A free spirit blows through the prairies and forested floodplains of Southeast Kansas. Travel along U.S. Route 160, and you’ll find a town named “Independence,” a fitting tribute to the region’s pioneering heart. And that’s just the beginning.

Solo travelers can embrace this emboldened, carefree way of life while navigating rugged mountain biking trails, fishing in unrestrained waters, and exploring the impressive history that defines this unique region. Come and explore and see what you’ve been missing. 

Beautiful State Parks

Crawford State Park in Farlington is rich in history and spectacular scenery, giving you a true taste of the Ozarks. Hiking and biking trails wind through the regional woodlands, while the park’s two recorded archaeological sites offer a historical look at this storied region.

Meanwhile, a different type of beauty awaits in the terraces of prairie and hills of oak savannah found at Toronto’s Cross Timbers State Park, known for its incredible mountain biking. Or, explore the remarkable diversity of plant and animal life at Fall River State Park, and perhaps cast a line on a fishing excursion, or set off on a bird-watching expedition along the park’s meandering hiking paths.

Hidden Gems

When it comes to hunting down a bit of roadside Americana, West Mineral’s Big Brutus has earned its spot in the pantheon of history. Named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2018, Big Brutus, standing 16 stories tall, is the second-largest electric shovel in the world. Today, it serves as an eternal tribute to the mining heritage of Southeast Kansas.

You can also step back in history at Fort Scott National Historic Site, which represents a military fort of the 1840s with interpretive exhibits, period furnishings, and living history programs. Or, make the journey to Independence, which is home to the Little House on the Prairie Museum. At this reconstructed log cabin, you can discover the pioneer way of life of the Ingalls family before exploring the rest of Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area.

Must-Try Restaurants

Southeast Kansas is home to a legendary food-based rivalry, with Chicken Annie's and Chicken Mary's each vying for the fowl crown. But it isn't just the chicken wars that make this area a dining destination. You can also enjoy popular digs like Baxter Springs’ Monarch Pharmacy & Soda Fountain, known for their homemade ice cream, vintage sodas, classic Coca-Cola murals, and iconic location on Kansas’ Historic Route 66 Byway.
When it comes to charming eateries, Burlington’s Vintage Sisters offers even more to enjoy. Part coffee shop, part restaurant, and part antique shop, Vintage Sisters serves up the perfect opportunity to browse while you dine.

Where to Stay

If you’re looking to bring Fido along on your journey, you’ll find a lot to love about the pet-friendly Kansas Inn Independence. The hotel offers Wi-Fi and a daily continental breakfast and is conveniently located near shopping and dining. 

If you love camping, set up your tent at the reasonably priced Garnett Hotel & RV Park.

If you’re looking for even more excitement in your stay, check into Kansas Crossing Casino & Hotel in Pittsburg. Kansas Crossing is a thrilling getaway that features the newest and hottest slot machines, 16 gaming tables, a 123-room Hampton Inn and Suites, a restaurant, and an entertainment complex.

Road Trippin’

Whether you’re hoping to hike the hills of the Ozarks or looking to step back in time as you cruise down "The Mother Road," Southeast Kansas holds the key to adventure. Stray off the beaten path to discover a land teeming with brave explorers and free thinkers as you unlock a more serene, laid-back lifestyle on the ultimate Midwestern road trip.