Updated July 2026

Disclosure: Wellington Chamber of Commerce/CVB hosted my visit. However, all opinions and photos are mine. 

A 35-minute drive south of Wichita, Wellington is a Kansas town rooted in history with a thriving community of businesses and attractions. Three museums, scenic parks, unique shops, and hometown dining make it worth exiting I-35 South to see for yourself.

Plus, the residents are just as welcoming as the town is charming, which is why I returned for an overnight stay and to experience the town’s annual Kansas Wheat Festival.

The county seat of Sumner County, Wellington, is an agriculture/railroad town of about 8,000 residents. The town was established in 1871. At a stop along the Chisholm Trail, cattlemen drove herds through town.

According to the Sumner County Press on November 20, 1873, “A part of cowboys from the trail made time lively last Friday night. Several pistol shots were fired in a saloon and on the street. No arrests.”

Railroads made it a bustling town in 1879, and you still hear the occasional train horn blow. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad passes through town, and the Union Pacific Railroad’s main lines run north-south. Another industry, aircraft parts manufacturing, also helped the town’s economy.

Fast forward to today, Wellington draws people to town for its walkable downtown district, outdoor recreation, and community events.

HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE & INSTALLATIONS

Downtown Buildings

Sometimes, tourists visit a town and neglect to learn about its historical architecture. The buildings in the Downtown Wellington Historic District are strikingly beautiful, with Italianate and Art Deco design, dating back to the 1880s.

Brick, limestone, and artistic wood details make the historic buildings ‘ details awe-inspiring. A drive along Washington Avenue reveals a glimpse into the past.

Another can’t-miss architectural wonder, The Pink House (114 S. Jefferson), is a sight to behold. Unlike other Wellington residences, the Spanish Revival-style home is not open to visitors, but people often take photos with it in the background.

Also referred to as the Edwin Smith House, it was inspired by homes the family saw during a trip to California. The home took five years to build and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2004.

Memorial Auditorium & Bronze Field Guns

The home of concerts and local events, Memorial Auditorium (208 N. Washington Ave.) is an architectural wonder in its own right.

In 1918, Wellington attorney Ed Hackney spearheaded the construction of a memorial honoring local and county soldiers.

Completed a few years later, Memorial Hall became an attractive downtown building, featuring stained-glass windows and wrought-iron staircase railings.

Country concert performances on the main stage attract fans to the auditorium.

Outside, the historical tour continues with the Bronze Field Guns exhibit. The cannons were delivered upon the request of the Grand Army of the Republic James Post of Wellington in 1909. Delivered in 1915, they serve as a memorial.

PRO TIP: Visit the Wellington Chamber of Commerce to purchase branded merchandise, including ground coffee, t-shirts, holiday ornaments, and more.

Other notable buildings include Sumner County Courthouse, the Carnegie Library, Wellington Post Office, and the Wellington Regent Theatre.

OUTDOOR RECREATION

Wellington is home to a variety of parks with over 300 acres of land to explore, whether you’re a sports enthusiast or a family with kids looking to burn off energy.

Woods Park

Woods Park (1110 E 4th St.) is a massive public park on the south end of town that sits near a picturesque 18-hole golf course. My leisurely visit was made better by the entertaining ducks and geese gathered near the water.

The sound of falling water caught my attention. After walking to a concrete overlook, I spotted water dropping about 20 feet at the Slate Creek Dam Falls.

The park also features picnic and fishing areas, plus playground equipment for families to utilize.

A well-maintained Woods Park Disc Golf Course features 18 concrete pads and wide fairways with flat terrain, suitable for beginner to moderately challenging play.

Wellington Lake

If you’re seeking the peace and quiet of a day on the lake, drive six miles west of town on US-160 and four miles south on Anson Road to Wellington Lake.

I watched as a Sandhill Crane hunted in shallow water and listened to the lake waves lap on the shoreline, a tranquil welcome to the lake. The morning sun was breaking through the clouds, shining upon campsites and the swimming beach.

Wellington Lake, consisting of  674 acres of water and 10 miles of shoreline, is the ideal place to destress and unwind..

