Venturing off the beaten path, my husband and I recently found ourselves drawn to the heart of Crawford County, Kansas–the charming city of Pittsburg. This unassuming town proved to be a treasure trove of impressive experiences, from stunning murals to culinary spots that would rival any big city eatery. Not to spoil the surprise but we discovered Pittsburg is known for so much more than its famed gorillas and fried chicken! (More on that later…)
Here are eight must-do activities that made our visit truly unforgettable.
- Behold Big Brutus:
Our first stop took us to the colossal marvel that is Big Brutus. The largest surviving electric shovel in the world, this towering giant is now a museum that pays tribute to the hardworking miners and the rich coal mining history in the region. Towering over the landscape, this behemoth of a machine stands 16 stories tall and weighs 11 million pounds. It was a marvel of its time and represented the peak of mining technology during its era. Start your self-guided tour inside the rustic museum and then make your way out to the “bucket-wielding machine,” where you can explore around Big Brutus, and even step inside!
2. Savor a Delectable Lunch at TOAST:
After working up an appetite, we made our way to TOAST, a local favorite known for its incredible menu and funky cafe vibes. This was one of my favorite stops. I ordered the “Toast Melt,” which is essentially an elevated smash burger featuring quarter-pound local beef patties topped with grilled onions, Gouda cheese, house pickles, pickled red onions, ketchup, and mustard, all on their signature house toast and garnished with fresh dill with a fruit cup drizzled with local honey. Eric ordered the “Chicky Chicky Bow Wow,” which consists of marinated chicken breast, house chipotle ranch, Kansas pickled onions, mixed greens, and bacon heaped on their house toast – with a side of “cheesy noods.” 10/10 recommend.
3. Explore the charms of downtown Pittsburg:
We spent a couple hours just popping in and out of different downtown shops and boutiques, and I’m so glad we made time for this. Among the myriad of charming spots, one stood out as a personal favorite: Books & Burrow. This quaint Indigenous-owned bookstore boasts a thoughtfully curated collection of books, with a special emphasis on showcasing Indigenous authors and stories. Meanwhile, Eric found his haven at Miners + Monroe, a men’s clothing store offering a blend of timeless styles and premium apparel, alongside an assortment of gifts, apothecary items, and lifestyle goods. His glowing review summed it up best: “I like every single thing in here.”
4. Immerse yourself in art and culture:
Venturing into downtown Pittsburg, we were immediately captivated by its quaint charm and vibrant energy. Take a self-guided tour of Pittsburg’s mural scene. My personal favorite was the “Lenaswa Waayaahtanoki” mural, which is located behind Books and Burrow and Miners + Monroe in Downtown Pittsburg. And make a point to stop into ArtForms Gallery, which is a co-op art gallery that features locally made, high quality art and fine craft, and offers hands-on workshops every month.
5. Indulge your sweet tooth at Sugar Rush Sweet Treats:
No visit to Pittsburg would be complete without a stop at Sugar Rush, located at the historic Hotel Stilwell. This adorable shop is decked out in “cotton candy pink” and serves up the most decadent treats including ice-cream, cake pops, salt water taffy and more. I ordered the “Sweet Tooth,” a colorful concoction consisting of cotton candy ice-cream topped with whipped cream, and rock candy sprinkles. And Eric went with a classic choice: the Brownie Sundae!
6. Take a tour of Pittsburg State University:
Home of the Gorillas, “Pitt State” offers a fascinating glimpse into the heart of the community. We explored the campus grounds, taking in the architectural beauty and storied landmarks that define this institution, which was founded back in 1903. From historic buildings to lush green spaces, every corner of Pitt State was a testament to its rich heritage.
7. Dine in at an iconic fried chicken establishment:
One question you’ll likely be asked by locals upon arrival is: Will it be Chicken Annie’s or Chicken Mary’s?! Whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong. Both Chicken Annie’s and Chicken Mary’s stand as revered institutions, boasting expertise in the art of fried chicken. Their storied histories are interwoven with a friendly rivalry that continues to captivate locals and visitors alike. While each establishment guards its secret ingredients and recipes closely, both proudly feature breadcrumbs sourced from the esteemed Frontenac Bakery.
We chose Chicken Annie’s. And she did not disappoint.
8. Enjoy a local show at the Memorial Auditorium:
Old meets new at Memorial Auditorium, a gorgeous 1925 theater that was designed during the excitement of the excavation of King Tutankhamun’s Tomb. This state-of-the-art community center hosts a variety of shows including theater productions, ballets, vendor events, and art exhibits. We took our seats for an evening performance of “Beauty and the Beast” performed by the Midwest Regional Ballet–and we loved every second!
Where to stay: Accommodation-wise, I can’t recommend the Hampton Inn enough, especially if you’re keen on a bit of excitement, being connected to the Kansas Crossing Casino. The rooms are sleek, modern, and impeccably clean, ensuring a comfortable stay. Once you’ve settled in, why not try your luck at the slots?
Pittsburg, Kansas is truly a hidden gem, boasting an unexpected art scene, a picturesque college campus, and a culinary landscape that would satisfy even the most discerning foodie. It’s a destination that deserves a prime spot on your Midwest bucket list.
A heartfelt thank you to Chris Wilson at Explore Crawford County for extending such gracious hospitality to me and Eric. Our experience exploring Pittsburg was nothing short of fantastic, and we already know we’ll be planning a return trip in the near future!
Mariah Haberman is a travel writer and content creator based in Kansas City. She explores the very best of the Midwest on her blog, Life with Mariah. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
