Updated May 2026
Disclosure: Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Jackson County Tourism Council sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own. Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.
When I think I’ve experienced the Sunflower State’s top towns, I discover Holton, Kansas.
Located 30 minutes north of Topeka, Holton offers road trippers a variety of activities, from outdoor recreation and downtown shopping to casual dining and coffee shops.
I’ve taken two road trips to Holton since 2022, and each visit reaffirms my love for the county seat.
Use my comprehensive travel guide to plan a day trip or an overnight stay in Holton, without missing a moment of its small-town appeal.
Plan the Perfect Trip to Holton, Kansas
EVENTS YOU SHOULDN’T MISS
Glory Days
Holton’s annual celebration, Glory Days, is one you must experience firsthand in late May.
High school alumni cruise around the Jackson County Courthouse square, throwing candy and beads; the sun sparkles on classic cars’ chrome at the car show, and kids play joyfully in bouncy houses nestled among vendor booths as families chat nearby.
The hum of food trucks’ generators can be heard over the festival announcer’s voice.
If you want to experience Americana, I mean real-deal Kansas roots, you have to attend this annual festival. Especially if you appreciate classic cars.
Car Show
If your heart races when you see a pristine, restored classic car with perfectly buffed chrome fenders, you’ll want to attend the Glory Days Car Show. Vehicles of every type, including a row of motorcycles, are positioned around the courthouse square.
I couldn’t resist striking up a conversation with a couple who sat ready to chat about their car to passersby. They told me the story of the car’s restoration using original parts with pride.
Vendors & Kids Zone
Glory Days participants can expect to park their cars in the surrounding neighborhood and walk to the hub of activity on the courthouse lawn, which features vendor booths and a Kids Zone with games and bouncy houses.
If you buy a maker’s creation or a homemade cookie, you’re likely supporting a small business or a worthwhile local cause.
Fall Fest
Holton’s Fall Fest celebration showcases shopping and food vendors, a scarecrow contest, a Shut The Back Door contest, and a chili cook-off.
Residents gather on sidewalks in front of tables serving chili samples from various businesses. Children wait in line to get their faces painted. Townies greeted one another in passing. The town bustles with activity.
Shut the Door Contest
A handful of local businesses in town paint a back door as an entry for the Shut the Door Contest. Each colorfully painted door draws foot traffic to a business while beautifying downtown’s back alleyways.
During my self-guided tour, I came upon whimsical paintings depicting flowers and landscape scenes. One door showcased a Mexican restaurant’s theme.
PRO TIP: You don’t need a map to find the back door murals. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk down the alleyways in the downtown area.
Quilt Show
They say, “to quilt is to live.” The quilts displayed in the Fall Fest show were wow-worthy, intricate patterns. People file in and out of a courthouse room to get a glimpse of the handiwork of the town’s top quilters.
With names like “Giraffes on Parade,” “Random Scraps,” and “Flying Geese,” each quilt is an expression of the creator’s personality. Table toppers and queen-sized bedding creations draw attention.
PRO TIP: Take a few minutes to appreciate the Modern Eclecticism style of the courthouse’s architecture, from its marble walls to its tile floor.
Scarecrow Decorating Contest
I won a costume contest dressed as a scarecrow. So, I’d like to think I’m a good judge of creativity when it comes to putting one together.
The entries at Fall Fest are positioned on the Jackson County Courthouse lawn in all their splendor. The overstuffed scarecrows are dressed as recognizable animals, movie characters, and celebrities.
Cruise Night
What’s a small-town festival without a Cruise Night? Locals lined up their vehicles one by one in the shadow of the courthouse on the evening of Fall Fest. Gearheads talked shop.
The smell of exhaust hung in the air. Locals walked by each car, checking under the hoods. And every so often, you’d hear the roar of an engine starting up as a driver left the lineup to take a cruise around town. Classic.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss other Holton’s festivities throughout the year, like fireworks during July Jubilee and the Holton Country Club Golf Tournament.
WALK THROUGH HISTORY
Jackson County Historical Museum
For me, the best way to get to know a town I’m visiting for the first time is to visit the county museum. Who are the town’s founders, and why did they choose the area? What industries flourished in the area?