If you’re interested in camping, fishing, or simply spending the afternoon at the Swim Beach, stop by the Lake Office upon arrival, where you can also purchase concessions and bagged ice for your cooler.

Worden Park

A short drive to the edge of town, Worden Park (800 W. Hillside) covers 61 acres and features mostly athletic fields, and the paved track and an ADA-accessible playground invite visitors to explore the area.

Feel free to bring your dog if you walk them on a leash. Doggy bag stations are positioned around the park.

PRO TIP: Wear comfortable shoes to walk the trails around the ball fields, and bring bottled water. You might catch a softball team practicing like I did if you’re lucky.

GRAB A BITE TO EAT OR DRINK

Wellington offers casual dining restaurants featuring down-home dining and local favorites, ranging from Mexican cuisine to a pizza buffet, no matter what you’re craving.

I’ve dined or enjoyed a drink at each of the following establishments, and I wholeheartedly recommend them.

Muffin Top Bakery

In search of a cup of coffee and breakfast, a local told me I should visit Muffin Top Bakery (509 S Washington Avenue). I’m so glad I took their advice.

The bake shop, which doubles as a coffee shop, is situated inside what resembles a renovated, historic gas station.

I discovered bakery trays of scones, brownies, and cinnamon rolls heaped with vanilla icing inside the glass case. I couldn’t resist ordering a scone with an iced latte from the Summer Drinks menu.

A grandmother and her grandson arrived while I sat at a cafe table awaiting my prepared to-go order. I could tell she was a regular customer receiving a warm welcome.

Muffin Top Bakery also serves lunch menu selections featuring salads, quiche, and sandwiches. If you’re visiting the bakery with kids, inquire about the Wild Sodas beverage menu.

PRO TIP: View the weekly lunch menu via Facebook before arriving.

Daylight Donuts

Don’t miss your chance to join locals for an early morning bakery bite at Daylight Donuts (110 S. Washington Avenue).

Voted Best Donuts/Pastries in 2023 by the Wellington Daily News, the bakery is a nostalgic experience and a staple in the Wellington community.

Wood-paneled walls with framed photography of local happenings adorn the space. The smell of fresh-baked glazed donuts, bear claws, and long johns filled the air of the family-owned shop.

Lucky for me, one cheery hand-pie remained on a lonely baker’s tray. The glazed, fruit-filled pastry reminded me of my childhood until the last bite.

PRO TIP: Day-old donuts are half-priced. Check the Daily Specials sign taped to the front door.

Fly Over State Brewery

What began as a hobby creating craft beer with an at-home brewing kit grew into Fly Over State Brewery (1403 W. 8th St.).

The husband-and-wife owners renovated an old Taco Bell building, transforming it into a taproom and restaurant serving a variety of craft brews, burgers, and panini-style sandwiches.

A flight of small-pour beers gave me a chance to sample four beers from a menu consisting of pale ales, IPAs, a sour, a hard seltzer, and a porter. I thought they were all drinkable, but the Galaxy Frontier Pale Ale was by far my preferred beer for its hop flavor that wasn’t overly pronounced.

The brewer told me that he loves experimenting, often making a big batch, dividing it in half, and making two varieties from it.

The brewer/owner stayed busy behind the counter pressing hamburgers on the grill and preparing my Italian-inspired sandwich served with my choice of chips.

If you’re looking for a gathering spot to sip and savor while playing a board game, Fly Over Brewing Company is the place. The prices are reasonable, and the folks behind the counter are happy to welcome you.

PRO TIP: Don’t miss $5 Pint, $9 Burger Friday.

The Dore

One restaurant in town is always hopping. The Dore (114 N. Washington Ave.) is a family-owned bar and grill known for hamburgers. For over a decade, customers have come to count on the menu’s selection of comfort classics and daily specials.

After finding an open seat at the bar, I ordered a cheeseburger and sweet potato fries. I was surprised by how quickly my food arrived, given that people continued to fill tables inside and on the back patio during lunch.

Regular customers watched horse racing and golf on TV while families tended to younger patrons and dined on sandwiches. If you go, Lauren and Amber will take good care of you.

