Southeastern Kansas

By car

One can enter southeast Kansas via the following US Highways:

• US 75, which runs north-south through Independence and Neodesha.
• US 166, which runs east-west through Independence and Coffeyville
• US 169, which runs north-south through Coffeyville and near Cherryvale and Chanute.

By plane

• Chanute Martin Johnson Airport (CNU) is a general aviation airport.
• Coffeyville Municipal Airport (CFV) is a general aviation airport.
• Independence Municipal Airport (IDP) is a general aviation airport.
• Tulsa International Airport (TUL) is approximately 90 miles south of the Oklahoma/Kansas border.

Driving is the best way to get around in this region.

• Brown MansionAn elegant early 1900s mansion with original furnishings, wall coverings, and floor coverings. Arrange a tour by calling the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce, +1 620-251-2550.

• Chanute Art Gallery

  phone: +1 620 431-7807
  address: 7 North Lincoln, Chanute
  Core art collection of 600 pieces and special monthly exhibits.

• Dalton Defenders Museum

  address: 113 East 8th St, Coffeyville
  The notorious Dalton Gang met their end in Coffeyville in 1892. The Dalton Defenders Museum contains guns and saddles taken from the gang, pictures of the raid, and other memorabilia. For more information, contact the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce, +1 620-251-2550.

• Elmwood CemeteryThree members of the Dalton Gang are buried here.

General Funston Boyhood Home and MuseumIt's on the Iola square next to the Allen County Museum. Displays articles from Frederick Funston's youth as well as his career in the Spanish-American War and Philippine-American War.

The Little House on the Prairie

phone: +1 620 289-4238

13 miles southwest of Independence, just off US 75. Follow the green and white historical markers. Replica of the house Laura Ingalls Wilder's family lived in during her book Little House on the Prairie. Believed to be on the site where the Ingalls family's house stood. Also the site of a restored one-room schoolhouse and turn of the century post office.

Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum

phone: +1 620 431-2730

address: 111 N. Lincoln Ave, Chanute

Named for Martin and Osa Johnson, a Chanute couple who spent years studying the wildlife and people in East and Central Africa, the South Pacific Islands and British North Borneo. The museum houses their photographs, films, letters, and other memorabilia. Additionally, it has a collection of Central and West African artifacts, a library, and a theater where visitors can watch the Johnsons' films.

Cherryvale

• Big Hill Lake5 miles east of Cherryvale on Road 19000. Big Hill is a trophy fishing lake and also has equestrian trails, campgrounds, swimming areas, and places to birdwatch.

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Cherry Blossom Festival

Held annually the first weekend in May. It features a custom car show, antique tractors, food and arts and crafts booths.

Iola

• Buster Keaton Celebration held annually in Iola. Keaton is a native of Piqua, seven miles west of Iola. On the last weekend of September, the community celebrates his life viewings of his films, talks from experts, and workshops. Admission is free.

• Farm City DaysHeld on the third weekend of October in Iola. Four days of a carnival, plus a parade, crafts show, quilt show, car show, and entertainment for all ages.

Elsewhere

• Dalton Defenders DaysHeld annually in Coffeyville the first weekend in October. This is a celebration of Marshal C.T. Connelly, George Cubine, Charles Brown and Lucius Baldwin, the four men who lost their lives defending the town against the Dalton Gang. The town will hold a re-enactment of the gunfight and display artifacts from the raid. Other events include a car show, a guitar pickin' session, and arts and crafts booths.

  ]

• Katy Days, celebrating Parsons' railroad heritage, is held every Memorial Day weekend (fourth weekend in May) in Parsons.

• Prairie Days FestivalHeld annually the second Saturday in June at the Little House on the Prairie (see website for directions). Includes 1870s crafts, a fishing derby, character contests, music, and food.

• The County Seat

  phone: +1 620 365-8024
  address: 19 West Madison Iola

• Jack and Patti's Diner/Catering

  phone: +1 620 251-8255
  address: 111 W 9th St, Coffeyville

• Pig Stand BBQ

  phone: +1 620 251-6721
  address: 1301 E 8th St, Coffeyville

• Shirley's Sunshine Cafe

  phone: +1 620 365-6067
  address: 324 West Garfield Iola

• Best Western Bricktown Lodge

  phone: +1 620 251-3700
  address: 605 Northeast - Highways 166 & 169, Coffeyville

• Best Western

  phone: +1 620 365-5161
  address: 1315 North State, Iola

• Bowser's Bed & Breakfast

  phone: +1 620 251-0933
  address: 612 Elm St, Coffeyville

• Crossroads Motel

  phone: +1 620 365-2183
  address: 14 North State, Iola

• Hedgeapple Acres

  phone: +1 620 237-4646
  address: 4430 US 54 Hwy, Iola

• Northrup House

  phone: +1 620 365-7222
  address: 318 East St
  Bed and breakfast.

• Super 8 Motel

  phone: +1 620 365-3030
  address: 200 Bill's Way, Iola

Kansas is part of Tornado Alley. Tornadoes are most common in late spring and early summer. If you plan to visit any part of Kansas, you should brush up on Tornado safety.