Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Seneca Area Chamber & Downtown Impact and its partners. However, all opinions and photos are my own.
Country music plays in downtown Seneca, Kansas, as American flags wave in the wind from light poles. Locals gather at Main Street coffee shops as store owners display open signs. Seneca’s Main Street is a hub of activity with multiple shops, restaurants, and museums, making it a town worth pulling over from Highway 36 to explore.
I loved it.
The Northeast Kansas town of slightly over 2,000 people is one you’ll wish you visited sooner. The perfect girl’s getaway, thanks to its plethora of downtown shops, it also caters to every kind of traveler.
Seneca offers something for everyone, whether it’s a round of golf and touring the Pony Express Museum or enjoying ice cream at an old-fashioned soda fountain.
Small Town Charm: A Fun-Filled Weekend in Seneca, Kansas
Hit the Bricks: Shop Main Street’s Local Shops
The beauty of a small town’s downtown district is that locals smile at you when you walk past them on the sidewalk. Business owners welcomed me warmly, and with nearly a dozen locally-owned retail stores, Main Street is a walkable shopping destination you’ll love exploring.
Picture This
If you love perusing store shelves for the latest home decor trends, or perhaps you’re seeking a gift for someone, Picture This ( 322 Main St.) is where you’ll find it. The owner, Leah, curates items ranging from scented candles to textured pillows to create beautiful vignettes.
Inventory includes recognizable brands such as Swan Creek Candles and Mudpie. Also offering custom picture framing, Leah stays busy with custom orders and bridal registry fulfillment.
I was pleased with my gifts, which included a handcrafted bath soap by Walnut Street Soaps. The locally-produced line includes scents like Backwoods Hike and Bergamot Tea and Cucumber.
The inventory includes a range of gifts for men, graduates, and decorations for your home’s seasonal switchover.
PRO TIP: Store staff is known to offer a glass of wine or snacks while you shop. The boutique’s holiday open house takes place at the beginning of November, and I’m told the Christmas trees and decor displays are stunning. Follow the Facebook for upcoming event announcements.
Heinen True Value & Just Ask Rentals
What’s not to love about a locally-owned hardware store? Walking inside, the smell of fertilizer and rubber machinery belts welcomes you. Heinen True Value Farm Supply & Just Ask Rentals (307 Main St.) is your go-to store for lawn and garden supplies, machinery parts, and power tools.
Celebrating 60 years in business, the family-owned and operated store provides courteous service. They quickly ask what you need and walk you to the item. My purchase? A rain gauge, which I couldn’t find for sale at other stores earlier in the week.
PRO TIP: Shop for clothes. They stock a large inventory of durable clothing and footwear from brands like Ariat® and Carhartt®.
The Market Greenhouse & Garage, The Market on Main
The Market Greenhouse & Garage (33 North 5th) is one-stop shopping for outdoor plants and refurbished furniture. During my visit, several women busily hand-painted furniture and wall decor pieces.
Outside, women shopped for blooming hanging baskets and summer vegetable and herb plants from inside a bountiful greenhouse.
At the business’s retail shop, The Market on Main (515 Main Street), I shopped over 20 vendor booths and eventually purchased handcrafted greeting cards.
You can expect to find one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artists, including framed photography, ceramics, wall hangings, apparel, and gifts printed with inspirational messaging.
Seneca Variety
I love a shop that carries a bit of everything, and Seneca Variety (425 Main Street) is where shoppers go when they need a gift from someone or a little something special for themselves. The well-organized store has aisles of inventory displayed by theme, making locating greeting cards, home decor, jewelry, or quilting supplies easy.
Unlike a dollar store, Seneca Variety carries quality merchandise catering to shoppers looking for a specific item. I was impressed with the large selection of children’s toys featuring well-known brands.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss shopping the Discount Wall. I spotted holiday decorations marked down 40 percent.
Uniquely Gifted LLC Ft. Soul Provider
A faith-based business, Uniquely Gifted LLC Ft. Soul Provider (521 Main Street) is where one shops when purchasing a sentimental gift.
Holiday gifts are usually available, while the rest of the store is stocked with wind chimes, religious figurines, books, and coffee mugs.
Seneca is a multi-denominational community, and Uniquely Gifted’s inventory reflects faith-based values, particularly Catholic ones.
