Pittsburg KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Pittsburg, Kansas.
1. Pittsburg State University
HOME OF THE GORILLAS
Pittsburg State University is the only school in the country with a Gorilla for a mascot, and thousands of gorilla statues can be found throughout the city. Visitors can enjoy exploring the campus and counting the numerous gorilla representations scattered around town. The university also features the Veterans Memorial Amphitheater, which is considered one of the best veterans' monuments in the area.
2. ArtForms Gallery
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
ArtForms Gallery showcases the work of local artists in Pittsburg's cultural scene. Visitors can browse a variety of artistic mediums and potentially purchase unique pieces created by area talent. The gallery contributes to the vibrant arts community in downtown Pittsburg.
3. Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel offers visitors a chance to play slots and other casino games in a modern gaming environment. The facility includes a restaurant and a Hampton by Hilton hotel on-site for those wanting to extend their stay. Beyond gambling, the venue also hosts shows and entertainment options for visitors.
4. Kiddieland At Lincoln Park
HISTORIC AMUSEMENT PARK
Kiddieland Amusement Park is a historic attraction that opened in 1953 and continues to delight visitors of all ages with its nostalgic rides. The park features classic attractions including a train, carousel, and roller coaster that both children and adults can enjoy. Though seasonal and only open during warmer months, this 70-year-old park offers a charming step back in time for families.
5. Veterans Memorial
PATRIOTIC REFLECTION SPACE
The Veterans Memorial at Pittsburg State University features over 3,400 engraved granite pavers honoring service members. The memorial includes flags from all 50 states and a peaceful reflection pond for contemplation. Visitors can enjoy free parking and no admission fee while paying respects at this significant monument.
6. Chicken Annie's
LEGENDARY FRIED CHICKEN
Chicken Annie's is a legendary restaurant established in 1934 by Ann Pichler after her husband was disabled in a mining accident. The restaurant is famous for its fried chicken and unique offerings like pickled pepper strips that complement the meals. Chicken Annie's shares a friendly rivalry with neighboring Chicken Mary's, with locals and visitors often trying both to determine their favorite.
7. Chicken Mary's
HISTORIC CHICKEN DINING
Chicken Mary's has been serving its famous fried chicken since 1942 when Mary Zerngast opened the restaurant from her home after her husband was injured in a mining accident. Located just a parking lot away from rival Chicken Annie's, the restaurant has maintained its popularity for over 80 years. Visitors often try both chicken establishments to compare and choose their favorite.
8. Drop the H Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER AND PIZZA
Drop the H Brewing Company cleverly references Pittsburg's name history, as the Kansas city lost the final 'h' that its Pennsylvania namesake retained. The brewery specializes in craft beer paired with New York-style pizzas baked in a custom brick oven. Their menu extends beyond pizza to include salads, wraps, wings, and charcuterie boards for a complete dining experience.
9. Crawford County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Crawford County Historical Museum preserves the rich history of Pittsburg and the surrounding county. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing the area's development, industrial heritage, and cultural evolution. The museum provides valuable context for understanding Pittsburg's growth from its mining origins to the present day.
10. Miners Hall Museum
COAL MINING HERITAGE
The Miners Hall Museum celebrates the Amazon Army and the coal mining history that shaped Pittsburg and Crawford County. Exhibits detail the lives of miners and their families, including the struggles and triumphs of mining communities in southeastern Kansas. The museum preserves stories of labor movements and immigration that were pivotal to the region's development.
11. Miners Memorial
TRIBUTE TO COAL WORKERS
The Miners Memorial stands as a tribute to the coal miners whose labor built Pittsburg and the surrounding communities. The monument recognizes the sacrifices made by miners and their families during the area's industrial development. Visitors can reflect on the historical importance of coal mining to the region's economy and culture.
12. Downtown Pittsburg Murals
PUBLIC ART DISPLAY
Downtown Pittsburg features numerous beautiful murals that add color and cultural context to the city's historic buildings. Some of the murals are interactive, offering perfect photo opportunities for visitors exploring the area. The Explore Crawford County tourism office in downtown can provide information about all mural locations for a self-guided tour.
13. Main Street Axe Company
URBAN AXE THROWING
Main Street Axe Company offers visitors the trendy experience of axe throwing in downtown Pittsburg. Owned by Ben and Michelle Fowler, this entertainment venue provides sessions ranging from 30 minutes to two hours of axe-throwing fun. Visitors should remember to wear closed-toe shoes when participating in this unique activity.
14. Historic Downtown Pittsburg
1920S ARCHITECTURE SHOWCASE
Historic Downtown Pittsburg showcases a 1920s skyline featuring a 16-story hotel and a theater inspired by King Tut's Tomb. The area includes a rare Carnegie library that uniquely doesn't bear Andrew Carnegie's name on its facade. Modern businesses now breathe new life into these historic buildings, creating a blend of past and present in the downtown district.
15. Big Brutus
MASSIVE MINING SHOVEL
Big Brutus is a colossal electric mining shovel that stands as a monument to the area's coal mining heritage near Pittsburg. This 16-story tall behemoth was once the second-largest electric shovel in the world and now serves as the centerpiece of a mining museum. Visitors can tour the impressive machine and learn about the region's important mining history.