PRO TIP: It’s a busy place at lunchtime. Arrive when the restaurant opens to score a table for two or more people.

Big Cheese Pizza

Since 1980, Big Cheese Pizza (323 N. Washington Ave.) has served customers, often busy by Noon with diners arriving for the $11.99 pizza lunch buffet that comes with a trip to the salad bar and a fountain drink.

Some of my happiest childhood memories after our softball team won a game were eating at Big Cheese Pizza, so I was eager to revisit the Wellington location.

The thin crust pizza topped with meat, vegetables, and copious cheese tasted just as I remembered it. Delicious and comforting. The salad bar selection was underwhelming, but the pizza was worth the revisit.

The restaurant is a community favorite, often hosting groups in its party room. Vinyl banners of school teams honoring Lady Crusader Tennis and 4A State Girls Wrestling cover the walls. Kids love the toy crane machine.

Wellington Retro Bowl

Under new ownership, Wellington Retro Bowl (2111 N. A St.) is exactly what bowlers want when they arrive. The refreshed interior is a throwback to an earlier time, and locals love the food, especially the gluten-free chicken fingers and fries.

At the concessions counter, a lava lamp sat upon a display housing autographed memorabilia from some of the best bowlers in the nation.

Wellington Retro Bowl’s co-owner is passionate about serving customers the best-tasting concessions food. It’s rare to find good-tasting chicken fingers, let alone gluten-free ones, which is why locals will drive to the bowling alley just to order the meal to go. Other menu items include pizza, nachos, and grilled hamburgers.

Fabiola’s

The food is fabulous at Fabiola’s (302 N. Washington Ave.). If you’re craving authentic Mexican food, it delivers. Since 1997, the family-owned restaurant has attracted regular customers.

By consistently serving good food and providing friendly service, it’s easy to see why.

I tried something out of my comfort zone and sampled the highly recommended fresh pork rinds with pepper jack cheese and spinach queso, which I devoured. The rinds arrived at the table, crackling fresh from the fryer.

For dinner, I chose a beef fajita bowl, Kristi’s Special, made with grilled onions, peppers, beans, queso, and adorned with a tomato rose. The meat was tender, and the outer shell was crisp.

My server recommended saving room for dessert, and even though I was full, I couldn’t pass up caramel churros with vanilla ice cream, drizzled with honey and chocolate. 100% delicious.

When you visit Fabiola’s, you can expect attentive service from locals who know most regular customers.

I overheard the owner reminding customers that the restaurant was stocked with to-go enchiladas near the register. People can’t resist the food.

PRO TIP: Visit on Thirsty Thursday for a 1/2-price margarita.

Bottoms Up

Bottoms Up (424 S. Washington Ave.) is where you go when you want a cold beer or cocktail with an order of wings, a burger with house-made fries, or $3 tacos on Tuesdays for lunch or dinner.

After the sun goes down, the music volume goes up, and it becomes a hangout for locals who want to play billiards while listening to a local DJ play current music.

I stopped in for a beer after already having eaten dinner elsewhere. The two-room, small bar was quickly filling up with locals on a Saturday evening.

PRO TIP: Tables are limited, so arrive early if you’re bringing friends on the weekend.

PUBLIC ART WORTH STOPPING TO SEE

Downtown Murals

Searching for downtown art installations is like going on a scavenger hunt. I walked a couple of blocks and, to my surprise, found an artist painting sunflowers on the side of a building using soft brushstrokes.

Local Ursula Goff explained that the concept for each mural panel evolved from organic conversations with locals and brainstorming ideas using an AI app. The sunflowers are a nod to the state’s official flower.

Goff wants the mural’s vibrant colors to attract viewers who use it as an interactive backdrop to take selfies. The artist said she may not sign the mural because “it belongs to the town.”

Artist Majorie Hall Bicker painted a scene depicting moments in Wellington’s history around the corner from BeeHive Quilt Shop on 7th Street. Dedicated to the city in 2000, visiting the mural should be part of everyone’s visit to town.

Keep an eye out for ghost signs that appear on downtown buildings. The Jacob Engle Dry Goods sign at the corner of Washington Avenue and Lincoln Street was recently restored for Wellington’s 150th anniversary.

