Updated July 9, 2025
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Visit Fort Dodge. All opinions and photos are mine.
Fort Dodge, Iowa, is different from your typical Midwest town. It offers a variety of unique experiences, making for a memorable and enjoyable weekend stay. From a winery and breweries to artwork by world-renowned artists and outdoor recreation, it is worth adding to your travel bucket list.
It was named one of the top 15 America’s Best Communities and earned the designation of an “Iowa Great Place.”
We arrived in anticipation of a weekend itinerary full of one-of-a-kind places to discover and were not disappointed.
WHERE TO STAY
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS
Comfort meets convenience at Holiday Inn Express (300 S. 31st St.). We thought it was an ideal place to unwind after a day of exploring Fort Dodge or in between adventures.
The four-story hotel has a host of amenities guaranteed to stay every kind of traveler, including families with kids searching for a hotel with a pool and sauna. The King Bed Guest Room was quiet, and the black-out shades, self-controlled air unit, and comfortable bedding kept the room oh so comfortable.
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.
DAY 1
COMMUNITY ORCHARD
The best place to start your first day in Fort Dodge is at The Community Orchard (2237 160th St.). Open August 1-December 23, the orchard grows 5,000 trees and includes 15 varieties of apples. The farm is open for tours and hosts well-attended events like the Sunflower Festival, Apple Fest, and Corn Maze.
Apples are the shining stars of the Community Orchard Cafe’s menu. I had to order their signature Scarecrow Soup with my Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwich, an exceptionally delicious meal. Iowans love their Flat Apple Pie, so I enjoyed it for dessert – crave-worthy!
The maple dip served on harvested apple slices was so good I couldn’t stop talking about it.
I highly recommend giving into your sweet tooth and enjoying a freshly baked apple pastry. The café’s homemade fudge, available in multiple flavors, is worth sampling (ask for Salted Caramel, my favorite).
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 Back 40 Playground is entertaining for kids of all ages. We interacted with friendly goats and snapped photos in the sunflower field and orchard like gleeful children.
They recently added a two-story slide – a sight to see- included with the Back 40 Playground admission.
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 upcoming seasonal events you don’t want to miss, including Donuts with Santa in December. Interested in shopping from the retail store from home? View the website to fill your cart.
SOLDIER CREEK WINERY
The five-minute drive to Soldier Creek Winery (1584 Paragon Ave.) is a must-have experience while in the area. The back story of the winery is incredible.
After a barn fire in 2008, the site became a 10-acre vineyard producing nine cold-hardy grapes. A family-owned and operated winery, it’s all hands on deck to turn out award-winning wine year after year.
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.
Whether you stop by for a formal tasting experience or only want to purchase a glass of wine ($6), you’ll walk away wishing you had signed up for the Paragon Wine Club.
The wine is that good.
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.
PRO TIP: Visit the winery on Fridays from 6 pm -8 pm to enjoy live music year-round, a real draw for locals who are encouraged to bring their chairs and food to enjoy picnic-style. Check out their upcoming events, like Bingo at the Winery here.
SUNKISSED MEADOWS DISC GOLF COURSE
When it’s a beautiful day in Fort Dodge, you must spend time outdoors playing disc golf at Sunkissed Meadows (326 11th Ave.). The expansive 18-hold course is ideal for beginning or intermediate players who appreciate wide fairways with clear views of most baskets.
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.
PRO TIP: Sunkissed Meadows is one of two disc courses in town. Check out Snell-Crawford Park (Williams Drive & 12 Ave. N.), built in 1976 and one of the country’s first 25 disc golf courses.
FORT DODGE COUNTRY CLUB/LAKESIDE MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE
Do you prefer ball golf over disc golf? Fort Dodge Country Club (370 Country Club Dr.) and Lakeside Municipal Golf Course (1417 Nelson Ave) are open to the public and require a pre-booked tee time.
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.
RIVER HOPS BREWING
River Hops Brewing (1014 Central Ave.) is the perfect place to cool off after time spent outdoors. Opened in 2018 inside a renovated 1951 department store turned office building, the owners put a lot of work into the space, which produces quality craft beer for eager fans.
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 menu to preview the beers on tap. The taproom is open Wednesday-Friday at 4:30 pm and Saturday at 1:00 pm. Expect live music on the patio often.
GAGA & HOO KOREAN RESTAURANT
Gaga & Hoo (368 Country Club Dr.) is the only Korean restaurant in Iowa, and it’s the only one they need because the food is authentic and delicious. The restaurant’s owner was recruited to open a restaurant in the area when South Korean company CJ Cheiljedang brought nearly 200 jobs to Fort Dodge.
