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St. John's Episcopal Church (Girard History Museum)

by Chris Wilson

300 S Summit St
Girard, KS 66743

facebook.com/FriendsofHistoricGirard

A community of people trying to preserve historic sites and educate people about the unique history of Girard. A hotbed for socialism during the mining era, Girard was the home to Julius Wayland and Emanuel-Haldeman-Julius’s “Appeal to Reason”l, then the largest socialist periodical in the country. Haldeman-Julius also created the Little Blue Books, small paperback books that made literature available to the masses at a cheap price – a venture that landed him on the FBI’s “enemies list”.

Signet Loft

by Chris Wilson

109 N Broadway St, Ste B
Pittsburg, KS 66762

facebook.com/SignetLoft

Built around 1905, this two-story masonry building has served various functions: grocer, auto dealerships, fruit store; &, now a coffee shop & bed & breakfast.

A fully renovated 2 bedroom, 2 bath historic loft on the edge of downtown Pittsburg, KS above Signet Coffee Roasters. Now launched on Airbnb!

Pittsburg Aquatic Center

by Chris Wilson

708 W 9th St
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 231-7667

Usually opens the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend and closes prior to the new school year. Dog Swim is scheduled one week after closing to the public on the following Monday.

Diving boards, tube slides, toddler pool, a lazy river, and sand volleyball courts are all available.

The Aquatic Center features a 0 depth entry large pool with two diving boards, and 2 small tube slides. The toddler pool features fountains, a frog slide, playground and grassy play area.

On Bicknell Island you will find the mammoth slide and the flume slide. Around Bicknell Island is the lazy river, which will take you on a relaxing 300′ voyage on a tube.

There are also two sand volleyball courts for that pickup game with all your friends. For your convenience there is a bathhouse, lockers and a concession shack. Throughout the park there are plenty of lounge chairs and grassy areas for tanning and relaxing.

Napoli's Italian Restaurant

by Chris Wilson

1301 N Broadway St
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 232-9494

Who better to serve up a slice of pizza than a local italian eatery? Napoli’s dine-in restaurant offers 4 sizes of pizza, ranging from a 10 inch to 16 inch, with all your favorite toppings. Their veggie toppings are especially favored, and include green pepper, black olive, and anchovy.

Lincoln Park

by Chris Wilson

813 Memorial Drive
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 231-8310

Originally used by Civil War veterans, became a city park in 1906. Jefferson Highway Tourist Campground ran from 1925-1935 at band shell’s current location.

Brief History of Lincoln Park

Originally a gathering place for Union veterans of the Civil War to host annual meetings and events. Named for President Abraham Lincoln, those veterans sold the park to the City of Pittsburg in 1906.

Additional acreage was added over the decades; and, a plan for the park was designed in 1908 by renowned Kansas City architect, George E. Kessler, who had designed Hyde Park and the park and boulevard system in Kansas City, and had been the chief architect and designer of the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. Kessler laid out Lincoln Park’s roads, trails, playgrounds and locations for various structures including the park auditorium, now Lincoln Center, and the bandstand, now the J.J. Richards Band Dome.

The auditorium was started on Aug 18, 1910 and dedicated the weekend of Aug 13-15, 1911. It had a large porch with columns wrapped around the outside, which were removed during a remodel of the auditorium in the 1970’s.

In 1936 improvements to the park were made, many using Kessler’s designs, including the addition of a Rose Garden, Lily Pond, Greenhouses and off street parking.

In the 1950’s a swimming pool and wading pool were added on the south side of the park. These were removed and replaced with a much larger water park style swimming pool in the late 1990’s.

Kiddie-Land a small amusement park was added in the 1960’s and is still there.

Four Oaks Golf Course was added to the northwest end of the park in the 1970’s.

Horton's Pizza Plus

by Chris Wilson

1601 E 4th St
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 235-0218
HortonsPizzaPlus.com

Horton’s Pizza Plus is a well-known staple of Crawford County. The locally-owned restaurant offers delivery of their incredible thin-crust pizzas and calzones. Long time favorites include their Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone and and Chicken Alfredo Pizza. Not only is their pizza to die for, they also have 4 locations throughout the Four-States for added convenience.

