Fort Scott, Kansas is a charming and historic town in Bourbon County Kansas. From outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking to unique historical attractions, entertaining museums, and delicious local restaurants, this small town has a lot to offer.
Whether you’re looking to spend a day here or planning a weekend getaway, you won’t be disappointed with your visit to Fort Scott.
This post was made possible by the City of Fort Scott by hosting me for a fabulous weekend. All opinions are my own.
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Things to Do in Fort Scott, Kansas
Whether you’re here for a short trip or an extended stay, here are some of the best things to do in Fort Scott.
1. Learn About the Fort Scott National Historic Site
The Fort Scott National Historic Site has an extensive history. Originally established in 1842 and named after Winfield Scott, the fort was constructed as a way to not only protect settlers but also provide a buffer to Native Americans from the increasing encroachment of the frontiersmen.
Though it was abandoned in 1853 in favor of Fort Riley, it was later recalled during the Civil War as a defensive measure by the Union Army. 125 years later, it was officially declared a National Historic Site by the US government, allowing future generations to learn from its long legacy.
Many of the buildings have been restored or reconstructed which gives a glimpse of life on the frontier.
What to See at the Fort Scott National Historic Site
Once you stop at the visitor center to pick up a map and speak with a ranger, begin your tour of the site at the Infantry Barracks. The second floor has a small museum with interactive exhibits and a lot of information about the history of the fort and the people who lived in the area in the 1800s. There is also a 23-minute-long park video that gives a good overview of the history of the site.
As you walk clockwise around the site, you can see the Dragoon Stables, Dragoon Barracks, Post Headquarters, Officers’ Quarters, Quartermaster House, Guardhouse, and the Hospital within the Visitor Center. You can go inside almost every building and learn about life at the fort through displays and exhibits.
If you would like to enjoy the site a little longer, take the short walk on the Tallgrass Prairie Loop Trail.
Tours
Guided tours of the Fort Scott National Historic Site are available at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. Tours leave from the visitor center. Tours may be canceled due to weather or staffing shortages.
If you don’t have the opportunity to join a guided tour, you can still learn about the building around the site through a 12-stop cell phone tour.
Junior Ranger Program
If you are traveling with kids, stop by the visitor center at the beginning of your trip to pick up a junior ranger booklet. There is a booklet for preschool kids, young elementary kids, and older kids.
Special Events
7,000 flags are on display throughout Memorial Day weekend. The fort comes alive during Fourth of July weekend with talks, tours, and living history demonstrations.
Labor Day weekend showcases skills and trades of the 1840s. Lastly, the historic site glows from 1,000 candle lanterns during the first weekend in December.
Practical Information
The historic site is free to visit. Hours for the visitor center are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm from November to the end of March and 8:00 am to 5:00 pm from April through October. You are allowed to walk the grounds from sunrise to sunset.
2. Visit the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes
The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is a museum dedicated to honoring individuals who have made extraordinary contributions but are largely unrecognized. Visitors to the center can learn about the stories of those people whose achievements, values, and hard work have had a lasting impact on our world.
Irena Sendler’s Story
The museum all started with the story of Irena Sendler. Her story was brought to light by three Kansans who, after being captivated by her selfless devotion to protecting innocent lives, made sure that it was shared all over the world.
Before this, Irena Sendler’s heroics during World War II had been largely overlooked in the history books. Her efforts during the war were instrumental in saving hundreds of Jewish children in Warsaw, Poland. She dressed as a nurse and was able, along with fellow social workers, to save 2,500 Jewish children.
Other Unsung Heroes
The museum is now home to many unsung heroes, including wartime heroes, civil rights heroes, and STEAM heroes. One of the most memorable in the museum is Sergeant Tubby – a brave WWI dog who participated in 17 battles over the course of the war.
Exhibits change periodically in the museum, but it remains a place where we can be exposed to stories of these amazing individuals who otherwise may have gone unnoticed by history.
If you are traveling with kids, stop at the front desk to get some fun worksheets. There is a scavenger hunt, word search, crossword puzzle, and coloring pages.
On the grounds outside of the museum, there is a small park with informative signs that recognize and honor a variety of unknown heroes. There are gold stars hidden throughout the park. Find all 10 to get a special prize.
