Welcome to Day 3 of our unforgettable US Highway 36 road trip across rural America! Today, we’re diving into Nemaha County, Kansas, home to some of the most charming small towns in the state—Seneca, Sabetha, Bern, Corning, Wetmore, Goff, and Centralia (shoutout to John Riggins fans!).
Let’s hit the road!
What to Do in Seneca, KS
Seneca is one of those small towns that instantly wins you over. Its historic downtown—fresh off earning the Kansas Main Street Award in March 2026—is a shining example of what community pride and revitalization can do. The award recognizes Seneca’s success in economic development and bringing new life to its downtown, and you can truly feel that energy as you stroll past antique shops, charming boutiques, and welcoming storefronts.
Start your visit at Seneca City Park, home to the fascinating hand-dug well, a piece of local history that’s both simple and impressive. From there, make your way to Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church.
The architecture alone is worth the stop—it’s absolutely stunning and feels like something you’d expect to find in a much larger city.
If you enjoy learning about local history (and I always do), Seneca delivers in a big way. The Seneca Fire Department Museum offers a unique look at firefighting through the years, while the Pony Express Museum adds a fun, Old West twist.
There are even uniforms you can have a little photo fun in.
For a deeper dive, the Nemaha County Historical Society Museum ties everything together with stories and artifacts that give you a real sense of place. I loved how friendly the staff (or volunteers) were and how they took such pride is sharing information on the displays.
And if you’re in the mood for a little fresh air, Spring Creek Golf Course is a beautiful spot to unwind. Even if you’re not an avid golfer, the scenic setting alone makes it worth a visit, and the food is pretty tasty with epic views.
FYI: Extend your visit by spending some time in Doniphan County, too.
Where to Eat in Seneca, Nemaha County
For a small town, Seneca really delivers when it comes to good eats—and I don’t say that lightly. Whether you’re starting your day or grabbing a casual dinner, there are several spots that are absolutely worth your time.
If you’re in the mood for classic comfort food, Spanky’s Bar & Grill is a fun, laid-back option. The Reuben gets my vote here, and it’s the kind of place where you can settle in and enjoy a hearty, no-fuss meal.
For breakfast (or honestly, anytime you need a little pick-me-up), Sweet Pea’s Bakery is a must. This is your go-to for fresh pastries and sweet rolls that are as good as they look. It’s the kind of place you walk into and immediately want one of everything.
Freddy’s Pizza Palace has been a local favorite since 1969, and it still has that old-school charm. It’s the kind of nostalgic spot that reminds you why small-town pizza places are often the best.
And then there’s Allie’s Café—perfect for breakfast or a casual meal, but don’t you dare leave without trying the pie. If you’ve never had raisin cream pie, this is your moment. Trust me… it’s epic.
Over at Spring Creek Golf Course, the 19th Hole Restaurant offers a relaxed setting with fresh salads and sandwiches, but I have to say—the quesadilla really stood out for me. It’s simple, satisfying, and hits the spot after a day of exploring.
If you need more Kansas Highway 36 restaurant suggestions, we’ve got them in this hefty post.
Where to Eat in Sabetha, KS
For something yummy and nostalgic, the Sabetha Health Mart Soda Shop is a fun throwback with retro treats (house made syrups and ice cream toppings) at wallet-friendly prices. It doubles as a great coffee stop, too.
Buzz Café is another standout, especially if you love homemade pie. But if fried chicken is on the menu when you visit, don’t skip it—it’s hugely popular.
Where We Stayed in Nemaha County
Our overnight accommodations in Seneca included the three queen-bed cabin at Altenhofen Inn & Suites, tucked just behind The Rest Stop RV Resort & Laundry (formerly Bailey’s RV Resort & Campground). The cabin offered cozy, country-chic furnishings with rustic woodwork and a real homey vibe.
Watching the sunset over the lake was special!
The Rest Stop RV Resort & Laundry features pull-thru 50 amp RV sites, a heated pool, playground, fire pit, and fishing pond. It is pet-friendly and has discounted monthly rates —perfect for long-term stays.
We also spent a night at the retro gem Starlite Motel, complete with neon signage, squeaky clean rooms, and a hostess so sweet you’ll feel like family. It’s not big on social media, but trust us—this hidden gem is worth a repeat stay.
More Nemaha County Highlights
- St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict – Truly looks like it belongs in Europe!
- Beaver at Koch’s Service Station Museum in Baileyville – Built from scratch by Greg Koch, this stop is full of surprises!
- Wetmore’s Shoe Tree – Sadly, it was struck by lightning shortly after we contributed a shoe during the 2021 Big Kansas Road Trip.
Next Stop: Marshall County!
Stick around—our Kansas road trip adventure continues with unforgettable sights in Marshall County. From jaw-dropping churches to scenic routes, this journey keeps getting better! You can also go to my YouTube channel and follow along for the whole trip!
Explore more of the Sunflower State with these suggestions: