Oak Hill KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Oak Hill, Kansas.
1. Chapman Creek
NATURAL WATERWAY BEAUTY
Chapman Creek flows through the small town of Oak Hill, providing a scenic natural attraction for visitors. The creek offers opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and peaceful nature walks along its banks. Local residents and tourists alike enjoy this tranquil waterway as one of the area's natural highlights.
2. Badger Store
HISTORIC LOCAL ESTABLISHMENT
Badger Store stands as a historic establishment in the small community of Oak Hill. This local landmark has served the community for generations, offering goods and a gathering place for locals. The store represents the enduring small-town character that defines Oak Hill's heritage.
3. Clay County Historical Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Clay County Historical Museum showcases the rich history of Clay County, including Oak Hill and surrounding communities. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring pioneer artifacts, agricultural implements, and photographs documenting the area's development. The museum serves as an educational resource preserving the cultural heritage of this Kansas region.
4. Peter Toth Indian Monument
IMPRESSIVE CULTURAL SCULPTURE
The Peter Toth Indian Monument "Tall Oak" stands as an impressive cultural landmark in Doniphan County. Created by renowned sculptor Peter Toth as part of his Trail of Whispering Giants series, this wooden sculpture honors the Native American heritage of the region. The monument represents one of Kansas's unique roadside attractions worth visiting.
5. Abraham Lincoln Memorial
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY TRIBUTE
The Abraham Lincoln Memorial in Doniphan County commemorates the 16th President's connection to Kansas history. This historical monument stands as a reminder of Lincoln's influence on the state during the territorial and early statehood period. Visitors interested in presidential history and Kansas's role in the Civil War era will appreciate this significant marker.
6. Glacial Hills Scenic Byway
PICTURESQUE DRIVING ROUTE
The Glacial Hills Scenic Byway offers a picturesque driving route through the unique landscape of northeastern Kansas. The byway winds through rolling hills and valleys formed by ancient glaciers that once covered the region. Travelers can enjoy spectacular views of farmland, forests, and river valleys while learning about the geological history that shaped this distinctive terrain.
7. Four-State Lookout
PANORAMIC REGIONAL VIEWS
The Four-State Lookout provides visitors with a panoramic view spanning Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Iowa. Located near White Cloud, this elevated vantage point offers one of the region's most impressive landscape vistas. Photographers and nature enthusiasts particularly enjoy this destination for its sweeping views of the Missouri River valley and surrounding countryside.
8. Wilbur Chapman Piggy Bank Monument
CHARITABLE LEGACY MEMORIAL
The Wilbur Chapman "Piggy Bank" Monument honors a remarkable story of childhood charity and determination. This unique memorial commemorates a local youth who raised significant funds for lepers through his piggy bank collection efforts. The monument stands as an inspiring reminder of how individual acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference in the world.
9. Wathena Fall Festival
ANNUAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
The Annual Wathena Fall Festival brings together locals and visitors for a celebration of community spirit and local culture. The festival features carnival rides, live entertainment, craft vendors, and plenty of regional food specialties to sample. This beloved annual tradition typically takes place in autumn and showcases the warmth and hospitality of small-town Kansas.
10. Obscured Landmarks Tours
HIDDEN HISTORICAL DISCOVERIES
Obscured Landmarks Tours reveal the overlooked historical sites and stories throughout Lawrence and surrounding communities. These educational walking and bus tours highlight sites connected to Kansas's abolitionist movement and ongoing commitment to justice. The tours are presented by the Hall Center for the Humanities at the University of Kansas in collaboration with local cultural institutions.
11. Ma-Hush-Kah Museum
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
The Ma-Hush-Kah Museum preserves and showcases the Native American heritage of the northeastern Kansas region. Exhibits feature artifacts, artwork, and historical information about the indigenous peoples who originally inhabited these lands. The museum provides visitors with insight into tribal histories, cultural practices, and the enduring legacy of Native Americans in Kansas.
12. Iowa, Sac & Fox Mission
HISTORIC CULTURAL SITE
The Iowa, Sac & Fox Mission Historic Site preserves an important chapter in Kansas's cultural and religious history. Established in the 1800s, this mission served as both an educational and religious center for Native American tribes in the region. Today, visitors can explore the restored buildings and learn about the complex relationships between missionaries and indigenous communities during this pivotal historical period.
13. Highway 36 Treasure Hunt
MULTI-COUNTY SHOPPING ADVENTURE
The Annual Highway 36 Treasure Hunt transforms the northern Kansas corridor into a massive multi-day shopping adventure. Spanning several counties including Clay County, this event features yard sales, antique shops, and pop-up vendors selling everything from collectibles to handcrafted items. Treasure hunters travel from across the region to discover unique finds along this scenic route through small-town Kansas.
14. Doniphan County Historical Society Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Doniphan County Historical Society Museum houses an extensive collection documenting the region's development from Native American settlements through pioneer days to modern times. Exhibits include period furniture, agricultural implements, military memorabilia, and photographs depicting life in northeastern Kansas throughout the decades. History enthusiasts appreciate this well-curated museum for its thorough presentation of local heritage.
15. Waddell 'A' Truss Bridge
HISTORIC ENGINEERING MARVEL
The Waddell 'A' Truss Bridge represents a remarkable example of late 19th-century engineering innovation in Kansas. Designed by bridge engineer John Alexander Waddell, this distinctive structure features a unique A-shaped truss system that was revolutionary for its time. History buffs and architecture enthusiasts visit this historic bridge to appreciate its technical significance and photogenic qualities.