Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Grow Ellsworth County, Live Lincoln Kansas, and its partners. All opinions and photos are mine.
Just when I thought I’d traveled to most corners of Kansas, I happily uncovered new gems in Ellsworth and Lincoln counties, and surrounding towns. A preview of the 2024 Big Kansas Road Trip, I hit the highway searching off-the-beaten-path destinations and to-die-for eateries.
ELLSWORTH COUNTY STATE PARKS
Ellsworth County is home to state parks that guarantee stunning scenic views no matter the season. Do you have a $25 Kansas State Parks vehicle permit?
Kanopolis Lake and State Park
Kanopolis Lake and State Park, located on the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway, is the oldest of the over dozen parks accessible in the state. The lake resulted from a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project in 1948 to control flooding and conserve water via the Kanopolis Dam.
Its 3,500-acre views are easily accessible by car and a short walk to the shore. We experienced high winds and early morning temperatures, but that didn’t stop us from admiring waterfowl birds while watching the water’s white-capped waves hit the shoreline.
If you love to trek trails on foot, horseback, or via mountain bike, Kanopolis Lake and State Park is home to 30 miles of trails. Faris Caves, hand-carved by early pioneers, dates back to the 1880s.
PRO TIP: I used Google maps to navigate to the lake. Kanopolis Lake is located northwest of Marquette on K-141, 5 miles north of K-4/K-141 or 7 miles south of K-140/K-141 junction east of Ellsworth.
Mushroom State Park
Mushroom State Park was on my Kansas travel bucket list for years, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Geography for its geological shape, which was formed by Dakota Sandstone erosion of the Cretaceous period about 66 million years ago.
A road into the park separates two viewable areas of mushroom-shaped stones. We traversed an ascending wooden bridge exiting on a hilltop where picture-worthy formations, including Mushroom Rock and Devil’s Oven Formation awaited.
I felt like a kid again, curiously wandering the immediate area, seeking out new adventures. As I approached the larger of the rocks, I imagined how the weather must have helped form each one over time.
On the opposite side of the road, Pulpit Rock Formation was a towering fungi-shaped rock casting a long shadow in the morning sunshine. Ingenious people, pioneer settlers, and backwoods mountain men all discovered these geologic treasures, and their impression of them must have been equally awe-inspiring.
PRO TIP: The mushroom-shaped rocks are viewable close to the park’s entrance. Access it using Google Maps or drive five miles north of Kanopolis Reservoir and State Park, 3 miles west of K-141 on Avenue K, or south of K-140 from Caneiro on 25th Road.
ELLSWORTH, KANSAS
Onward! Our road trip through Ellsworth County continued to Ellsworth, a thriving town of around 3,000 residents. Once a cowtown in the 1860s, it was a central hub where cattle arrived from Texas to be shipped eastbound via the Kansas Pacific Railroad.
The town still hums with activity. Tourists appreciate the town’s historical landmarks and the small-town charm of its shops and restaurants.
The county-seat town is a treasure of places waiting to discover, and the first order of business during our trip was to get our bearings and check out the downtown area.
While strolling Douglass Avenue downtown, I noted the 1800s architecture and how local businesses are working to maintain its authenticity. What would Wyatt Earp, who allegedly walked these streets in 1873, think of it today?
WHERE TO DINE
Hattie Joe’s Coffee House
It’s a good sign when several people tell you about the biscuits and gravy at Hattie Joe’s Coffee House (113 W. North Main St.), where a train conductor often stops the locomotive to pick up a to-go coffee.
The coffee shop sits adjacent to an active railroad track and the town’s downtown corridor, a bustling location for locals who stop in for a quick caffeine boost and delicious breakfast.
We followed their lead, ordering a half-order of biscuits and gravy and a sausage breakfast burrito to pair with vanilla-flavored coffee drinks. The food is no-joke delicious. The creamy, slightly spicy sausage gravy was some of the best I’ve tasted.
And the burrito? Repeat-worthy.
