This Is The Most Hospitable Town In Kansas

When you take the yellow brick road in Kansas (figuratively speaking), you might expect to see things like the Oz Museum, Monument Rocks, and the Cosmosphere. You would be right, as these are among the most famous attractions in the state. What you might miss out on is the hospitality of small-town Kansas if you only stick to visiting the well-known places. So, why not take the yellow brick road less travelled, so to speak, and get to know the most hospitable small town in America’s Heartland? Council Grove is a Santa Fe Trail Town and, as such, is recognized as one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas History. Here, you can immerse yourself in the fascinating history while meeting the friendliest locals in Kansas.

A Compelling Past and Welcoming Present

Council Grove is located on the Neosho River. Serving as a trading post from 1847 onwards, there was almost nothing at the original site in 1821 when the Santa Fe Trail opened. Seth Hays, the first settler in the area, opened the trading post. He also built the first house in the town in 1857. In the same year, Tom Hill built the Last Chance Store, which provided travelers on the Santa Fe Trail with their last supplies.

When the railroad arrived in 1869, it cemented Council Grove’s identity as a crucial stop along the trail. The town then began developing a road system, and by 1913, more than 200 automobiles used the roads. Things were not always rosy in Council Grove, especially when local farmers went into great debt related to crop price inflation. The New Deal helped them, but it was not long before the next disaster hit. The 1951 flood damaged several downtown buildings. Fortunately, the town rebounded, and several historic buildings are located in the Downtown Historic District.

Visiting the Council Grove Downtown Historic District

There are several buildings to visit in the historic district, and friendly residents will point you in the right direction. On Sunday afternoons in the summer, visit the Seth Hays Home located along the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway. You can also visit the Kaw Mission State Historic Site, where 30 Kaw boys attended school until 1854. You can still see the Last Chance Store at 502 W. Main Street.

Local Shops With Character

Council Grove’s hospitality really shines through in its small businesses and boutiques. At Adams Lumber & Home Store, meet the family that owns the business and get the best advice on both big and small construction projects. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, head to Free Range Junkers to hunt for unique antiques and collectibles. For excellent coffees, teas, and breakfasts, Watts Coffee Co. stands out on Main Street.

Congenial Meals At Council Grove’s Restaurants and Eateries

Council Grove also offers multiple places to eat or enjoy a cocktail. These places are often family-run and will make you feel right at home. Hays House 1857 Restaurant & Tavern is the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi. Here, you will find a pleasant atmosphere and the best chicken-fried steak in the state.

At Trail Days Café and Museum, located in a historic home, enjoy a delicious meal made from scratch, then explore the on-site museum and discuss the exhibits with other travelers and locals. The café and museum sit along the Santa Fe National Historic Trail and feature servers in period clothing.

If you are in the mood for a great craft beer, Riverbank Brewing will oblige, and you are very likely to make even more new friends in this cozy place. The owners’ vision was to create a space where people could connect, which is exactly why it is so popular.

Outdoor Activities in Council Grove

The hospitality in Council Grove extends outdoors, especially at the Neosho Riverwalk Amphitheater. Along with other visitors and locals, take a walk along the Neosho River, sit on the benches and look out over the water, and explore the many interpretive signs. At Council Oak Park, named after the 1825 treaty meeting, you will find the stump of the ‘Council Oak’ that blew down after a windstorm in 1958. The stump is shielded by a protective canopy and is a reminder of the hardwoods that meant prosperity in the late 1840s

If you have time, visit Durland Park, where you can view the 1871 Cowboy Jail and the Train Depot & Caboose. The site also features picnic spots and a playground. And, two blocks north of Main Street and Belfry Street, view Hermit’s Cave. It is believed that Italian religious mystic Giovanni Maria Augustini once lived in this cave before walking 500 miles on the Santa Fe Trail to New Mexico.

Community Events That Bring the Town Together

There are also several community events in Council Grove every year. The most popular is Washunga Days and Washunga Nights, an event that runs for several days and celebrates local culture, history, and community spirit. Set in Neosho Crossing along the river, the festival features plenty of vendor booths, food, live music, and historical presentations.

Throughout the year, visitors can join in on the fun of Second Saturdays. These are monthly themed events that spotlight local shops and artisanal crafts. You will find several specials during these days on dining and shopping. You can also take a ride on the Council Grove Trail Trolley if you do not want to walk up and down between shops.

More Hospitable Towns Near Council Grove

If you are exploring Council Grove for the first time, consider extending your visit to two other nearby Kansas towns. Around 22 miles from Council Grove along the Flint Hills Scenic Byway, lies Cottonwood Falls. This town is known for its friendly residents, historical courthouse (the oldest still in use in the state), and gorgeous river views. If you love taking landscape pictures or just want to hike in serene surroundings, Cottonwood Falls is a must-visit.

The neighboring town of Strong City offers a quaint downtown, access to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, and walkable streets perfect for shopping and enjoying a cup of coffee. Strong City is part of the scenic byway communities, making it a perfect second or third stop on your Kansas small-town tour.

Council Grove Leaves a Beautiful and Lasting Impression

Council Grove is the opposite of all talk and no action. This quiet little place proves its hospitality through everyday actions, not loud slogans. The town supports local businesses, and everyone shows up for community events. It also welcomes visitors warmly without trying to sell itself too hard. You will find people greeting you and having conversations with shop owners. People will invite you to events or to sit down and chat. Council Grove is a town that works well for tourists, but also for those who live there. That is why a visit to this town feels so much like coming home and will leave you wanting to spend even more time in it.