Mound City KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mound City, Kansas.
1. Mine Creek Civil War Battlefield
HISTORIC CIVIL WAR SITE
Mine Creek Civil War Battlefield is a historic site located about 5 miles from Mound City that commemorates a strategic Union victory. The battle, which took place in 1864, was instrumental in driving Confederate forces back into Missouri. Visitors can explore the battlefield grounds and learn about this significant event that shaped the region's Civil War history.
2. Trading Post Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Trading Post Museum showcases the rich history of Mound City and Linn County. Exhibits feature artifacts and information dating back to the 1850s when the area was first settled, including items from the Civil War period. The museum offers visitors a glimpse into the pioneer lifestyle and the development of this historic Kansas town.
3. Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge
NATURAL WILDLIFE HAVEN
Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge offers a serene natural setting for wildlife observation and outdoor recreation. The refuge protects bottomland hardwood forests and wetlands that provide habitat for numerous bird species and other wildlife. Visitors can enjoy hiking, photography, hunting, and fishing within this beautiful natural area.
4. Kansas Rocks Recreation Park
OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE DESTINATION
Kansas Rocks Recreation Park provides exciting off-road experiences for adventure enthusiasts near Mound City. The park features rugged terrain with various difficulty levels suitable for Jeeps, trucks, ATVs, and other off-road vehicles. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy challenging trails while taking in the beautiful surrounding landscape of eastern Kansas.
5. Mound City Historical Park
HERITAGE BUILDINGS COLLECTION
Mound City Historical Park features 11 historic structures moved from various locations throughout Linn County. The park offers visitors a glimpse into the area's past with well-preserved buildings that showcase the architectural styles and daily life of earlier eras. Walking through the park is like stepping back in time to experience the rich history of this picturesque Kansas town.
6. Blue Dog Wine Co
LOCAL VINEYARD EXPERIENCE
Blue Dog Wine Co offers visitors a taste of locally produced wines in a charming setting near Mound City. The vineyard provides wine tastings and a relaxing atmosphere where guests can enjoy the beautiful Kansas countryside. Wine enthusiasts can sample various vintages while learning about the winemaking process in this hidden gem of eastern Kansas.
7. Sugar Valley Lakes Golf Course
SCENIC GOLFING RETREAT
Sugar Valley Lakes Golf Course provides golfers with a picturesque setting among the rolling hills near Mound City. The course features well-maintained fairways and challenging holes suitable for players of various skill levels. Golfers can enjoy the natural beauty of the landscape while testing their abilities on this pleasant Kansas course.
8. Mound City Lake
PEACEFUL OUTDOOR RECREATION
Mound City Lake offers a tranquil setting for fishing, boating, and other water activities. The lake is surrounded by beautiful scenery, making it an ideal spot for picnics and outdoor relaxation. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful waters while taking in views of the wooded hills that make Mound City one of the most picturesque towns in Kansas.
9. Marais des Cygnes Massacre State Historical Site
CIVIL WAR ERA MEMORIAL
The Marais des Cygnes Massacre State Historical Site commemorates a tragic pre-Civil War event where pro-slavery forces killed five free-state settlers in 1858. The site includes a memorial and interpretive information about this significant event in Bleeding Kansas history. Visitors can walk the grounds and reflect on the tensions that existed in the region before the Civil War.
10. Isinglass Estate
BOUTIQUE WINERY EXPERIENCE
Isinglass Estate welcomes visitors to a charming winery nestled in the rolling hills of Linn County near Mound City. The estate offers wine tastings featuring their handcrafted selections produced from locally grown grapes. Guests can enjoy the rustic ambiance while sampling unique wines that reflect the terroir of eastern Kansas.
11. Fort Scott National Historic Site
FRONTIER MILITARY HISTORY
Fort Scott National Historic Site preserves a military post that played a crucial role in the opening of the West and the Civil War. The site features restored buildings, including barracks, officers' quarters, and a hospital, that showcase military life on the frontier. Visitors can explore the grounds and participate in living history demonstrations that bring the past to life.
12. Cedar Crest Lodge
UPSCALE RURAL RETREAT
Cedar Crest Lodge offers a luxurious getaway experience on 100 acres of beautiful countryside near Mound City. The lodge features comfortable accommodations, gourmet dining using ingredients from their on-site garden, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Guests can enjoy various activities including hiking trails, a swimming pool, and spa services during their stay at this rural Kansas retreat.
13. Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes
INSPIRING HISTORICAL EXHIBITS
The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes highlights extraordinary individuals who have made a positive difference in the world. The center features interactive exhibits that tell the stories of overlooked historical figures who demonstrated courage and compassion. Visitors can learn about inspiring role models, including the story of Irena Sendler, whose life-saving actions during World War II were discovered by Kansas students in their award-winning project "Life in a Jar."
14. Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site
AFRICAN AMERICAN MILITARY HISTORY
The Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site commemorates the first time Black soldiers engaged in Civil War combat in 1862. The site honors the 1st Kansas Colored Voluntary Infantry, who fought Confederate guerrillas in this historic battle just across the state line from Kansas. Visitors can explore interpretive trails and learn about this significant milestone in African American military history.
15. Sugar Mound
NATURAL SCENIC OVERLOOK
Sugar Mound is the natural formation that gave Mound City its name, extending in a crescent shape around the east and south sides of the town. The mound is covered with sugar maple trees that create a spectacular display of colors in the fall after the first frost. Visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding wooded hills, fertile valleys, and winding streams that make this area one of the most picturesque spots in Kansas.