The restaurant’s setting is unique, located inside the Fort Dodge Country Club. Open to the public, its interior displays Korean decor while traditional music plays.
We enjoyed savory Dak-gang-jeong (fried chicken) and Mandu (dumplings) as appetizers.
We were pleasantly surprised a robot server delivered our dinner entrees– an unforgettable, out-of-the-ordinary experience. The steaming hot Bimbimbap and Spicy Stir-Fried Noodles were some of the best we’ve enjoyed, and our server was welcoming and knowledgeable.
PRO TIP: Expect more surprises if you’re one of the last diners of the evening. The chef/owner is known to sit near a musical instrument station where he serenades diners.
THE DARIETTE
If you’re craving dessert after dinner, I recommend driving to The Dariette (17 S. 12st St.) to order a soft-serve treat or ice cream bar via the pick-up window or the drive-thru.
A delightful evening in Fort Dodge isn’t complete without visiting The Dariette for a sweet treat. I opted for a small bowl of nostalgic root beer-flavored soft-serve. Nearby families sat on cozy outdoor furniture, enjoying their dessert while I waited a short time for mine.
DAY 2
PUBLIC ART TOUR
FREEDOM ROCK
The Freedom Rock® Tour is available to view across Iowa. Started in 1999, each artist-painted 60-pound boulder is meant to honor veterans for their service to the county.
The Webster County Freedom Rock in Fort Dodge (Southwest Corner of A Street and the Karl King Bridge at 2nd Avenue S.). As the story goes, Iowa native Ray Michael Sorenson, now a state representative, began drawing as a kid and painted the first large rock because he was inspired by the movie “Saving Private Ryan.”
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
MURAL TOUR
A public art tour of Fort Dodge wouldn’t be complete without getting out of the car to see the 110-foot Grain Silo Mural (727 Hawkeye Avenue) painted by Australian artist Guido van Helten.
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.
Like me, take time to walk the entire circumference of the silo, pausing to admire the artist’s handiwork completed during the winter years ago.
While admiring another downtown mural, I accidentally discovered The Starry Night (Central Ave. and South 9th St.) painted by Iowa Central Community College students.
The bus stop mural is made to look like the famous Vincent Van Gogh painting but also includes symbols of Fort Dodge’s skyline. The 2015 creation is a must-see.
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.
STATUES & SCULPTURES
You’ll see many statues and sculptures on display for your viewing enjoyment. A full-scale statue of Iowa Senator John F. Duncombe by artist Leonard Crunelle stands at Karl King Park (424 Central Ave.). He holds law books to represent his time in Fort Dodge as an attorney from 1855-1902.
Chronicle (9th St. and 1st Avenue S.) is a 15-foot sculpture by artist Dan Perry to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Fort Dodge. Not to be missed, the eye-catching art is approachable on foot if you use free on-street parking.
Click this link to view all of the public art pieces on display in Fort Dodge in one place.
SHINYTOP BREWING
Lunch at ShinyTop Brewing (520 Central Ave.) is a solid choice. They specialize in craft beer and delicious homemade pizza, but they also have a surprise menu item you only sometimes see at a brewery: mojitos.
We chose to drink No Stopping’ the Hoppin’ IPA and Hop Peach of Ash IPA with the Italian Stallion specialty pizza. Not all breweries that serve food do both well, but ShinyTop hits the mark.
The pizza was the perfect ratio of crust, sauce, and fresh ingredients, so it’s listed on the menu as “a crowd favorite.”
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.
Expect a relaxed lunchtime setting to enjoy a meal from a comfy booth beneath a wall covered in paintings by local artists.
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.
DOWNTOWN SHOPPING
STUDIO FUSION
Studio Fusion (21 S. 12th St.) is the place for the creative at heart to hone their glassmaking skills or learn a new craft. The DIY art studio specializes in fused glass, paint-your-own pottery, and canvas painting. The retail area showcases items for sale designed by local residents.
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.
Studio Fusion does not charge studio or glazing fees. Decide what glass design or pottery piece you’d like to work with and get started with guidance from the owner.
Your finished pottery piece or fused glass can be shipped to you once fired in the kiln.
PRO TIP: If you want to take a structured class to create a holiday project. check the Facebook events page for upcoming sessions.
THE APPLE ATTIC SHOP AT THE ORCHARD
If you visit The Community Orchard, you must walk upstairs to shop at The Apple Attic (2237 160th St.). I was told I would love what I saw, and boy, was my host right.
The shoppable home decor section features rustic-chic items, the kind you might see in a farmhouse design magazine.
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.
PRO TIP: You can also shop The Apple Attic online, and they will ship to your home.