Jackson County Historical Museum (327 New York Ave.) is a treasure box of valuable information and artifacts.
You can expect a free, self-guided tour featuring exhibits on one-room schoolhouse items, Carrie Nation history, barbed wire history, World War I & II memorabilia, and the tools of 1900s trades.
View aged photographs of the people and places that founded the county, agricultural tools, period furniture, and millinery relics round out the collection.
Originally a tin shop, the building itself is historic because of its aging architecture and pressed-tin ceiling tiles.
Welcoming history lovers since 1984, the museum is also known for rotating art exhibits, and the artwork is often for sale. View the museum’s hours here.
Sign the guestbook at the visitor’s desk when you arrive.
Historical Homes & Landmarks
Sears and Roebuck Co. Historic Home
Historical homes make up a portion of Holton’s residential area. I took a self-guided driving tour to see them and discover other landmarks.
The homes on the tour are private residences except one, which is maintained by the Jackson County Historical & Genealogical Society.
I was amazed by the Sears Roebuck and Co. (216 New York St.) concrete block house, originally featured in the 1908 catalog, which is a 2 1/2 story house with four bedrooms.
If you want to view the home’s interior, make an appointment with the Jackson County Historical Museum.
Jackson County Courthouse & Historic Installations
The Jackson County Courthouse (400 New York St.) anchors the downtown area, open to the public Monday through Friday.
Walk its grounds to admire the war memorial honoring US Army Sergeant Bernard Lee Deghand in the town’s courthouse square. You’ll also be within walking distance of a cannon statue, “Erected by Will Wendell in 1913.”
The cannon pictured below is dedicated to Civil War soldiers and sailors and rests at the base of the town sign.
As you continue your walk around the courthouse, you’ll find an original horse water trough, circa 1880, positioned at the base of an old tree, indicating where riders would let their horses hydrate when stopping at the original courthouse square.
BONUS: Find another livestock water-trough marker north of the Linscott Park tennis court, within walking distance of downtown.
ADMIRE PUBLIC ART
Mural Tour
Several murals dotted the town’s urban landscape, including one of my favorite street art installations, painted by Wichita artist Lindsey Kernodle, on the exterior of the Jackson County Museum (327 New York Ave.).
As you drive into town, its striking colors and storytelling images will beg you to pull over.
Kernodle’s two-frame mural showcases an early version of how the Tallgrass Prairie used to look when it flourished. The second painting on the right represents the current state of the prairie.
During my visit, I chatted with the artist and discovered how important it is to preserve the remaining native prairie. Comparing both images gave me pause and inspired me to revisit the area.
Other murals around town will grab your attention. Cruise just beyond the downtown boundary to see murals like the one pictured below, painted on the side of a building at Banner Creek Reservoir (10975 KS-16).
These murals are a small sampling of the public artwork available throughout Holton and Jackson County. Refer to Murals in Jackson County to learn about each one and their locations.
DINE LIKE A LOCAL
HotSpot Coffee Shop
The next morning, I made my way to HotSpot Coffee Shop (316 Pennsylvania St.).
The quaint café serves patrons gourmet coffee, pastries, and quick bites like breakfast burritos. I opted for two seasonal favorites: an Apple Crumb Macchiato and a warm cinnamon roll.
Seated indoors, I noticed that most of the morning café traffic came via the drive-thru. I found the café’s interior inviting. The employees were patient as I chose my menu items and were more than welcoming.
Mare’s Coffee Shop and Cool Stuff
Another stop for those seeking a caffeinated beverage or early-morning bite to eat is Mare’s Coffee Shop and Cool Stuff (413 New York Ave.) After some of my social media followers recommended it, I confirmed the coffee shop is wildly different from most.
The entire place is adorned with frogs. Paintings, toys, and sit-a-bouts feature the green-colored amphibian. A life-size astronaut sculpture keeps watch over them.
It’s a hangout if you want to sip a specialty latté while putting together a puzzle or reading one of the $1 books. At lunchtime, order a sourdough panini.
Jhett’s Pizza
Since 2006, Jhett’s Pizza (401 New York Ave.) has been the locals’ go-to place for a satisfying slice. The restaurant’s dining room was nearly full during the lunch hour.
