarians who traveled to Africa numerous times.
Ranked one of the top historic sites in the United States and the best Kansas museum, its exhibits display the couple’s cinematic work, photography, and an abundance of African artifacts.
Osa, a tomboy from Chanute, met Martin, an established photographer, and they eloped (she was 16 years old). She joined him to film animals in the South Pacific, Borneo, and Eastern Central Africa living amongst natives off and on for years.
The couple was extraordinarily talented and fearless. Each earned their pilot’s license to fly enabling them to fly to Africa to film its people and dangerous wildlife.
The footage was used in 10 Hollywood feature films and their experiences contributed to 12 books, including “I Married Adventure.”
The couple educated others across the globe about Africa thanks to a life’s work capturing images of never before photographed tribes and safari animals. Once held captive on the Soloman Island by a cannibalistic jungle tribe, they were released when the British intervened. Would you believe they later returned with armed guards to work there again?
You’ll need at least an hour to consume the museum starting with a 10-minute History Channel documentary about the couple’s adventurous life and career. Peruse the Imperato West African Gallery before ascending the stairs pausing to reflect on the Sirige (African masks).
The upstairs Johnson Gallery’s exhibit displays personal treasures from the couple’s life from their childhood until their deaths.
A visit to Chanute is not complete without taking a guided or self-guided tour of the museum, including its safari-themed gift shop.
You will walk away from your museum experience emotionally moved by the couple’s impact on our understanding of Africa, and at the very least, you’ll appreciate their enduring love story.
PRO TIP: Don’t skip over the second floor gallery room detail the adventures of another courageous mountaineer, Elizabeth Le Blond. The Irish adventurer photographed glacial landscapes and is credited for shooting the first sports films. She climbed snowy and icy mountains wearing a dress and Victorian boots.
Howard’s Toys for Big Boys Automotive Museum
Howard’s Toys for Big Boys Automative Museum‘s (216 E. Main Street) story is a special one. The private collection of Chanute resident Howard Alger, his son Rusty continues his father’s legacy of showcasing classic cars for others to enjoy.
In addition to a vast collection of Lincoln, Dodge, Buick, and Pontiac restored models, the car museum also consists of automative signage, motorized scooters, and bicycles. Howard had a knack for purchasing pristine classic cars at auction, a hobby he continued for decades.
He would travel with his son as far as Florida and Texas to bring home a four-wheeled gem, and a few of his purchases are considered rare like his 1925 Cadillac Serial No. 1.
I’ve visited quite a few car shows and automotive museums, and Harold’s collection is grand. Gearheads will appreciate notable models, including a 1928 Dodge Brothers DA Six Phaeton, a Model A Touring Car, a 1940 Lincoln Zephryr, and “Tweetie,” a bright yellow Crosley HotShot Sports Car also known as America’s first postwar sports car.
The shiny chrome. Unique designs. Each car is a treasure. The public is invited to view the collection Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. or Friday 9 a.m.-Noon. Call (620) 902-5100 to make an appointment to tour the museum on Mondays.
PRO TIP: Climb the museum’s stairs to view Harold’s collection of restored clocks and his wife’s impressive assemblage of cookie jars.
Chanute Historical Museum
At Chanute Historical Museum (0 E. Elm Street), take a deep dive into the stories of Chanute’s past inside a restored railroad building. The local historical society curated items from residents and estate sales to create a comprehensive museum.
Taking a clockwise tour of the museum, history lovers will find glass cases filled with artifacts documenting the town’s founding in 1873 when four townships came together at the suggestion of Octave Chanute, a railroad engineer.
In 1903. Chanute’s Santa Fe Depot provided a Harvey House restaurant serving thousands of railroad passengers. Check out the Harvey House Girls’ dresses and aprons worn by restaurant servers.
PRO TIP: Tour the hallway to garner appreciate for local sports legends. Don’t forget to look up before existing the museum or you’ll miss a 1896 glider reproduction of Octave Chanute’s winged aircraft.
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
Summit Hill Gardens Event Center & Soapery
If you’re seeking a unique travel experience, call ahead to tour Summit Hill Gardens (2605 160th Road). The owner has created a beautiful, country getaway on her property, which also includes a vacation rental available to couples or solo travelers, an event center, and a soapery.
