Things to Do in Southeast Kansas: Pittsburg, Frontenac, Girard, Galena & Route 66
I think Southeast Kansas might be one of the most underrated areas for a family road trip in Kansas.
We’ve now visited this region twice with our kids, once for a full weekend getaway and again as a day trip, and both trips have made me appreciate this corner of Kansas even more.
You can climb inside one of the largest machines you’ve ever seen, hunt for quirky Route 66 attractions, cuddle adoptable cats in a bookstore, ride a surprisingly speedy little roller coaster, hike beside a lake, and eat some genuinely great food.
Plus, a lot of the attractions are surprisingly affordable.
If you’re looking for things to do in Southeast Kansas, these are the places our family has visited and would recommend. I had heard of many of these places and even had them pinned on my Kansas Map (find it HERE), but getting to experience them in person was so much better!
Thank you to Visit Crawford County for partnering with us on this trip. Here are the must-sees and our favorite stops that you need to try on your Southeast Kansas weekend trip!
Best Things to Do in Southeast Kansas at a Glance
If you don’t have time to read the entire guide, here’s where I’d start:
| Attraction | Location | Best For | Plan For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kiddieland Amusement Park | Pittsburg | Affordable family fun | 1–2 hours |
| The Jungle Gym Play Cafe | Pittsburg | Younger kids + indoor play | 1–2 hours |
| The Literary Cat Co. | Pittsburg | Cat + book lovers | 1–2 hours |
| Gorilla Village Champions Plaza | Pittsburg | Pittsburg State + a quick stop | 30–60 min. |
| Frontenac Public Library | Frontenac | Kids + a free indoor activity | 30–60 min. |
| Heritage Hall Museum | Frontenac | Local history | 30–60 min. |
| McKay Street Coffeehouse | Frontenac | Coffee + a quick break | 30 min. |
| Granny’s Chip Chocolate Ice Cream & Candy Shop | Frontenac | Ice cream + sweet treats | 30 min. |
| Big Brutus | West Mineral | Quirky attractions + big machines | 1–2 hours |
| Gearhead Curios | Galena | Route 66 + weird roadside fun | 30–60 min. |
| Cars on the Route | Galena | Cars fans | 30 min. |
| Route 66 Mural Park | Galena | Murals + photo ops | 15–30 min. |
| Route 66 Shield & Centennial Arch | Galena | Route 66 + photos | 15–30 min. |
| Crawford State Park | Farlington | Hiking + outdoor time | 2+ hours |
| Nelson’s Old Riverton Store | Riverton | Route 66 nostalgia | 30 min. |
My kids’ favorites: Kiddieland and The Literary Cat Co.
My favorite quirky stop: Gearhead Curios
Best outdoor stop: Crawford State Park
Best for a rainy or really hot day: The Jungle Gym + Frontenac Public Library/Heritage Hall
Most surprising: Big Brutus
Best affordable family fun: Kiddieland
Best easy small-town stop: Downtown Frontenac
Now let’s get into what makes each one worth visiting.
Things to Do in Pittsburg, Kansas With Kids
Pittsburg has surprised me both times we’ve visited. It is bigger than I initially expected and has that fun college-town personality, plus lots of inexpensive things for families to do.
Pittsburg also has a deep mining history. You’ll notice gorillas all over town as a nod to Pittsburg State University’s mascot, which turned into an unofficial scavenger hunt for my kids. We played a game where we counted gorillas and I think we saw over 30 of them.
Here are the Pittsburg attractions we’d recommend most.
Kiddieland Amusement Park
If you have younger kids, Kiddieland Amusement Park is one of my favorite finds in Pittsburg.
This little retro amusement park in Lincoln Park has classic rides including a roller coaster, Ferris wheel, airplanes, train, carousel and more. My kids absolutely loved it.
I was also VERY surprised by that little roller coaster. It went significantly faster than I was expecting! Thankfully, it wasn’t jerky, so even my old bones could handle it.
What I loved most, though, was how affordable and low-pressure Kiddieland felt. Instead of paying a big admission price for everyone and then feeling like you need to stay all day to get your money’s worth, you simply buy ride tickets. You can pick the rides your kids actually want to do and only pay for those.
That makes this such an easy activity to add to a Pittsburg day trip.
Amy’s take: If you’re visiting Pittsburg when Kiddieland is open, I would absolutely put this on your list with younger kids. It’s nostalgic, inexpensive and just enough amusement park without becoming an entire amusement park DAY.
Good to know: Kiddieland is seasonal, so check the current operating schedule before planning your trip.
