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<\/p>\nCouncil Grove is a small city in Kansas, but it has dozens of wonders to see and new adventures to experience.<\/p>\n
The city became a rendezvous point for wagon trails headed west after the first treaty for the right-of-way for the Santa Fe Trail.<\/p>\n
In August 1825, the city received its name from the US commissioners who met with Native American tribes under a tree named \u201cCouncil Oak.\u201d<\/p>\n
Today, many of the city’s historical sites remain well-preserved.<\/p>\n
The small area is a great place to learn more about the history of the Native Americans and Council Grove\u2019s early years.<\/p>\n
Here are the best things to do in Council Grove, KS: <\/p>\n
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JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ MD<\/a>, CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n The city of Council Grove is home to many historical sites that helped build its culture and heritage.<\/p>\n If you find yourself walking along North Mission, you\u2019ll see the Kaw Mission State Historic Site<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Kansas Historical Society currently administers the site. <\/p>\n From 1851 to 1854, Kaw Mission served as an educational institution for at least 30 Kaw boys before the US government relocated them to Oklahoma.<\/p>\n Douglas Kulp<\/a>, CC BY 2.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n After the relocation, the building was sold to the Huffaker family in 1865, which was then sold to the state of Kansas in 1951.<\/p>\n Today, the facility serves as a museum, which is a great place to start if you\u2019re looking to get quick bits of information about the city\u2019s history.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll also find a bunch of Santa Fe Trail exhibits, a Kanza photo gallery, city artifacts, and Kansas history and travel books.<\/p>\n Among the many places worth noting in Council Grove is the Post Office Oak<\/a> along East Main Street.<\/p>\n Aside from its historical significance, it\u2019s widely known that the tree, situated in front of the old post office, served as a messenger post for travelers.<\/p>\n Travelers used to leave notes on the tree, informing others about the current trail conditions, hence the name \u201cPost Office Oak.\u201d<\/p>\n Unfortunately, the tree died in 1990.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll still see the stump left behind, as it\u2019s considered a significant part of Council Grove.<\/p>\n In front of the post office stands a stone house built in 1864.<\/p>\n Today, it’s a museum operated by the Morris County Historical Society.<\/p>\n Weldon Schloneger \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n Retrace the steps of the Native Americans when you make your way to the Allegawaho Heritage Memorial Park.<\/p>\n You’ll find it southeast of Council Grove.<\/p>\n The Allegawaho Heritage Memorial Park spans 168 acres, encompassing other properties from the 1840s until 1872.<\/p>\n Weldon Schloneger \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n As you explore the park, you\u2019ll come across the Kanza Monument, a limestone tower standing at 35 feet, established by Council Grove citizens in 1925.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll also see the ruins of one of the three Kaw villages in the area, which primarily served as stables for their horses instead of residential areas.<\/p>\n Also situated along the heritage park is the Kanza Heritage Trail, looping through the Kaw Heritage Park and connecting to the Flint Hills Nature Trail.<\/p>\n South 500 Photography \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n Find yourself taken back in time when you visit the Last Chance Store<\/a> along West Main Street.<\/p>\n During the 1850s, the store served as the final stop where trail travelers could buy their supplies before embarking on their respective journeys, hence the name \u201cLast Chance.\u201d<\/p>\n Situated on the city’s edge, the Last Chance Store remains the oldest commercial building in Council Grove.<\/p>\n Most of the customers who graced the store were traders from Cheyenne, Arapaho, Comanche, Kiowa, and Plains Apache Native Americans.<\/p>\n During the trial years, the Last Chance Store became known as the most famous trading site in Council Grove.<\/p>\n Lovers of the great outdoors will find themselves having a good time hanging out at the Council Grove Wildlife Area<\/a> along the Neosho River.<\/p>\n Explore the wilderness and enjoy the silence as you wander through the area, fishing, and hunting for wild animals.<\/p>\n Take your pick between two fishing streams before hopping on a boat to explore the water.<\/p>\n Find the best fishing spot for catching crappie, channel catfish, white bass, and much more.<\/p>\n Hunters are bound to find white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, quails, squirrels, and rabbits hiding in the woodlands, croplands, and small native grass tracts.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll also find a reservoir in the area, combining a steep, rocky shoreline with shallow mudflats.