Edgar Oil Company, a local independent operator based in Wellington, is depicted in a mural on Broadway Avenue.

Another ghost sign peeking out above a downtown roofline is the old Harry’s Cafe mural. The restaurant was founded by Harry Clements and operated from the 1920s to the 1960s.

Downtown Sculptures

Murals are impressive in size, but it’s the tucked-away sculptures like the whimsical frog and a child reading a book that catch my attention at the Wellington Public Library.

Wellington’s newest art installation, co-created by Ursula Goff and Greg Flickinger, is located at Heritage Plaza on the former Antler’s Hotel Lot.

I appreciated the metal sculpture’s rusty patina, giving it character, as do the cattle, sunflowers, wheat, and railroad-symbolic shapes.

ENTERTAINING STOPS

Wellington Regent Theatre

Nothing compares to watching a movie on the big screen with popcorn in hand. At Wellington Regent Theatre (114 W. Lincoln Ave.), moviegoers can watch first-run films. You can count on screenings on Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm and 7 pm, or Monday at 7 pm.

Follow the theatre’s Facebook page to view the latest movie releases and confirm showtimes.

Wellington Retro Bowl

Wellington Retro Bowl (2111 N. A. St.) is experiencing a resurgence after new ownership updated the interior, adding a pro shop and a full kitchen.

Music from the 1980s played as bowling pins crashed at the end of each lane. Bowlers excitedly looked at their posted score on electronic scoreboards. Arcade games, like Ms. Pac-Man, with its familiar waka-waka sound, were heard from the corner.

I chatted with the co-owners who clearly share a passion for the sport and providing delicious meals and beverages for visiting bowlers.

The 10-lane retro-themed bowling alley is the owners’ passion project. They’ve driven hundreds of miles to buy Brunswick® pinsetters and equipment to outfit the space.

Check the lanes’ seasonal hours and current specials, regularly posted on the Facebook page. The lanes host open-to-the public and league sessions. Expect Cosmic Bowling on Saturdays when black lights glow and cast a neon effect over the lanes.

PRO TIP: Ask about new merchandise, including I’m Just Here For The Tender t-shirts inspired by their favorite menu item.

Wellington Public Library

Did you know that steel-industry tycoon Andrew Carnegie founded 2,059 public libraries and donated over $40 million to fund 1,679 libraries in America?

From 1886 to 1919, libraries like Wellington’s Carnegie Library (121 W. 7th St.) opened to the public to provide access to books.

One of 63 Carnegie libraries in Kansas, the Neo-Classical building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors without a library card can take advantage of available resources: exhibits, events, and workshops. I sat down and helped complete a puzzle.

Not all Carnegie libraries still serve as such, so a visit to the Wellington Public Library is worth it to admire its grand design and outdoor bronze sculptures.

Wellington Golf Club

The 18-hole public course at Wellington Golf Club (1500 W. Harvey Ave.) was established in 1919, and continues to test golfers’ skills with fairways lined with trees.

A driving range and putting green offer golfers the opportunity to practice before or after taking to the links.

As a one-time competitive golfer, I appreciated the course’s well-maintained fairways and greens, which appeared in solid condition despite the summer heat.

Each tee box includes four options, including competitive tee markers. As a player’s course, you can expect to spend about four hours completing a round.

A round of golf costs between $25 and $38. Purchase snacks or golf accessories at the Pro Shop before driving the golf cart to Hole 1.

Wellington Family Aquatic Center & Splash Pad

Under the beaming rays of the summer sun, lifeguards watch as families splash in the open water at the Wellington Family Aquatic Center (202 S. Jefferson) from May through August.

Open after 1 pm, the swimming pool features zero depth entry, open and enclosed slides, two diving boards, and lap lanes. A dedicated area with tumble buckets and a mushroom waterfall attracts young swimmers.

You don’t have to pay to use the Splash Pad accessible by the Candy Cane City playground nearby.

PRO TIP: Call ahead to confirm the splash pad is operating, as it wasn’t during my afternoon visit.

