After the recent TBEX North America Summit in Wichita, Kansas, I hit the road in Southeast Kansas on a fam trip with three other writers. What I found is a mix of history, quirky attractions, and memorable venues. This stretch of the Midwest is dotted with towns that tell America’s story in their own way—through Route 66 nostalgia, coal-mining grit, aviation heroes, and family-run diners that feel like stepping back in time. Here’s a look at the journey.
A Sweet Start: Bagatelle Bakery
No road trip starts without caffeine and carbs. Bagatelle Bakery, with its European-style pastries, buttery croissants, and strong coffee, was just the boost I needed to set out. The Lebanese bakery has been a Wichita staple for decades and is known for scratch-made breads and decadent desserts. It felt like a hug in the form of breakfast.
Nature at Lil’ Toledo Lodge
A stop at Lil’ Toledo Lodge is a sportsman’s paradise near Chanute. This family-run lodge is known nationally for its guided hunts, fishing trips, and quiet cabin stays. It’s the kind of retreat where you feel wrapped in nature. It is rustic and a place for outdoorsmen.
Big Brutus and The Grain Bin
No Southeast Kansas trip is complete without seeing Big Brutus in West Mineral. This mammoth electric coal shovel, retired in the 1970s, now towers as a National Historic Landmark and museum. Standing next to its 160-foot frame, you understand the power—and the cost—of coal mining in these communities. This is an unexpected treat in Southeast Kansas.
Nearby, The Grain Bin offered us a terrific breakfast and an extensive menu of comfort food, pies, and Kansas-style hospitality.
Route 66 in Baxter Springs and Galena
The Baxter Springs Visitor Center, housed in a historic gas station, is the gateway to exploring Route 66. The Baxter Springs Historical Mural illustrates the region’s history. A stop at Monarch Soda Fountain is like sipping from the 1950s. The drive across the Marsh Arch Rainbow Bridge, one of the last remaining “rainbow” bridges on the Mother Road (Route 66), was a highlight.
In Galena, the past comes alive in murals and roadside stops. Cars on the Route—a restored Kan-O-Tex service station—served a burger with a side of Pixar magic, as the town inspired characters from Disney’s Cars. Gearhead Curious is a unique restored gas station with the most unique bathroom you will ever experience. Luigi’s Pit Stop is the gateway to Route 66 in Galena, and it keeps the nostalgia rolling down the road.
Mining Town Stories: Frontenac & Mulberry
In Frontenac, the Heritage Hall Museum at the Public Library preserves artifacts from the immigrant miners who built the town. It also provides genealogical services for families to research their ancestry,
While touring Pittsburg, we played Spot the Gorilla. It’s a fun game for visitors since they will see statues of Gus throughout town, a nod to Pittsburg State University’s mascot, Gus the Gorilla.
Dinner was at Gebhardt’s Chicken Dinners in Mulberry, a family-run restaurant since 1946. Crisp, golden chicken served family-style—just as it’s been for generations—was the kind of comfort food that defines the Midwest.
Fort Scott: Heroes & History
In Fort Scott, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is an inspiring museum honoring everyday people who made extraordinary impacts. Stories of Irena Sendler, a woman who saved Jewish children during WWII, left me deeply moved. Unsung Heroes should be included in every school curriculum in the county. The center has a curriculum available for schools. It is essential to tell the stories of people who do selfless acts for others. Nominations can be made directly with the center. Here is a brief tour of the center and garden.
A Fort Scott trolley tour provided a broader view of the town’s role in Civil War history and frontier life, making Fort Scott a must for history enthusiasts.
Iola & Humboldt: Small-Town Surprises
In Iola, I had the pleasure of lunch at Wild Bloom, highlighting fresh, seasonal flavors in a town with a growing food scene. Here, I had the best cinnamon roll I have ever had. The hot chocolate was decadent and memorable. Whenever I revisit this area, I will stop by. Yes, it’s THAT good. Gabe has a vision for this business, so expect more from Wild Bloom soon.
In nearby Humboldt, we visited a new outdoor space, BaseCamp. This outdoor hub for hikers and bikers alike has tiny houses for rent. Humboldt is reinventing itself with a creative flair. Stops included Bijou Confectionery for sweets, Octagon City Coffee for a caffeine fix, and Revival Music Hall to see a new local music venue housed in a former church. My stay at The Bailey, a boutique hotel, capped the night in style. You can see a tour of the Bailey here.
Chanute: Safari Dreams & Murals
Back in Chanute, the Martin & Osa Johnson Safari Museum wowed me with the story of two Kansas explorers who documented African wildlife in the early 20th century. Click here for a brief look inside.
Howards Toys for Big Boys is a locally renowned collection of vintage cars, toys, and collectibles. This is the place for automobile enthusiasts.
Wrapping Up in Emporia
For food, BobbyD’s Merchant Street BBQ served a delicious trio of meats in smoky Kansas barbecue style. Our waitress, Daisy, also took excellent care of us.
Our final stop was Emporia, Kansas, which was officially recognized as the city of origin of Veterans Day. The All Veterans Memorial here honors those who served. It was because a local man, Alvin J. King, advocated renaming Armistice Day to Veterans Day.
We stopped for pre-dinner drinks at Trolley House Distillery, showcasing local craft spirits. Dinner at Union Street Social was modern and lively, and the best evening meal of the trip. We overnighted at the Gulfer Mansion B&B. She is a Victorian beauty filled with stories. Ben Coleman, the new owner and a former university administrator, hopes to use the mansion for more local activities. Here is a brief tour of the Gufler.
Final Thoughts
This Southeast Kansas road trip blended small-town charm, Route 66 nostalgia, mining history, and an abundance of delicious food. It reminded me why I love exploring the Midwest—every stop tells a story, and together, they paint a portrait of resilience, creativity, and pride. The people of Southeast Kansas love their state and tellin the stories of their towns. The so-called ‘fly-over’ states are not that at all. They have a rich history you will want to explore. I know I will be back to savor more of the richness of Kansas.
Want to see more about Kansas? Check out these Kansas stories about Kansas on RRJ. Also, check out my YouTube Channel for some fun videos of my journeys.
Enjoy the Journey!