<\/p>\n Council Grove is arguably one of the cities in Kansas where you can find a bunch of nature trails with great views.<\/p>\n Park your car by the roadside or ride your bike to explore stunning views at the Flint Hills Scenic Byway<\/a>.<\/p>\n During your trip, you\u2019ll come across dozens of native grasses and flowers of the tallgrass prairie, one of the largest remaining landscapes in America.<\/p>\n The scenic byway also holds some historical significance.<\/p>\n Many native tribes, such as the Kaw and Osage, have lived there during the area’s early years.<\/p>\n The Flint Hills area is also a popular region where settlers navigated the Santa Fe Trail.<\/p>\n There\u2019s no single perfect place to hang out in the byway.<\/p>\n Its entirety is already a great destination to chill out, watch the sunrise, or even the sunset.<\/p>\n SharonPapierdreams<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n Along Belfry Street, two blocks from Main Street is a majestic cave that wanderers are bound to find as they explore the grounds of Council Grove.<\/p>\n Sitting on top of a small mound is a stone cave known as the Hermit\u2019s Cave<\/a>.<\/p>\n The cave is a famous historic site that tourists definitely can\u2019t miss out on.<\/p>\n A popular story about the Hermit\u2019s Cave is that the Italian religious mystic Giovanni Maria Agustini lived there for a while.<\/p>\n Agustini lived inside the cave during the spring of 1863 and later left Council Grove on a wagon train.<\/p>\n People have debated who the real hermit was because Matteo Boccalini, a Franciscan friar, arrived in the area after Agustini\u2019s departure.<\/p>\n Boccalini erected a cross in front of the cave during his stay and later left to teach the last sacrament to those walking along the trail.<\/p>\n Council Grove Lake<\/a> is one of the best places where you can enjoy spending time with your family in the great outdoors.<\/p>\n Known for having the best fishing spots in the city, the area surrounding the lake also provides excellent hunting opportunities.<\/p>\n Whether in the early morning or before sunset, you can set up camp and enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities.<\/p>\n The best part is that the campsites have most of the stuff you need, so you don\u2019t have to worry about anything else.<\/p>\n You can also try watersports activities, such as pleasure boating, skiing, tubing, personal watercraft, or sailing.<\/p>\n At night, you can enjoy a late-night barbecue and sit around a campfire just chatting with the people closest to you.<\/p>\n Drown out the city noise and enjoy the quiet and calm environment of the Flint Hills Nature Trail.<\/p>\n The trail used to encompass a rail line but is now a non-motorized area where people can enjoy going on scenic walks or riding their bikes.<\/p>\n As you explore the trail, you\u2019ll come across one of the few remaining tallgrass prairies in the world.<\/p>\n Head east, and you\u2019ll find yourself in front of the Marais Des Cygnes River.<\/p>\n Marvel at the sight of crystal waters, natural bluffs, and other scenic views that will make you want to stay for days.<\/p>\n You can\u2019t possibly leave Council Grove without swinging by Hays House Restaurant<\/a> and Tavern along West Main Street.<\/p>\n Established in 1857, Hays House is more than your average restaurant.<\/p>\n It holds over a hundred years\u2019 worth of historical significance to the city of Council Grove.<\/p>\n The Hays House building was formerly a trading post and a rental space for the US government to hold court and distribute mail.<\/p>\n Today, much of Hays House retains its historic structure, such as the basement that contains the original bar and the Judd family\u2019s crystal room.<\/p>\n Aside from enjoying the restaurant\u2019s rustic atmosphere, indulge in its best-selling Kansas steaks, pasta, burgers, and more.<\/p>\n You might also want to check out their spirits menu for a glass of craft cocktails or wine.<\/p>\n Douglas Kulp<\/a>, CC BY 2.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n You\u2019ll find many good places to stay at Council Grove, but the Cottage House<\/a> along Main Street is arguably one of the best places.<\/p>\n Built in 1867, the Cottage House started as a three-room cottage and blacksmith shop catered to travelers.<\/p>\n Today, there are approximately 26 rooms in the building, ten rooms in the adjacent motel, and two cottages.<\/p>\n Despite serving several generations of tourists, the Cottage House still maintains its classic interior, which only adds to its charm.<\/p>\n Beautiful lace curtains cover the windows as antique furnishings gracefully adorn the motel\u2019s rooms.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking to grab a bite of an American-style breakfast, try swinging by Saddlerock Cafe<\/a> along South Sixth Street.<\/p>\n Whether you want eggs for breakfast or a hearty plate of blueberry pancakes, you\u2019ll find almost anything homemade in this dainty restaurant.<\/p>\n The food is so great and affordable that you\u2019ll think you were sitting at home as you munch on your grandma\u2019s recipe.<\/p>\n You can also try specials like the smothered sausage egg and cheese, Indian tacos, and much more.