Sumner County District Courthouse

Columbian Mammoth

I also like to locate interesting, obscure places or landmarks when traveling. You know, the kind that ignites your curiosity and you want to pull the car over to see.

Inside the Sumner County District Courthouse (501 N. Washington Ave.), an archeological find unearthed a few miles from town sat inside glass on display to admire – a Columbian Mammoth’s skull.

The extinct Ice Age elephant skull was found by Tim Kelly in 1992, and records show that the county’s first farmers found similar bones dating back to the 1870s.

MUST-SEE MUSEUMS

In my experience, tourists don’t always have access to multiple museums in a town the size of Wellington.

Each one includes unexpected treasures, at no cost to the public and donations are appreciated.

National Depression Glass Museum

Let the fun continue at National Depression Glass Museum (107 N. Washington Ave.), where the collection will wow you. Even if you’re not someone who collects glassware, it is worth checking out, as the sheer number of delicate pieces in various colors and shapes is impressive.

The museum houses nearly every Depression Glass pattern, and 90 percent of the over 20,000-piece collection was donated. Many cases display the glass donor’s family name.

The only museum in the nation that accepts all American glass companies, each case is organized by pattern. During my guided tour, we wandered from case to case, admiring the handiwork of glassblowers and creators.

I was mesmerized by the designs, especially with the glow-in-the-dark collection. Brightly colored bowls, muted colored vases, translucent plates, glass utensils – the list goes on.

PRO TIP: If you’re a collector, request access to the free resource library to conduct research.

Chisholm Trail Museum

Giddy up! Chisholm Trail Museum (502 N. Washington Ave.) is a sought-after attraction in Wellington for its historical content.

The town was a central stop on the cattlemen’s trail from Texas to Kansas starting in 1867. According to kshs.org, 2,000-3,000 head of cattle would depart from Texas during the spring en route to Abilene’s stockyards.

The building itself is a historic treasure. Formerly known as Hatcher Hospital, the facility was operated by Dr. A. R. Hatcher and his staff, who treated patients using state-of-the-art equipment in pristine condition. The building was gifted to the Chisholm Trail Museum in 1965.

The museum honors Wellington’s history while showcasing artifacts from every decade since its establishment, and each room is designed around a theme.

The 1875 Pioneer room contains home goods and tools. The railroad features a wall of framed black-and-white photographs and train memorabilia. Other rooms display antique cameras, old-fashioned dresses, and farm tools, while others are designed to replicate rooms from earlier periods.

Donated pieces of a more quirky nature are also on exhibit. Sumner County’s original high school mascot, an alligator, is encased in glass.

I was fascinated by the room designed to resemble a vintage soda fountain, complete with a vinyl booth, ice cream dishes, and the Let’s Sell Ice Cream book once used at the Chief Drug Soda Fountain until 1986.

You’re bound to stumble upon a curated item that speaks to you at the museum. Locals will appreciate the high school artifacts.

PRO TIP: If you’re interested in touring with a group or outside business hours, contact the museum directly or complete a tour request form.

Panhandle Railroad Museum

Railroad lines passing through Wellington increased the town’s population over the years. Panhandle Railroad Museum (425 E. Harvey Ave.), located in a historic 1881 gas manufacturing building at Sellers Park, is a hidden gem for train enthusiasts and curious travelers.

The Panhandle Railroad Museum occupies the original Park House Gallery, listed on the Kansas Register of Historic Places in 1991. It was built for the town’s power and light company and became a recreation center.

After retiring as a train conductor, museum curator Perry Wiley began collecting railroad memorabilia in 1990.

Perry and his wife, Sherry, renovated the building and filled it with the family’s collection, mostly BNSF items. Logo merchandise, uniforms, clocks, depot accessories, photographs, telegraph machines, passenger car dinnerware – you name it, the museum has it.

At age 85, Perry enthusiastically leads guided tours of the museum, pointing out items he curated or was gifted, such as the two-sided depot bench and original Santa Fe merchandise featuring the company mascot, Chico.

A clock wall displays timepieces that were inspected for the correct time to ensure trains arrived on schedule.

