When people think about taking a Kansas weekend trip, they usually think of the big cities, like Wichita, Kansas City, or Topeka. But what about the small towns? After all, there’s nothing quite like a weekend away from home but still in your home state, and small towns are where the ultimate relaxation is at, anyway. We’ve put together a weekend itinerary exploring the historically-rich small town of Lecompton, Kansas. Feel free to follow it as-is, or modify it however you’d like!
Lecompton, Kansas, was founded in 1854 and originally called “Bald Eagle.”
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr The moniker didn’t stick, though, as the town was quickly renamed after Kansas supreme court chief justice Samuel Lecompte. It’s also considered to be where the Civil War began, but since then, they’ve shed their rough roots and adopted a small-town, friendly vibe. Lecompton was even voted “Best Small Town In Kansas” by the readers of Kansas Magazine! Now, let’s say you arrive in town on a Saturday morning.
First, you’ll want to check out Constitution Hall, where the highly contested and controversial Lecompton Constitutional Convention drafted a pro-slavery constitution.
Lane Pearman/Flickr Needless to say, it didn’t go so well - and the conflict which led to the Civil War was born. Of course, that’s putting it in a majorly-small nutshell; you’ll have to visit for the full story.
Address: 319 Elmore Street, Lecompton, Kansas, 66050
Next, get a little more of the local history at the Territorial Capital Museum.
LecomptonKansas.com This is where the state capitol building of Kansas was originally going to be built, until, well, history happened. Learn why Lecompton wasn’t made into the state capital of Kansas during your visit.
Address: 640 East Woodson Avenue, Lecompton, Kansas, 66050
Almost time for lunch! But first, take a drive along the scenic River Road from Lecompton to nearby Lawrence.
LecomptonKansas.com This road is ridiculously beautiful and seen in lots of photos. Make sure to bring your own camera along, so you don’t miss anything - like spotting bald eagles and blooming wildflowers. Alternatively, you can take River Road to Topeka, though you’d miss out on our next stop if you do.
After that drive, it’s lunchtime.
Sandwich Bowl/Facebook We suggest having lunch at the legendary Sandwich Bowl, in Lawrence, Kansas. They’re known for their large portions, countless hot and cold deli sandwiches, huge burgers, and more. They’re open from 11 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on SaturdayGood idea! What hub should we do next? s, so you have lots of time.
Address: 4821 West 6th Street, Suite K, Lawrence, Kansas, 66049
Next, return to Lecompton via the scenic River Road, and get dessert at Aunt Netter’s Cafe.
Aunt Netter’s Cafe/Facebook The café serves up lots of things - more than just desserts - so this might be a great idea for dinner, too! You can’t pass up the cupcakes, though. Trust us. You. Cannot. After dinner, we suggest spending the night at an amazing local Airbnb of your choice; there are several in and around Lecompton, one of which is an 1870s Victorian home. Browse and fall in love with something!
Address: 336 Elmore Street, Lecompton, Kansas, 66050
On day two - likely a Sunday - take the time to browse the shops up and down Elmore Street, which runs through downtown Lecompton.
LecomptonKansas.com There’s a lot of shops to comb through, so make sure to give yourself time! The brick buildings in this area date back to 1918 after the original, wooden shops were destroyed in a 1916 fire. Once you’ve had your fill of Elmore Street, don’t forget to browse the shops along Highway 1029 - they’re worth the time, too!
Next, check out Rowena Park, at the intersection of Elmore Street and Woodson Avenue.
LecomptonKansas.com The park is refreshingly modern but still has the quaint, small-town vibe going on. It’s one of the newer features of the town, having been established as a park in 1982 Fun fact: It was originally a hotel.
Address: Elmore Street & Woodson Avenue, Lecompton, Kansas, 66050
If you’re getting a bit hungry, we don’t blame you. You’ve been busy.
Kroegers Country Meats/Facebook This wouldn’t be a stop in Lecompton if you didn’t visit the Kroeger’s County Meats counter for lunch (and groceries). They serve some of the tastiest meats in Kansas, so bring an appetite.
Address: 505 Eisenhower Memorial Drive, Lecompton, Kansas, 66050
Our little adventure is coming to an end, but that’s alright. There’s still a couple of things left to visit:
The Henrys’ Plant Farm/Facebook The Henrys’ Plant Farm is a family-owned nursery, and has been in Lecompton for over 30 years! There’s also a butterfly garden there, which both attracts butterflies and is itself shaped like a butterfly. It’s definitely worth a visit, and if you’ve got any more time afterward, check out the self-guided walking tour of all the historic parts of town. It’s super fascinating.