Greenbush

by Chris Wilson

947 W K-47
Girard, KS 66743
(620) 724-6281
greenbush.org

Greenbush, located in rural Girard is a great place to meet and learn. With meeting spaces equipped with today’s most up-to-date technology you’re sure to have a successful event. They also offer a Camp and Retreat Center, Log Cabins, and a Gathering Place complete with a commercial kitchen. To get the most out of your experience check out the Challenge Course, a state of the art facility located on the grounds. This course consists of both low course and high ropes courses that are designed to promote teamwork and personal growth. Greenbush is also home to the William L. Abernathy Science Education Center. The science center provides students, teachers, and community members with hands-on learning experiences utilizing fully equipped laboratories, as well as the Greenbush Full-Dome Digital Theater, PSU-Greenbush Astrophysical Observatory, Simulated Rainforest, Production Greenhouse, Wind Turbine, OWLS site, and Archaeology/Paleontology dig. To sign up for a class or for more information visit their website at http://www.greenbush.org

Greenbush, located in rural Girard is a great place to meet and learn. With meeting spaces equipped with today’s most up-to-date technology you’re sure to have a successful event. They also offer a Camp and Retreat Center, Log Cabins, and a Gathering Place complete with a commercial kitchen. To get the most out of your experience check out the Challenge Course, a state of the art facility located on the grounds. This course consists of both low course and high ropes courses that are designed to promote teamwork and personal growth. Greenbush is also home to the William L. Abernathy Science Education Center. The science center provides students, teachers, and community members with hands-on learning experiences utilizing fully equipped laboratories, as well as the Greenbush Full-Dome Digital Theater, PSU-Greenbush Astrophysical Observatory, Simulated Rainforest, Production Greenhouse, Wind Turbine, OWLS site, and Archaeology/Paleontology dig. To sign up for a class or for more information visit their website at http://www.greenbush.org

Greenbush, located in rural Girard is a great place to meet and learn. With meeting spaces equipped with today’s most up-to-date technology you’re sure to have a successful event. They also offer a Camp and Retreat Center, Log Cabins, and a Gathering Place complete with a commercial kitchen. To get the most out of your experience check out the Challenge Course, a state of the art facility located on the grounds. This course consists of both low course and high ropes courses that are designed to promote teamwork and personal growth. Greenbush is also home to the William L. Abernathy Science Education Center. The science center provides students, teachers, and community members with hands-on learning experiences utilizing fully equipped laboratories, as well as the Greenbush Full-Dome Digital Theater, PSU-Greenbush Astrophysical Observatory, Simulated Rainforest, Production Greenhouse, Wind Turbine, OWLS site, and Archaeology/Paleontology dig. To sign up for a class or for more information visit their website at http://www.greenbush.org

Greenbush, located in rural Girard is a great place to meet and learn. With meeting spaces equipped with today’s most up-to-date technology you’re sure to have a successful event. They also offer a Camp and Retreat Center, Log Cabins, and a Gathering Place complete with a commercial kitchen. To get the most out of your experience check out the Challenge Course, a state of the art facility located on the grounds. This course consists of both low course and high ropes courses that are designed to promote teamwork and personal growth. Greenbush is also home to the William L. Abernathy Science Education Center. The science center provides students, teachers, and community members with hands-on learning experiences utilizing fully equipped laboratories, as well as the Greenbush Full-Dome Digital Theater, PSU-Greenbush Astrophysical Observatory, Simulated Rainforest, Production Greenhouse, Wind Turbine, OWLS site, and Archaeology/Paleontology dig. To sign up for a class or for more information visit their website at http://www.greenbush.org

