Discover Pottawatomie County

Pottawatomie County combines landscape, history, and unusual cultural experiences. The region is located in the Glaciated Region and the Flint Hills Uplands. The Native Stone Scenic Byway, designated as a scenic road for Pottawatomie County, offers a special way to experience the landscape. When choosing your vacation rental or vacation home, it is therefore worth first considering whether you would like to combine your stay primarily with historical discoveries, experiences in nature, events, or excursions on the water.

Experience history along the traces of old trails

The Oregon Trail passed through Pottawatomie County, while the Pike’s Peak Trail ran along the northern edge of the county. In St. Marys, the Jesuits founded the Indian Mission in 1848. The St. Marys Indian Pay Station Museum Complex features exhibits on the early years of the St. Marys Mission, the Indian Pay Station, the original St. Marys College, and the town of St. Marys. Anyone interested in the region’s origins can combine this focus with a stay in St. Marys.

The buildings also tell stories of different chapters of the past. The Pottawatomie County Fair Pavilion was built in 1921 and is one of the few surviving round barns of its kind in Kansas. The Columbian Theatre dates from 1895 and presents professional productions ranging from Broadway musicals to concerts. The cultural offerings therefore extend from regional architectural history to stage events.

Wamego: Museum, Prairie Village, and Oz history

In Wamego, the Wamego Historical Museum and Prairie Village includes authentic buildings from the 19th century. The museum traces local history from the Konza and Potawatomi Indigenous peoples to the Underground Railroad. In spring, the Tulip Festival adds a seasonal highlight.

The OZ Museum offers a completely different cultural perspective. It presents more than 100 years of Oz history and displays original costumes and props used in the 1939 MGM film. This contrast can be especially appealing for families: an insight into local history is followed by a museum that focuses on film history and a well-known fantastical world.

Nature trails, prairie, and water

Oregon Trail Nature Park encompasses 19 acres of natural Kansas ecosystems. Three nature trails lead past lakes, streams, and wooded areas. A silo in the park also displays an original mural by local artist Cynthia Martin. Mount Mitchell is connected with the history of Bleeding Kansas, the Kansas Territory, and the Underground Railroad. The climb to the summit passes through untouched native prairie. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between observing nature, visiting a historic site, and hiking through the prairie without experiencing everything in the same way.

The Kansas River also reveals an active side of the region. Paddling opportunities are available between Manhattan and Wamego. The area around the boat ramp includes picnic areas, restrooms, and a parking lot. When choosing accommodation, this excursion can be a separate day trip, especially if you would like to combine cultural activities with time outdoors.

Wine and different travel priorities

456 Wineries offers tastings and wine sales from several wineries. At Oz Winery, visitors can sample wines in a tasting room. These offerings complement the museums, nature trails, and historic sites with an enjoyable experience. When searching for a vacation rental, therefore choose according to the type of experience you want to define your trip: history and theater, nature and prairie, paddling on the Kansas River, or wine tastings.

For further trip planning, you can also visit the pages for Norton County, Cloud County, Butler, Clark County, Logan County, and Montgomery.

For the overarching travel overview: Kansas.