Our 13-day journey across US Highway 36 continued with a visit to Brown County, KS, a scenic and history-rich destination in the northeastern part of the state. From charming small towns and museums to delicious comfort food and one jaw-dropping cemetery memorial, Brown County delivers an authentic taste of rural Kansas.
Note: This is part 2 of a 13-day Kansas road trip. Read Day 1 here: Doniphan County.
Brown County Historical Society Museum & Windmill Lane
We started our day with a visit to the Brown County Historical Society Museum and the Agricultural Museum, located in Hiawatha. The highlight here is Windmill Lane, an outdoor display of restored vintage windmills that showcases the region’s farming roots.
These museums are a fantastic way to learn about the area’s rich agricultural history and early Kansas life.
Add more fun to your Kansas adventures by adding Hays or Kansas City to your itinerary.
Downtown Hiawatha: Shopping Local
Hiawatha’s adorable downtown is full of small-town charm and local character. I stopped into a shop owned by friends and browsed through Wright’s Eclectibles, a store packed with vintage finds, handmade goods, and unique Kansas treasures.
A few other faves are Blue Moon and Sarah Kathryn’s.
It’s been a while since I was there, but I’m happy to report that you can now enjoy gourmet ice cream from Hiawatha Creamery (try the Zanzibar Chocolate or Kitty Kitty Bang Bang) or a delightful caffeinated beverage at Jackrabbit Coffee.
Downtown Hiawatha is the kind of place where you’ll always find something you didn’t know you needed.
Kooser’s General Store
Three minutes from downtown Hiawatha, Kooser’s General Store is a hidden gem offering gourmet foods and fresh produce in an Amish-style bulk foods setting. This locally loved shop features fresh-cut choice beef and pork, house-cured meats, summer sausages, jerky, cheese, frozen fruits and fresh vegetables, and all sorts of bulk spices and nostalgic candies.
Splash Time at Hiawatha Aquatic Park
Traveling during summer? The Hiawatha Aquatic Park features a diving board, raindrop fountain, basketball goal, and two slides that are perfect for kids (and adults who are young at heart). It’s clean, family-friendly, and full of fun; a local favorite and a refreshing way to cool off after sightseeing.
Where to Stay: The Country Cabin
Just outside of Hiawatha, I stayed overnight at The Country Cabin, a cozy retreat overlooking a peaceful lake and wide-open Kansas skies. My cabin had:
- A kitchenette for light cooking
- Comfy furnishings with adorable country charm
- A loft-style second bedroom
- A porch with rocking chairs and lake views
Whether you’re looking to unwind or watch a sunset with a cup of coffee, this spot is pure Kansas bliss.
Where to Eat in Brown County, Kansas
Food is always a big part of road tripping—and Brown County delivered.
New China Restaurant
In Downtown Hiawatha, this casual Chinese restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat buffet for lunch and dinner. They are closed on Sundays.
Casey’s General Store
Yes, the breakfast pizza lives up to the hype. It’s a Midwest classic. If we could only get one of these in Nevada where I live.
The Country Cabin Restaurant
Located next to the lodging, this spot serves up elevated comfort food in a relaxed, rustic atmosphere. Don’t miss the chicken fried steak—seriously, it’s amazing.
The Bread Bowl (in Hiawatha) is sorely missed.
Don’t Miss: The Historic Davis Memorial
This may have been the most unexpected find of the day. The Davis Memorial, located in Mount Hope Cemetery, was built by John Wilbur Davis in memory of his wife, Sarah.
The marble sculptures, elaborate design, and size are astonishing, especially when you learn it was built during the Great Depression at an estimated cost of $200,000. It’s beautiful, mysterious, and a little eccentric. Definitely worth a visit!
Final Thoughts on Brown County
From friendly locals and delicious food to peaceful lakeside stays and historical gems, Brown County gave us a great blend of Kansas charm and off-the-beaten-path discoveries. It’s a noteworthy stop on your US Highway 36 road trip—and just one of many we’ll be covering as we explore across the state.
Next up: another hidden gem in the heart of Kansas. Stay tuned!