Greenbush, located in rural Girard is a great place to meet and learn. With meeting spaces equipped with today’s most up-to-date technology you’re sure to have a successful event. They also offer a Camp and Retreat Center, Log Cabins, and a Gathering Place complete with a commercial kitchen. To get the most out of your experience check out the Challenge Course, a state of the art facility located on the grounds. This course consists of both low course and high ropes courses that are designed to promote teamwork and personal growth. Greenbush is also home to the William L. Abernathy Science Education Center. The science center provides students, teachers, and community members with hands-on learning experiences utilizing fully equipped laboratories, as well as the Greenbush Full-Dome Digital Theater, PSU-Greenbush Astrophysical Observatory, Simulated Rainforest, Production Greenhouse, Wind Turbine, OWLS site, and Archaeology/Paleontology dig. To sign up for a class or for more information visit their website at http://www.greenbush.org

Greenbush, located in rural Girard is a great place to meet and learn. With meeting spaces equipped with today’s most up-to-date technology you’re sure to have a successful event. They also offer a Camp and Retreat Center, Log Cabins, and a Gathering Place complete with a commercial kitchen. To get the most out of your experience check out the Challenge Course, a state of the art facility located on the grounds. This course consists of both low course and high ropes courses that are designed to promote teamwork and personal growth. Greenbush is also home to the William L. Abernathy Science Education Center. The science center provides students, teachers, and community members with hands-on learning experiences utilizing fully equipped laboratories, as well as the Greenbush Full-Dome Digital Theater, PSU-Greenbush Astrophysical Observatory, Simulated Rainforest, Production Greenhouse, Wind Turbine, OWLS site, and Archaeology/Paleontology dig. To sign up for a class or for more information visit their website at http://www.greenbush.org

Maximum Capacity: 100 (body)

947 KS-47, Girard, KS 66743, USA
(620) 724-6281
Greenbush.org
Facebook.com/GreenbushESC
Southeast Kansas Education Service Center
Greenbush features 2,000 square feet of meeting space over four meeting rooms with the capability to host events from 10 to 100 people. Greenbush offers tables and chairs, full operational kitchen, state of art audio-visual equipment and high-speed wireless internet and is ADA accessible.
Greenbush Challenge Course
If you’re a business leader or teacher hoping to promote teamwork and leadership development, check out the Challenge Course at Greenbush.
William L. Abernathy Science Education Center
The William L. Abernathy Science Education Center is located on the campus of Greenbush located west of Girard. Amenities of the Science Education Center are designed specifically for engaging learners in a way that they’ll never forget. By providing learning experiences and labs that use equipment or materials not accessible in schools, district, or communities, they serve approximately 14,000 learners annually. The Science Center is comprised of several educational facilities including the PSU-Greenbush Astrophysical Observatory, a simulated rainforest, greenhouse, wind turbine, paleontology dig, and the Greenbush Digital Theater. Each component is designed to allow hands-on learning experiences for students. The laboratories are designed to focus on bioscience and related research due to the impact it has on Kansas economy.
Greenbush Day and Outdoor Adventure
sponsored by the Saint Aloysius Historical Society and Greenbush. Head out to Greenbush today to enjoy a hog roast at 11 a.m. with music and entertainment to follow

Community members throughout the four-states region are invited for an afternoon of free, outdoor family fun at the first-ever Greenbush Getaway, slated for 2 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 15, at Greenbush. Themed around outdoor adventures, the inaugural Greenbush Getaway will allow kids and adults alike to try their hand at archery, canoeing, fishing and more on the scenic Greenbush campus.

GREENBUSH COMMUNITY LAKE
947 W 47 Hwy – Girard
Call Southeast Kansas Education Service Center 620-724-6281

Girard History Museum

by Chris Wilson

300 S Summit St
Girard, KS 66743

facebook.com/FriendsofHistoricGirard

Three buildings on site, including 1888 Episcopal Church with original stained glass windows; on National Registry of Historic Places. Open Tue-Sat 9:00a-3:00p.