The Jungle Gym Play Cafe
Another newer Pittsburg attraction we loved is The Jungle Gym Play Cafe, located inside Meadowbrook Mall.
My kids bounced around between the mini zip line, trampolines, small climbing wall and playground areas. There’s also a separate little area for babies, making this a good option if you’re traveling with kids of different ages.
It isn’t a giant indoor amusement center, and I actually liked that. My kids had plenty to keep them busy without disappearing into some enormous play structure where I couldn’t find them.
And then there was the ice cream. When we visited, ice cream was only $2 and toppings were just 25 cents each. My kids were thrilled because toppings are one of those things I normally say no to because somehow a perfectly reasonable ice cream cone turns into a small mortgage payment. But 25 cents? GO WILD, CHILDREN.
This would be one of my top recommendations for a rainy, cold or extremely hot day in Pittsburg.
The Literary Cat Co.
If your kids love animals, prepare yourself for The Literary Cat Co. It’s a bookstore filled with adoptable cats that roam around while you shop.
The cats were incredibly sweet and friendly, and my kids were completely in heaven. Bring quarters so the kids can buy treats for the cats and while entry is free, I definitely recommend buying a book while you’re there to support the shop.
But be warned, one of my daughters actually cried when we left. You may leave Pittsburg somehow owning another cat. Or in my case, we were able to leave only because I promised my kids we would go back some day!
Important: Check current opening days and hours before your trip. On our first visit, the bookstore was closed on Sundays, so this is a spot I would specifically plan around rather than assume it will be open.
Gorilla Village Champions Plaza
While you’re in Pittsburg, stop at Gorilla Village Champions Plaza on the east side of Pittsburg State University’s Carnie Smith Stadium.
There are gorilla statues where you can take photos and a peaceful little trail around a pond. My kids spent our trip trying to spot gorillas all over Pittsburg, so this became another stop in their unofficial gorilla scavenger hunt.
It’s not something you need hours for, but it’s an easy stop to combine with other Pittsburg attractions.
Things to Do in Frontenac, Kansas
Just a few minutes from Pittsburg, Frontenac, Kansas is an easy addition to a Southeast Kansas trip. We spent part of the morning here on our day trip, and I loved how several family-friendly stops were clustered together downtown.
McKay Street Coffeehouse, Frontenac Public Library & Heritage Hall Museum
Start at the Frontenac Public Library, where you can knock out three stops in one building.
Of course, my first priority was coffee at McKay Street Coffeehouse, which I loved. Meanwhile, my kids were perfectly happy exploring the library’s children’s section, which has a train they can climb inside to sit and read, plus a small play area.
Before you leave, walk through Heritage Hall Museum. It’s a small but really well-done museum filled with Frontenac history. My favorite part was the facades of old-time buildings that make it feel a little like you’re walking down a historic Frontenac street.
This was such an easy family stop because everyone got something they enjoyed: coffee for me, books and playtime for the kids, and some local history for all of us.
Granny’s Chip Chocolate Ice Cream & Candy Shop
Finish your Frontenac visit with a treat at Granny’s Chip Chocolate Ice Cream & Candy Shop.
It’s a cute ice cream and candy shop downtown, and, unsurprisingly, my kids were very happy with this addition to our itinerary. Because what is a family day trip without ice cream?
Amy’s take: You don’t need an entire day for Frontenac. Give yourself an hour or two to grab coffee, explore the library and museum, and get ice cream before continuing to Pittsburg or another Southeast Kansas stop.
Big Brutus Kansas, the World’s Largest Electric Shovel West Mineral, Kansas
Big Brutus is one of those attractions where pictures simply can’t properly show how massive it is. You need to stand underneath it.
This enormous electric mining shovel towers over you, and my head didn’t even come close to reaching the top of its wheels.
My kids already love anything construction-related, so obviously this was a hit, but I think Big Brutus is worth seeing even if nobody in your family has ever expressed a passionate interest in mining equipment.
Because you can actually CLIMB INSIDE IT.
You can climb up into the machine, explore it and pretend you’re operating this absolutely massive piece of equipment.
There’s also an indoor museum where you can learn about Big Brutus and Southeast Kansas’ mining history, plus additional mining equipment outside that you can walk around and explore.
There’s a small play area too, which gave my kids somewhere to run around after we finished exploring.
And if you want to make the experience even more unusual, camping is available on-site.
Amy’s take: This is one of those wonderfully weird attractions that makes a road trip memorable. Even if you aren’t particularly interested in mining, the sheer size of Big Brutus makes it worth seeing at least once.