Fitted
The latest trends in fashion, footwear, and jewelry are sold at Fitted (426 Main Street), one of the newest stores downtown. It’s the ideal place to bring friends for a shopping extravaganza – ask for a beverage and let the fun begin.
The owner, who has a degree in apparel merchandise, does an impressive job of carrying on-trend brands and everyday apparel necessities. Racks and tables display primarily women’s apparel, but men’s clothing and children’s shoes are well-stocked.
PRO TIP: The staff is available for personal styling sessions, and small groups can reserve sessions in advance by making an appointment.
CMT DeSigns
At CMT DeSigns (409 Main Street), what started as a screen printing and embroidery business morphed into a gift shop and smoothie counter. The store is stocked with clothing and accessories ladies will love, plus much of the inventory is devoted to gifts for young girls.
Order a healthy protein shake or tea at the store’s beverage counter, Haus Nutrition, to enjoy while you shop – new monthly flavors available.
PRO TIP: Check the store’s Facebook page for exclusive Sip and Shop events, which include mega sales and new product arrivals.
Midwest Ink Co.
Across the street, Midwest Ink Co. (408 Main Street) creates custom screen printing, signage, and engraving services. The majority of the store is filled with ready-to-wear t-shirts and hats.
If you choose a graphic design from the templates book, staff can usually print your shirt the same day. And if you’re a K-State fan, this shop carries the most extensive collection of collegiate wear in town.
Seneca Furniture Store
Sometimes, you only realize you need new furniture once you enter a showroom filled with new pieces. In business for over 30 years, Seneca Furniture Store (401 Main Street) is a massive store selling couches, accent tables, chairs, lamps, and mattresses.
The owner carries recognizable brand names, including Ashley Furniture, La-Z-Boy, and Sealy, and the showroom includes outdoor patio sets as well.
Buggy Days Antiques
I knew I was at the right place when the chalkboard sign in front of the door at Buggy Days Antiques (509 Main Street) read, “Welcome, Vanessa.” Personalized customer service is a tradition for the owner who sells vintage collectibles inside a historic hardware store.
The hardware store, run by the owner’s family for generations, maintains its architectural charm. Painted ghost signs on the wall, original shelving, and framed black and white photographs over the register are a glimpse into its past.
PRO TIP: Regrettably, the shop’s owner is closing when the right buyer takes over the building. Put it at the top of your list of places to find must-sell items.
DON’T MISS DOWNTOWN EVENTS: Follow Seneca Chamber’s Facebook page to learn of upcoming shopping events like Seneca Shop & Stroll (April), Citywide Garage Sales (June), and Highway 36 Treasure Hunt & Garage Sales (September).
Fill Up on Flavor at Can’t-Miss Restaurants
Sweet Pea’s Bakery
Make Sweet Pea’s Bakery (420 Main Street) your first stop in Seneca. Start the day with a soft, homemade pastry or a slice of warm breakfast quiche.
The owner gets up early daily to make various bars and donuts – apple fritters sell quickly. Diners with gluten-free dietary needs will appreciate crustless quiche, energy balls, and muffins.
My ham and cheese breakfast cheese made with flaky crust was the real deal. It paired well with a Mixed Up real fruit smoothie prepared with strawberries, pineapple, mango, and peaches.
Spanky’s Bar & Grill
At Spanky’s Bar & Grill (405 Main Street), the food is delicious, the beer is cold, and you can always find sports playing on the TVs over the bar.
Although the bar and grill is considered a go-to restaurant for hamburgers, I took the advice of a local and ordered the Chicken Pecan Wrap (available as a salad). The substantial lunchtime meal satisfied my cravings, and I ate every bite.
I watched from the bar as the waitstaff greeted regular customers with their usual drinks, often predicting what they wanted to order for lunch. The day’s special, a Philly cheese sandwich, sold out before 1:00 p.m.
PRO TIP: Ask about the Dessert of the Day, or about chocolate bars behind the bar for purchase. Note: The restaurant closes between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm Monday-Saturday.
Freddy’s Pizza Palace
If you ask the locals to tell you stories about growing up in Seneca, many of them will tell you they frequented Freddy’s Pizza Palace (32 N. 5th Street) after ball games. Since 1969, it has remained a popular local hangout, with families gathering at long tables to share pizza or broasted (fried) chicken meals.