A community of people trying to preserve historic sites and educate people about the unique history of Girard. A hotbed for socialism during the mining era, Girard was the home to Julius Wayland and Emanuel-Haldeman-Julius’s “Appeal to Reason”l, then the largest socialist periodical in the country. Haldeman-Julius also created the Little Blue Books, small paperback books that made literature available to the masses at a cheap price – a venture that landed him on the FBI’s “enemies list”.

Girard Public Library

by Chris Wilson

128 W Prairie Ave
Girard, KS 66743
(620) 724-4317
girardpubliclibrary.net

Listed on the National Historic Register as a Carnegie library. The library was established in 1899, and the current Carnegie library building was built in 1906. With a population of 2,500 at the time, it’s believed Girard was the smallest city in the world to have a Carnegie Library at the time.

This is a full service library with Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, and a genealogy/history department.

The library features 2,500 square feet of meeting space and a capacity of 125 people. The library has three separate meeting rooms, two of which can be combined for a larger meeting room. The library has a kitchen, tables and chairs, limited audio-visual equipment, free high-speed wireless internet and is ADA accessible.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

by Chris Wilson

1314 S Broadway St
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 308-6508
FreddysUSA.com

Wichita-based Freddie’s is known for their juicy, classic steakburgers. The original comes with onions, pickles, and mustard on a toasted bun. Get your steak burger California-style with a full slice of onion, Freddy’s sauce, lettuce, and tomato. Our favorite combo here is a single steakburger, hot dog, and fries: you can’t beat the burger/hot dog combo.

Downtown Girard Square

by Chris Wilson

100 S Summit St
Girard, KS 66743
(620) 724-8918
girardkansas.gov

Downtown Girard is built around a traditional courthouse square. The statue of a deer and a marker on the southwest corner of the square commemorate the founding of the city on the site where Dr. Charles H. Strong, the founder of the city, killed a deer. Girard was also home to the socialist newspaper “Appeal to Reason” and the “Little Blue Books” of classic literature. Many of the downtown buildings have bronze plaques giving a brief history of the site.

History of the courthouse: https://www.crawfordcountykansas.org/courthouse-history.html

Founded in 1868, Downtown Girard is built around a traditional courthouse square. Plaques throughout the area provide a brief history of the community. A statue of a deer commemorates where the city founder killed a deer and proclaimed that spot to be designated a new town. Mistreatment of the region’s coal mining workers led to Girard based publication of the socialist newspaper “Appeal to Reason”; and, long before Wikipedia, 300 to 500 million “Little Blue Books” were printed and delivered from here. These small, cheap pocketbooks brought classic literature and other common sense knowledge to the working class.

Crawford State Park

by Chris Wilson

1 W Lake Rd
Farlington, KS 66734
(620) 362-3671
ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Crawford

Crawford State Park attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually. The 500-acre park includes a 150-acre lake, and is locally known as both “Crawford Lake” and “Farlington Lake”. The area includes a lakeside cafe, cabins and campsites, numerous recreational opportunities, and a spectacular view with plenty of water to explore and fish.

Rooted in history and home to 80 residents, there are two recorded archaeological sites in the park, including the remains of a 19th century U.S. military outpost. The lake was built in the 1930’s over a four year period by 200 young men in the Civilian Conservation Corps as a recreation destination. Operated by the State of Kansas, the park is also cared for in part by a volunteer group, Friends of Crawford State Park.

Lake View Café
2 Lake Road
Farlington, Kansas
(620) 362-4131
Open seasonally on the bank of Farlington Lake in Crawford State Park.

Cabin Rental, Camping & RV’s
Ideal for family reunions, club camp outs, and other group activities, Crawford State Park offers five lakefront rental cabins with all the comforts of home, and six campgrounds, that are shaded by mature cottonwoods and oaks and redbuds in a beautiful lake setting. All are available year round by reservation.

Cabin and campsite reservations are first come, first served, and are taken at ReserveAmerica.com or by calling the park office at (620) 362-3671 during office hours.