I ordered an 8″ Meat Lovers Pizza at the counter and sat down and waited for it. Families continued to pour into the restaurant looking for open seating. Customers with call-in orders approached the counter. The phone never stopped ringing.
PRO TIP: Beat the lunch rush or call the restaurant for a to-go pizza, especially if you’re visiting Holton during a community festival. Bring cash for payment or pay a fee when using a credit card.
Trails Cafe
At lunchtime, I was famished, so local friends joined me at Trails Cafe (601 Arizona Ave.) on the edge of town.
The eatery is well-documented in regional travel magazines and on food review websites for its irresistible pressure-cooked, or “broasted,” fried chicken.
As we made our way to a table, I stopped to peer into a double-door refrigerator stocked with plates of sliced pie. I knew I wasn’t leaving the restaurant without devouring a slice.
For lunch, I had a garden salad, followed by a two-piece chicken entree with my choice of potato and vegetable side dish. Although I was stuffed, I stuck to the plan and ordered a hefty slice of a lemon meringue pie.
The meal lived up to the hype, and the cafe is worthy of a repeat visit.
Boomers’ Steakhouse and Grill
Boomers’ Steakhouse and Grill (401 Colorado Ave.) will send your taste buds into overdrive with a delicious menu of hand-cut steaks cooked to perfection on the broiler.
Other menu items include broasted chicken, smoked pork chops, seafood, and a long list of crave-worthy sandwiches.
Boomers’ Steakhouse, Grill and Catering gets my vote for the best dinner experience in Holton for its friendly service, quality steak dinner, and strawberry pie (don’t skip dessert!).
The restaurant includes full bar service, so if you’re hoping to complement your meal with a hand-crafted cocktail, cold beer, or glass of wine, you’re in luck.
PRO TIP: The waitstaff is efficient and checks on guests often. A couple of them attempted to remove my plate before I was done eating, so beware of hasty hands.
Kat Ballou’s Bar and Grill
For diners seeking a casual, bar atmosphere where locals gather for a sizzling burger and hand-cut fries, Kat Ballou’s Bar and Grill (325 New York St.) delivers. A full menu plus weekly specials is served during lunch, 11 am to 2 pm, and dinner, 5 pm to 9 pm.
I chose the last open seat at the bar to order a BLT and fries. Packed with Glory Days attendees looking for a bite to eat, I waited about 30 minutes for my meal. Bar-seat diners can watch as staff drops handfuls of fries and appetizers into boiling-hot fryer grease.
The local hangout is the ideal place to enjoy a bite to eat if you want to watch the game or chat over burger baskets with friends from a vinyl booth.
Ozzie Bakes
Homemade cheesecake in a jar? Scratch-made bierocks, pillowy soft sausage rolls, and savory meat pies?
You’ll find it all, plus grab-and-go lunch and dinner sandwich options at Ozzie Bakes (119 W. 4th St.).
The owner/baker moved to Kansas from Australia, bringing her culinary talents to a loyal following of customers. She prepares a rotating selection of more than 150 cheesecakes sold by the jar.
PRO TIP: Looking for gluten-free cheesecake? Inquire about her specialty cheesecake recipe of the week, which is also sugar-free.
SHOP AT LOCAL BOUTIQUES
A number of shops in the downtown area make spending your dollars to support local businesses a fun experience. I suggest parking near the courthouse and walking the four-block radius to discover each one.
Holton Mercantile
Holton Mercantile (415 New York Ave.) is a general store that carries everything from cards and seasonal decorations to kitchen tools and puzzles.
It’s the kind of store where you shop for essentials, but you also walk away with something you didn’t know you wanted, like cookware or a decorative sign for your home.
But it’s more than a general store. It’s where locals make memories, from purchasing sweet treats to reserving tuxedos for the high school prom.
Everyone in town raves about its old-fashioned soda fountain, so I had to order a classic chocolate ice cream cone. The owner is known for preparing homemade lemonade, and if you’re lucky, baked goods, tempting add-ons to any ice cream order.
During my visit, I watched as parents pushed strollers and ushered their kids up to the old-fashioned, original ice cream counter to order for them.