THE GREEN DRAGON BOOKSHOP
Fort Dodge residents are lucky to have The Green Dragon Bookshop (9 N. 11 St.), and visitors are guaranteed to love it. I always appreciate an independent bookstore. This one, despite its quaint size, supplies hundreds of new and old titles with a large selection of sci-fi genre books.
The owner creatively used the towering space to incorporate tall bookcases decorated with sun-seeking plants.
Located on the 2023 Midwest Indie Bookstore Roadmap (my favorite resource to support local businesses), The Green Dragon Bookshop also carries whimsical gifts, stickers, and bookmarks.
PRO TIP: If you have a child or young adult reader in your household, they will appreciate The Green Dragon Bookshops’ up-to-date inventory.
DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT WALKING TOUR
The entire downtown district of Fort Dodge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its establishment in 1854.
Download a brochure before starting your trek to take a self-guided historic walking tour. I was enamored by the architecture along Central Avenue, starting at the City Square, where farmers once sold grain and hay at the market in 1880.
HIKING AND BIKING TRAILS
One of the best ways to get to know a place is to see it via the trail system. Fort Dodge and greater Webster County have paved, unpaved, and soft trails for adventurers, with 16 trails in town.
Download a map to select a nearby trail that meets your needs. Kiosk panels at trailheads near parking lots remind hikers and bikers of best practices.
BLANDEN MEMORIAL ART MUSEUM
A tour of Blanden Memorial Art Museum (920 3rd Avenue South) may leave you speechless. Three galleries house an impressive collection of American and European paintings, photography, Japanese prints, and African sculptures.
Like most unique discoveries in Fort Dodge, its phenomenal collection of artists’ works left me speechless. I was amazed to view works by Chagall, Warhol, Miro, Chihuly, and Stieglitz on display inside one of the oldest art museums in Iowa.
Outdoors, the lawn was adorned with sizable sculptures by artists who pushed the bounds of creativity.
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.
End your self-guided tour of Blanden Art Museum by signing the guest book and shopping the main floor gift store. A percentage of each sale funds programming and supports local artists.
PRO TIP: Carve out at least an hour of your day if you’re the type of museum-goer who likes to read each work’s details or ask questions of the staff. Inquire about the museum’s newly announced education center they plan to build soon.
OLDE BOSTON’S RESTAURANT & PUB
Dinner at Olde Boston’s Restaurant & Pub (809 Central Ave.) is an ideal way to wind down a day while enjoying a stacked made-to-order burger or sandwich.
Our Triple B and Bacon Cheeseburger meals were an incredible value the day of your visit at $8 with a side. To my delight, I opted for a side garden salad instead of fries, which arrived the size of a dinner salad. Des Moines Brewing Confluence IPA paired perfectly with it.
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 here.
SNACK SHACK
A summer day in Iowa is only complete with an ice cream stand visit. At Snack Shack (11 S. 16th St.), you can select from soft-serve in a cup or cone, malts and shakes, or sundaes and slashes.
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.
DAY 3
ARDYS MAE COFFEE AND DESSERT
The first thing to do after checking out of your hotel for the weekend is to stop at Ardys Mae Coffee and Dessert (14 S. 14th St.) for an in-house roasted cup of coffee, fruit smoothie, and light breakfast.
We reminisced about our favorite moments in Fort Dodge while enjoying a breakfast panini sandwich made with smoked pork loin, egg, and cheese. The fruit smoothie was one of the best I’ve tasted because it was made with fresh strawberries, not syrupy flavoring.
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.
PRO TIP: The café also serves lunch sandwiches with a cup or soup or stand. Ask about charcuterie boards. Preview the menu.
THE FORT MUSEUM AND FRONTIER VILLAGE
A trip to Fort Dodge is complete with a visit to its most famous museum. Founded in 1854, Fort Dodge has a historical military past. The Fort Museum and Frontier Village (1 Museum Rd.) make history come alive, showcasing artifacts, military memorabilia, and Native American art and tools.
You should start at the Trading Post Gift Shop to pay admission before starting your self-guided tour of the grounds.
The Fort Dodge Dragoons, the 1st U.S. Dragoons, marched to scout Iowa in 1835 after the Black Hawk Purchases of 1832 put the area under U.S. control. The march established outposts from present-day Fort Dodge. The Dragoon Trail is about 200 miles long, originating near the museum.
Fort Museum & Frontier Village welcomes visitors to tour original and replica mid-1800s to mid-1900s buildings and houses. As we walked in and out of the buildings, I was awe-struck by the robust collection of authentic artifacts inside each one.
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.
But what awaits inside one particular building beyond the military post entrance keeps visitors talking.
The Cardiff Giant is a replica 12-foot-long stone figure resting inside a small building. It was allegedly created when a New Yorker, George Hull, wanted to prove to a preacher that giants once walked the earth. He had the giant’s stone quarried at the Cardiff mine near Fort Dodge.
