Explore the Flint Hills of Kansas: A Gateway to Nature, History, and Culture
Your visit to Brandt House is the beginning of something special. Situated on main street in charming Alma Kansas you have access to many options. In the heart of the Flint Hills of Kansas, you will find something for everyone to love. Looking to escape city life? You can get back to nature and explore the outdoors. Yearning to take a step back in time? You can choose among several museums and historical sites. The Brandt House team provides extensive expertise in area attractions and activities. Choose your own journey using this guide, or enlist our help to tailor a schedule around your interests and schedule. Click on the images below to view larger photos.
Museums, Art, & Culture
Wabaunsee County Historical Society & Museum – The Wabaunsee County Historical Society & Museum is home to the history and heritage of Wabaunsee County and the people who live here. The museum is home to a beautiful Native American tools exhibit, a recently discovered arch cellar (inside the museum!) and many stories from the past. A visit to the museum is a must when coming to Alma and the Flint Hills of Kansas!
Volland – A place for culture and community in Wabaunsee County, Volland is a restored railroad mercantile home to a gallery and gathering space. The Volland team brings a variety of art and events to the community.
Stonebridge, Alma – Looking for a country drive and an architectural experience? Stonebridge is a set of twin stone cellars built with hopes of capitalizing on the Sante Fe trail. The trail went another direction, but the cellars remained. Tours are scheduled by appointment. Do note, the route to Stonebridge is isolated gravel, use personal judgement.
Flint Hills Discovery Center, Manhattan – Explore the natural beauty and history of the Flint Hills at this interactive museum. A great spot for families or anyone interested in learning more about the region.
Museum of Art & Light, Manhattan – A contemporary art museum blending technology and traditional arts providing an immersive experience to visitors through digital and physical artistic experiences.
Columbian Theatre, Wamego – Historic venue offering live performances and a great place to catch a show.
Oz Museum, Wamego – A whimsical museum dedicated to all things Wizard of Oz.
Wamego Historical Museum, Wamego – Discover the rich history of Wamego with exhibits showcasing local history and culture.
Ag Heritage Park, Alta Vista – Home to a large collection of early-farm life memorabilia, Ag Heritage Park in Alta Vista highlights the transition of farming equipment over the years. In addition to the museum, the site offers a peek inside a one-room schoolhouse and other 1880s farm buildings. Open by appointment.
Outdoor Adventures
Mt. Mitchell – A peaceful hike with stunning panoramic views of the Flint Hills. A must-see for nature lovers.
Kanza Prairie – located off Hwy 177 south of Manhattan, this biological research station provides an opportunity to hike through the native tallgrass prairie, a truly immersive experience.
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve – Visit one of the last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems in the U.S. Perfect for hiking, wildlife watching, and photography.
Bolton Wildlife Preserve – A serene nature preserve offering hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities.
Native Stone Byways – This 75-mile-long byway winds through some of the most amazing natural beauty of the state’s precious Flint Hills.
Skyline Mill Creek – a beautiful 17-mile drive through the Flint Hills, featuring historic stone buildings, wooded areas, and breathtaking vistas, perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape. Skyline is accessible just south of Alma off Hwy K-99.
Flint Hills Barn Quilt Trail – Enjoy the bright quilt patterns displayed along the scenic countryside of our Kansas Flint Hills region!
Southwind Whitetails and Woody Creek Ranch in Paxico, Little Munchkins Pumpkin Patch in Alma, and M.A.D. Farms in Alta Vista, offer chances to experience agritourism firsthand.
Wineries:
- Prairie Fire Winery: Located in Paxico, this winery offers award-winning Kansas wines crafted from locally grown grapes.
- Wyldewood Cellars: Situated in Paxico, Wyldewood Cellars is a family-owned winery and vineyard known for its diverse selection of wines.
- Liquid Art Winery: Found in Manhattan, this winery provides premium wines, ciders, and a welcoming atmosphere with scenic views.
