Crawford: Mining History, Lakeside Landscapes, and Culture

Crawford County in southeast Kansas combines the history of coal mining with lakeside landscapes, culture, and unusual discoveries. The historic Franklin/Arma Sidewalk is a striking example: The 1.7-mile path was built in 1936, connects Franklin and Arma, and is listed in the state and national registers of historic places. It is considered the longest sidewalk connecting two communities.

Mining History and Cultural Discoveries

The Miners Hall Museum presents both the history of coal mining and the diverse immigrant culture of southeast Kansas. The adjoining research center also focuses on local mining settlements, strikes, and labor reforms. A large Miners Memorial commemorates the region’s coal miners and preserves the mining history in a visible form.

The museums in the surrounding area also focus on different subjects. The Crawford County Historical Museum preserves a Marion Model #37 Steam Shovel. The Girard History Museum is located in the former St. John's Episcopal Church, built in 1888. The building features an impressive oak ceiling and stained-glass windows from the late 19th century; the exhibitions address Girard’s socialist history. In Downtown Pittsburg, historic charm and a vibrant art scene come together. The Pittsburg ArtWalk showcases local visual artists twice a year, including two- and three-dimensional as well as performance art.

Lake, Nature, and Active Days Away

Crawford State Park turns the focus to the water. It has a swimming beach, and boating is one of the popular recreational activities. The 150-acre lake was created in the 1930s by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Redbud trees, colorful wildflowers, birds, and butterflies add further dimensions to the park.

Those who enjoy cycling on vacation will find a challenging, 7-mile mountain biking trail there that runs around the entire lake. Farlington Fish Hatchery also oversees the production and stocking of 11 fish species for Crawford State Fishing Lake. This combination of water, nature observation, and sporting activity allows for a variety of day plans, without every vacation day having to follow the same rhythm.

Trails and Tours for Trip Planning

Crawford can also be explored through themed routes. The Art Work of Crawford County Driving Tour includes 39 stops and combines art appreciation with a drive through the county. On the campus of Pittsburg State University, a loop walk begins and ends at Russ Hall. It includes 28 points of interest, is 2.6 miles long in standard mode, and can take up to two hours at a leisurely walking pace.

For families, the annual 4th of July Festival in Pittsburg offers arts and crafts, live music, children’s activities, and fireworks in Lincoln Park. GorillaFest in Gorilla Village is a family-friendly celebration held before a game, with live music, food, and games for children. Those interested in regional traditions can also put Little Balkans Days and Little Balkans Weekend on their itinerary. The weekend includes, among other things, a quilt exhibition by the Little Balkans Quilt Guild, a street dance, and live music at the Pittsburg Farmers’ Market.

Choose Accommodation Based on Your Vacation Focus

When searching for a vacation apartment or vacation home, you can first decide which experiences should shape your stay. For those interested in culture, museums, mining history, art, and historic buildings take center stage. Those who want to focus their vacation more on water and nature can include Crawford State Park, the lake, and the activities mentioned there in their plans. For varied days, the themed driving tour, the Franklin/Arma Sidewalk, or the campus loop walk offer different ways to explore.

A stay with children can also be made varied based on the documented event and nature themes: children’s activities at the 4th of July Festival, games at GorillaFest, as well as the beach, boating, and wildlife observation at Crawford State Park each provide a different focus. Another unusual detail about the region is that six of the oldest chicken houses in the state are located in Crawford County.

Discover More Destinations

For further trip planning, you can also choose Reno County, Butler, Anderson, Norton County, Kearny County, Cowley County, and Pottawatomie County.

To the higher-level travel overview: Kansas.