The naked giant rests with a precisely placed fig leaf in a building and continues to draw onlookers as Hull would have wanted.
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.
A self-guided tour of Fort Museum and Frontier Village helps you better understand who made the town what it is today.
BONUS THINGS TO DO
If you’re visiting during the summer like we did, shop at the Fort Dodge Farmer’s Market (11 N. 25th At.), open on Wednesdays from 2:00 p.m. -6:30 p.m. Hanging out downtown? Mosey over to the Fort Dodge Public Library (424 Central Ave.), where a row of rentable scooters wait to be used to tour the town’s downtown corridor.
Prefer to spend time exploring the outdoors rather than in town? Drive to Kennedy Park and Badger Lake (1415 Nelson Ave.) to walk trails or fish. A paved path leads to Terry Moehnke Veterans Memorial Park. Dolliver Memorial State Park (2757 Dolliver Park Ave.), a 30-minute drive south of town, is known for its breathtaking natural bluffs and view overlooking the Des Moines River Valley.
When visiting Blanden Art Museum, you will be in the Oak Hill Historic District, a four-block neighborhood of post-Civil War period homes. Although most are private residences, tour the area to see Vincent House, built in 1872 by James and Adeline Swain, a women’s rights advocate. The house is rentable for gatherings.
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.
You’ll feel the same after visiting Fort Dodge, which offers incredible things to do and see around every corner. It truly is a place to #DodgeTheOrdinary.
Opened in its original location in 2015, the cafe won Best Atmosphere for two years running by Restaurant Guru. You’ll love the casual, comfy ambiance of the café, which reminded me of The Perk in the TV show Friends. Trending music plays in the background as patrons sit at tables sipping coffee and bent over laptops. Paired-up friends chat about the day’s happenings.
It is nearly impossible to order at the register without spying on a delicious homemade pastry in the bakery case. The owner told me she had just pulled warm blueberry muffins from the oven so it was a no-brainer. It was the perfect pairing with my chai latté.
KC Wine Co. is not just a tasting room next to a vineyard. It’s a winery destination located on five acres with a multitude of things for visitors to enjoy.
Inside The Barrel Room, adults can savor tasting flights ranging from dry whites and reds to sweeter varieties. You’ll discover an expansive open-air building with outdoor seating and a scenic view of the vineyards just beyond its doors. An oversized KC Wine Co. lights up at night, providing a picture-worthy moment.
Plan your visit to the winery around one of their popular 
The red barn is also open to visitors. Walk inside to order a wine slushy, a pint of Free State Brewing Company craft beer, or a non-alcoholic beverage. Look for a seasonal display with a bench to take a photo with friends or family.
The building is a welcoming and beautifully designed space. The owners, who are brothers-in-law, did an incredible job creating both an indoor and outdoor patio space with you can sit back and be yourself, plus dogs are allowed on the patio.
The brewery quickly expanded from one barrel to five barrels since its opening last spring. Although they don’t off traditional beer flights, I wanted to taste all five of their brews ranging from an espresso stout to a golden ale. Each one tasted true to my character and exceeded my expectations. My favorite was Snap Chaps Western IPA, and lucky for me, I took a crowler home to enjoy later.
The food menu included a short list of flatbreads. When they told me that the brisket on the Meats Pizza was made by an American Royal award-winning barbecuer, 
My suite was a 456 sq. ft. living room separated from the bedroom by a privacy door. I appreciated its amenities, including free WiFi and a kitchen with a microwave and refrigerator. Each room had a 42-inch HDTV, and the king-size bed was as comfy and plush.
The five-generations, family-owned vineyard and winery produce more than 20 wines, hard ciders, and wine slushies. During my taproom visit, I discussed the winery’s history with the owner while savoring the “Thankful for Wine” $10 flight (5, 2oz pours), a wide-ranging selection of dry to sweet wines.
Their best-selling wine, Hoftoberfest, tastes semi-sweet with pineapple notes that finish crisp. I prefer full-body, dry reds, so, I was a fan of Zin XXI, which had blackberry and plum notes.
Outside, wine enthusiasts can take advantage of patio seating and covered seating inside a second building also available for group parties. I recommend planning your visit around the sunset hour.
I was impressed by the brewery’s ample space to unwind and craft beer. Locals grouped up at tables with a view of the game.
PRO TIP: The brewery is closed Mondays, so you’ll want to plan your visit when the brewery and the food truck are open. View the hours 
Ice cream, baked goods, and candy dominated the menu, and the place smelled like freshly made waffle cones. I opted for a double scoop of Rocky Road ice cream, but seriously, you can’t go wrong no matter your menu choice. I recommend taking a few minutes to view the Flavor Wall before committing to your ice cream order.