It’s a stop that feels totally different from anything else you’ll visit.
Route 66 Attractions in Galena, Kansas
Kansas only gets a small portion of Route 66, but don’t make the mistake of thinking you should drive straight through it.
Galena has some of the quirkiest stops in Southeast Kansas, and I think it’s particularly fun for families because kids get the Cars connections while adults get the nostalgia and history.
It’s also an excellent destination if, like me, your vacation priorities include weird roadside attractions.
Gearhead Curios
Gearhead Curios was my favorite Galena stop. It’s housed in an old gas station and has tons of quirky details and fun photo opportunities, including a Hudson that Cars fans will appreciate, because it looks just like Doc from the movie.
Make sure you actually go inside. You’ll find a huge collection of license plates, and visitors can put a pin on a map showing where they’re from. If you bring a license plate, they may even add it to the collection.
But we need to talk about the bathroom. Yes, the bathroom. Ask for the key, which is appropriately attached to a hubcap. The bathroom itself has become something of a tourist attraction, and we even learned that a couple got married in it.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you probably know that a bizarre tourist-attraction bathroom is EXACTLY the kind of thing I want to find on a road trip. Or if you’re looking for somewhere to get married, maybe this will be the spot you choose?
Cars on the Route
Next, head to Cars on the Route at 119 North Main Street. You’ll find the old tow truck that helped inspire the character of Mater from Pixar’s Cars, plus other fun vehicles.
This was an especially fun stop with kids because suddenly Route 66 history becomes something they recognize. Look around the surrounding blocks too. You’ll find more Cars-themed vehicles and photo opportunities nearby.
Route 66 Mural Park
Don’t miss Mural Park at 700 South Main Street.
It’s a cute little stop with colorful murals and Route 66 photo opportunities. My daughter especially liked climbing into the large Route 66 marker for a picture. There are two other murals across the street.
You don’t need a lot of time here, which makes it easy to combine with the other Galena stops.
Galena’s Route 66 Shield and Centennial Arch
You’ll also want to find the large Route 66 shield and Centennial Arch. You can even drive through the Route 66 shield.
Make sure you look at both sides because the side you see when driving into Galena is painted with sunflowers.
This entire area is easy to explore together, so rather than thinking of each Galena attraction as a separate destination, give yourself some time to wander around and see what weird little details you discover. Galena is not very big, so you will be able to see a lot in a short time.
Get Outside at Crawford State Park
If you need some nature after museums, cats and enormous mining equipment, head to Crawford State Park near Farlington. The park has a lake, swimming beach, playgrounds, camping and hiking opportunities.
We took a short hike, watched for wildlife and let the kids play on the playground and in the sand at the beach. We saw turtles and birds, and I really enjoyed driving all the way around the lake for the views.
There’s also a fish hatchery nearby, which gives you another easy stop if your kids enjoy animals.
Southeast Kansas has a noticeably different landscape than other parts of the state, and this is a good place to slow down and enjoy it.
Best for: Families who want to add hiking, swimming or outdoor time to a Southeast Kansas road trip.
Where to Eat in Pittsburg and Southeast Kansas
One of the things that surprised me most about our visits was the food. There are some genuinely good local restaurants around Pittsburg, and we’ve found several places we’d return to.
Our Favorites
TOAST
TOAST was one of my favorite meals in Pittsburg.
Everything tasted incredibly fresh, and as someone who needs gluten-free options when I travel, I was excited to find food I could actually enjoy.
I had a gluten-free breakfast sandwich and a coffee flight, and this is absolutely a restaurant I’d recommend adding to your itinerary.
If you have dietary restrictions, I’d still ask about current ingredients and preparation procedures when you visit.
The Balkan
The Balkan is a great little coffee stop.
We grabbed drinks and gluten-free muffins here, and everything was delicious. The space is cozy and full of character, and the name itself connects back to the heritage of miners who settled in the area.
Nelson’s Old Riverton Store
On the Route 66 portion of your trip, stop at Nelson’s Old Riverton Store. Walking inside feels a little like stepping into a convenience store from decades ago.
We grabbed sandwiches and tried sarsaparilla for the first time. My kids thought drinking soda from a glass bottle was surprisingly exciting.
It’s an easy stop that adds to the nostalgic Route 66 experience.
Eastside Cafe in Girard
My kids LOVED Eastside Cafe. The hot cocoa was deluxe with whipped cream and sprinkles and, when we visited, only $2.50. I ordered a hash that was really good too. Plus, the cinnamon rolls were as big as my face.