Dining:
- El Corral Mexican Restaurant: Located in Alma, El Corral offers authentic Mexican cuisine in a friendly setting.
- Paxico Longbranch Bar & Grill: Found in Paxico, this establishment serves a variety of dishes in a casual bar and grill setting.
- Wild Olives Restaurant: Situated at Lake Wabaunsee (20 minute drive), Wild Olives combines a unique dining experience with scenic views of Lake Wabaunsee.
- Alma Bakery & Sweet Shoppe: Home to Alma’s cinnamon rolls, open for lunch.
- Mel’s Coffee: Directly across the street from the hotel, open for coffee, breakfast and lunch.
- 402 on Main: (pictured) Coming in 2025 to the Brandt House, stay tuned!
Wabaunsee County Communities & Attractions
These sites and events collectively enrich Wabaunsee County’s cultural and historical landscape, offering residents and visitors to the Flint Hills of Kansas, a deep connection to the region’s heritage.
Alma – Our home town, and the “City of Native Stone,” welcomes visitors with its historic limestone architecture, charming downtown, and scenic Flint Hills landscapes. Top sites include:
- Antique Emporium offers over 4,000 square feet of vintage items from various vendors, including a vast coin collection, substantial library, and numerous collectibles and antiques.
- Mill Creek Mercantile is a unique home décor and gift store located inside the Antique Emporium of Alma at 322 Missouri Ave, Alma, Kansas. They offer repurposed home goods, specialty sauces, local products, and more.
- Alma Creamery – Established in 1946, is renowned for its handcrafted cheddar and jack cheeses made from high-quality local milk sourced from the Flint Hills region.
- Wabaunsee County Historical Society & Museum – Showcases the area’s history, featuring Native American tools, a unique arch cellar, and captivating local stories. A must-see in Alma!
- Pickleball, tennis courts and ball fields at McKnight Park.
Maple Hill – This small Flint Hill community is just two miles north of Interstate 70 and just minutes from the state capital. Popular sites include:
- Old Stone Church (1882) – A historic church reflecting the area’s architectural heritage.
- Walking Turtle Studio – An art studio contributing to the local creative scene.
Alta Vista – A little town the prairie, its name, meaning “high view” in Spanish, reflects its elevated location. The city is situated along the Union Pacific Railroad’s Golden State main line. Be sure to visit:
- Ag Heritage Park – Offers a glimpse into rural life with its tractor shows, corn-picking events, barn quilt drawings and seasonal activities.
- Barnyard Cafe – Home cooked meals just like Grandma used to make.
Paxico – This is a perfect small town stop right off I-70. It’s known for some fun attractions:
- Blues Fest – An annual music festival celebrating blues artists and enriching the cultural landscape, each September!
- Newbury Church, Cathedral of the Flint Hills – A historic church known for its unique architecture and cultural significance.
- Home to Paxico Longbranch – A casual bar and grill setting.
Eskridge – Located along the Native Stone Scenic Byway on Highway K4, Eskridge is rich in history and prides itself as being the “Gateway to the Flint Hills”. Popular sites include:
- Wabaunee Pines Golf Course – A location offering recreational opportunities and natural beauty.
- Lake Wabaunsee – A scenic lake providing outdoor activities and a tranquil environment.
- Wild Olives – A dining establishment known for its culinary offerings and community engagement.
Harveyville – A quiet, small-town in the southeast corner of Wabaunsee County that is welcoming to all that visit their community! When you’re there, visit:
- Hell Rayzors Roadhouse – If you’re hungry for a great burger, be sure to check it out!
McFarland – Situated along Interstate 70 between Manhattan, Wamego and Topeka, McFarland is known for the Rock Island Railroad point where the rail branched northwest to Denver and the Pacific coast, and southwest toward the Gulf of Mexico. The old Depot is worth seeing:
- Rock Island Depot – A restored railroad depot showcasing the town’s rich history and heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the past with its historic architecture and displays.