Not only did a downtown shop owner tell me I should order the sausage and kraut pizza, but my server, Kim, admitted it was one of her favorite meals. My medium pizza arrived piping hot, covered in savory toppings and stretchy cheese. I savored two slices before taking the rest home.
PRO TIP: If you bring kids, they’ll likely want to play five arcade games. Bring a roll of quarters.
The 19th Hole
You don’t have to play golf at Spring Creek Golf Course (1800 Spring Creek Drive) to sit down for luck at The 19th Hole, but if you decide to book a tee time, you’ll likely appreciate the public course as it’s rated the best in Kansas by NBC Sports.
I chose a table at the clubhouse restaurant amongst golfers and locals on lunch dates. The menu, consisting of appetizers, sandwedges, and fried food baskets, was extensive given the size of the restaurant. The Hole In One quesadilla prepared with grilled chicken was fulfilling and worthy of a repeat order.
Cornerstone CoffeeHaus
Cornerstone CoffeeHaus (431 Main Street) is an architectural gem. When shopping along Main Street, step inside the 1874 bank building, which is now part coffee shop, and part old-fashioned soda fountain.
Over the years, the buildings’ owners have worked long hours preserving its wood floors and stained glass arched windows to create an inviting space.
Forget your cares as you sip a latté or enjoy an ice cream sundae at the horseshoe counter, an original from Harsh Drug Store.
I chatted with the owner, who showed me before and after photos of the building’s renovations. A Seneca resident introduced himself and told me stories of his past while he ate a cinnamon roll and sipped coffee. Cornerstone CoffeeHaus is a delightful stop.
Allie’s Cafe
The smell of bacon and the sizzle of eggs on a griddle welcomes early-morning diners at Allie’s Cafe (811 North Street), where locals pour each other coffee refills and chat about the day’s happenings. At lunchtime, daily specials like goulash and chicken fried steak sell out almost as fast as pie slices.
Eager for breakfast, I ordered the #7 Breakfast Combo and an orange juice. Surprisingly, it was delivered within minutes, just as the rest of the dining room’s tables filled up with families.
PRO TIP: Don’t make my mistake; leave room for pie. View the dry-erase board for the day’s selections, which includes six to eight varieties.
Time Travel at Museums and Stroll Downtown’s Historical Walk
Pony Express Museum
When in Seneca, you must experience one of its most historic treasures, the Pony Express Museum (4th and Main Street).
A relic of the Wild West, the museum covers the story of the town’s role as a stop on the Pony Express mail delivery trail in the late 1800s. Seneca claims the Smith Hotel was the first home station.
As you walk upon the building’s original wood floors, explore a makeshift saloon, replica schoolroom, and original artifacts for the Smith Hotel, a refuge for riders needing a break.
Don’t leave without learning the fascinating history of westbound rider, Johnny Frey. I appreciated reading about how local women fed him baked goods. Since he was in a hurry, they added a hole to each one so he could hold the food easily while riding his horse. Perhaps it was the invention of the donut?
PRO TIP: The museum is open Memorial Day to Labor Day, Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 pm and 9:00 am – 1:00 pm on Saturdays. To guaranteed a tour, call (785) 294-6655 to schedule an appointment.
Volunteer Fire Department Museum
Firefighters are brave, and those who volunteer to serve their community deserve to be recognized. At Seneca Volunteer Fire Department Museum (6th and Main Streets), visitors can get a behind-the-scene look at antique fire equipment by appointment.
The 1922 Model K Baby Stutz fire engine on display was purchased by the City of Seneca, and it has undergone two restorations. A new truck was purchased in 1947.
The museum is small, but well organized and includes fire station relics unique to its location.
Nemaha County Historical Museum
Once the home of the county sheriff and the Nemaha County Jail, the Nemaha County Historical Museum (113 N. 6th Street) is one of the most unique museums of its kind in Kansas. Built in 1870, the home/jail and its interior are maintained for tours, and some of its contents will amaze you.
You can expect to see original jail cells where women and men were housed only steps from the sheriff’s personal home built in 1879. Can you imagine living under the same roof with criminals? It was the longest in-use county jail in Kansas.