Lunch at Ele’s Corner
We stopped at Ele’s Corner (120 N. Douglas Ave.) when lunchtime cravings set in. Known for their daily food and drink specials, the neighborhood sports bar and grill is where locals drop in to grab a meal, play billiards, or bet on televised horse races.
It was challenging to decide what I wanted to eat from the menu’s extensive list of affordable pub fare options, but I eventually settled on a simple but savory taco salad. We sat in the quiet company of a few locals who also stopped by for a late lunch.
PRO TIP: Thirsty? Ask about their beer promo of the day or select from one of five draft options.
900 Room at Ellsworth Golf Course
If you’re a golfer or someone who wants to learn the game, 900 Room at Ellsworth Golf Course is a go-to destination. Established in 1922, the 9-hole public course allows sports enthusiasts to take to the links before enjoying a delicious meal at the 900 Room.
The select-your-meal menu includes beef or chicken sliders or baskets of fried appetizers. Small but big in flavor, my Original Chicken Sliders reminded me of a Chick-fil-A meal. If you’re extra hungry, I suggest ordering extra sliders, as the combo meal with fries is a light lunch.
Of course, we had to try out 900 Club’s indoor golf simulator. The setup is available to the public to practice their swing, and the local high school team is known to use it when outdoor conditions are unfavorable for play.
Since I played high school golf, I’m confortable with a club in my hand. What impressed me about the simulator was the accuracy of the digital read of the ball, which was an actual golf ball.
PRO TIP: Spend a few minutes touring the clubhouse’s interior space to view relics from the golf course’s early history, including an original ledger housed under glass. A retail area supplies some golf equipment, and to-go snacks are available for purchase.
PLACES TO EXPLORE
Historical Plaza Walking Tour
A major flood washed away most of the original Ellsworth township in 1867, so residents relocated the town to its current site.
A historic walking tour at Ellsworth County Historical Society”s Hodgden House Museum Complex (104 W. Main) visually tells the town’s story using original commercial and residential buildings. Each one is a mini museum of artifacts.
The business district was a hub of Texas cattle shipping activity, and at one time, Ellsworth was considered the busiest and rowdiest cattle town. Our guided tour, led by a historical society volunteer, provided insight into the town’s heyday.
Walking through the schoolhouse, chapel, and Hodgden home, I was impressed with the curated collection of Victorian-era antiques. Our guide was quick to point out the use of some items, which made the 1.5-hour tour worthwhile.
PRO TIP: Museum-goers who like to stroll the grounds leisurely and its buildings will want to carve out at least two hours for a tour and, of course, allot time to shop the gift shop’s inventory of homemade goods.
MUST-STOP SHOPS
The Petal Place
You can count on me to find retail shopping wherever I travel because I’m typically on the hunt for locally crafted gifts to take home. The Petal Place (219 N. Douglas Ave.) is more than a floral shop offering shoppers women’s apparel, seasonal decor, soaps, and food products.
I purchased a large container of pure raw honey produced by Sylvan Grove’s Labertew Honey Co., an affordable purchase given its size.
PRO TIP: The store is under new ownership, so inventory is often updated. Look for deeply discounted clearance items.
Nemnich True Value
I love a locally-owned hardware store because they carry everything you need and items you didn’t realize you wanted. Nemnich True Value (212 N. Douglas Ave.) is one-stop shopping. Perhaps we should have purchased tools, but we left with a disc golf driver for a round of play (two courses in the area!).
Raised Rustic
Ladies, you will love Raised Rustic (211 N. Douglas Ave.) for its vast selection of farmhouse decor. Handpainted furniture displayed jarred candles, coffee cups with hilarious phrases, and pretty-somethings for every home.
Raised Rustic is the ideal place to shop for someone when you need to run in and quickly purchase a beautiful gift for a special occasion. The holiday displays entice spending.
Ellsworth Art Gallery
Not every small town has an art gallery, but if it did, it should resemble Ellsworth Art Gallery (223 N. Douglas Ave.). All of the artwork on display rotates monthly, featuring the talented work of Kansas artists. Jennifer Weigels photographs of tightly composed scenes from nature were extraordinary.
If you love the photography, painting, or jewelry on display, take it home–it’s available for purchase.
