Ellinwood KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ellinwood, Kansas.
1. Ellinwood Underground Tunnels
HISTORIC UNDERGROUND PASSAGEWAYS
The Ellinwood Underground Tunnels are a network of historic passageways beneath Washington Street that once housed various businesses including sample rooms, bathhouses, gambling dens, and saloons. During Prohibition, these underground establishments provided excellent cover from prying eyes. Today, visitors can tour these fascinating tunnels and get a glimpse into Ellinwood's colorful past.
2. The Historic Wolf Hotel
ICONIC HERITAGE HOTEL
The Historic Wolf Hotel, built in 1894, stands as an iconic landmark in Ellinwood offering bed and breakfast accommodations with a touch of history. The hotel features The Underground Saloon open on weekends and serves as an event venue for parties, weddings, and other celebrations. Visitors can take tours of the building and enjoy comedy shows and other local events hosted at this historic establishment.
3. Museum of Ellinwood
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Museum of Ellinwood is a community-operated and Historical Society curated museum that offers visitors a step back in time. It provides guests the opportunity to relive different eras of Ellinwood's rich history and experience the colorful past of this beautiful Kansas town. The museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm, with winter visits by appointment only.
4. Sunflower Dining Room
HISTORIC FINE DINING
The Sunflower Dining Room was added to the Wolf Hotel in 1924 by Fred Wolf, featuring artistic designs with sunflowers, wheat, terrazzo floors, and unique chandeliers that used only amber-colored bulbs. The dining experience was elevated with crisp white linen tablecloths, linen napkins, good silver flatware, and fresh flower arrangements. The venue also featured an outdoor patio area, which was the first of its kind in Ellinwood.
5. Kansas Earth and Sky Candle Co
ARTISANAL CANDLE SHOP
Kansas Earth and Sky Candle Co is a specialty shop in Ellinwood offering handcrafted candles with unique scents inspired by the Kansas landscape. Visitors can browse through a variety of artisanal candle products while experiencing the charming atmosphere of this local business. The shop represents the creative entrepreneurial spirit of small-town Kansas.
6. Two Chicks and Some Old Bird
QUIRKY LOCAL SHOP
Two Chicks and Some Old Bird is a distinctive shopping destination in Ellinwood with a memorable name that attracts curious visitors. The shop offers a curated selection of unique items, gifts, and local products that showcase the character of the region. Its quirky charm makes it a must-visit spot for those exploring Ellinwood's downtown area.
7. The Ellinwood Emporium
DIVERSE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
The Ellinwood Emporium serves as a central shopping destination in town, offering a diverse array of products for locals and visitors alike. The establishment embodies the small-town retail experience with personalized service and a carefully selected inventory. Its presence contributes to the vibrant commercial landscape of Ellinwood's historic downtown.
8. Cheyenne Bottoms
PREMIER WILDLIFE WETLANDS
Cheyenne Bottoms is a massive wetland area located approximately 30 minutes from Ellinwood that serves as a critical stopover for migratory birds. This wildlife area spans thousands of acres and is recognized internationally for its ecological importance. Visitors can observe diverse bird species, wildlife, and experience the natural beauty of one of the most significant wetland ecosystems in North America.
9. Quivira National Wildlife Refuge
SERENE NATURAL SANCTUARY
Quivira National Wildlife Refuge is located about 40 minutes from Ellinwood and offers a stunning natural sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. The refuge encompasses salt marshes, sand dunes, and grasslands that provide habitat for numerous bird species, including endangered whooping cranes during migration seasons. Visitors can enjoy wildlife observation, photography, fishing, and hiking through this pristine natural area.
10. Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway
PICTURESQUE DRIVING ROUTE
The Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway is one of the most pristine drives in Kansas, passing near Ellinwood and connecting the Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. This scenic route allows travelers to experience the beautiful Kansas landscape, including wetlands, rolling hills, and prairie vistas. Along the way, visitors can stop at various points of interest, interpretive centers, and wildlife observation areas.
11. Kansas Wetlands Education Center
ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING HUB
The Kansas Wetlands Education Center serves as an educational facility focused on the unique wetland ecosystems of central Kansas. The center features interactive exhibits, educational programs, and resources about the wildlife, plants, and ecological importance of Cheyenne Bottoms and surrounding wetlands. Visitors can gain valuable insights about conservation efforts and the natural history of this significant environmental resource.
12. Brit Spaugh Zoo
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ANIMAL PARK
Brit Spaugh Zoo in nearby Great Bend offers visitors a chance to observe a variety of animal species in a family-friendly setting. The zoo focuses on education and conservation while providing an entertaining experience for visitors of all ages. Exhibits feature both native Kansas wildlife and exotic species, making it a popular destination for families exploring the region around Ellinwood.
13. B-29 Memorial Plaza
HISTORIC AVIATION TRIBUTE
The B-29 Memorial Plaza honors the history of the B-29 bomber and its connection to central Kansas during World War II. This memorial site commemorates the airmen who trained in the region and the aircraft that played a crucial role in American military history. Visitors can view interpretive displays and monuments that tell the story of aviation heritage in the area near Ellinwood.
14. Kansas Oil & Gas Museum
ENERGY INDUSTRY HERITAGE
The Kansas Oil & Gas Museum showcases the rich history of petroleum exploration and production in central Kansas. Exhibits feature vintage equipment, photographs, and artifacts that document the development of this important industry in the region. The museum offers insights into how oil and gas discovery shaped the economy and communities of Kansas, including the Ellinwood area.
15. American Legion Post 320
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
American Legion Post 320 serves as an important community hub in Ellinwood, hosting various events, gatherings, and activities for veterans and local residents. The organization honors the service of military personnel while providing opportunities for community engagement and support. Visitors and residents alike can experience small-town camaraderie and American patriotic spirit at this local institution.