It can get busy on weekend mornings, but we thought it was worth the wait.
Pickled Pete’s
Pickled Pete’s is technically a bar, but we found it to be family-friendly when we visited.
The food was extremely affordable. My meal was only $7.
There is outdoor seating and an old barge outside that my kids loved playing on, which is obviously not something you find at every restaurant.
Check their current schedule because this would be an especially fun stop when they have live music.
More Pittsburg Restaurants to Consider
There are several other local restaurants worth looking into depending on what you’re craving, including Chatters Restaurant, Drop the H Brewing Company, Bob’s Grill and Otto’s Cafe.
One thing I particularly love about the name Drop the H is that it’s a little joke about Pittsburg, Kansas, not having the “h” found in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Can You Visit Southeast Kansas as a Day Trip?
Yes! We’ve now visited Southeast Kansas both ways: as a weekend getaway and as a day trip.
A day trip works especially well if you’re coming from the Kansas City area and primarily want to explore Pittsburg.
But if this is your first visit and you want to see Pittsburg, Big Brutus, Crawford State Park AND the Route 66 attractions around Galena, I’d choose a weekend.
You’ll enjoy it a lot more when you aren’t racing from place to place.
Southeast Kansas Day Trip Itinerary With Kids
On our second visit, we were able to experience this area as a day trip, which helped me see how I’d plan it differently if you only have one day.
For a family-focused day, I’d concentrate primarily on Pittsburg and the nearby towns rather than trying to squeeze the entire region into a few hours.
Morning: Downtown Frontenac
Start at McKay Street Coffeehouse, then let the kids explore the Frontenac Public Library and walk through Heritage Hall Museum.
Late morning/lunch: Pittsburg
Head into Pittsburg for Literary Cat Co. and lunch at TOAST.
Afternoon: Jungle Gym
Let the kids burn some energy at The Jungle Gym Play Cafe.
Evening: Kiddieland
Finish with a few rides at Kiddieland Amusement Park.
Bonus treat: Stop at Granny’s in Frontenac for ice cream if the timing works.
Two-Day Southeast Kansas Weekend Itinerary
If this is your first visit, I think a weekend is the best way to experience Southeast Kansas. You can technically do this region as a day trip, but two days gives you time to explore the small towns, Route 66 attractions and some of the wonderfully weird places that make this area so fun without constantly watching the clock.
Here’s how I’d plan it based on our own trips:
Day 1: Frontenac + Pittsburg With Kids
Morning: Explore Downtown Frontenac
Start your Southeast Kansas weekend in Frontenac, just a few minutes from Pittsburg.
Grab coffee at McKay Street Coffeehouse, which is located inside the Frontenac Public Library. I loved my coffee, and this might be one of my new favorite combinations for traveling with kids: I get coffee, and they get a library.
Spend some time exploring the Frontenac Public Library, especially if you have younger kids. The children’s section has a wooden train kids can climb inside to sit and read, plus a small play area that my kids enjoyed.
Before you leave, walk through Heritage Hall Museum, which is also inside the building. I thought this little museum was so cute and really well done. The exhibits include facades of old Frontenac buildings that make it feel like you’re walking down an old-fashioned street while learning about the town’s history.
If your kids are already campaigning for a treat, stop at Granny’s Chip Chocolate Ice Cream & Candy Shop while you’re in Frontenac. My kids will pretty much never turn down an ice cream stop.
Late Morning + Lunch: Head to Pittsburg
Make the short drive into Pittsburg and spend the rest of the day exploring.
If your family loves animals, make The Literary Cat Co. one of your first stops. We somehow spent TWO HOURS here cuddling adoptable cats, and one of my daughters cried when it was time to leave.
Then grab lunch at TOAST, one of my favorite meals we’ve had in Pittsburg. I especially appreciated finding good gluten-free options.
Afternoon: Play at The Jungle Gym
After lunch, head to The Jungle Gym Play Cafe inside Meadowbrook Mall.
Let the kids burn off some energy on the mini zip line, trampolines, climbing wall and play areas while you enjoy a little indoor break.
And don’t skip the ice cream. When we visited, it was so affordable that I actually said yes to toppings, which my children probably considered one of the highlights of the entire trip.
You could also squeeze in Gorilla Village Champions Plaza while you’re exploring Pittsburg. See how many gorillas your kids can spot around town along the way.
Evening: Ride the Rides at Kiddieland
Finish your first day at Kiddieland Amusement Park if you’re visiting while it’s operating.