Annex buildings house thematic displays detailing the life and work of Nemaha County residents over the decades. An extensive collection, visitors who appreciate a thorough tour will need to plan on spending over an hour between the jail/sheriff’s home and the artifacts collection rooms.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss viewing the a model buildings layout, a tribute to Seneca’s days gone by.
Temple of Honor Military Museum
I was emotionally moved when touring the Temple of Honor Military Museum (33 North 6th Street). Many of the displays are family tributes to soldiers, and the collection in the one-tine Masonic Temple is extensive.
When I saw an authentic draft card lottery bin, I was transfixed by its contents. Each card listed a town and draft card number. Another room showcased three quilts of valor embroidered with soldiers’ names in cursive writing.
Nemaha County Historical Society volunteers do an excellent job displaying donated items in thematic vignettes ranging from the Civil War to the Iraq War. You can expect to view uniforms, photographs, military combat artifacts, and documents, which collectively tell the story of the local soldiers’ experiences serving the country.
PRO TIP: Temple of Honor Military Museum is open Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or by appointment, if you call two weeks in advance. Combine it with a tour of the Nemaha County Historical Museum, on the same city block within walking distance.
Main Street Historical Walking Tour
Seneca, established in 1858 by farmers and merchants exiting the Oregon Trail is the county seat of Nemaha County. Many of its buildings are listed on the National Register of History Places, making the Main Street Historical Walking Tour a must-do activity of history enthusiasts.
You’ll see graphic panels on points of interest along Main Street, each providing context to the building’s history. A self-guided walking tour requires at least 30 minutes, but it will take longer if you’re like me and want to take photos of the architecture while taking your time.
PRO TIP: Walking tour brochures are available at 4th and Main Streets. Access an audio version of the walking tour on iTunes.
Set the GPS to Quirky Landmarks Worth Pulling Over For
The somewhat strange, sometimes tucked-away attractions keep it interesting, and Seneca has two landmarks you have to see to believe.
Widest Historic Hand Dug Well
Seneca boasts the Widest Historic Hand Dug Well in Kansas. No longer in use, it’s open for tours by appointment. Over 130,000 bricks and 100 cords of stone were used during construction in 1895.
The well is 34 feet wide by 65 feet deep, and the original pump remains on top of a service platform. Tours are available from May through October by calling the Nemaha County Historical Museum at (785) 336-6366.
Beloved Parrot’s Grave
During my tour of the well, I chatted with my host about odd roadside attractions. She mentioned the town’s beloved buried parrot in the city’s cemetery, and I had to see Beauty’s gravesite market for myself.
The subject of local folklore, the parrot belong to a Seneca resident Henry W. Fuller who admired it so much his feathered friend is buried next to him. He taught Beauty how to talk, and she was thought to have a 300-word vocabulary. She died at age 50. (Fun Fact: I also visited Polly the Parrot’s grave in West Plains, Missouri.)
Snap a Photo at a Colorful Mural Backdrop
Men & Wheat Mural at Seneca’s Post Office
Stop by Seneca’s post office (607 Main Street) to view a WPA New Deal mural project, “Men & Wheat” painted by Joe Jones in 1940. A local resident informed me the tractor featured in the lobby’s artwork was repainted green, a nod to John Deere.
I mailed a postcard, which seemed appropriate given the town was a stop along the Pony Express route.
Seneca Sampler Quilt Mural
You can’t miss it. The Seneca Sampler Quilt Mural (425 Main Street) is the most vibrant and colorful one in town. Seneca native Ellie Haynie painted a collection of quilt blocks, each submitted with a donation by community members. 
The mural includes 43 panels designed in honor or memory of individuals or couples.
PRO TIP: If you are a quilter, shop at Seneca Variety for fabric and appliqués.
Streetscape Interactive Mural
Park the car to explore a three-dimensional mural streetscape, a tourist attraction downtown located at 301 Main Street.
Greetings from Seneca Mural
Like a retro postcard design, the Greetings From Seneca mural (532 Main Street) contrasts with the white exterior of Koelzer Lumber Co. Look closely to recognize scenes from the town’s historical moments and prominent buildings.
Stay Overnight in a Charming Downtown Airbnb
The Bricks
Pack your car with your friends or family and stay overnight at The Bricks (510 Main Street). The restored 1904 loft-style Airbnb sleeps up to 10 guests and includes new appliances and amenities. Located within walking distance of downtown attractions and dining, it’s ideal for a weekend retreat.