Not in the mood for ice cream? Choose a hazelnut iced coffee, latte, or vanilla macchiato from the Espresso Bar menu.
A quick scan of the shelves and I noticed that they sell their bagged coffee beans, so I kept it simple and ordered a tall drip coffee. Irresistible pastries stared back at me from the glass case. A warm strawberry homemade Pop-Tart and a slice of quiche tasted delightful while I watched it rain outside from a window seat. Nearby, a cabinet with jewelry, branded merchandise, and retail candles sat on display.
The owner of Junque Drawer also owns Holiday House across the street (101 W. Cedar), which is one-stop shopping for all things festive. Thematic rooms are designed by style and color creating Christmas decor and ornaments. Wait until you see the bathroom shower filled with pillows!
PRO TIP: Start on the third floor and work your way down, ending the shopping experience at the register. If you’re searching for a specific gift item, ask the friendly staff to point you in the right direction.
I recommend scanning the bakery case and the menu before ordering breakfast or lunch. I was searching for lighter fare and chose a flakey scratch-made croissant filled with chocolate. The chef could be seen in the kitchen busily cooking eggs for someone’s breakfast order.
PRO TIP: Don’t be surprised if they say you can pay for your order after dining in. Bring cash, or you must spend $5 for a credit card purchase.
The menu includes drool-inducing sandwiches like The Z-Man Sandwich, made with slow-smoked beef brisket topped with provolone cheese and onion rings. People rave about it for a good reason. It’s filling, so consider ordering the regular sandwich instead of the jumbo portion.
The food Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is putting out is pure kitchen magic. Do you want to try a variety of smoked meats? Order a Combo Sandwich or a Two Meat Dinner. Save room for dessert – ask about the seasonal dessert while ordering your meal. 
PRO TIP: Walk across the parking lot and check out 
The town’s first responders led a long trail of trucks and cars pulling floats. Kids sat in truckbeds poised with Supersoaker water blasters ready to spray parade bystanders. But the onlookers also had their own water canons! The energy was palpable as groups took their place on both sides of the railroad’s tracks that separated onlookers.
The restaurant is popular with locals who bring their families to dine on everything from buffalo wings and nachos to ribeyes and street tacos. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it on the 
Tables and shelves are stacked with jellies and jams, jarred pickles, candles, kitchen towels, artwork, and more. Walk past the register and you find yourself inside Miss Pretty Pickles, a boutique store that stocks plush toys and children’s clothes.
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the award-winning wines. They carry two dozen varieties of wine that are grown a short drive west of town. I was pleased to discover that they carried dry wines that were not overly sweet. However, if you’re someone who appreciates fruit-forward sweeter wines, you’re in luck. The store is an excellent place to bring a friend or purchase a gift for one.
You won’t leave empty-handed at Rosewood Winery Cellars. The inventory includes jars of gourmet relishes, salsas, honey, crackers, and more. If you’re on the lookout for a housewarming gift for someone, bath products, kitchenware, or aprons make shopping a breeze. Seasonal displays beckon home decor shoppers in search of accessories.
A short drive across downtown led me back to Main Street to view “Starting Line,” a 3,000-square-foot mural serving as the perfect backdrop for race fans. If you’re headed to the dragstrip west of town, make a detour to this mural for a selfie or group photo.
Directly across the same parking lot is another beautiful mural on the side of the building housing 
The sculptures outside of Barton County Courthouse in the center of downtown dot the landscape.
Situated in front of the 
If you’d prefer not to walk or drive to each public art installation, consider renting a free electric scooter. You’ll spot groupings of scooters sitting around the downtown corridor. Simply download 
I observed grizzly bears in a tall grass habitat lounging on rocks and inside a man-made pond. The siblings played with one another and splashed around under the waterfall providing an opportunity to observe the bears’ natural behavior. Later, I was given the chance to use a slingshot to toss apple slices to them, which they happily enjoyed. Would you feed a bear if given a chance? Watch a video of the experience 
Another amazing animal encounter was when I had the privilege of meeting a Great Horned Owl named Thurston. Raised in captivity since it was a baby on a Kansas farm, it wasn’t skittish around humans. In fact, I stood six feet from it as it mimicked the sounds a zookeeper called to it. It mimicked clucking sounds like a chicken! Today, Thurston comes along for zoo presentations to school children and small groups.
The sister lions in the photo below took an interest in me. Perhaps it was because I was tagging along with a zookeeper. Whatever the reason, it was fascinating watching them sun themselves and flick their tails.
The male African lion was inside a building out of sight, but I heard that he is large for his size and most certainly dominates his territory.