At the event center, families and friends gather at the refined rustic barn to entertain before continuing the celebration outdoors under a canopy of trees with a view of a pond.
Also the site of the soap shop, the owner teaches soap-making classes for two to three people per session. Her thoughtfully-inspired soap recipes incorporate herbs, essential oils, and unique ingredients such as clay, salt, and coconut. Each batch is a work of art.
If escaping to nature is your vibe, leave the hustle and bustle of daily life behind and reserve the cottage Summit Hill Gardens’ Airbnb, A Little Bit of Paradise, which sits adjacent to a historic 1874 stone schoolhouse. The interior, like the other buildings, is decorated in boho chic style.
I thoroughly enjoyed my private tour of the grounds and buildings, and I can’t wait to book a soap-making class during an overnight stay at the highly-rated property.
Summit Hill Gardens is a special getaway, whether you’re visiting alone or bringing your favorite people with you to use the event center.
PRO TIP: Shop for Patsy’s handmade soaps online.
EXPLORE PUBLIC ART DOWNTOWN
Downtown Mural Tour
Keep your eyes peeled to spot over a dozen of murals throughout town. A majority of the oversized street art installations are concentrated in the downtown area, making it easy to park and walk to view them individually.
Stop by the Chanute Area Chamber of Commerce & Office of Tourism (21 N Lincoln Avenue) office to pick up a Main Street Scavenger Hunt, a fun self-guided activity for the family.
Historical Walking Tour
Increase your step count embarking on a historical walking tour to learning about prominent Chanute residents who made significant contributions.
Follow the concrete sidewalk from the Chanute-Wright Brothers Memorial on Main Street to the Santa Fe Depot stopping at bronze interpretative signage.
EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS
Santa Fe Sports Complex
The newly installed Santa Fe Sports Complex is a great place to watch a local baseball or softball game. Attendees can easily access nearby Santa Fe Park for family fun between games.
City Parks & Playgrounds
Home to five city parks, Chanute is the ideal place to bring children who want to burn off energy exploring playgrounds. Katy Park and Santa Fe Park have inclusive playground equipment inspiring kids’ curiosities using tactile learning stations.
Katy Park is an ideal setting to play basketball, pickleball, or drop in on a skateboard ramp. The Historic Austin Bridge is a major draw at Santa Fe Park.
Disc golfers will appreciate Highland Park’s course, and the outdoor lovers shouldn’t skip Central Park or Cross Park, each offering families picnic-worthy spaces and playground equipment.
View park locations and hiking/biking trails here. If you’re visiting during summer, opt for a day pass at Maring Aquatic Center.
BONUS THINGS TO DO
Center of Google Earth
If you stand at the intersection of Main and Lincoln Streets, you’re standing at the Center of Google Earth. The distinction was given when a Google programmer, a Chanute native, mapped the town as the epicenter of the globe on Apple products.
Memorial Auditorium
Memorial Auditorium (101 S Lincoln Avenue) is celebrating 100 years of architectural wonder, and it’s an entertaining venue to enjoy a Chanute Community Theater, touring bands, school groups, or dance recitals.
The beautifully restored two-level auditorium seats over 1,200 people. View the upcoming event schedule and reserve tickets.
Chanute Public Library
A part of the historic Santa Fe Depot, I recommend visiting the Chanute Public Library (111 N. Lincoln Avenue) to view handcrafted artwork on display.
The library hosts events such as storytime for young readers, chess matches, and Stichin’ Time.
EVENTS WORTH EXPERIENCING
Chanute is your passport to fun and the town’s annual events draw hundreds of festival-goers to the Southeast region.
Mark your calendar to attend Safari Family Fun Day (April), Artist Alley (last Saturday in September), Chanute Country Fest (October), Oktoberfest, Veterans Day Parade (November), and Chanute Rotary Club’s Christmas Parade (1st Thursday of December). Don’t miss The Parade of Lights/Christmas Parade hosted by Main Street Chanute, a classic wintertime event.
As I pulled away from Chanute, I looked in the rearview mirror with a smile. The charming town is the ideal place to spend a getaway uncovering the town’s history, shopping, dining, or exploring the outdoors.