I was so impressed with the accommodations that I immediately called home to tell others about it. The owners did a meticulous job restoring the two-story space, which includes original wood floors and crown molding, and each room contains framed antique photographs of downtown Seneca.
Guests climb a tall set of stairs using a self-entry keypad entrance before entering the loft’s entrance. A modernized, open kitchen/living concept includes tall windows facing Main Street. A full-size laundry room with supplies is located off the the kitchen.
I had my choice of two large bedrooms, and settled on the one pictured below featuring a queen bed with jersey knit duvet bedding. Each bedroom included a dresser drawer for personal items and a flatscreen Roku TV.
After a full day of exploring and shopping downtown boutiques, I spent the evening unwinding in one of the living room’s leather recliners with a glass of rosé wine.
Two candy bowls filled with chocolate bars tempted me, so I indulged myself while watching my favorite TV show.
The following day, I watched the sunrise from one of the swivel window seats pictured above with a tall mug of complimentary coffee. As traffic increased on Main Street, I felt sad knowing that I had to check out of my Airbnb and say goodbye to Seneca.
I’ve spent overnights in dozens of Kansas towns, and Seneca is one of the most welcoming, friendly towns I’ve visited yet. Besides, with so many fun things to do and see, I’ll return again.
Seneca is located a short drive from Manhattan, Holton, Topeka, and Belleville, towns that inspired travel blogs – so make it a multi-town road trip. If you’re traveling to Seneca from Wichita, you can expect to drive three hours with view of the beautiful Flint Hills.
PRO TIP: If traveling with a pet, ask the hotel staff to direct you to the pet walking area. Prepare to pay a pet deposit.
After lunch, we shopped the retail store downstairs, loading up on Sweet Corn Salsa and Maple Dip jars as well as a six-pack of Doc Otto’s Hard Cider. Customers will find it hard to resist sweet and salty bagged snacks, and the frozen pie case is irresistible. (The orchard dates back to the 1940s!)
Outdoors, the 
I appreciate the hard work and dedication that new owners Denny and Emily Stucky and their employees have put into maintaining and improving The Community Orchard, a favorite destination for locals and visitors searching for an immersive farm experience.
PRO TIP: Check for 
Anne, the winemaker, introduced us to wines we never knew we liked but most certainly loved at the Tasting Bar. Our tasting experience included a short list of dry wines, starting with Ghost Pig (Apple Cider and Rosé Wine) and ending with Marquette 2021 Limited Release (Red). She explained how she uses only Iowa grapes to produce each handcrafted wine.
After tasting six different wines, we enthusiastically raved about dry white Petite Amie 2022 (Best of Show at the 2023 Iowa State Fair) and Marquette 2021 (Fruit-forward dry red). We were gleeful when she offered us a bottle of Marquette 2022 to bring back to Kansas.
After the tasting session, Anne gave us a tour of the winery’s newly expanded production facility and further explained the process of making wine from concept to harvest.
Are you interested in a tasting experience? You can walk in during tasting room hours or make an appointment. I recommend reserving a tasting if traveling with a small group. Light snacks and non-boozy drinks are available to purchase, and they welcome DoorDash food deliveries.
Created in 2015, concrete tee pads and easily recognizable holes make the course simple to navigate without using the UDisc app. If you want to play the entire course, plan for 1.5-2 hours and be prepared to walk a course mostly without shade.
Each 18-hole course provides manicured course play using rentable golf carts for golfers of all skill levels. While we didn’t have time to play a round of golf, I could easily see myself returning to Fort Dodge and carving out time to do so. Having played high school golf, the courses looked well-maintained and worth playing.
We sipped on a flight of four beers ranging from a crisp lager to a red ale. The brewery can produce 15 beers using 5 fermenters.
The size of the brewery is intentionally smaller than most, creating a setting where the community can sit down over a beer and get to know one another. The back patio features a meat smoker and grill available to patrons who want to cook dinner for themselves or friends while they sip on sids.
Check out the brewery’s 
The restaurant’s setting is unique, located inside the 
We enjoyed savory Dak-gang-jeong (fried chicken) and Mandu (dumplings) as appetizers.