After winding your way through the zoo (colorful murals painted by school children), head inside to check out the reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates housed in aquariums. The education center consists of informative displays to aid visitors in understanding the life of raptors. If you’re lucky, you may see a veterinarian at work on the other side of the display window.
You’ll find the zoo’s animals awe-inspiring and the staff to be cordial. They welcome school groups if reservations are booked in advance. Please consider making a donation near the cashier’s counter inside the gift shop. A surprise awaits those who choose to drop in bills or coins inside the box.
During a return visit to Great Bend, I hope to spend time at 
So much had changed since my childhood visit to Great Bend. It’s more than just another Kansas town surrounded by farm fields. Located 95 miles outside of northwest Wichita, it is worth the two-hour drive.
You can’t miss it as you drive down the street. The tall white columns, brick architecture, and sheer size capture the attention of passersby. I was the first guest to check in on the day of my overnight stay, so I was able to peek inside each of the themed bedrooms and tour the home’s main level.
My accommodations in the German Room included private access to a newly remodeled bathroom with modern amenities. The queen bed was comfortable, and the room’s antique vanity and large closet provided ample space to store personal items.
In the morning, I enjoyed a complimentary breakfast of frittata, potatoes, berries, and hot coffee in the company of other early-morning risers in the formal dining room.
To reserve a room at Gufler Mansion Bed & Breakfast for a single night or overnight stay, visit the 
Popular with residents, including college students, it also serves as a retail space selling whimsical gifts. Shoppers in search of puzzles and uniquely crafted artwork are in luck.
PRO TIP: Before walking into the cafe space, stop at the 
Stacked burgers, Philly sandwiches, po’boys, and hot wings dominate the 
The restaurant was packed with diners, and seating at times was limited. Thankfully, they also offer outdoor patio seating, and you can order via drive-up or by phone for carry-out. An employee behind the counter busily blended shakes while others flipped burgers on a flat-top grill. The local hangout sign in the background read, “Come In. We Are Awesome.”
As I munched on my sandwich, I watched the movie “Popeye” on the dining room’s flatscreen TV. A wall of bottled sauces and locally made beef jerky sat for sale nearby. Just as I was about to finish my meal, the owner stopped by to visit.
I learned from him that The Reaper Burger Challenge attracts brave customers willing to endure the super spicy sandwich to make a name for themselves and win a free t-shirt. He confessed it was such a daunting task to finish the budget that not even he could finish the burger.
The hipster ambiance meets mid-century modern, with areas of the restaurant devoted to lounging or sipping on a cocktail while listening to live instrumental music. A gas fireplace is a focal point flanked by jewel-tone velvet couches giving off a speakeasy vibe.
Negronis (pick your adventure) are their specialty. I chose Underwood Rose Bubbles served in beautiful glassware. After dinner, coffee drinks and non-alcoholic drinks are available.
Shared plates, appetizers, and the soup of the day rotate. I chose the Smoked Salmon Salad with perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs, and warm bacon dressing served over micro greens and spinach. Ordering dessert wasn’t up for debate. The owner baked cheesecake while I was there, so I ordered a peanut butter & chocolate cheesecake slice to go. HEAVEN. You can expect big-city style, eclectic design, and attentive service.
You can expect to find at least a half dozen craft beers on tap at any time. After ordering a flight (6, 5oz pours $12), I can attest to the quality of the selection. When it comes to craft beer, I typically like IPAs, but I fell hard for Chile Margarita Gose and Mojito Hard Seltzer. Each was uniquely flavored and refreshing.
After working up an appetite, I order the Chicken Bacon Avocado sandwich with a side of broccoli salad. Seated at the bar, 90s rock music played while I chatted off and on with the friendly bartenders. The food was freshly prepared by Chef Bays, and it showed in its flavor and presentation. Before leaving, I ordered a Meat Eater 12″ pizza and a homemade dill ranch for the road. It sounded too delicious to resist, and it met my expectations.
White and his family hosted friends and dignitaries (5 presidents visited) in the red Colorado sandstone home. The newsman declined Frank Lloyd Wright’s design drawings for the house, but upon touring, you’ll recognize some of his design style in its interior.
Six bedrooms and three full baths are furnished with many of the family’s prized possessions. Look for White’s infamous top hat next to the bed and the jaguar rug gifted to him by President Theodore Roosevelt. My favorite artifact is White’s original typewriter in the upstairs study.
Generations of the White family carried on the father’s legacy of running the 
PRO TIP: Admission to the home is reasonably priced at $6 for adults and $3 for children. Start your tour experience inside the Visitor’s Center. Watch the introductory film about White’s life and career and peruse the artifacts.
