Williamsburg KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Williamsburg, Kansas.
1. Famous Tavern Bar-B-Q
LEGENDARY BBQ RIBS
Famous Tavern is a renowned establishment in Williamsburg known for their exceptional Bar-B-Q ribs. The tavern serves as a popular stop for travelers and locals alike looking for delicious barbecue in this small Kansas town. Visitors can enjoy the smoky flavors that have made this restaurant a standout destination in Franklin County.
2. Williamsburg Community Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Williamsburg Community Museum houses an impressive collection of mining pieces, veterans memorabilia, and historic school items that showcase the town's rich heritage. The museum is open during summer months on the 2nd and 4th Sundays from 2-4 pm or by special appointment. Visitors can enjoy free admission while exploring the fascinating exhibits that tell the story of this former railroad and coal mining community.
3. Jayhawker Days Festival
ANNUAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
Jayhawker Days is an annual festival held each June that draws visitors from throughout Franklin County to Williamsburg. The event celebrates the community's heritage with various activities, food, and entertainment for all ages. This beloved tradition brings together locals and tourists alike for a memorable small-town Kansas experience.
4. Silkville Historic Site
FRENCH SILK COMMUNE
Silkville was once a silk ribbon producing commune located southwest of Williamsburg, founded by Earnest Valeton de Boissiere, a wealthy native of Bordeaux, France. The historic site offers visitors a glimpse into this unique 19th-century experimental community that sought to establish silk production in Kansas. Though the commune itself is gone, the historical significance of this unusual settlement continues to intrigue visitors interested in Kansas pioneer history.
5. Williamsburg Orchard
FRESH SEASONAL FRUIT
Williamsburg Orchard is a charming fruit-growing establishment located just outside the town limits. Visitors can enjoy picking their own seasonal fruits or purchasing fresh produce directly from the orchard's market. The orchard provides a peaceful rural experience for families and fruit enthusiasts seeking farm-fresh options in the Williamsburg area.
6. Williamsburg Retreat Center
PEACEFUL RURAL GETAWAY
The Williamsburg Retreat Center offers visitors a tranquil escape from everyday life in the peaceful countryside just outside of town. The center provides accommodations and meeting spaces ideal for group gatherings, conferences, or personal reflection time. Surrounded by Kansas's natural beauty, guests can unwind and reconnect in this serene setting.
7. Old Highway 50 Scenic Drive
HISTORIC TRAVEL ROUTE
Old Highway 50 runs through Williamsburg, offering a nostalgic drive along what was once a major cross-country route before Interstate 35 was constructed. The scenic byway provides travelers with views of small-town Kansas and rural landscapes that harken back to an earlier era of American road travel. History enthusiasts and photographers often enjoy exploring this less-traveled road that tells the story of how transportation shaped the development of towns like Williamsburg.
8. Kanza Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Kanza Park is a popular outdoor recreation destination near Ottawa, just a short drive from Williamsburg. The park offers visitors multiple opportunities for hiking, fishing, picnicking, and enjoying nature in a peaceful setting. With a 4.5 rating from visitors, it's considered one of the top attractions in the area for those seeking outdoor activities.
9. Carnegie Cultural Center
HISTORIC ARTS VENUE
The Carnegie Cultural Center in nearby Ottawa is housed in a historic building that serves as a hub for arts and culture in the region. With a perfect 5.0 visitor rating, this center hosts exhibitions, performances, and cultural events throughout the year. The beautifully preserved architecture adds to the experience of visiting this cultural landmark that's easily accessible from Williamsburg.
10. Plaza Cinemagic Experience
MODERN MOVIE THEATER
Plaza Cinemagic Experience provides residents of the Williamsburg area with a modern movie-going venue in nearby Ottawa. The theater features comfortable seating, current film releases, and concessions for a complete entertainment experience. With a 4.4 visitor rating, it's a popular destination for locals looking for evening entertainment options without traveling to larger cities.
11. Forest Park
BELOVED COMMUNITY PARK
Forest Park in Ottawa boasts an impressive 4.8 visitor rating and serves as a central outdoor gathering space for residents of the surrounding communities, including Williamsburg. The park features playgrounds, picnic areas, walking paths, and open green spaces ideal for family outings and community events. Its well-maintained grounds and amenities make it a popular destination for outdoor recreation throughout the year.
12. The Sandbar
UNIQUE LOCAL HANGOUT
The Sandbar is a distinctive establishment in Lawrence that draws visitors from smaller towns like Williamsburg looking for a lively atmosphere. With a solid 4.2 rating from visitors, this unique venue offers an experience beyond typical small-town entertainment options. Its reputation and particular ambiance make it worth the drive for those seeking something different from the usual local offerings.
13. Massachusetts Street
HISTORIC SHOPPING DISTRICT
Massachusetts Street (commonly known as Mass Street) is the vibrant main drag through downtown Lawrence that brings University of Kansas students and visitors together in a lively shopping and dining district. The street features numerous locally-owned shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues in historic buildings dating back to the territorial period. For residents of smaller towns like Williamsburg, Mass Street offers a day-trip destination with shopping and dining options unavailable locally.
14. Fox Wire Farm
ALPACA FARM EXPERIENCE
Though not in Kansas but sharing the Williamsburg name, Fox Wire Farm spans over 200 acres of farmland, pastureland, woods, and creeks where visitors can see Huacaya alpacas and numerous other farm animals. The farm is home to a diverse collection of animals including a guard llama, miniature donkeys, horses, Jersey steer, Nigerian Dwarf goats, and various barnyard fowl. Visitors interested in agritourism might consider this destination if traveling to the East Coast version of Williamsburg.
15. Colonial Williamsburg
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
While not in Kansas, Colonial Williamsburg is the namesake city's famous historic district and living-history museum where actors in period costume depict daily Colonial life. This immersive historical experience operates 365 days a year and offers visitors a glimpse into America's colonial past through preserved and reconstructed buildings. Though far from Kansas, this attraction represents what the more famous Williamsburg is known for nationally.