A delightful evening in Fort Dodge isn’t complete without visiting The 
The Freedom Rock pictured above is dedicated to veterans suffering from the after-effects of service, like PTSD and mental illness. The front side of the mural rock honors two local aviators and medal recipients who both graduated from Fort Dodge High School
The state’s largest mural, it depicts Fort Dodge residents who contributed to the community. Do you see the man holding the ornate bowl? The town’s pottery industry is represented by this scene.
While admiring another downtown mural, I accidentally discovered The Starry Night (Central Ave. and South 9th St.) painted by Iowa Central Community College students.
No matter where you are in town, you’re bound to see a mural in the distance, whether it’s under a bridge like the one pictured below or in town visible to passersby.
Click 
If pizza isn’t your go-to at lunchtime, the brewery also serves specialty and build-you-own sandwiches with chips. Seven macaroni and cheese bowls appear on the menu.
If you go, flights of four 5-ounce beer samples are $12. Not a beer drinker? Opt to view the cocktails, wine, and Moscow mules menu instead.
PRO TIP: Dining with four people? Ask about the Big A$$ Mule, a 192-ounce Moscow Mule served in a monstrous mug.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time in our itinerary to sit down and create a piece, but I did chat with the owner and several women who were busy creating new glass projects.
They told me how they meet there once a week to chat about their lives and bond while creating art. Soon, they grabbed their phones to show me photos of past projects completed for friends and family. What started as something fun to do became a love affair producing fused glass.
You don’t need an appointment to work at the studio, but if you’re traveling with several people, you should call to reserve seating.
PRO TIP: If you want to take a structured class to create a holiday project. check the 
Beyond the home showroom, women’s apparel racks displayed the latest fashions in the season’s popular colors. Tunics, pants, shorts, and accessories make shopping at The Apple Attic worthwhile.
Located on the 
With an ever-changing display of works from their 1,200 permanent collection, you will see something new each time you visit. The museum hosts a visiting artist every three months.
PRO TIP: Admire the black and white photography on the walls highlighting the day Senator John F. Kennedy visited Fort Dodge before speaking at an airport rally in 1960. You’ll appreciate learning the story Olde Dog and a Massachusetts town that inspired the restaurant’s name 
Decidedly stuffed from my dinner meal, I choose a small dish of classic vanilla soft serve with rainbow sprinkles. Couples approached the walk-up window, ready to order, as I watched car after car enter the drive-thru.
A popular stop for locals near downtown, Snack Shack reminds me of a hangout you’d see in a 1950s movie. The community loves to gather at the colorful tables outside to gab about local happenings between bites of ice cream.
Known for their scratch-made scones, Andy Mae Coffee and Desserts has a loyal following that often tracks down their food truck when it shows up at community events.
I encourage you to walk inside the original Harcourt City Jail, where town drunks, thieves, and outlaws were once taken. Tour the Border Plains School, one of the oldest school buildings in Webster County, to imagine life as a student from 1857-1959.
Tour the inside of the Carlson-Richey Log Home from 1855 to smell the musty wood planks and admire the handiwork of the log home’s builder.
We appreciated the historic details inside a blacksmith shop, drugstore, carriage repair shop, and wood shop. I recommend spending about an hour exploring all the buildings on a cool weather day.
Other nearby buildings house actual artifacts curated from the area that documents one of Iowa’s most valuable resources, gypsum. Early settlers mined the mineral in and around Fort Dodge. Now, the chalky material is used to make wallboard, and Fort Dodge contributes nearly 75% of the state’s gypsum production.
Other displays house Native American arrowheads, beadwork, and clothing. Nearby, military uniforms and weaponry tell the story of those who fortified Fort Dodge.
When visiting Blanden Art Museum, you will be in the 
My sense of wanderlust is strong, and I typically have a fun travel experience wherever I travel. Yet something about Fort Dodge, my first Iowa travel experience, stays with me. It’s a feeling of contentment and longing to return.
BONUS: Before departing from the historic site area, look across the street at the mural, “First Kansas Colored Infantry” painted by artist Cbabi Bayoc in 2023. Click 
A major fan of his work and a previous photography teacher, I was elated to tour the museum to glimpse Parks’ cameras, his framed photography, and to view a replica of Park’s New York City apartment.
