Mulberry KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mulberry, Kansas.
1. Prairie State Park
NATURAL PRAIRIE LANDSCAPE
Prairie State Park offers visitors a glimpse into Kansas's natural prairie landscape with hiking trails through native grasslands. Visitors can observe wildlife including bison and prairie chickens in their natural habitat. The park provides educational programs about prairie ecology and conservation efforts throughout the year.
2. Miners Hall Museum
LOCAL MINING HERITAGE
Miners Hall Museum preserves the rich mining heritage of Mulberry and the surrounding Crawford County area. The museum features exhibits on coal mining tools, photographs, and personal stories from former miners and their families. It serves as an important cultural center documenting the immigrant experience and labor history in southeast Kansas.
3. Veterans Memorial Amphitheater
HONORING MILITARY SERVICE
Veterans Memorial Amphitheater stands as a tribute to local military service members from Mulberry and surrounding communities. The amphitheater hosts patriotic ceremonies, concerts, and community gatherings throughout the year. Its thoughtful design provides a peaceful space for reflection and remembrance of those who served.
4. Crawford County Historical Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
Crawford County Historical Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts documenting the region's development since settlement. Exhibits include pioneer tools, household items, and photographs that tell the story of daily life through different eras. The museum offers guided tours that highlight the area's agricultural, industrial, and cultural evolution.
5. Kiddieland
FAMILY FUN DESTINATION
Kiddieland provides family-friendly entertainment with rides and activities suitable for young children. The attraction maintains a nostalgic atmosphere while offering modern amenities for visitor comfort. Its affordable pricing makes it a popular destination for local families and visitors from surrounding communities.
6. Mulberry City Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTER
Mulberry City Park offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities including a playground and ballfield. The park features fishing facilities and RV accommodations for travelers wanting to experience small-town Kansas hospitality. Located at 800 N Military Ave, this community gathering space serves as the heart of outdoor activity in Mulberry.
7. Wild Iris Event Center
VERSATILE CELEBRATION VENUE
Wild Iris Event Center provides a charming venue for weddings, reunions, and community gatherings in Mulberry. The center offers customizable spaces that blend rustic charm with modern conveniences for various event needs. Located at 999 E 620th Ave, it has become a focal point for celebrations in eastern Crawford County.
8. Historic Mulberry Grove
ORIGINAL SETTLEMENT SITE
Historic Mulberry Grove marks the original settlement site founded by N.W. Taylor around 1866 in a beautiful stand of wild mulberry trees. This area once served as a camping ground for Osage Indians during hunting expeditions and later for frontiersmen traveling the military road. Visitors can learn about the town's unique origin story, including its ambitious beginnings as a potential silk production center.
9. Pittsburg State University
REGIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION
Pittsburg State University, located near Mulberry in Pittsburg, offers academic programs and cultural events open to the public. The university's Bicknell Family Center for the Arts hosts concerts, theatrical productions, and art exhibits throughout the year. Campus tours provide visitors insight into the institution's history and its significance to southeastern Kansas.
10. Big Brutus
MASSIVE MINING SHOVEL
Big Brutus stands as the world's largest electric shovel, towering at 160 feet tall near Mulberry in West Mineral. This massive mining relic has been preserved as a museum where visitors can climb aboard and experience the scale of coal mining operations that once dominated the region. The surrounding visitor center documents the history of strip mining in southeast Kansas with photographs and artifacts.
11. Crawford County Farmers Market
LOCAL AGRICULTURAL SHOWCASE
Crawford County Farmers Market brings together local producers from Mulberry and surrounding communities to offer fresh produce, handcrafted items, and specialty foods. The market operates seasonally, providing a social gathering space where visitors can connect directly with farmers and artisans. Its focus on locally-grown products supports the agricultural heritage of the region while promoting sustainable food systems.
12. Chicken Annie's Original
LEGENDARY FRIED CHICKEN
Chicken Annie's Original serves legendary fried chicken that has attracted diners to the region near Mulberry since 1934. The restaurant's history began when Annie Pichler started serving meals to coal miners from her home during the Depression era. Today, it continues to draw visitors from across the country who want to experience the famous Southeast Kansas chicken tradition.
13. Frontenac Bakery
AUTHENTIC EUROPEAN PASTRIES
Frontenac Bakery produces authentic European-style pastries and bread using recipes brought to the area by immigrant coal miners. The bakery's specialties include povitica, a traditional Eastern European sweet bread, and Italian cookies that reflect the diverse cultural heritage of the region near Mulberry. Visitors often make special trips to purchase these handcrafted baked goods that connect present-day residents with their ancestral culinary traditions.
14. Kansas Crossing Casino
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Kansas Crossing Casino offers gaming entertainment near Mulberry with slot machines, table games, and regular poker tournaments. The complex includes dining options ranging from casual to upscale, featuring regional specialties and contemporary cuisine. Its event center hosts concerts, comedy shows, and special events that draw visitors from throughout the Four States region.
15. Crawford State Park
LAKESIDE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Crawford State Park encompasses a 150-acre lake with opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming near Mulberry. The park features hiking trails that wind through woodlands and meadows, offering wildlife viewing and scenic overlooks. Camping facilities range from primitive sites to modern cabins, making it a popular destination for weekend getaways throughout the year.