I also spotted kids in the store gleefully looking at the candy shelves and asking their parents for retro candy or premium chocolate bars, which are among the store’s biggest sellers. It’s an after-school drop-by spot for kids who want to buy bulk candy on their way home.
Holton Mercantile is a mainstay, dating back decades. You’ll appreciate the building’s original floors and tin ceiling. Go for the nostalgia, the ice cream, and shop the store’s inventory to support local.
Beverly Brown Boutique
Offering a large selection of women’s and men’s apparel, Beverly Brown Boutique (124 W. 5th St.) resembles a big city clothing store. You’ll be hard-pressed not to find something that you’ll want to try on.
Family-owned and operated, the boutique carries well-known brands and an extensive selection of denim jeans. I found the customer service to be helpful when inquiring about jeans in my size.
Shoppers earn discounts if they sign up for the “Text Club” and are willing to ship items via USPS to you. If you join their rewards membership, you earn one point per pre-tax dollar you spend.
More Than Lemons
Have you shopped at a store featuring blown-glass creations?
More Than Lemons (424 Pennsylvania) features one-of-a-kind glass gifts made in the owner’s hot shop. Every glass item you see in the store is an original handcrafted creation.
Glass orbs hang from delicate strings on display. The sunlight through the store’s windows shines through pretty paperweights and beams through bowls and colorful vases.
You can also make your own glass project with two colors of your choice, if you schedule an appointment. The cost of each project varies.
PRO TIP: Check the More Than Lemons Facebook page to plan a visit during a glass-blowing demonstration by the owner behind the building.
Heart To Home
Jewelry. Candle warmers. Bath and body products. Designer purses. Farmhouse decor. You’ll find it all and then some at Heart To Home (105 W. 4th St.). As soon as you walk inside, your eyes dart around the store, looking at items you want to bring home.
Shoppers travel miles to shop at the store for Nora Fleming, Spartina purses, Vera Bradley bags, and Melissa & Doug toys. The front of the story features in-season displays.
NOTE: The store’s owner is closing its doors for good after 12 years of business on June 27, 2026.
The Gossip
Also located on The Square, The Gossip (409 New York) was voted Favorite Vintage Shop in Kansas by Flea Market Style. The 4,000-square-foot shop also sells antiques in the rear of the store, artfully displayed amongst newer, on-trend market finds.
Displays of battery-operated candles flicker from store shelves nestled next to beautiful plates and framed art. Love the table or the armoire? It’s probably for sale. Seeking Kansas-inspired artwork? Check out Triple B Hilltop Farm’s items.
At the front of the store, I spied a pop-up floral display with fresh, locally grown flowers for sale on the day of my visit. Jewelry, handbags, and some body projects were displayed near the register.
In addition, you’ll discover more Kansas-made products, from home decor to packaged specialty foods, on display. You’re bound to want a canister of hot chocolate mix, apple butter, or bread mix.
Midwest Dixie
Women who want to add fashion-forward pieces with vibrant colors to their wardrobe will want to shop at Midwest Dixie (405 New York St.). Think: polka dot pants, cropped sweaters, floral dresses, and feminine blouses to pair with jeans.
Nearby women discussed accessories as I shopped the rear of the store, which displayed children’s plush toys and clothing and accessories for girls who love pattern and ruffled dresses.
Benevolence Total Wellness
At Benevolence Total Wellness (115 W. 4th St.), you’re invited to make better health a priority, from booking massage therapy to shopping for holistic products.
Rows of all-natural dietary supplements and essential oils line store shelves. T-shirts, hair accessories, jewelry, and Natural Life® gift items can be purchased to create a gift basket for someone you appreciate.
785 Antiques
Walking into 785 Antiques (400 Pennsylvania) is a picker’s dream, as nearly every inch of the store is filled with vintage items, from collectibles to furniture.
The inventory consists of twenty-two vendors’ hand-curated antiques, and like me, you’ll find yourself wandering from room to room in search of a nostalgic item that triggers a memory.
PRO TIP: Road-trippers will want to view the stairway covered in vintage license plates, a photo-worthy backdrop.
