Labette KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Labette, Kansas.
1. Curious Minds Discovery Zone
INTERACTIVE LEARNING FOR KIDS
Curious Minds Discovery Zone is an interactive children's museum in Parsons that offers hands-on learning experiences. The facility features various educational exhibits designed to stimulate creativity and critical thinking in young visitors. Children can explore science, art, and technology through engaging activities in a safe environment.
2. Harrison Family Hickory Hole
LOCAL CULINARY TREASURE
Harrison Family Hickory Hole is a beloved local restaurant known for its authentic barbecue and hickory-smoked meats. The family-owned establishment has been serving the Labette County community with traditional Kansas-style barbecue for generations. Visitors can enjoy a casual dining atmosphere with hearty portions and homestyle sides.
3. Parsons Farmers Market
FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE
Parsons Farmers Market offers a vibrant selection of locally grown produce and handcrafted goods from area vendors. Shoppers can find seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked goods, and artisanal crafts while connecting with local farmers and producers. The market serves as a community gathering place that celebrates the agricultural heritage of Labette County.
4. Labette County Disc Golf Courses
OUTDOOR RECREATION DESTINATION
Labette County boasts five 18-hole disc golf courses spread throughout the region, offering enthusiasts multiple venues to enjoy this popular outdoor activity. Each course features unique terrain, from wooded areas to open prairie, providing varying levels of challenge for players of all skill levels. These courses have become regional attractions for disc golf tournaments and casual play alike.
5. First Presbyterian Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS SITE
First Presbyterian Church in Parsons is recognized as an American Presbyterian and Reformed Historical Site. The church features beautiful architecture and stands as an important landmark in the religious history of the region. Visitors can appreciate both the historical significance and the architectural details of this well-preserved structure.
6. Peace Garden
VETERANS MEMORIAL SPACE
Peace Garden serves as a solemn tribute to those who served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The memorial provides a tranquil space for reflection and remembrance, honoring the sacrifices made by local service members. Visitors can explore the garden's thoughtful design and commemorative elements that pay respect to veterans.
7. Replica of the Statue of Liberty
PATRIOTIC LOCAL MONUMENT
Parsons is home to a replica of the Statue of Liberty, offering visitors a taste of American patriotism in the heart of Kansas. The miniature Lady Liberty stands as a symbol of freedom and democracy, mirroring its famous New York counterpart on a smaller scale. The monument provides a unique photo opportunity and reminder of national values in this small Midwestern community.
8. John A. Mathews Park
HISTORIC KANSAS LANDMARK
John A. Mathews Park marks the site of an everlasting spring that was used by Native American tribes for generations before becoming the first known white settlement in southern Kansas. The park features an old well that represents the improvements made by early settlers like John Mathews, who served as a blacksmith for the Osage tribe around 1841. This historical landmark offers visitors a tangible connection to the region's pre-Civil War era history and the cultural exchanges between Native Americans and European settlers.
9. KATY Caboose Number 109
RAILROAD HERITAGE DISPLAY
KATY Caboose Number 109 is a preserved railroad car that celebrates Labette County's strong connection to America's early railroad expansion. The historic caboose stands as a testament to the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (KATY) Railroad that played a crucial role in the development of the region. Visitors can view this authentic piece of transportation history that represents an important chapter in the county's economic development.
10. Veterans Honor Roll
MILITARY SERVICE TRIBUTE
The Veterans Honor Roll in Labette County displays the names of local residents who served in various military conflicts throughout American history. This memorial serves as a permanent recognition of the community's contributions to national defense and military service. Visitors can pay their respects while learning about the county's proud tradition of patriotism and sacrifice.
11. First State Bank Building
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN ARCHITECTURE
The First State Bank building represents an important piece of Labette County's commercial architectural heritage. The structure features design elements typical of early 20th century financial institutions in rural America, showcasing the prosperity and development of the region. Today, the historic building stands as a reminder of the county's economic evolution and the role of local banking in community growth.
12. Veterans Memorial Auditorium-Gymnasium
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Veterans Memorial Auditorium-Gymnasium serves as both a tribute to military service members and a functional community facility in Labette County. The multipurpose space hosts sporting events, performances, and public gatherings throughout the year. This important venue combines historical significance with practical community use, making it central to local culture and recreation.
13. Parish of Sacred Heart
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS HERITAGE
The Parish of Sacred Heart in Chetopa represents an important part of the religious heritage in Labette County. The historic church building features traditional ecclesiastical architecture that has served the Catholic community for generations. Visitors can appreciate both the spiritual significance and the historical value of this longstanding religious institution.
14. Labette County Wildlife Areas
NATURAL OUTDOOR PARADISE
Labette County Wildlife Areas offer an astounding abundance of wildlife and natural habitats ranging from Ozark forests to rolling prairie landscapes. These diverse ecosystems attract hundreds of visitors each year who come to fish, hunt, hike, or simply enjoy the expansive great outdoors. The natural areas showcase the unique geographical transition that makes Labette County a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts in Southeast Kansas.
15. Oswego Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
Oswego Historical Museum preserves the rich cultural heritage of Labette County through its collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents. The museum highlights the area's strong historical ties to the pre-civil war era and the western expansion of the early American railroad. Visitors can explore exhibits that tell the story of the region's development from Native American settlements through pioneer days to modern times.