Local Activites & Events

Strip Pits State Wildlife Management Area

Top notch fishing - Beautiful trout and Large-mouth bass

KS State Parks 

Home of Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum

The museum stands on the original land where Laura Ingalls Wilder lived with her family in a one-room log cabin in 1870. Memories of her time here later inspired her to pen the indelible classic, Little House on the Prairie. 

Little House on the Prairie Museum 



Big Brutus

Big Brutus isn’t just the largest electric shovel in the world — it’s a testament to the hard work and determination of the American mining industry. Big Brutus offers visitors a unique insight into the history of mining and the fascinating technology behind it. 

Explore Big Brutus 

The famous Friday night glow is spectacular!

Columbus Days & Hot Air Balloon Regatta

The Columbus Day Festival's own Hot Air Balloon Regatta is part of the fastest growing festival in Southeast Kansas. 20 balloons from all over the area will decorate the October sky with color and excitement. Beginning with a balloon glow on Friday evening, then followed by three regattas over the weekend (weather permitting), the event has become the Columbus Day Festival's main attraction.