Nancy & George
Nancy & George
Things to Do
Mining History
Southeast Kansas has a rich history, mostly revolving around mining. In fact, Pittsburg is named for the long, shallow pits that are left behind during strip mining for coal. If you want to explore some unique Pittsburg/SEK experiences, here are some options:
Big Brutus - largest existing electric shovel.
$10 admission. 30 minute drive from Pittsburg, in West Mineral, KS
The Miners Memorial
FREE and LOCAL - Broadway and W 2nd
FREE. 20-minutes north of Pittsburg in Franklin, KS
Crawford County Historical Museum
FREE and LOCAL - 651 S Hwy 69
Military History
Pittsburg State Veterans Memorial Amphitheater
FREE and LOCAL - 1909 S. Rouse
American Legion Post 64 M-60 Army Tank Memorial
FREE and LOCAL - 2815 N Joplin St
Fort Scott National Historic Site
FREE. 40 minutes north of Pittsburg in Ft Scott, KS
U.S. National Cemetery #1 - seriously, it was the first, established by President Lincoln!
FREE. 40 minutes north of Pittsburg in Ft Scott, KS
Nature / Outdoors
Bob Grant Bison Herd - a very small herd, but they're our state animal, and very impressive.
FREE and LOCAL - on the east side of Hwy 69, midway between Pittsburg and Arma.
Pittsburg Area Farmers' Market - local produce, baked goods, crafts.
FREE and LOCAL - 119 E 11th St - SATURDAYS, 8-noon
Lincoln Park - golf, mini golf, disc golf, tennis and basketball courts, aquatic center, playgrounds, and Kiddieland amusement park.
FREE and LOCAL - 813 Memorial Drive - fees apply to golf and Kiddieland
Lakeside Park - pleasant park for fishing and picnicking.
FREE and LOCAL - 402 W Washington
Europe Park - charming little greenspace in downtown Pittsburg.
FREE and LOCAL - 504 N Broadway St
City Parks - list of other Pittsburg parks and their amenities
Crawford State Park - hiking, biking, fishing, camping.
$5/vehicle. 30 minutes from Pittsburg in Farlington, KS
Art and Murals
All FREE and LOCAL. Addresses located in each link.
Downtown Pittsburg Sunflower mural
Postcard greeting from Pittsburg
Southeast Kansas Love Story Mural
Downtown Pittsburg Artwalk Mural
Immigrant Park, Mural & Children's Sculpture
Pittsburg State Gorilla Football murals by Ted Watts
Pittsburg State Centennial Mural
Father Emil Kapaun Memorial Mural
Galloping Horse of Gansu Sculpture
Dining / Entertainment
Chicken Annie's and Chicken Mary's
Even the local restaurants are influenced by the area's coal mining history: Annie and Mary were a pair of sisters that started rival chicken houses - literally next door to each other - to feed the miners in the 1930's and 40's. Take 20 minutes to watch the video below, then make plans to definitely visit one or both restaurants while you're here!
Other restaurants
The Mall Deli - a local favorite - Nancy recommends the French dip!
Cafe Del Rio - good Mexican food at the Mall
Drop the H Brewing Company - craft beer and pizza
Root Coffeehouse - coffee, crepes, and baked goods
Bob’s Grill - classic breakfasts and burgers since 1964
Harry's Cafe - hometown diner - Nancy's Dad used to make their commercials!
Casino at Kansas Crossing Hotel
Right in the hotel where we've booked our block of rooms, this casino is small but lively! The restaurant, Two Brothers Mining Company, is also really good.
More Ideas for Things to Do
Pittsburg, KS - great collection of links from the Kansas Tourism Dept.