Our group was fortunate enough to have a guided tour by the museum’s director, who informed us about the international impact Parks’ work as a photographer had, but also as a filmmaker, writer, and musician. Parks taught himself how to do it all.
Later, we went on a special guided 
Born in Fort Scott, he lived in the Kansas town for the first 16 years of his life only to return later to document the town in a photo essay. He filmed scenes for his movie The Learning Tree at Gunn Park, which was also included in our tour. He wrote the screenplay, directed, acted, produced and wrote the musical score for the semi-autobiographical film.
Another stop of our tour took us to a mural depicting Parks painted by artist Cbabi Bayoc. Located at 18 E. Wall Street, Tribute to Gordon Parks “No Place Like Home” includes a portion of his Homecoming poem.
Lastly, our trolley tour ended with a visit to the town’s newest tribute, the 
Interpretive panels inform about the church’s namesake, Bishop Wayman, previous pastors, and a timeline of events documents its history.
A bricklayer’s fingerprints can still be seen in the church’s original bricks, which were added to the Wayman Chapel African American Methodist Episcopal Commemorative Park established on the site where the church once stood.
PRO TIP: Give yourself at least an hour to tour the museum. Many displays include a video component or touchscreen interaction. Don’t miss the outdoor displays, and look for the stars during a self-guided sidewalk tour.
During our two-hour workshop, I learned how the owner sources Bourbon County clay, prepares it for projects, and uses it to create stunning kitchenware and decorative pieces.
If you’re interested in an art class (they range in mediums from painting to pottery), view 
Be sure to shop for a new treasure in the art gallery. Handcrafted items include oversized whimsical clay designs, dinnerware, coffee mugs, wall art, and jewelry.
Also known for an equally dynamic lunch menu, Cohn’s Cafe on Main, offers diners another reason to visit. The Green Lantern dinner menu features main dishes such as German Goulash and Short Rib Ravioli.
Adjacent to the restaurant is the 100 South Main Mercantile & Market, which sells Kansas-made gifts and Fort Scott memorabilia.
PRO TIP: Check for the day’s menu specials on 
During my visit, I learned that the commercial kitchen space with state-of-the-art equipment can be rented by food truck operators and small business chefs.
A retail marketplace at the front of the space, The Kitchen C+C, is where kitchen tenants can sell grab-and-go cuisine, including daily lunch specials.
To learn more about Fort Scott, view Kansas Tourism’s 
If you’ve not enjoyed tamale, you can expect shredded chicken, pork, or beef in sauce wrapped in masa inside a corn husk. The dish represents traditional food brought to the states by Mexican immigrant populations. Masa is a soft dough made from ground corn with a slightly sweet yet savory flavor.
I ordered a Dirty Horchata served hot to accompany my meal. A cinnamon vanilla rice drink with a double espresso was served in a vibrant handmade coffee cup. The cafe’s interior is visually stunning as it is filled with colorful pottery from Mexico. All of it is marked for sale, so keep your eyes peeled for a gem to take home with you.
When our bus stopped at the 
We drove to a historic two-story stone building near railroad tracks and a baseball field, which has served as the headquarters for 
The nondescript building was constructed because the community needed a place where Latinos could gather without discrimination. In the early 1900s, it served as a Methodist mission and school. Years later, the outside of the building contrasts greatly with the interior’s design which features a sports bar where locals gather to enjoy game day.
It’s a hidden gem, or the kind of restaurant locals know and dare not tell others about, because their go-to places become crowded. Bring your appetite and prepare to be wowed by fresh seafood dishes like Shrimp Chipotle, Fire Grilled Trout, and Seafood Paella. They didn’t win Best Seafood and Best Mexican Food by Feast magazine for nothing.
It’s one of the most festive celebrations I’ve attended. Vendors line both sides of Central Avenue, offering the best gifts and authentic Mexican food dinners. The smell of freshly grilled meat lingers in the air.Walking the route, you encounter live bands performing Latin pop and regional Mexican music in front of small groups of onlookers. Women dressed as Catrinas wear makeup resembling skeletons ad flowing gowns with hats or elaborate headdresses.
I was asked if I wanted to ride in the parade inside a decorated bus with authentic music (see pictured). “Yes, of course!” We threw candy to eager children from the bus and waved at families. Dancers led our path down the street. Everyone was in good spirits laughing, eating authentic food, dancing, and singing. The festival is one you don’t want to miss.