Address: 248 N 1700 Road, Lecompton, Kansas, 66050
If you’d like to explore the little town of Lecompton online, as well as read up on more history, see old-school photos, plan your own visit, and more, visit their website. Have you ever been to this tiny Kansas town? It’s truly ideal for the perfect Kansas weekend trip! If you’d like our picks for the best places to bring a friend from out-of-Kansas, check out this article!
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
The moniker didn’t stick, though, as the town was quickly renamed after Kansas supreme court chief justice Samuel Lecompte. It’s also considered to be where the Civil War began, but since then, they’ve shed their rough roots and adopted a small-town, friendly vibe. Lecompton was even voted “Best Small Town In Kansas” by the readers of Kansas Magazine! Now, let’s say you arrive in town on a Saturday morning.
Lane Pearman/Flickr
Needless to say, it didn’t go so well - and the conflict which led to the Civil War was born. Of course, that’s putting it in a majorly-small nutshell; you’ll have to visit for the full story.
Address: 319 Elmore Street, Lecompton, Kansas, 66050
LecomptonKansas.com
This is where the state capitol building of Kansas was originally going to be built, until, well, history happened. Learn why Lecompton wasn’t made into the state capital of Kansas during your visit.
Address: 640 East Woodson Avenue, Lecompton, Kansas, 66050
This road is ridiculously beautiful and seen in lots of photos. Make sure to bring your own camera along, so you don’t miss anything - like spotting bald eagles and blooming wildflowers. Alternatively, you can take River Road to Topeka, though you’d miss out on our next stop if you do.
Sandwich Bowl/Facebook
We suggest having lunch at the legendary Sandwich Bowl, in Lawrence, Kansas. They’re known for their large portions, countless hot and cold deli sandwiches, huge burgers, and more. They’re open from 11 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on SaturdayGood idea! What hub should we do next? s, so you have lots of time.
Address: 4821 West 6th Street, Suite K, Lawrence, Kansas, 66049
Aunt Netter’s Cafe/Facebook
The café serves up lots of things - more than just desserts - so this might be a great idea for dinner, too! You can’t pass up the cupcakes, though. Trust us. You. Cannot. After dinner, we suggest spending the night at an amazing local Airbnb of your choice; there are several in and around Lecompton, one of which is an 1870s Victorian home. Browse and fall in love with something!
Address: 336 Elmore Street, Lecompton, Kansas, 66050
There’s a lot of shops to comb through, so make sure to give yourself time! The brick buildings in this area date back to 1918 after the original, wooden shops were destroyed in a 1916 fire. Once you’ve had your fill of Elmore Street, don’t forget to browse the shops along Highway 1029 - they’re worth the time, too!
The park is refreshingly modern but still has the quaint, small-town vibe going on. It’s one of the newer features of the town, having been established as a park in 1982 Fun fact: It was originally a hotel.
Address: Elmore Street & Woodson Avenue, Lecompton, Kansas, 66050
Kroegers Country Meats/Facebook
This wouldn’t be a stop in Lecompton if you didn’t visit the Kroeger’s County Meats counter for lunch (and groceries). They serve some of the tastiest meats in Kansas, so bring an appetite.
Address: 505 Eisenhower Memorial Drive, Lecompton, Kansas, 66050
The Henrys’ Plant Farm/Facebook
The Henrys’ Plant Farm is a family-owned nursery, and has been in Lecompton for over 30 years! There’s also a butterfly garden there, which both attracts butterflies and is itself shaped like a butterfly. It’s definitely worth a visit, and if you’ve got any more time afterward, check out the self-guided walking tour of all the historic parts of town. It’s super fascinating.
Address: 248 N 1700 Road, Lecompton, Kansas, 66050
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Address: 319 Elmore St, Lecompton, KS 66050, USAAddress: 640 E Woodson Ave, Lecompton, KS 66050, USAAddress: N 2000 Rd, Kansas, USAAddress: 4821 W 6th St, Lawrence, KS 66049, USAAddress: 336 Elmore St, Lecompton, KS 66050, USAAddress: 505 Eisenhower Memorial Dr, Lecompton, KS 66050, USAAddress: 248 N 1700 Rd, Lecompton, KS 66050, USA