Petals and Praise Flowers and Gifts
Petals and Praise Flowers and Gifts (215 E. 5th St.), located inside an old school building, was closed during my return trip to Holton, so I’ve added it to my travel bucket list for the next time I’m in town.
The Holton florist sells fresh floral arrangements for every occasion, and also retails Doyle Beef Iron Horse BBQ products in its retail section.
CELEBRATE THE ARTS ON STAGE
Holton Community Theatre
Reserve a ticket to a show at the Holton Community Theatre (401 New Jersey Ave.), a short walk from downtown.
Performances include local actors, and I was impressed by the caliber of talent while watching “Now and Then,” a romantic comedy in which a young man and woman discover their destiny by meeting their future selves.
Prior to the performance, attendees enjoyed a catered homestyle meal with dessert at community tables with other audience members. Affordable cocktails were available for purchase.
Later, the lights dimmed, and the room was illuminated by stage lights and candles on each table. About 60 audience members watched the thought-provoking performance.
I’d highly recommend planning your trip to Holton around the theater’s upcoming performance. To view the event schedule and reserve a ticket, visit the box office details here.
MORE REASONS TO PULL OVER
Beck Bookman Library
The nearby Beck Bookman Library (420 W. 4th St.) wows passersby with its bleached white exterior and awe-inspiring architecture.
It was named in honor of Major and Mrs. Milton Moses Beck, who were early residents of the town. The library has remained open to the public since 1952.
Check its Facebook events calendar for activities available to the public.
Linscott Park & Veterans Memorial
Linscott Park (4th and Iowa St.) is historic in many ways. Named for Shephard Linscott, a banker and real estate investor who built a mansion on the property in the 1800s, stone pillars mark the property’s original entrance.
The Veterans Memorial impresses. Holton is a Purple Heart City, so the on-site memorial honors every medal recipient. A World War II memorial pays tribute to Company “E” of the 137th Infantry who died at war.
The park features tennis and basketball courts, playground equipment, and a shelter house available for reservation. The park is one of six public parks and recreational facilities in Holton.
EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS
Holton Municipal Pool
The Holton Municipal Pool at Rafter’s Park (7th and Nebraska St.) was constructed as a Works Progress Administration federal project in 1938. It is considered one of the largest municipal pools in Northeast Kansas, open from Memorial Day weekend until early August.
No matter the season, take a moment to walk the grounds and look at its stone construction. A one-time kiddie pool is now a sunflower mural.
Banner Creek Reservoir & Watch Your Glass Orb Hunt
Continue your outdoor adventures at the lake, where tucked-away treasures await discovery.
I set out to discover Banner Creek Reservoir (10975 K-16 Hwy), a short drive outside of town. Not only did I set out to take in the views of the no-wake lake surrounded by native vegetation, but I was also determined to find a glass orb.
Jackson County’s Watch Your Glass Orb Project initiative encourages tourists to find one of 100 glass orbs hidden in the county. The hunt was on.
As I looked for a clear or colored orb, I appreciated the picturesque views, including fishing piers, a 9-hole disc golf course, and campsites. Walking trails weaved around the lake.
Unfortunately, I didn’t find an orb, but I enjoyed the search.
If you find one, you can keep it. But should you locate a second orb, you are encouraged to leave it where it is or hide it again. Maybe I’ll have better luck next time! View a map of the area here.
The reservoir, established in 1997, is an outdoor lover’s playground with free access to miles of hiking and biking trails, campsites, bird-watching, and fishing for catfish, walleye, and largemouth bass.
The Banner Creek Science Center & Observatory, an educational center featuring hands-on activities that honor nature and Native American culture, remains on my travel bucket list.
Lane Freedom Trail
No visit to Holton is complete without a drive along the Lane Freedom Trail. The site of the Battle of the Spurs, where John Brown led slaves to freedom, is located south of this roadside historical marker.
You will be in awe of the shady spot surrounded by a canopy of trees for its historical significance
After visiting countless Kansas towns, I’ve decided that Holton is not only one of the most welcoming, but it also offers more than enough to see and do during a visit. You may need to visit multiple times, like me.
As they say, you can have it all in Jackson County. Holton embraces its visitors, and you’ll feel just as welcome as I did.
