Dunlap KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dunlap, Kansas.
1. Dunlap Colored Cemetery
HISTORIC AFRICAN AMERICAN SITE
The Dunlap Colored Cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is located approximately one-half mile north and east of the town of Dunlap. The cemetery contains burials dating from 1880 to 1993, preserving the heritage of the Exoduster settlement. It stands as one of the best-preserved historical sites in the area, documenting the African American migration to Kansas after the Civil War.
2. Historic Methodist Church
PRESERVED LOCAL LANDMARK
The Historic Methodist Church in Dunlap was donated to the Morris County Historical Society after the congregation disbanded in 2014. It currently stands as the best-maintained building in Dunlap, offering visitors a glimpse into the town's religious past. The preserved church structure represents an important piece of Dunlap's cultural heritage.
3. Former KATY Railway Depot
RAILROAD HISTORY SITE
The former Missouri-Kansas-Texas (KATY) Railway Depot in Dunlap once served as the transportation hub for the thriving community. Visitors can observe the remains of this historic structure that connected Dunlap to the wider region during the town's boom years. The depot site offers a tangible connection to the railroad history that was vital to the development of small Kansas towns.
4. Dunlap Historic Downtown
GHOST TOWN EXPLORATION
Dunlap's Historic Downtown area features numerous abandoned buildings and foundations that testify to the town's more prosperous times. Visitors can walk along sidewalks that now lead to nowhere, observing the paint-peeling houses and concrete remnants of former businesses. The virtual ghost town provides a haunting yet fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century small-town Kansas life.
5. Council Grove Historic District
SANTA FE TRAIL TOWN
Council Grove Historic District, located just nine miles northwest of Dunlap, features numerous well-preserved buildings from the Santa Fe Trail era. Visitors can explore more than 24 historic sites within walking distance, including the Last Chance Store, Hays House Restaurant, and the Kaw Mission. The district offers a compelling look at Kansas frontier history and its role as an important stopping point on the Santa Fe Trail.
6. Kaw Mission State Historic Site
NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY
The Kaw Mission State Historic Site in nearby Council Grove was established in 1851 as a school for children of the Kaw (or Kansa) Nation. The stone building now serves as a museum that tells the story of the Kaw people, the Santa Fe Trail, and early Kansas settlements. Exhibits include artifacts, photographs, and educational displays about the cultural interactions between Native Americans and white settlers.
7. Hays House Restaurant
OLDEST RESTAURANT WEST
Hays House Restaurant in Council Grove was established in 1857 and claims the title of oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi River. The historic establishment has served as a restaurant, tavern, mail distribution point, courtroom, and community gathering place throughout its long history. Today, diners can enjoy traditional American cuisine in the same space where historical figures like Jesse James and General George Custer once dined.
8. Council Grove Lake
OUTDOOR RECREATION DESTINATION
Council Grove Lake offers 3,200 acres of water and 40 miles of shoreline for various outdoor activities near Dunlap. Visitors can enjoy fishing for channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, crappie and walleye, along with boating, camping, and hiking opportunities. The lake's surrounding parklands provide wildlife viewing areas and picnic facilities for day-use visitors.
9. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
NATIVE GRASSLAND ECOSYSTEM
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve protects one of the last remaining stands of tallgrass prairie in North America, located about 30 miles from Dunlap. Visitors can explore hiking trails through rolling hills where bison herds have been reintroduced to their native habitat. The preserve includes historic ranch buildings, including a three-story limestone mansion and barn that tell the story of cattle ranching in the Flint Hills.
10. Ad Astra Food & Drink
LOCAL FARM-TO-TABLE DINING
Ad Astra Food & Drink in nearby Strong City offers a farm-to-table dining experience featuring ingredients sourced from local Flint Hills producers. The restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored historic building in downtown Strong City, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Their menu changes seasonally to showcase the best of Kansas cuisine with creative twists on traditional favorites.
11. Pioneer Bluffs
HISTORIC RANCH EXPERIENCE
Pioneer Bluffs, located near Matfield Green about 40 miles from Dunlap, is a historic ranch that offers visitors a glimpse into early 20th-century ranching life. The preserved 1908 farmhouse, restored barn, and outbuildings host educational programs and events focused on Flint Hills heritage and sustainable agriculture. Visitors can take self-guided tours of the grounds and enjoy the beautiful tallgrass prairie vistas surrounding the property.
12. Emma Chase Café
SMALL-TOWN MUSIC VENUE
The Emma Chase Café in Cottonwood Falls is known for its Friday night music jams that bring together local musicians and visitors for evenings of live entertainment. The café serves homestyle cooking in a casual, friendly atmosphere that embodies small-town Kansas charm. Visitors can enjoy hearty meals before exploring the historic Chase County Courthouse just across the street.
13. Chase County Courthouse
ICONIC LIMESTONE ARCHITECTURE
The Chase County Courthouse in Cottonwood Falls is the oldest operating courthouse in Kansas, built of local limestone in the French Renaissance style in 1873. Visitors can admire the stunning three-story spiral staircase that winds from the first floor to the third, made of walnut and constructed without nails. The courthouse stands as an architectural masterpiece on the prairie and offers guided tours that share the building's history and significance.
14. Emporia Granada Theatre
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Granada Theatre in Emporia, about 35 miles from Dunlap, is a beautifully restored 1929 movie palace that now hosts live performances, films, and community events. The theatre's atmospheric Spanish Colonial Revival architecture features ornate detailing, a starry ceiling, and historic charm that has been carefully preserved. Visitors can attend various shows throughout the year while experiencing the grandeur of this historic entertainment venue.
15. Mulready's Pub
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Mulready's Pub in Emporia offers an impressive selection of craft beers, with dozens of rotating taps featuring local Kansas breweries and international selections. The pub occupies a historic downtown building with exposed brick walls, creating a cozy atmosphere for beer enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Their menu includes pub fare designed to complement the beer selection, making it a popular gathering spot for locals and travelers exploring the region near Dunlap.