It’s possible that Perry’s love for the railroad will rub off on you. Not only did I learn about railroad employees’ work, but I also had a better appreciation for the industry that helped develop so many Kansas towns, including Wellington.

PRO TIP: Take a photo with the 1903 AT&SF steam locomotive on display across the lawn from the museum at Sellers Park.

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP

Nothing excites me more than discovering a locally-owned business where I can shop to my heart’s content. On Washington Avenue, several quaint businesses deserve your business.

Wellington’s historic downtown offers one-stop shopping, from women’s apparel to toys and home decor.

Beehive Quilt Shop & Bee Creative Toys

Two stores in one, Beehive Quilt Shop & Bee Creative Toys (122 N. Washington Ave.), share the same space. People travel from far away to check out the quilt shop that stocks over 100 books, dozens of kits, hundreds of notions, and over 1,000 patterns.

The store frequently hosts instructional sessions for quilters of all experience levels.

Having visited several quilt shops across Kansas, I was impressed by the staff’s knowledge of on-trend designs and how to teach others the techniques for every kind of quilt.

At Bee Creative Toys, shelves and turnable displays are stocked with every kind of game, interactive play set, and plush toy you can imagine. Toys designed for newborns to adults are available. They stock an extensive selection of brands, including Lego®, Fred & Friends®, and Melissa & Doug®.

The staff is excellent at finding a toy or game that matches a child’s skill level and interests. If you’re seeking Lego® build kits or puzzles, Bee Creative Toys’ inventory has you covered.

PRO TIP: Follow the store on Facebook to stay up to date about upcoming events and toy arrivals.

The Gold Corner

The Gold Corner (102 N. Washington Ave.) is one-stop shopping when you’re seeking a new piece of jewelry for yourself or to gift to a special someone.

Whether you’re interested in a custom-made ring or shopping for a bracelet, ring, or necklace from designers like ASHI® or Ostbye®, you’ll find what you’re seeking at the downtown fine jewelry store.

The owner is skilled at creating unique jewelry for customers, and the staff has years of industry experience.

Then & Now Mercantile

One step inside Then & Now Mercantile (112 S. Washington Ave.), and I knew I arrived at an antique shop catering to customers seeking glassware.

Open four days a week, the shop’s copper tin ceilings and limestone exposed walls house display cases filled with every type of glassware you can imagine.

From small collections to individual pieces, glassware of every hue and shape rests amongst antique clocks, lamps, and candle holders with fancy patterns.

A collection of vintage coffee makers and teapots caught my eye.

Interestingly, I discovered a second room stocked with jeans, shirts, and hats leftover from the now-closed Frazer’s Menswear. Inventory includes trusted brands like Levis®, Wrangler®, and Pendleton®.

PRO TIP: View the store’s Facebook page for its latest inventory arrivals.

This N’ That Emporium

If the pink sidewalk sign is positioned in front of This N’ That Emporium (108 S. Washington Ave.), it’s open for business.

The two-story shop carries a variety of gently used items, ranging from antique home accents to books. The store is divided by vendor spaces, so it’s not uncommon to also find handcrafted jewelry for sale next to retro drinkware.

The employees behind the counter sat quietly while shoppers like me perused the displays.

Although there is less inventory upstairs, it’s worth checking out.

Mill Creek Lumber & Supply

Don’t skip Mill Creek Lumber & Supply (623 E. 16th St.), especially if you love a hardware store that caters to local shoppers looking for Kansas-made products and gifts.

A local resident told me they carried jarred, gourmet food, and although they didn’t have Kansas-produced honey, I did find jarred pickles, relish, dip mixes, and old-fashioned soda pop sold by the bottle.

The center aisle displays are home to gift-worthy items like 500-count puzzles, kids’ toys, and packaged candy.

Friendly employees inquired if I needed any assistance, proving that the local lumber shop is more than just a place to buy home-building supplies.

It’s a community-focused shop selling everything from leaf blowers to lollipops.

IN-TOWN VACATION RENTAL

Wellington Loft

Imagine my surprise when I entered Wellington Loft and saw a handwritten card, a bottle of wine, and charcuterie to welcome my stay.