PRO TIP: Prefer to create art rather than shop for it? Check the Facebook page for studio opportunities.
BONUS THINGS TO DO
Krizek Park & Biking
If you’re looking for a spot to enjoy stillness in nature, Krizek Park (North Douglas, south of Highway 140 ) is the place. Kids can burn off energy on its playground, or the family can check out bikes for a no-cost cruise around town.
Don’t Miss Festival: Ellsworth Cowtown Days is a lively 3-day event during the first weekend of August. Events like Movie Night in the Park, an ice cream social, and an outdoor cookout are preludes to the festival’s live music concert at Preisker Park.
WILSON, KANSAS
Established in 1871, Wilson is the Czech Capital of Kansas, named after its train depot, Wilson Station. The town’s first Czech settler, Francis Swehla, immigrated to the area in 1874 and encouraged other Czechoslovakians to come to the area to take advantage of affordable land.
Less than 1,000 people call Wilson home today. The tight-knit community is a welcoming town with a thriving Czech culture and tourism stops, which include a hometown eatery.
WHERE TO DINE
Made from Scratch
You can’t visit Wilson without stopping at Made from Scratch (527 27th St.) for a buffet meal, especially a slice of homemade pie. People often ask me where to enjoy a delicious pie across the state, and Made from Scratch’s pie makes it to the top of the recommendable restaurants.
One can expect almost a dozen fruit flavors ranging from pumpkin to cherry. The Dutch Apple pie with added vanilla ice cream didn’t disappoint for its flaky crust and extra cinnamon and sugar.
PRO TIP: Seat yourself and wait for the server to take your order. The pie refrigerator is not self-serve. If you visit during lunch, expect to wait a few minutes for service.
MUST-STOP SHOPS
Midland Mercantile
Midland Mercantile (2711 Avenue E) is a shopper’s delight for its vast selection of locally made and new-from-market gift items. During my visit, the store celebrated its Spring Open House, so employees were eager to serve samples of wine and cocktails with dessert bites.
Half of the store is devoted to home decor and gift merchandise, while the other half serves as gallery space featuring Betty Kepka’s artwork. The impressive collection features Czech folk art consisting of mostly handprinted eggs with various patterns. The Wilson native worked as an art teacher.
PRO TIP: The sister boutique to Midland Railroad Hotel, the store features a DIY Plant Bar. Visitors can purchase and build a terrarium using succulent plants. Check their Facebook page for details and upcoming store events.
CAN’T MISS ATTRACTIONS
Largest Hand-Painted Czech Egg
In honor of Wilson’s heritage, the Largest Hand-Painted Czech Egg designed by artist Christine Slechta, stands 20′ tall by 15′ wide at Ed & LaVange Shiroky Park. The roadside attraction is worth pulling.
Round Limestone Jail/Water Tower
A notable structure in Wilson, the Round Limestone Jail (behind 2528 Avenue E.), is another example of how the town’s early residents used native stone to build necessary structures. The circular jail was built in 1911.
Midland Railroad Hotel
Midland Railroad Hotel (414 26th St.) is a gem. A historic hotel that opened its doors in 1899, it remains an operating hotel with over 20 guest rooms with access to dining and an on-site bar. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Although we didn’t stay overnight at the hotel, I can attest to its beautiful accommodations. The staff works hard to provide modern amenities while preserving the time-capsule quality of its original design.
The Sample Room
Open Tuesday-Sunday, The Sample Room at Midland Railroad Hotel is a well-designed, lower-level dining space serving down-home classic fare. Main Event entrees include steak and meatloaf, and pasta dishes include Cajun chicken pasta and mac and cheese. Sandwiches and side dishes are also available.
The restaurant starts open seating at 5:00 pm. Check the Facebook page for the dinner special.
The Barn: Kansas Libations Club & Social Room
If you appreciate a well-crafted cocktail, particularly one made with top-shelf whiskey, make your way to The Barn: Kansas Libations Club & Social Room on the grounds of Midland Railroad Hotel.