I appreciated the prairie dogs’ exhibit the most because they were interactive with one another. Two males played joyfully while the others zoomed to and from their underground holes in between lunchtime bites.
Other areas of the zoo facility include a children’s play area and Zoo Education Center. The park is open Sunday-Saturday, 10 am-4:30 pm.
During my park tour, I stumbled upon Monkey Island, which once was surrounded by a moat and housed rhesus monkeys. As you stroll across the park, you’ll find aquatic birds and turtles enjoying the four-acre lake
The well-established trees provided ample shade in different areas of the park. Picnic tables invite you to bring your lunch and enjoy the beautiful setting.
PRO TIP: Take a selfie with the bronze Peter Pan statue. The land was donated by the town’s most famous resident, William Allen White, and named after his daughter’s nickname.
Serious disc golfers travel from afar to compete in the PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Champions in late summer/early fall. The park includes two courses providing golfers a chance to showcase their athleticism.
The receptionist was happy to give me a casual tour of the warehouse which started in the employee lounge. If ever there was a place you would want to work as a disc golfer, it would be there. The employee kitchen included a kegerator, a smoothie station, and copious snack options. Visiting tournament golfers can watch the competition from a flatscreen TV in the lobby.
PRO TIP: The facility doesn’t include a retail store. However, you can purchase discs at the 
As you walk the downtown corridor, keep your eyes peeled for 
Cycling for long distances on Kansas gravel roads is a popular endurance sport in the Emporia area. 
The 
PRO TIP: Walk into the 
Today, it is a tasting room where guests can sip on moonshine while appreciating the building’s historical photographs framed on the walls. If you need help deciding what to order, ask for a sample sip (free) and then select from the distillery’s cocktail menu. The King ($7) made with peanut butter moonshine, banana liqueur, and chocolate bitters go down smooth.
PRO TIP: Take home a bottle of moonshine available for sale in the merchandise area of the tasting room.
Non-wine drinkers will appreciate the Bourbon, scotch, whiskey, and tequila flights or complete bar offerings. The flatbread pizzas are a popular order.
When the owners are not busy making wine or socializing with customers, they also make preserves, jams, and jellies available for sale in the tasting room.
The veteran-owned and operated winery’s tasting room is centrally located downtown across from Hay Market Square. They are open for wine tastings and retail shopping. I chose a seat at the tasting room counter and ordered the Tasting of the Month, a flight of five selections.
A flight lets you discover a wine you will appreciate the most – take home a bottle for your personal collection. They also sell jarred jellies and gifts for all of the wine lovers in your life.
Established in 2014, the tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday year-round for wine tasting flights, slushies (non-alcoholic available), hard ciders, and beers. After selecting four one-ounce pours for my dry wine flight, we exited to the partially sun-drenched patio. I preferred to sip Petite Pearl, a medium-bodied blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Aronia.
The tasting room also serves flatbread naan and artisan pizza prepared fresh to order with farm-to-table ingredients.
Located on 10 acres, the tasting room is open Thursday-Sunday from 12 pm-5 pm or by appointment. Marc and Pame Rowe have operated the vineyard since 2005 and depend on volunteers to help them harvest grapes from over 3,000 vines.
I recommend bringing someone with you to the tasting room, and each purchases a different flight so you can sample all of the wines. When in doubt, choose the dry to semi-sweet flight. Bottles range from $17-$18, and fruit wine bottles are $16. View the current list of wines available 
An indoor tasting room also serves about a dozen wine drinkers at a time. Bottles of wine are available for purchase. I recommend arriving when they open on the weekend to avoid waiting to be served, or you can book a tasting 
There is always a fun event planned at the winery. Check 
The building has been several businesses over the years but has always remained a memorable landmark on the edge of downtown Shawnee.
Reservations are highly recommended; however, I stopped by the castle for a wine flight during the late afternoon between meal times and was served swiftly in the bar area. I chose Reds of the World, a flight that included three pours from Portugal, Washington, and Spain ($16). Premium wine flights are $26. I loved them all.
A popular venue for hosting weddings, receptions, and private parties, the barn below is available for rental. A nearby patio attached to the tasting room provides outdoor seating.
Visit the tasting room to enjoy the winery’s long list of varieties, order a wine flight or ask about the Wine of the Week. I would highly recommend asking for a guided tour to fully appreciate the winery. Visitors can schedule an informative tour by appointment.
Can’t make it to a winery? Tune into the KNSS 98.7FM radio show, 
The woman behind the counter the added two donuts to my to-go bag and thanked me for coming into the bakery for the first time. She (and the owner) had worked since 8pm the night before to prepare donuts. Wow!