Travel to Holton for an overnight stay to explore a small-town setting with some of the state’s top attractions. You’ll never lack for something to discover in this charming town north of Topeka.
If you have questions about visiting the area or suggestions for nearby destinations, leave them in the comments below.
Getting hungry from exploring the outdoors? Stacy’s Restaurant serves an authentic diner breakfast menu, Highwind Brewing Company serves craft beer and menu items from three on-site restaurants, and Bella’s Italian Restaurant knows how to make customers happy with pasta entrees baked to perfection.
I recommend planning ahead for a well-spent trip to the college town. You’ll walk away with fond memories and plans to return.
Explore the Kansas Museum of History, Brown vs. Board of Education National Historic Site, tour the Kansas Statehouse, and shop eclectic stores in the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District. Take a break for lunch at The Pennant or choose upscale dining and cocktails at The Weather Room.
Located between Topeka and Lawrence, the quaint town is home to a friendly community that welcomes tourists interested in learning about its impact on American history. In addition to historical buildings and tours, travelers will appreciate the downtown area for its charming small businesses. Enjoy breakfast at Aunt Netters Cafe before exploring the area, and leave time to sip wine at Empty Nester’s Winery.
Touring the KU campus offers visitors a chance to fall in love with its many attractions. Whether you’re a sports fan or love touring historical museums, I know you’ll find your experience on campus to be a positive one. For dining options, I recommend Johnny’s Tavern North to devour scratch-made pizza by the slice, and 715 Restaurant for an unmatched upscale dining experience that will exceed your expectations.
The tucked-away town near Kansas City offers visitors incredible downtown shopping. Coffee shops are often a place for the community to gather and enjoy an espresso, and Third Space Coffee fits the bill. Other attractions, such as Moon Marble Company, The Fuel House, and Quentin’s BBQ, guarantee a good time. Treat yourself to an ice cream float atthe Old Mill Ice Cream Shop or end the evening with a cocktail at Ten & Two Coffee Bar.
The city touts the phrase “good starts here,” and now I understand why. From its incredible attractions to exquisite dining options, it is worthy of an overnight visit when in the Kansas City area. The award-winning town deserves the accolades it gets.
Located between Fort Leavenworth and Kansas City, the location was the first city of Kansas established in 1854. History runs deep in this part of the state. You’ll appreciate its historic homes, dynamic eateries (enjoy pasta at Luigi’s 418 & Mario’s Pizzeria & Gelato), and a vibrant downtown shopping scene. The buildings’ architecture is stunning.
I dined on crave-worthy Mexican food by visiting taquieras on the Visit Kansas City Kansas Taco Trail. If there is one thing Kansas City does best, it’s barbecue. Take your place in line at Slap’s BBQ in the Strawberry Hill neighborhood.
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.
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 
Originally built in 1855 and called the Free State Hotel, it was one of the tallest most beautiful buildings in town. Unfortunately, its fate was doomed.
The hotel is considered haunted. Hotel employees have seen Colonel Eldridge’s ghost sitting in an original hotel chair in storage. A photograph taken in the lobby shows a ghostly spirit standing in the lobby’s elevator. Room 506 is considered to be the most haunted guest room in the hotel, and it is considered the colonel’s favorite spot. Of course, I requested room 506 for my overnight stay.
In 1932, the Bonnie and Clyde Gang stayed at the hotel and later robbed the bank across the street. They fled across state lines without issue. According to an article on The Eldridge’s website, the gang made off with over $33,000. You can read more about the hotel’s history and ongoing renovations 
The hotel serves as a venue for guests who want to celebrate weddings, reunions, and private gatherings for up to 180 guests. The ballroom pictured below includes original crown molding, archways with windows, and crystal chandeliers. The hotel’s concierge wanted to show us other rooms of historical significance, so he took us to a few private areas not open to the public.
We entered what looked to be a boiler room of sorts that included a narrow, steep staircase without a railing. It was time to scale the stairs to see Colonel Eldridge’s favorite chair first-hand. I climbed the stairs steadying myself with my hands upon each stair. There it was! A dusty ornate chair that many employees say they’ve seen Eldridge sitting on smoking his pipe. Would you want to see the chair for yourself?