The owner moved the historic barn to its current location, renovated it, and added country-chic design touches, including a vintage bar. The place is hopping on live music nights when locals and visitors enjoy a barbecue meal and drinks.
Don’t Miss Festival: Wilson’s After Harvest Czech Festival from July 26-27, where the popular festival draws thousands of participants to view Czech dancers, enjoy rides and games, and pageantry.
BEYOND TOWN
Kansas Originals Market & Gallery
If you only have time to shop one store to purchase regionally-grown food products and Sunflower State-inspired gifts, it should be Kansas Originals Market & Gallery (233 Hwy 232). In fact, they claim to carry the largest selection of Kansas-made, Kansas-grown products in the world.
Open seven days a week, the store stocks everything from candles and crafts to gift baskets and backed goods. A secondary room’s inventory includes colorful t-shirts of various designs and an assortment of books by Kansas authors.
PRO TIP: Spend a few minutes outside the store snapping memory-making photos with yard art resembling Wizard of Oz characters.
Post Rock Scenic Byway & Wilson Lake
The drive from Kansas Originals Market & Gallery to Lucas, also known as the Post Rock Scenic Byway, is a winding stretch of road with picturesque views. As you approach Wilson Lake, you’ll see fencing made of Post Rock limestone bordering the road.
Don’t Miss Festival: For over 50 years, the Wilson Czech Festival has attracted people to the town to honor its heritage. The after-harvest celebration featuring a carnival, pageantry, Czech dancers, food, and vendors takes place on the last Saturday in July. It’s well-known for showcasing the largest small-town parade in the state.
LUCAS, KANSAS
You’ve never seen a town quite like Lucas, Kansas.
A 20-minute drive north on Highway 232 from Wilson, the town is a folk art mecca where quirky public art abounds. USA Today ranked the town of nearly 400 residents Best Small Art Scene in 2024.
Each time I visit Lucas, I discover something new to me. The positive messages and vibrant colors of the Lucas Public Library mural caught my eye, and I wasn’t leaving town without taking a selfie photo with the polar bear sitting on a Main Street bench. Yes, a polar bear.
CAN’T MISS ATTRACTIONS
World’s Largest Souvenir Travel Plate
You can’t miss it. The World’s Largest Souvenir Travel Plate serves as the welcome sign as you enter Lucas, an example of the whimsical artwork you can expect to see on display throughout town. Park your car on either side of the road at a pull-off area, if you want to take an up-close photo.
Switchgrass Art Gallery
Pottery. Jewelry. Artwork. Textiles. Switchgrass Art Gallery (208 Main St.) showcases over 20 artists’ unique creations under one roof. The non-profit art cooperative includes over 2,500 pieces.
I was enamored by the intricate wheat-weaving creations by Kansas artist Doris Johnson. All of the art is for sale, should you decide to bring home a shadow box featuring pin-cushion figurines, a stained glass window, or a framed photo of a Midwest landscape.
Downtown Public Art
The public art along Main Street in downtown Lucas is just plain cool. The grassroots art movement is strong, and you can expect to see life-sized faux animals, manhole covers inlaid with glass tiles, and elaborately decorated storefronts as you stroll the sidewalk.
Referred to as “a mosaic patchwork potty, Bowl Plaza, is more than a public restroom. The artists, Mri-Pilar and Eric Abraham, used pieces of broken pottery, glass bottles, toys, and more to adorn the pretty privy. Venture inside, even if you don’t need to use the facilities, and sign the guestbook.
Other fascinating spaces to view while in town include Grassroots Art Gallery, Garden of Eden, Miller’s Park, Florence Deeble’s Rock Garden, and the World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Things.
Don’t Miss Festival: It’s a golden jubilee at 50th Adam’s Apple Festival on August 24. Downtown Main Street and Lucas City Park feature events for all ages to honor the town’s history.
LINCOLN, KANSAS
You will want to extend your road trip to Lincoln, the Post Rock Capital of Kansas. The county seat of Lincoln County, the town is named after the 16th United States president, Abraham Lincoln. Even in the limited time I had to explore town (one hour), I loved what I saw.