My 
The rest of the hotel’s amenities were equally as nice. Every morning, guests enjoy a full complimentary breakfast adjacent to the lobby. For those not staying for a morning meal, a self-serve coffee bar is available just beyond the spacious lobby.
Although the hotel had an indoor pool and fitness equipment on-site, I opted to get my exercise by walking directly across the street to The Legends Outlets for a little retail therapy. If you choose to stay at the hotel, I know you’ll find it impressive. To search for available rooms and rates, visit 
Visitors can also enjoy outdoor sculptures and public art displays at almost every turn. As you wind your way around the complex, you’ll notice that each one pays homage to legendary Kansans who made their mark in history. The courtyards and corridor showcase the stories of Amelia Earhart, Clyde Cessna, and Buster Keaton.
In fact, if you happen to have someone in your group that doesn’t prefer shopping, they can easily be entertained by walking the grounds and learning about the movers and shakers who made Kansas what it is today. A yellow brick road gives a nod to the Wizard of Oz while native grasses surround towering sculptures.
At Christmas time, the annual lighting of the holiday tree in the center of the courtyard brings hundreds to the area. Families can follow the event with a movie night at AMC Theatre Legends 14. The movie theatre includes 14 screens and one of them is four stories tall with a VIP balcony lounge. Later, the family can head to Santa’s Mail Station to drop the kids’ letters to the North Pole.
Aside from racks and shelves filled with the latest outdoor gear, the retail store is filled with taxidermy including the world’s largest collection of trophy mule deer.
The second floor of the retail store is where deal hounds need to shop. Clothing and shoes labeled with end-of-the-year deep discounts on outdoor equipment are found in the Blowout Sale Room. If you’re looking for a new coat, pair of boots, or flannel shirt that is slightly out of season, you’ll find it here.
As I was exiting the salesroom, I heard a familiar sound “Ho ho ho, big guy! Do you like candy canes?” It was Santa! He was greeting children waiting in line with their parents to have their photo taken with the jolly fellow. Cabela’s is known for hosting events like this one, so be sure to check their 
I noticed dozens of table games including roulette and craps. Walking through the casino, it was easy to find a game to play. The 12-table Poker Room was bustling. Prefer video poker? Pull up a chair and inside your casino card to start a game.
With access to several bars and restaurants, casino players can satisfy their cravings for a delicious meal between gameplay. Final Cut Steakhouse’s menu offers fine dining selections and they promote meal deals during the holidays. What could be better than celebrating a jackpot with a steak dinner and a cocktail?
A friendly bartender greeted me and served up a heaping bowl of chips with salsa and an ice-cold Corona. The menu has more entree choices on it than you can imagine, and by the looks of the plates in front of diners around the restaurant, the portions were going to be massive.
When I have a food craving, there isn’t any denying it. I created a combination meal consisting of a chile relleño and a taco with rice and refried beans. I’ve ordered chile relleños in many places and I know a good one when I taste it. The cheese was delicious and the battered and fried pepper was perfectly crisp.
The restaurant’s setting was colorful and vibrant from the plates to the decor on the walls. TVs surrounded the bar area allowing patrons to watch the game at any time. About eight varieties of tequila bottles lined the back of the bar. The bartender stayed busy filling the margarita machine with fresh-made mix (he makes about 20 gallons a day!).
Directly across the street, I spotted a gigantic mural depicting what appeared to be a laborer. Kansan Printer (901 N. 8th St.) is a mural highlighting a printer at a hand press to honor the workers of the Kansas City Kansan newspaper. The building it is painted on housed the newspaper plant for 80 years.
Before leaving the downtown area, I spied another beautiful mural worthy of a photo, Facing the Past, Looking Into the Future (751 Minnesota Ave.). It showcases the story of the modern and traditional Hmong culture by highlighting work, play, and celebration. The vibrant colors can’t be missed as you drive down Minnesota Avenue.
To view an online map of the Avenue of Murals Project and other street art finds including sculptures in the area, click 
The bbq joint is known for its ribs, serving perfectly charred but moist burnt ends, and a host of mouthwatering side dishes. They’ve been in the biz since the Pearce brothers began touring the barbecue competition circuit. The restaurant serves healthy portions of smoked meat to diners looking for authentic Kansas City bbq.
I took my place in line and waited about 20 minutes until it was my turn to order dinner. The outdoor seating area was filled with families, so I ordered a meat combo plate to go.
When in Kansas City, you simply must eat at 
Kansas City, Kansas is where you go when you want to eat like the locals. It’s also a mecca for destination shopping, mural hunting, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Rich with history dating back to when Lewis & Clark arrived at Kaw Point in 1804 to today’s vibrant community, Kansas City is an urban area that quickly wins you over.
