Bushton KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bushton, Kansas.
1. Bushton Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Bushton Museum offers visitors a hands-on glimpse into the town's past through its displays of one-room school artifacts, a historic medical office, and military exhibits. Vintage clothing and memorabilia dating back to the early 1900s help tell the story of the local community. School tours and interactive elements make it a welcoming destination for history enthusiasts of all ages.
2. Quin-Craft Products (Atom Pop Factory)
ICONIC POPCORN POPPER
Quin-Craft Products, known for the original 'Atom Pop' popcorn popper, manufactures this innovative kitchen gadget right in Bushton. The factory has put Bushton on the map by offering a healthy, no-shake, no-stir popcorn alternative. Visitors can purchase locally made Atom Pop products and learn about the business's unique history.
3. Bushton Seasonal Community Events
FESTIVE LOCAL GATHERINGS
Bushton is known for its lively community events, including chocolate and apple dips, fall roast beef roasts, sausage and pancake feeds, and summer ice cream socials. These celebrations create a warm, inviting atmosphere that brings locals and visitors together. Each event offers a chance to experience the close-knit spirit and traditions of this small Kansas town.
4. Downtown Lorraine Main Street
HISTORIC SMALL-TOWN CENTER
Downtown Lorraine's Main Street preserves the quiet charm of classic rural Kansas, reflecting the town's origins dating back to the late 1800s. With its friendly residents and quaint local signage, the area offers a nostalgic walking tour experience. Visitors appreciate the peaceful streets and the visible history of this tiny neighboring municipality.
5. Bushton-Farmer Township Cemetery
HISTORIC RURAL CEMETERY
The Bushton-Farmer Township Cemetery, established in 1887, sits just southeast of Bushton and preserves the resting places of generations of local families. This peaceful site features well-tended gravestones and tranquil Kansas scenery. History buffs often visit to trace family roots and pay respects to early settlers.
6. Holyrood Lutheran Cemetery
INTRIGUING GRAVESTONES & STATUES
Holyrood Lutheran Cemetery is noted for its fascinating headstones and unique statuary, such as the standout Heesch family monument. Located on the southern edge of Holyrood, it draws visitors interested in genealogy and Kansas pioneer history. The site serves as both a quiet memorial and an open-air museum of rural artistry.
7. Historic Wolf Hotel
LANDMARK BOUTIQUE HOTEL
The Historic Wolf Hotel in Ellinwood offers a glimpse into 19th-century elegance with its well-preserved architecture and inviting guest rooms. Once a key stop on the Santa Fe Trail, it has been restored to serve both as lodging and a living museum. Guests can tour the original tunnel system underneath the building for an adventurous twist.
8. Ellinwood Underground Tunnels
SECRET PASSAGEWAYS TOUR
The Ellinwood Underground Tunnels present a captivating journey through hidden passageways that once connected businesses and were used during Prohibition. Guided tours reveal stories of speakeasies, shops, and the vibrant life beneath the city streets. This attraction appeals to history lovers, mystery seekers, and families alike.
9. The Slammer
UNIQUE JAILHOUSE EXPERIENCE
The Slammer in Ellinwood reimagines a former jail as an immersive entertainment site where visitors can learn about law enforcement history. It features themed rooms, interactive exhibits, and photo opportunities. The site is popular for both group outings and curious tourists seeking something different.
10. Farmer's Co-op Grain Elevator
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE ICON
The Farmer's Co-op Grain Elevator stands as a symbol of the local agricultural economy and a traditional element of Bushton's skyline. Visitors can observe the bustle during harvest season and learn about the importance of grain storage in rural life. Its towering silos are a photogenic feature of this farming community.
11. Bushton Convenience Store & Deli
QUICK BITES & ESSENTIALS
The Bushton Convenience Store & Deli serves as a local hub for snacks, drinks, and short-order meals, making it a favorite stop for travelers. Its friendly service and practical selection keep visitors and residents coming back. This reliable pit stop is perfect for refueling during a rural Kansas road trip.
12. Bushton Bank
CLASSIC LOCAL BANKING
Bushton Bank offers full-service banking in a traditional small-town setting, continuing a long heritage of supporting area residents. The building reflects the steadfast, community-oriented values of Bushton. Visitors often appreciate the straightforward service and the historic aura of rural Kansas finances.
13. Bushton Automotive Service
TRUSTED LOCAL MECHANICS
Bushton Automotive Service is the go-to place for vehicle repair and maintenance in the area, known for its friendly customer care. The shop serves both locals and visitors, ensuring safe travels through central Kansas. Its longstanding presence reflects the hands-on, practical spirit of Bushton's economy.
14. Apple Dipping Social
SEASONAL SWEET TRADITION
The Apple Dipping Social in Bushton is a cherished seasonal event where community members and visitors come together to enjoy homemade treats. This gathering celebrates fall and Kansas-grown fruit with festive camaraderie. It's a sweet highlight in Bushton's annual calendar, drawing crowds for its simple, delicious fun.
15. Sausage and Pancake Feed
HEARTY COMMUNITY BREAKFAST
The Sausage and Pancake Feed is a beloved Bushton tradition featuring generous servings of hearty breakfast fare prepared by locals. This event brings together neighbors and newcomers for good food and conversation. It is a prime example of Bushton's welcoming hospitality and home-cooked charm.