Fort Scott KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Fort Scott, Kansas.
1. Fort Scott National Historic Site
HISTORIC MILITARY FRONTIER POST
Fort Scott National Historic Site preserves 20 historic structures, including 11 original buildings and reconstructions built on original foundations from 1842-1873. The site interprets the 1840s era with exhibits, period furnishings, and living history programs including soldiers drilling on horseback and artillery demonstrations. Visitors can explore how this military fort established to protect the Permanent Indian Frontier played a role in the forging of America from a young republic into a united transcontinental nation.
2. Fort Scott National Cemetery
HISTORIC MILITARY BURIAL GROUND
Fort Scott National Cemetery serves as the final resting place for military personnel and their spouses. The cemetery offers a solemn and respectful environment to honor those who served their country. Visitors can pay their respects while experiencing an important piece of military history.
3. Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes
INSPIRING HISTORICAL EDUCATION
The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes works with students and educators across diverse academic disciplines to develop history projects highlighting role models who demonstrate courage and compassion. The center showcases individuals who have made positive impacts but remained largely unrecognized in historical narratives. Visitors can explore inspiring stories of everyday heroes who changed the world through their actions.
4. Gordon Parks Museum
CELEBRATING ARTISTIC LEGACY
The Gordon Parks Museum honors the life and work of Gordon Parks, a renowned photographer, filmmaker, and writer who grew up in Fort Scott. The museum features exhibits showcasing Parks' influential photography, films, and writings that documented social issues and the African American experience. It is a significant stop on the Kansas African American History Trail, preserving the legacy of this groundbreaking artist.
5. The Boiler Room Brewhaus
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
The Boiler Room Brewhaus offers visitors delicious craft beers in a charming atmosphere that locals and tourists both enjoy. The brewery provides a perfect spot to relax after exploring Fort Scott's historical attractions. Visitors praise both the quality of the beer and the welcoming environment that captures the spirit of the community.
6. Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Center
VISITOR INFORMATION HUB
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Center serves as an essential starting point for visitors planning their exploration of Fort Scott. Staff members provide helpful information, maps, and recommendations to ensure tourists don't miss any of the city's attractions. The center helps visitors create well-organized itineraries that maximize their time in this historic Kansas town.
7. Rock Creek Waterfall
NATURAL SCENIC WONDER
Rock Creek Waterfall offers a peaceful natural attraction for visitors seeking outdoor experiences in Fort Scott. The waterfall provides a scenic backdrop for photography and quiet contemplation away from the city's historic sites. Nature enthusiasts appreciate this spot for its beauty and tranquility within the Kansas landscape.
8. Museum of Creativity
INTERACTIVE ARTS EXPERIENCE
The Museum of Creativity in Fort Scott offers visitors a unique specialty museum experience focused on artistic expression and imagination. The museum features interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages in creative processes and artistic discovery. It provides a complementary cultural experience to the more history-focused attractions in the area.
9. E3 Ranch
MLB STAR'S HOMESTEAD
E3 Ranch is the home of retired MLB player Adam LaRoche, offering visitors a glimpse into rural Kansas living with a touch of sports celebrity. The ranch represents the connection between Fort Scott's community and notable figures who maintain ties to the area. Visitors can experience authentic ranch activities while learning about the property's connection to professional baseball.
10. The Learning Tree Film Scene Locations
GORDON PARKS CINEMA HISTORY
The Learning Tree Film Scene Locations allow visitors to explore settings from Gordon Parks' groundbreaking 1969 film, the first Hollywood feature directed by an African American. These locations provide context for Parks' semi-autobiographical story about growing up in Kansas during the 1920s. Film enthusiasts and history buffs can experience the physical spaces that inspired this landmark in cinema history.
11. Historic Downtown Fort Scott
PRESERVED ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE
Historic Downtown Fort Scott features well-preserved buildings constructed with the famous Fort Scott brick that was also used in the Flatiron Building. The downtown area offers shopping, dining, and a chance to experience the architectural heritage of this significant Kansas town. Visitors can stroll through streets that witnessed the transition from frontier military post to thriving community during the mid-nineteenth century.
12. Prairie State Park
TALLGRASS PRAIRIE PRESERVE
Prairie State Park, located just across the state line from Fort Scott, preserves one of the last remaining tallgrass prairies in the region. Visitors can observe a herd of bison roaming freely across 4,000 acres of native grassland. The park offers hiking trails that showcase the same prairie landscape that surrounded Fort Scott during its frontier days.
13. Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site
CIVIL WAR BATTLE LANDMARK
Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site preserves the location of a significant Civil War battle fought on October 25, 1864. The site commemorates one of the largest cavalry engagements of the Civil War and the only major battle fought in Kansas. Visitors can explore the visitor center's exhibits and walk the battlefield trail to understand this extension of the Bleeding Kansas conflicts that affected Fort Scott.
14. Gunn Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION DESTINATION
Gunn Park offers Fort Scott visitors a scenic outdoor recreation area featuring lakes, trails, and picnic facilities. The park provides opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing within city limits. Families appreciate this natural space as a complement to Fort Scott's historical attractions.
15. Fort Scott Bourbon County Riverfront Authority
MARMATON RIVER DEVELOPMENT
The Fort Scott Bourbon County Riverfront Authority manages recreational opportunities along the Marmaton River that flows through Fort Scott. The riverfront areas offer walking paths, fishing spots, and scenic views for visitors seeking outdoor experiences. This developing attraction showcases Fort Scott's natural beauty alongside its historical significance.