All in all, my stay at The Eldridge was exceptional. The hotel stay went above and beyond to cater to my curiosity about the hotel’s history by taking me on a guided tour and telling me the background story of many of the black and white photographs hanging in the lobby.
Quantrill and his men rode up to the house with 400 men on horseback on their way from the town of Franklin to raid Lawrence on August 21, 1863. He was recognized by one of the Miller daughters. She greeted him. He and one of his men most likely stayed overnight at the home weeks earlier during a scouting mission.
The second stop on the bus tour took us to the 
The final stop of the Bleeding Kansas Bus Tour took us to the 
The building’s founder loved ornate architecture and the finest materials available. The building is a masterpiece, with its marble staircases, salvaged stained-glass windows, hand-carved woodwork, and marble mosaic flooring. The bank originally functioned as a place where farmers came for land loans. Later, it was donated to the city and was used as the City Hall until 1970.
For the last 10 years, Watkins Historical Museum has been welcoming visitors to tour the building and its permanent exhibits for free. Four smaller rotating exhibits are updated about every six months. The permanent collections’ themes range from Lawrence’s history to University of Kansas basketball to pioneer life artifacts.
The space in the photo below is part of Watkins’ original office, which still includes his fireplace, bank vault, and shutter-covered windows. Artifacts from his wife’s contributions to the University of Kansas are included nearby.
An authentic electric car sits on display in one corner of the museum. The Milburn Light Electric car was owned by Lawrence resident Eleanor Henley, who used it to run errands in town. When you visit the car, look inside! It doesn’t have a steering wheel. How did Eleanor drive it? You’ll have to take a trip to the museum to find out.
Below are two significant items from the University of Kansas’ basketball program’s history. James Naismith used the desk in the Robinson Gymnasium on the KU campus. It most likely was also used by Forrest “Phog” Allen. If you open the desk’s drawer, you will see handwritten locker combinations, which may have belonged to the basketball players’ lockers. Allen designed the 1940s practice backboard to teach his students how to arc the basketball.
Individuals and groups are welcome to visit for self-guided tours, though the museum prefers to prepare for student visits. To find out more about visiting the museum and its collections, view their 
Their menu has always featured dishes made with fresh ingredients, with flair. You won’t find standard pub grub at Free State. The menu options appeal to foodies who appreciate unique flavor combinations and the freshest ingredients.
We enjoyed the Filipino Egg Rolls with Sesame Chile Soy Dipping Sauce as an appetizer and shared the Nashville Chicken Mac and Free State Fish and Chips for dinner. 
I highly recommend stopping at Free State Brewing Co. for lunch or dinner during your visit to Lawrence. Although they are not hosting brewery tours now, you can check their 
My explorations led me to 
Unsure what beer you want a pint of? Ask the bartender for samples. I enjoyed tasting the Mosaic Dream IPA and the 1865 Black Stag.
When in Lawrence, I also like to revisit a few tried-and-true hangouts. 
A friendly server helped me choose a cocktail recipe from a long list of options. Since it was the eve of the anniversary of Quantrill’s Raid, I chose the John Brown made from whiskey, rum, demerara sugar, and bitters. It was spirit-forward but smooth.
During the tour, Jewell pointed to buildings that were rebuilt after that fateful date in history. A post-raid campaign was the focus of community members who wanted to rebuild a shattered community. Lawrence’s downtown district is a testament to their will to survive.
We enjoyed Avocado Toast with Scrambled Eggs and Huevos Rancheros with Corn Tortillas. With room left for dessert, I chose a slice of peach pie with a latticework crust. Beyond delicious. He said, “It’s one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had.”
The original sword belonging to Brown is also on display in a rotunda room not far from the Kansas Constitution. It is part of a larger collection of artifacts that tells the story of when the Kansas Territory was established on the brink of the Civil War. We got lucky and visited the capital minutes before a guided tour was about to begin.
To truly understand a town’s existence, you must dive deep into its history books. Peruse its museums. Walk its streets. I invite you to travel to Lawrence and visit these historical places and the ones that welcome visitors today. It’s a town near and dear to my heart, and now I appreciate it that much more.
