It's Official: Kansas’s Very Own Council Grove Is One Of The Country's Best Small Towns To Visit This Year
By Courtnie Erickson|Published July 21, 2021
×
Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
If you are itching to get away and visit an incredible destination, you don’t have to go too far. In fact, one of the best small towns in the entire country to visit is found right here in the Sunflower State! The Smithsonian Magazine recently named Council Grove as one of the country’s best small towns to visit this year. Are we surprised? Not at all. This small town in Kansas has so much to do and see that it deserves to be on every individual’s bucket list.
Located in the beautiful Flint Hills is Council Grove. It is a small town with approximately 2,000 residents, a rich and incredible history, and a charming way of life.
Council Grove first received its name back in 1825. The United States Commissioners and the Chiefs of the Great and the Little Osage Indian Tribes signed a treaty under a large tree named the Council Oak (shown below). This treaty allowed the pioneers to cross the area safely on the Santa Fe Trail.
This restaurant opened in 1857 and is the oldest operating restaurant west of the Mississippi River. Hays House Restaurant serves some of the best comfort food in the entire state of Kansas. You’ll want to try a juicy steak, the fried chicken, and BBQ ribs, just to name a few.
For a homemade meal, make sure you stop by Saddlerock Café.
This family-owned restaurant serves many of the homemade dishes you grew up loving and craving. However, no matter what you order, just make sure you purchase one of this café’s tasty cinnamon rolls. You won’t regret it. To learn more about the Saddlerock Cafe, click here.
In Council Grove and Morris County, there are more than 25 historic spots that you can explore. You can download the map and information about each of these historic locations in the area and enjoy a self-guided tour. Guided group tours are also available if desired.
On this tour ,you’ll want to check out the Last Chance Store. This unique store was built in 1857 and is the oldest commercial building in Council Grove.
You’ll drive through some of the most beautiful prairie landscapes on this 47.2-mile scenic byway. Keep your camera ready as you'll have some stunning views of prairie grasses and colorful wildflowers.
After an exciting day of exploring this small town in Kansas, head to the Cottage House Hotel and Motel.
This historic house was first built with three bedrooms and a small blacksmith shop in 1867. Over the years, additional rooms were added. Today, this historic building boasts 26 rooms in the main building, 10 rooms in an adjacent motel, and two cottages.
To learn more about Council Grove, Kansas, one of the best small towns to visit this year, visit the official website of the Kansas Office of Tourism and Travel.
If you are looking or another delicious (and historic!) place to eat while visiting Council Grove, check out the Trail Days Café and Museum.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