This was such a fun and affordable way to end our day. Instead of paying a large admission fee, we could buy tickets and let the kids choose which rides they wanted to do.
And don’t underestimate that little roller coaster. It goes surprisingly fast! Thankfully, it wasn’t jerky, so even my old bones could handle it.
Day 2: Big Brutus + Galena + Kansas Route 66
Start your second day at Big Brutus in West Mineral.
Give yourself enough time to climb inside this enormous mining shovel, explore the museum and check out the mining equipment outside. Pictures really don’t convey how huge Big Brutus is until you’re standing underneath it.
From there, make your way toward Galena and Kansas Route 66.
Explore Gearhead Curios, Cars on the Route, Mural Park, the Route 66 shield, Centennial Arch and the other quirky roadside attractions around town.
Definitely go inside Gearhead Curios rather than just taking pictures outside. And ask about the bathroom. Trust me.
Continue along Route 66 with a stop at Nelson’s Old Riverton Store, where we grabbed sandwiches and introduced our kids to the novelty of drinking sarsaparilla from a glass bottle.
Have More Time?
If your family prioritizes outdoor adventures, add Crawford State Park to your weekend. We enjoyed taking a short hike, looking for turtles and birds, playing on the playground and beach, and driving around the lake.
You could also easily turn this into a three-day Southeast Kansas itinerary and give Crawford State Park more time instead of trying to squeeze it into an already full weekend.
Where to Stay in Southeast Kansas
We stayed at an Airbnb, and it worked really well for our family. It had two bedrooms and gave us plenty of space to spread out after long days of exploring. You can check it out HERE.
If you prefer hotels in Pittsburg, Kansas, here are a few good options:
(All are centrally located and great for families.)
Southeast Kansas Trip FAQs
Is Pittsburg, Kansas worth visiting?
I think it is, especially for families. Before our first trip, I didn’t really know what to expect from Pittsburg. After visiting twice, I think it’s an underrated Kansas destination.
There are quirky attractions, inexpensive activities for kids, good local food, a college-town atmosphere and enough surrounding attractions to easily fill a weekend.
What are the best things to do in Pittsburg, Kansas with kids?
Our kids especially loved Kiddieland Amusement Park, The Jungle Gym Play Cafe and The Literary Cat Co.
I’d also add Gorilla Village if you’re already exploring Pittsburg.
Is Frontenac, Kansas worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you’re already visiting Pittsburg. Frontenac is just a few minutes away, and several of its best family-friendly stops are clustered together downtown. We grabbed coffee at McKay Street Coffeehouse, let our kids play and read at the Frontenac Public Library, explored Heritage Hall Museum and, of course, added an ice cream stop. You don’t need an entire day here, which makes it really easy to add to a Southeast Kansas itinerary.
How many days do you need in Southeast Kansas?
You can absolutely visit Pittsburg on a day trip, but I’d recommend two days if this is your first visit to Southeast Kansas.
A weekend gives you enough time to explore Pittsburg plus Big Brutus, Galena and Route 66 without spending your entire trip watching the clock.
Is Southeast Kansas good for an affordable family trip?
This is actually one of the things I like most about the region.
We’ve found inexpensive restaurants and family attractions, and places like Kiddieland allow you to choose how much you want to spend rather than requiring an expensive all-day admission.
It makes Southeast Kansas particularly appealing when you want to get away without spending a fortune.
What should we prioritize if we only have one day?
With younger kids, I’d concentrate on Pittsburg.
For a quirky Kansas road trip, I’d prioritize Big Brutus + Galena and Route 66.
For outdoor families, combine Crawford State Park with one or two other nearby attractions.
Is Southeast Kansas Worth a Weekend Trip?
After two family trips to Southeast Kansas, my answer is yes.
Why Southeast Kansas?
It’s easy to overlook this part of the state when you’re planning a getaway, but that’s part of what I’ve grown to like about it.
You aren’t fighting huge crowds or paying theme-park prices. Instead, you’re riding a tiny roller coaster, cuddling cats in a bookstore, climbing inside a gigantic mining shovel, discovering a bizarre Route 66 bathroom, hiking beside a lake and finding those wonderfully weird places that make a road trip feel like an adventure.
And those tend to be the trips my kids remember.
If you’re looking for an easy and affordable Kansas family road trip, Pittsburg and Southeast Kansas deserve a spot on your list.
If you’re looking for more fun road trips, check out 7 Best Weekend Trips from Kansas City or Can’t Miss Things to Do in Abilene.