The museum is completely free to visit.
3. Learn About Gordon Parks at the Gordon Parks Museum
The Gordon Parks Museum is a tribute to the life and accomplishments of its namesake – the famous photographer and filmmaker Gordon Parks.
Parks made his mark on the world by capturing thought-provoking images of poverty and racism with his camera lens. He went on to direct the films The Learning Tree, Shaft, and Leadbelly.
The museum includes information on his life as well as impressive displays of his photographs, films, books, and other memorabilia.
The museum is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College. It is free to visit.
4. See the Town with Fort Scott Trolley Tours
A visit to Fort Scott wouldn’t be complete without a ride on Dolly the Trolley. This iconic 50-minute narrated trolley tour offers great insight into the history of this small town. With a knowledgeable guide, the tour takes you through the beautiful downtown bricked streets where period homes from the 1800s can still be seen.
Highlighting several places of interest along the way, like stores, old liveries, and parks, Dolly the Trolley can provide a journey back in time and an educational experience for anyone eager to learn about the history of Fort Scott.
The trolley season runs from the first weekend of March to the first weekend of December. It only runs on Fridays from 11:00 am through 3:00 pm and Saturdays from 10:00 am through 3:00 pm. The trolley leaves at the top of the hour every hour with the last tour offered at 2:00 pm.
Tickets for the trolley tour are $6 for adults, $4 for kids (12 & Under), and free for kids under 3.
5. Snap a Photo at the Downtown Murals
Exploring the downtown historic district of Fort Scott is such a treat! The area is full of historic buildings and timeless charm, and the large-scale art murals scattered throughout the streets really bring the spirit of Fort Scott to life.
Bison Mural
Location: 19 S. National
Greetings from Fort Scott
Location: 23 S. Main Street
Sunflower Mural
Location: 108 Scott Avenue
The Future Belongs to Those Who Read
Location: 14 E 2nd Street
6. Explore Downtown and Shop Local
Fort Scott has a great downtown shopping district. This is an extremely pedestrian-friendly area, perfect for exploring on foot. From trendy apparel stores to traditional antique shops, you are sure to find something to take home from your visit.
Laree and Co.
Laree and Co. is an amazing store with an even more amazing mission. They sell a variety of items for the whole family but their main focus is children’s clothing.
Their clothing comes in a variety of unique prints and styles all made out of a super soft material. You can shop by print to get adorable matching lounge sets for you and your kids.
In addition to the beautiful children’s clothing, Laree and Co. also sells souvenir items.
Hedgehog.INK Bookstore
I always enjoy browsing the shelves of a used bookstore. Not only can you find a variety of fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books at Hedgehog.INK, but you can also enjoy the selection of locally-made products found in the store.
Antique shops
If antique shopping is more your thing, Fort Scott has you covered. For one-of-a-kind antiques, make sure to pay a visit to The Iron Star, Main Street Vintage & Co., and Trader Dave’s Antiques & More.
7. Pay your Respects at the Fort Scott National Cemetery
The Fort Scott National Cemetery is an incredibly moving place, steeped in history and symbolic of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women throughout our nation’s history.
Originally established in the 1860s, this cemetery is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visiting this cemetery allows us to pay homage to those that have served our country — a duty we can never forget.
8. Spend Time Outside at Gunn Park
Gunn Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Let the kids play at one of the many playgrounds around the park. There are also multiple shelter houses in the park but the original one, built in 1910, has neat murals on both levels.
The park offers 6.5 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, so come prepared. These trails meander through the woods and along the Marmaton River and are a perfect way to get in some exercise.
Bring your fishing gear and wet a line in the two fishing lakes. Fern Lake is stocked with trout but both lakes offer great fishing. We saw a good-sized catfish caught while returning from our hike.
If you are looking for some competition there is even an 18-hole disc golf course throughout the park.
9. Explore the Rock Creek Lake Waterfalls
The Rock Creek Lake Waterfall is a hidden gem in Fort Scott. Located on the north side of Rock Creek Lake, this set of waterfalls is created by the overflow out of the lake.