Take a moment to downtown 
During my visit, I was met by the town’s top historian, Paul, who took me on a guided tour of Lecompton’s landmarks and businesses. It’s not every day that your tour guide is dressed as a reenactor or as the infamous Samuel Jones, a Douglas County sheriff who helped Lecompton play a role in the Bleeding Kansas conflict. This was going to be fun.
The meal was scrumptious and the menu prices were reasonable for the portion sizes. If you’re passing through northeast Kansas in route to Lawrence or Bonner Springs, stop by for a plate of pancakes, biscuits and sausage gravy, or breakfast sandwich. The lunch menu is just as appetizing. (View the cafe’s hours 
As Paul introduced me to the history of Lecompton, he pointed out the wall decorated with the town’s history “The Lecompton Swindle”. I quickly surmised that Lecompton was a town prideful about making its mark in history dating back to its founding in 1854.
Constitution Hall is listed as a National Landmark, Kansas Historic Site and was a finalist as one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas. Built in 1856, it was the site where the Lecompton Constitution was written by pro-slavery advocates.
The famous document was rejected in the 1858 election. To learn more about how Kansas was eventually admitted to the Union as a free state on January 29, 1861, visit 
Of course, it was fitting that Paul had a key to the jail. He ushered me inside. After a few seconds of standing in the musty dark room, I was ready to exit. There was very little sunlit peeking through the iron window bars.
The story goes that Jones, a pro-slavery sheriff, was shot in the back by free state forces. He helped in the effort to burn down Lawrence, Kansas in 1856. His original tombstone was moved from Las Cruces, New Mexico, and sits on display in front of the jail.
The museum sits on the former 13-acre Lecompton capital square district and was constructed in 1855. The budget was $50,000, but eventually, the money ran out. When antislavery legislators gained control of the territorial legislature, the location of Kansas’ capital was moved to Topeka. This action was detrimental to the town. Later, the building became known as Lane University where reportedly seventy-five co-ed students studied there.
I’d recommend devoting about an hour of your time in town to tour the museum. Admission is free, but a $3 donation is kindly accepted. If you have questions about the artifacts in the cases, a volunteer is on hand to answer them for you. View the museum’s hours 
While Vickie prepped pumpkins for a future wine, Troy told that it takes six months from fermentation to bottling to produce a taste-worthy wine. Opened in January 2021, visitors can choose from four dry wines and 12 semi-sweet wines for a tasting flight.
Empty Nester’s Winery focuses on quality wine and excellent customer service. They host game night on Thursdays and invite a food truck to park out front on occasion. To view the winery’s hours and learn about entertaining events, view the 
Open since 2010, shoppers are greeted by Kathy and her employees with a warm smile and helped them find “goods for the journey.” It’s only appropriate that Kathy owns a store in the heart of Lecompton since she is a descendant of Albert G. Boone, one of the town’s founders. He was also a shopkeeper.
The store hosts flea market events on Elmore Street as well as Fabric Fridays. Kathy said she has plans to expand her business and bring in more sellers. Stay up-to-date on Bald Eagle Mercantile happenings 
Shoppers are surrounded by walls of colorful artwork and an abundance of handcrafted jewelry for sale. Rings resemble twisted metalwork. Earrings made from leather and beads dangle on display. Clay pots hold earrings and bracelets designed with care.
If you’re not able to make it to Lecompton, you can still shop the boutique online. C&C Clothing sells items live via Facebook every Thursday at 7pm. Never miss a moment of the shopping fun by following the Facebook page 
Completed last June, “Resilience” is a 60′ mural funded by donations to Lecompton Community Pride. Wright recently finished a painting of the former Lecompton High School, which is on display at the entrance to the building. Visit Wright’s 
Other visitors stop by to indulge in delicious burgers served fresh to order for each customer. When you visit, simply walk up to the counter meat counter and place your order. Once it’s finished, you can add burger toppings from the self-service salad bar nearby. My single cheeseburger was scrumptious. It alone was worth stopping at Kroegers to enjoy.
Did you learn something new about Kansas history? Perhaps you’ve already visited Lecompton? Share your comments below. I’d love to hear from you.
