Council Grove KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Council Grove, Kansas.
1. Council Grove Reservoir
WATER RECREATION PARADISE
Council Grove Reservoir is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts offering fishing, boating, and camping opportunities. The reservoir spans across a beautiful section of the Flint Hills region, providing scenic views and outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including swimming, water skiing, and relaxing on the shoreline.
2. Kaw Mission State Historic Site
NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY
Kaw Mission State Historic Site preserves an important piece of Kansas history where the Kaw (Kansa) Indian boys were taught agricultural and mechanical skills in the 1850s. The limestone building now serves as a museum featuring exhibits about the Kaw Nation and the Santa Fe Trail. Visitors can explore the historic structures and learn about the complex relationships between Native Americans and settlers in the region.
3. Allegawaho Heritage Memorial Park
KAW NATION HERITAGE
Allegawaho Heritage Memorial Park honors the heritage of the Kaw (Kansa) Nation with interpretive displays and natural trails. The park encompasses the last reservation of the Kaw people before their forced relocation to Oklahoma in 1873. Visitors can walk among native tallgrass prairie, visit a traditional earth lodge replica, and gain insight into the cultural history of Kansas's indigenous people.
4. Riverbank Brewing
LOCAL CRAFT BEER
Riverbank Brewing offers locally crafted beers in a relaxed atmosphere in historic Council Grove. This microbrewery serves up a variety of handcrafted ales and lagers alongside tasty food options. Visitors can enjoy the small-town charm while sampling unique brews named after local landmarks and history.
5. Hays House 1857
HISTORIC RESTAURANT LANDMARK
Hays House 1857 is proudly known as the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi River. This historic establishment once served famous patrons like Jesse James and General Custer during the heyday of the Santa Fe Trail. Today, diners can enjoy homestyle Kansas cooking in the same building that has welcomed travelers for over 165 years.
6. Flint Hills Trail State Park
SCENIC RAILROAD TRAIL
Flint Hills Trail State Park offers over 117 miles of converted rail-trail stretching across east-central Kansas, with Council Grove serving as a key access point. The trail winds through the stunning tallgrass prairie landscapes, creek crossings, and historic communities that define the Flint Hills region. Hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders can experience the natural beauty of Kansas while enjoying this well-maintained recreational corridor.
7. Council Oak Park
HISTORIC TREATY SITE
Council Oak Park preserves the stump of the historic oak tree where U.S. commissioners and Osage chiefs negotiated a treaty in 1825. This significant site gave Council Grove its name and marked an important agreement that allowed free passage along the Santa Fe Trail. A protective shelter now covers the remains of this historic tree that played a crucial role in American westward expansion.
8. Hermit's Cave
MYSTERIOUS HISTORIC DWELLING
Hermit's Cave tells the fascinating story of an Italian priest who lived in this natural rock formation for five months before embarking on a 550-mile journey to Las Vegas, Nevada. Located near the heart of Council Grove, this unusual historic site offers a glimpse into frontier life and religious devotion. Visitors can view the cave and learn about the mysterious hermit who once called it home.
9. Trail Days Historic Site
SANTA FE TRAIL IMMERSION
Trail Days Historic Site offers visitors an immersive experience of Santa Fe Trail history through food, stories, settings, and artifacts. The site includes both a museum and café where travelers can step back in time to the era of westward expansion. Exhibits and interpretive displays help bring to life the challenges and triumphs of those who traveled the historic trail.
10. Morris County Historical Society
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
Morris County Historical Society preserves and protects the rich history of the region through its extensive collection of artifacts and genealogical records. The society maintains exhibits that showcase the development of Council Grove and surrounding communities from frontier outpost to modern small town. Visitors can research family histories or simply explore the cultural heritage of this historically significant area.
11. Durland Park
HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS PARK
Durland Park serves as a central gathering place featuring several historic attractions including the old Cowboy Jail built in 1871 and a historic Train Depot & Caboose. The park provides shaded picnic facilities where visitors can enjoy lunch while exploring Council Grove's history. Families appreciate the playground equipment and the park's convenient location for accessing multiple historic sites in one stop.
12. Madonna of the Trail
PIONEER WOMEN MONUMENT
Madonna of the Trail monument honors the pioneer mothers who traveled westward during the covered wagon days along the Santa Fe Trail. Erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution, this statue is one of twelve identical monuments placed along historic trails across the United States. The monument stands as a testament to the courage and determination of women who helped settle the American frontier.
13. Last Chance Store
HISTORIC TRADING POST
The Last Chance Store stands as the oldest commercial building in Council Grove and served as the final opportunity for Santa Fe Trail travelers to purchase supplies before heading west. Built in the 1850s, this historic structure has been preserved as a testament to Council Grove's importance as a frontier trading post. Today, visitors can tour the building and imagine the bustling commerce that once took place within its walls.
14. Post Office Oak
NATURAL MAIL SYSTEM
Post Office Oak served as a natural mail station for travelers along the Santa Fe Trail during the mid-19th century. Messages were left in a cache at the base of this massive oak tree for future travelers to collect and deliver further along the trail. Although the original tree is no longer standing, the site commemorates this ingenious communications system used by pioneers before formal postal services reached the frontier.
15. Council Grove City Lake
SERENE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Council Grove City Lake offers a more intimate alternative to the larger reservoir with fishing, boating, and shoreline recreation. The lake is surrounded by the beautiful Flint Hills landscape, providing a peaceful setting for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy camping facilities, hiking opportunities, and wildlife viewing in this scenic natural area.