The owners of the vacation rental go above and beyond to make sure each loft apartment guest feels spoiled, with modern comforts that feel like a home away from home, including delicious snacks and breakfast bites.

Dropping my bags at the door, I toured the second-story apartment, discovering an open-kitchen concept, a one-bedroom space with a king-size bed, and a spacious bathroom with a rain shower and a soaking tub.

The kitchen and bathroom’s skylights flooded the space with diffused sunlight.

The interior space, with a color palette of grays, white, and muted navy, showcased modern furnishings. For guests traveling with kids, the couch expands into a sofa bed.

After a day of exploring Wellington on a hot summer day, I just happened to run into the owners in the courtyard, where we chatted about the town and why they love it.

Entering the air-conditioned home, I kicked off my shoes, played music, and poured a glass of red wine. I felt my shoulders drop.

In the morning, I sat at the kitchen’s island sipping freshly brewed coffee between bites of homemade quiche and scones prepared by the owners’ daughter. To say that I felt pampered is an understatement.

If you’re seeking a quiet getaway complete with a private deck, reserve your stay at Wellington Loft, an Airbnb Guest Favorite.

Guests have dedicated parking, and you may find the chiminea and s’mores station ready for use if visiting during the fall.

ACCESSIBILITY: Guests must use stairs to enter the loft.

RV CAMPING LOCATION

Hickory Hollow RV & Campground

If you prefer to camp where you explore, reserve a spot with full hook-ups or a cabin at Hickory Hollow RV & Campground (705 E. 10th Ave.), located within minutes from the heart of Wellington.

Open year-round, the campground used to be a KOA site, but it looks much different. The owners have added a playground, dog park, bike rentals, pavilion, swimming pool, and catch-and-release fishing.

Plan to stay awhile? Campers have access to laundry facilities and you can purchase firewood and propane on site. Review the campground map.

TOP-RANKED ANNUAL EVENT

Kansas Wheat Festival

Don’t miss your chance to experience the Kansas Wheat Festival.

What started over 100 years ago as a parade has become a six-day extravaganza with food trucks, a carnival, live entertainment, contests, and more.

The festival was on my bucket list for years. Finally, I was able to attend and it lived up to the hype.

I watched as kids squealed from whirling carnival rides, listened to the town sing the Star-Spangled Banner in unison, admired classic cars and hand-stitched quilts, and watched agricultural demonstrations celebrating the town’s roots.

People placed lawn chairs along the parade route to eat food truck burgers awaiting the biplane flyover. An evening of live music concluded full days of activities, ranging from sidewalk chalk contests for the kids to the Antique Rod & Custom Car Show.

In fact, there are so many action-packed activities taking place each festival day, it’s best to carry the official schedule of events with you.

During the day, I went indoors at the venue to admire arts and crafts, hand-sewn quilts, photography, paintings, and an oddities market.

In true Kansas fashion, vendors taught festival attendees about agricultural practices like threshing wheat and milking cows, giving the festival a state fair quality.

The Kansas Wheat Festival is by far one of the best I’ve attended in the Sunflower State because there is never a dull moment and the community rallies behind it. I say, go for the fun, leave with memories.

Wellington is a wonderful place to explore top attractions in south-central Kansas. A 36-minute drive from Wichita, it’s the ideal day trip or overnight stay when combined with a full itinerary, including a community event.

I was delighted to meet residents who sincerely welcomed me, and there were unlimited places to explore.

BONUS STOPS NEARBY

The NoWhere Grill

I haven’t personally eaten at The NoWhere Grille in Belle Plaine, but it was recommended by a Wellington resident. Open Wednesday through Sunday, the restaurant is on my travel bucket list for its smash burger and loaded mac & cheese.

Kansas Star Casino

The exit sign to Kansas Star Casino off of Interstate 35 is hard to miss between Wichita and Wellington. I can’t say that I’ve won money there, but I’ve enjoyed the slot machines and gathered with friends over dinner at Tin Lizard Bar & Grill.

If you love a road trip within driving distance of Wichita, I encourage you to check out Fun Day Trips from Wichita, a quick guide to the region’s top towns.