Council Grove Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the heart of the picturesque Flint Hills, Council Grove is a charming city in the state of Kansas. Steeped in history and natural beauty, this hidden gem offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.

One of the highlights of Council Grove is the historic Santa Fe Trail, which played a significant role in shaping the region's history. Travelers can explore the remnants of the trail and imagine the countless pioneers and traders who once traversed this path. The Kaw Mission State Historic Site is another must-visit destination, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Kaw (or Kanza) Native American tribe who inhabited the area.

For nature enthusiasts, Council Grove offers an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. The Council Grove Reservoir is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and camping, surrounded by scenic trails perfect for hiking and biking. The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, just a short drive away, showcases the beauty of the native grasses that once covered much of the Great Plains.

History buffs will delight in exploring the city's historic downtown area, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Hays House, established in 1857, is the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi River and is a must-visit for its delicious comfort food and charming atmosphere. The Madonna of the Trail statue, one of twelve located across the country, commemorates the pioneer women who played a vital role in settling the American West.

In addition to its rich history and natural attractions, Council Grove hosts several annual events that showcase its vibrant community spirit. The Washunga Days Festival celebrates the city's Native American heritage, while the 3rd of July Fireworks Extravaganza is a beloved tradition that draws visitors from near and far.

Alternative names: Population: 2.1 thous.Area: 2.01 mi²Elevation: 1220 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 38°39'42"N, 96°29'16"W

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KansasUnited States

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Council Grove Top Attractions

Council Grove Attractions - What to See and Explore

Council Grove offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Kaw Mission, First Baptist Church of Council Grove, Last Chance Store. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Historical place • Museum • History museum
Kaw Mission
Kaw Mission is a historic church mission at 500 N. Mission Street in Council Grove, Kansas that was home, school and church to 30 Kaw boys from 1851–1854. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. The site is now administered by the Kansas Historical Society as Kaw Mission State Historic Site.
Church • Romanesque architecture • Gothic Revival architecture
First Baptist Church of Council Grove
The First Baptist Church of Council Grove, Kansas is a historic Baptist church. Its historic building at 325 West Main Street was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
Interesting neighbourhood
Last Chance Store
The Last Chance Store was built in 1857 along the Santa Fe Trail at Council Grove, Kansas. Located where the trail crossed the Neosho River, it was the last store in the settlement before the river.

Day trips

Council Grove – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Council Grove, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library (Abilene), Sunset Zoo (Manhattan), Flint Hills Discovery Center (Manhattan).

43 milesNW
Museum, Specialty museum, History museum
Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Abilene
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home is the presidential library and museum of Dwight David Eisenhower, the 34th president of the United States, located in his hometown of Abilene, Kansas.
36 milesN
Park, Outdoor activities, Zoo
Sunset Zoo, Manhattan
Sunset Zoo, also known as Sunset Zoological Park, is the city zoo of Manhattan, Kansas, and is home to over 300 animals representing more than 100 species.
36 milesN
Museum, Science museum, Natural history museum
Flint Hills Discovery Center, Manhattan
The Flint Hills Discovery Center is a municipal heritage and science center located in the city of Manhattan, Kansas. Featured within the facility are exhibits detailing local history and preservation of the Flint Hills, a theater, a specialized interactive playground for youth and parents, and a temporary exhibition gallery.
43 milesNW
Museum, History museum
Eisenhower Home, Abilene
The Eisenhower Home in Abilene, Kansas at the Eisenhower Presidential Center, was the house where U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower lived with his five brothers from 1898 to 1911, when he entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point at age 20.
24 milesSE
Concerts and shows, Theater
Emporia Granada Theatre, Emporia
The Granada Theatre is a theatre located in Emporia, Kansas, United States. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 and was designed by the Boller Brothers.