CAN’T MISS ATTRACTIONS
MURALS
A number of murals are painted on buildings throughout Lincoln County, but I appreciate the one pictured below the most for its story. Each silhouette is the outline of a Lincoln resident combined to illustrate a sense of community collectively.
A popular downtown attraction, residents have repainted the mural more than once.
Lincoln Art Center
For over 30 years, Lincoln Art Center (126 E. Lincoln Ave.) has given Kansas artists a place to display their work for others to admire it. Initially, what started as a venue for a puppet show became a non-profit art cooperative space.
The gallery’s featured artists rotate every two months, and the public is invited the 2nd Friday of the month to an exhibition reception. The artists give talks about their work.
PRO TIP: Walk to the gallery’s rear to shop the gift shop for affordable artwork.
Don’t Miss Festival: The annual Lincoln County Fair celebrates agricultural, 4-H programs, rodeo, and more July 15-20.
SYLVAN GROVE
Drive 20 minutes west of Lincoln to Sylvan Grove, another quaint Kansas town boasting plenty of points of interest. The historic district, the town’s centerpiece, is home to several businesses, including a well-liked brewery, honey shop, and convenience store.
CAN’T MISS ATTRACTIONS
Union Pacific Railroad Depot
Established in 1887, the Sylvan Grove Union Pacific Railroad Depot is a historic treasure. The renovated building operated for over 80s years serving passengers as well as mail, lumber, and livestock and grain cars.
The depot’s activity put the town on the map. Eventually, automobiles and trucking ended the need for it.
The depot’s interior separate into three rooms each serving a purpose, and the curated antiques made it possible to imagine the depot in use.
PRO TIP: Watch its Facebook page to learn about opportunities to view the depot’s interior since it’s not typically open. At Christmastime, the public can tour it, view a miniature train layout in action, and participate in festivities.
WHERE TO DINE
Fly Boys Brewery and Eats
A family-owned and operated brewery and restaurant, Fly Boys Brewery and Eats (105 N. Main St.) is an aviation lover’s playground. It is decorated with signage warning of low-flying planes, a windsock, and plenty of airplane photography.
We shared the locally sourced Brewhouse Sirloin and the Steak Gnocchi Special, which is made with handmade pasta and roasted local mushrooms in a brandy garlic cream sauce. We ate every bite.
PRO TIP: Arrive for dinner when they open. Locals fill up the dining room quickly. Save room for dessert. I wish I had tried the banana pudding or skillet cookie.
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS
Emilie’s Heritage House
Welcome home! We reserved Emilie’s Heritage House, a 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in the heart of town. The home, built in 1912, is thoughtfully restored and decorated with antiques.
After a day of exploring, we sat in the one-time parlor, reading stories of the home’s first residents and the generations that followed. Then, a tour of each room containing family heirlooms completed the family’s story.
We were pleased with the home’s comfortable amenities, including high-speed WiFi, laundry facilities (robes provided!), a walk-in shower with toiletries, and a full kitchen (breakfast pastries and French press coffee, anyone?).
The home sleeps six people. Each bedroom contained a Queen-sized bed with plenty of space to store one’s belongings. We slept peacefully thanks to blackout curtains and the home’s peaceful surroundings.
Families will appreciate the home’s spaciousness and proximity to the park across the street. It’s a safe, lovely neighborhood. Reserve the home for your stay.
PRO TIP: Parking in front of the home on the gravel driveway. Read the house manual, located in the kitchen before unpacking.
DON’T MISS FESTIVAL: Lincoln’s annual Post Rock Festival occurs on the first Saturday of September, kicking off with a parade and ending with fireworks after dark (weather permitting).
These dynamic North Central Kansas towns will exceed your expectations. I’m proud to be from a state where small-town residents warmly welcome others. Besides, can’t-miss attractions, sought-out dining, and annual festivals make it well worth the drive.
Check out a previous travel post about Russell County attractions, including Wilson and Lucas.
If you’ve toured these towns and want to suggest a place I need to check out on a future trip, please add a comment below. I’m eager to return to the area when I have more time in each community.