While the waterfall at the actual spillway may not be the most exciting, if you venture downstream just a bit you can enjoy a couple of very nice natural falls. During heavier rains, this set of falls is especially beautiful but there is almost always some flow throughout the year. Make sure to wear some shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Finding the falls is not too hard but also not super obvious. You will head west out of town on 18th Street past the community college. This road will become Kansas Rd and after almost 2.5 miles will take a left curve onto 195th St. You will turn off the road to the right after about a quarter mile and follow the narrow gravel road along the lake to the falls on the northwest side of Rock Creek Lake.
10. Order a Sandwich at Marsha’s Great Plains Deli
Marsha’s Great Plains Deli is the perfect local spot to head for lunch. With a variety of cold and hot sandwiches, daily specials, salads, and even delicious baked potatoes, you are sure to find something that you will like here.
11. Take a Class at The Artificers – Art Gallery & Teaching Studio
The Artificers is the perfect place to unleash your creativity. From adult-only nightouts to kid-friendly options, they provide a variety of classes tailored just for you. Sign up for a single class or take part in a multi-week workshop.
From learning the basics of sketching and watercolor painting to honing your skills in pottery-making, each class comes with instruction from expert teachers who are passionate about helping everyone gain skills and learn techniques to improve their art.
In addition to offering classes, the owners both sell their art in the gallery along with other local artists. Paintings, pottery, and jewelry are just a few of the items available to purchase.
12. Grab Lunch at Nu Grille
Nu Grille has been around since 1946, making it an established destination for good food in Fort Scott. Watch the food being cooked from the counter or head to the back for more traditional seating options.
The home-style meals here cater to all tastes, with everything from made-to-order burgers and traditional dinner plates to fresh-cut fries, homemade Suzie Q’s, and onion rings. Dessert options include freshly baked pies, cakes, cinnamon rolls, and ice cream shakes.
Nu Grille is also a popular breakfast spot. Serving traditional items like eggs, hot cakes, biscuits and gravy, it isn’t hard to see why the locals love it here.
13. Let the Kids Play at the Museum of Creativity
The Museum of Creativity is the perfect destination for a family-friendly outing! Get lost in the train model displays, admire the intricate collection of Barbie dolls with handmade clothing, or build a city with legos!
Kids can play the arcade games, enjoy the climbing dome, or challenge their coordination skills with some Giant Jenga. There are also tons of other play structures and general fun to be had.
Admission is inexpensive. Check the Museum of Creativity’s Facebook page for the latest information and events.
14. Cool Off at the Fort Scott Aquatic Center
The Fort Scott Aquatic Center is the perfect place to cool off and have some fun during the hot summer months. With its slides, diving boards, kids’ area, and swimming lanes, there’s something for everyone at this pool.
The waterslide tower will be a hit with older kids! Younger kids will love splashing around in their own designated section with a mini water slide and other interactive features.
The pool normally opens around Memorial Day and stays open through the summer.
15. Perfect Your Swing at Woodland Hills Golf Course
Woodland Hills Golf Course is considered to be an area favorite for many golfers. It’s a championship 18-hole course that boasts a challenging layout with small fast bent grass greens, making it a great golfing destination.
Accommodations in Fort Scott, Kansas
Although there are not many lodging options in Fort Scott, travelers can still find accommodations that fit their needs.
Sleep Inn
The Sleep Inn in Fort Scott, KS is a great place to stay for anyone looking for rest and convenience. You can’t get much closer to the action. The welcome center is across the street and the Fort Scott National Historic Site is within walking distance.
Not only is the hotel clean and comfortable, the staff is very friendly. There is an indoor pool, fitness center, and laundry facilities. If you don’t feel like eating out, you can enjoy the outdoor seating area and use the grill.
Other Hotel Options
For a historic stay, book a room at the Courtland Hotel and Spa. It was built in 1906 and offers a variety of room options.
There are a few other hotel options in Fort Scott: Travelodge, Super 8, Budget Inn & Suites, and Azure Sky Motel.
Final Thoughts: Things to Do in Fort Scott, Kansas
From the Fort Scott National Historic Site to the charming downtown shops and restaurants, Fort Scott offers plenty of things to do during a visit. Whether you are looking for a quiet afternoon of fishing or hiking in one of its parks or an opportunity to reflect on important historical events in the area, Fort Scott has it all.
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