<\/p>\n Saddlerock has been in the business for over a decade, serving thousands of tourists and locals with family-friendly, healthy, and delectable food.<\/p>\n “Tda&hc<\/a>,” CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n The historic Trail Days Cafe<\/a> at the Rawlinson-Terwilliger Home is situated along West Main Street.<\/p>\n Also considered a historical landmark, the cafe takes you back to the 1800s with its classic and charming interior.<\/p>\n Not only that, but the servers also live up to the whole classical vibe, as they, too, are dressed for the part.<\/p>\n Enjoy a serving of Swedish meatballs and a slice of chocolate cake during your stay.<\/p>\n Otherwise, try the German schnitzel, log cabin soup, and more.<\/p>\n As you dine at this one-of-a-kind restaurant, you\u2019ll also learn many historical facts about Kansas.<\/p>\n Take a step back from the busy city life and bustling streets, and make your way towards the Neosho Riverwalk along West Main Street.<\/p>\n Take your time as you clear your headspace, and take in the relaxing environment surrounding the trail.<\/p>\n The area is perfect for walking around even at night, thanks to the well-lighted walkways.<\/p>\n However, if you want to explore during the day, you’ll feast your eyes on far more stunning views.<\/p>\n Visitors are also welcome to ride their bikes along the paved walkway.<\/p>\n As you walk around, you\u2019ll also catch a picturesque view of the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway.<\/p>\n It’s one of the many tourist destinations you shouldn\u2019t miss out on while in Council Grove.<\/p>\n Tourists looking to beef up their Instagram feed can hunt for the Madonna Of the Trail statue along East Main Street.<\/p>\n Dedicated to women pioneers of the US, the statue is one of the 12 replicas scattered in the states along National Old Trails Road on Route 40.<\/p>\n The Madonna Of The Trail monument<\/a> is a symbol of faith and courage from the women who were able to conquer the wild.<\/p>\n The sculptor August Leimbach created the sculpture.<\/p>\n Currently, the Kansas State Society National Society Daughters of the American Revolution funds the sculpture. <\/p>\n Since 2018, Alexander ArtWorks<\/a> offers a variety of glass art and metal signage.<\/p>\n But what makes this art shop different from the rest, you may ask?<\/p>\n This art shop hosts classes and workshops for those interested in stained glass art.<\/p>\n So, come by with your open mind and your ready hands, prepared for a new art hobby!<\/p>\n Alexander ArtWorks is on Main Street, right at the core of the Flint Hills.<\/p>\n Council Grove has a cacophony of statues and public art sculptures that are worth checking out.<\/p>\n One of these is the Guardian of the Grove Statue<\/a>.<\/p>\n This statue depicts a Kaw Warrior in a relaxed stance.<\/p>\n Standing eight-foot tall, it represents the significance of Native American culture that Council Grove continues to celebrate.<\/p>\n Symbols you can find in the statue include a shell-shaped base, designs on the warrior’s leggings, a pipe, and a skin robe draped over the warrior.<\/p>\n These all offer deeper meanings of the Native American culture, as well as the hidden gems and places of the city.<\/p>\n You can find the Guardian of the Grove Statue at the intersection of East Main & Union Street.<\/p>\n If you’re visiting Council Grove for its historical landmarks, the historic Custer Elm Tree Remnant<\/a> should be a vital part of your itinerary.<\/p>\n This legendary tree is where General George Armstrong Custer and his cavalry took shade in 1867.<\/p>\n However, it caught Dutch elm disease and eventually died in the 70s.<\/p>\n A remnant of the tree still stands today, protected under a shaded pavilion.<\/p>\n It also comes with a marker to help you learn more about the tree and its role in Council Grove’s history.<\/p>\n You can find the Custer Elm Tree Remnant within the park of the same name.<\/p>\n![\"Plants](\"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/cgks-Kaw-Mission-State-Historic-Site2.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLook for Letters at the Post Office Oak<\/h2>\n
Stop by the Allegawaho Heritage Memorial Park<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nVisit the Last Chance Store<\/h2>\n
Explore the Wilderness at Council Grove Wildlife Area<\/h2>\n
Enjoy the View at the Flint Hills Scenic Byway<\/h2>\n
Find the Hermit\u2019s Cave<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nSet up Camp by Council Grove Lake<\/h2>\n
Traverse the Flint Hills Nature Trail<\/h2>\n
Dine at Hays House Restaurant and Tavern<\/h2>\n
Book a Stay at the Cottage House<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nEnjoy a Home-Cooked Meal at Saddlerock Cafe<\/h2>\n
Satisfy Your Cravings at Trail Days Cafe<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nExplore the Neosho Riverwalk<\/h2>\n
Take a Picture of the Madonna of the Trail<\/h2>\n
Join an Art Class at Alexander ArtWorks<\/h2>\n
Spot and Take a Photo of the Guardian of the Grove Statue<\/h2>\n
Visit the Historic Custer Elm Tree Remnant<\/h2>\n
Savor Craft Beer while Relaxing at Riverbank Brewing<\/h2>\n