Alma KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Alma, Kansas.
1. Alma Creamery
ARTISANAL CHEESE EXPERIENCE
Alma Creamery is a popular local attraction offering visitors a taste of authentic Kansas cheese-making traditions. Visitors can tour the facility to see how various cheeses are crafted and sample freshly made products. The creamery is known for its award-winning cheeses that showcase the region's dairy heritage.
2. Antique Emporium
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNTING
Antique Emporium in Alma offers a delightful journey through history with its extensive collection of vintage items and collectibles. Treasure hunters can spend hours browsing through carefully curated artifacts, furniture, and memorabilia from different eras. The shop provides a glimpse into the past while offering unique souvenirs to take home.
3. Wabaunsee County Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Wabaunsee County Historical Society Museum preserves and displays the rich history of Alma and the surrounding region. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the area's settlement and development through the years. The museum provides visitors with a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical significance of this Flint Hills community.
4. Volland, A Place for Art and Community
RURAL ARTS HUB
Volland is a revitalized historic site near Alma that serves as a vibrant center for arts and community gatherings. The restored 1913 general store now functions as a gallery space featuring rotating exhibitions of contemporary art and photography. This cultural destination hosts events, workshops, and performances that celebrate the intersection of rural life and creative expression.
5. Plumlee Buffalo Ranch
AMERICAN BISON EXPERIENCE
Plumlee Buffalo Ranch offers visitors a chance to observe American bison in their natural grassland habitat. Guided tours provide educational insights about these majestic animals and their historical importance to the Great Plains ecosystem. The ranch exemplifies sustainable ranching practices while connecting visitors to an iconic symbol of the American West.
6. Historic Downtown Alma
GERMAN HERITAGE DISTRICT
Historic Downtown Alma features a charming collection of 21 contributing buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 5.6-acre district showcases Italianate, Romanesque, and Commercial architectural styles dating back to 1887. Visitors can explore the area along Missouri Street from 2nd to 5th Streets to experience the town's rich German heritage and historical significance.
7. Native Stone Scenic Byway
PICTURESQUE RURAL DRIVE
The Native Stone Scenic Byway runs through Alma, offering travelers stunning views of the rolling Flint Hills landscape. The route features historic stone structures and fences built by early settlers using locally quarried limestone. This scenic drive provides a perfect way to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region at a leisurely pace.
8. Mill Creek Drive
SCENIC COUNTRYSIDE ROUTE
Mill Creek Drive is a beautiful scenic route that winds through the countryside surrounding Alma. The drive follows the meandering Mill Creek, offering picturesque views of water features, rolling hills, and native prairie grasses. Travelers can enjoy seasonal changes in the landscape, from spring wildflowers to autumn's golden hues across the Flint Hills terrain.
9. Emma Chase Café
LOCAL COMFORT FOOD
Emma Chase Café is a beloved dining establishment located near Alma in the Flint Hills region. The café offers homestyle cooking with a menu featuring classic American comfort food made from locally-sourced ingredients when possible. On Friday nights, the venue transforms into a lively spot for live music, attracting visitors from throughout the region.
10. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
NATIVE GRASSLAND ECOSYSTEM
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve protects one of the last remaining examples of the once-vast tallgrass prairie ecosystem that covered much of the central United States. Visitors can explore over 40 miles of hiking trails through rolling hills where native grasses can grow up to six feet tall. The preserve also features historic ranch buildings and offers ranger-led programs about prairie ecology and history.
11. Konza Prairie Biological Station
RESEARCH PRAIRIE LANDSCAPE
Konza Prairie Biological Station is a native tallgrass prairie preserve managed by Kansas State University for ecological research. The public hiking trails wind through 8,600 acres of pristine prairie, offering spectacular views and opportunities to observe diverse plant and animal species. Seasonal visits provide different experiences, from spring wildflowers to fall colors and winter's stark beauty.
12. Flint Hills Discovery Center
REGIONAL NATURE MUSEUM
The Flint Hills Discovery Center is an interactive museum dedicated to telling the story of the Flint Hills ecoregion. Exhibits explore the natural history, cultural heritage, and ecological significance of the last remaining tallgrass prairie in North America. The center features a dramatic immersive experience called the Flint Hills Map Room that helps visitors understand the unique landscape surrounding Alma and other nearby communities.
13. Ad Astra Books & Coffee House
LITERARY CAFÉ EXPERIENCE
Ad Astra Books & Coffee House combines a carefully curated independent bookstore with a welcoming café atmosphere. Visitors can browse an extensive selection of books while enjoying specialty coffee drinks and homemade pastries. The venue frequently hosts author readings, book clubs, and community events that celebrate literature and local culture.
14. Council Grove Historic District
SANTA FE TRAIL LANDMARK
Council Grove Historic District preserves numerous buildings and sites related to the Santa Fe Trail, which passed through this frontier settlement. Visitors can explore landmarks including the Hays House (oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi), the Kaw Mission, and the Madonna of the Trail monument. The charming downtown area offers shops, dining, and self-guided walking tours highlighting the town's significant role in westward expansion.
15. Liquid Art Winery and Estate
HILLSIDE VINEYARD VIEWS
Liquid Art Winery and Estate offers a vineyard experience set against the stunning backdrop of the Flint Hills. Visitors can sample award-winning wines produced from grapes grown on the property while enjoying panoramic views from the tasting room. The estate also serves as a popular venue for special events, featuring beautiful grounds that showcase the region's natural beauty in every season.