All cabins are ADA accessible, air conditioned and heated, have bathrooms with showers, kitchens are complete with stove, refrigerator, microwave, pots and pans, dishware and utensils, and have a grill, fire ring, and a picnic table. The SHADY REST offers three full-size beds, two twin beds, and a bunk bed. The NORTH WIND, MORNING GLORY, and THE LANDING offer one bedroom with a full-size bed and a futon. The front rooms offer a twin-size Murphy bed and a sofa.

Campsites & RV
There are 28 primitive campsites, 38 electric only sites, 25 50 amp/water sites, and 20 30 amp/ water sites. All campsites have a spectacular view of the lake. For your convenience, there are three bathhouses, and a dump station for RV’s.

On The Lake
While youth enjoy a sandy swimming beach and playgrounds, pleasure boaters, kayakers, tubers and water skiers enjoy the lake, and anglers enjoy fishing, using docks and two boat ramps to fish for channel catfish, crappie, and striped bass, supplied by a national fish hatchery located below the dam.

The ADA compliant playground at Crawford State Park’s beach area was installed in 2006. The playground consists of numerous swings, three slides, two sets of climbing stuctures, and a playhouse. Access to the beach swimming area, shelter house, bathroom facilities, cafe, and marina are within easy walking distance.

Trails
Located where the Cherokee Lowlands meet the Osage Cuestas, and on the edge of the Ozark Plateau, Crawford State Park provides a variety of landscapes seen throughout Kansas all in a single state park, making the four hiking and biking trails very popular. Redbud trees offer spectacular beauty in the spring along with a wide variety of colorful wildflowers, birds, and butterflies. The lush foliage of the surrounding forest is a naturalist’s delight.

Farlington Fish Hatchery
Farlington Fish Hatchery below the dam was built shortly after the lake was completed.

Permits Required
State Park vehicle permits are required for the Crawford State Park.

For more information, check the website or contact the Crawford State Park Office by calling (620) 362-3671. Office hours: Off Season hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Summer hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday.

Centennial Deer Sculpture

by Chris Wilson

S Summit St & E Prairie St
Girard, KS 66743
(620) 724-6212

Dedicated on Girard’s Centennial Birthday February 28, 1868~1969: Dr. Charles H. Strong decided to go deer hunting and possibly locate the geographical center of Crawford County, which had just been established in Southern Kansas February 13, 1867. While hunting, a deer jumped up out of the grass and was shot by Dr. Strong who drove a stake where the deer fell; on which he placed a card and a bunch of grass stating that he had taken the land and Girard was to be located thereon; naming it in honor of his home town Girard, Pennsylvania.

Braum's Ice Cream & Dairy Store

by Chris Wilson

515 S Broadway St
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 232-5511
braums.com/stores/pittsburg-ks-store-217/

Braum’s is a great option if you’re in the mood for a convenient homestyle burger. Their iconic crinkle-cut fries are a burger’s best friend. Don’t forget about their Junior Bag of Burgers: five 1/6 lb. Junior Burgers for the makings of a family meal (or to satisfy a single, hungry college student). Make sure to grab a shake or banana split for dessert!

Beverly Corcoran Art Gallery

by Chris Wilson

503 N Pine St
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 231-7827

Located inside Pittsburg’s Memorial Auditorium, the Beverly Corcoran Gallery is a jewel within a jewel, and features the work of local, area artists and exhibits on loan from other galleries.

Individual artists and school classrooms are welcome to display their art for prominent viewing. Exhibits by some of the areas most talented artists are ever-changing. Expertly lighted and designed the Beverly Corcoran Gallery gives any art lover a great experience.

5th Street Bar & Grill

by Chris Wilson

111 W 5th St
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 232-2446
facebook.com/5th-Street-Bar-Grill-254355563051/

Downtown Pittsburg’s 5th Street Bar & Grill boasts a variety of burgers on their daily menu. The fan favorite is the 1106er, served with grilled onion, cheese, pickle, mustard, and ketchup for $6.75 (only $6 with a side as the Wednesday special). 5th Street also serves an Inferno Burger (seasoned with Cayenne pepper, served with jalapenos and your choice of hot sauce), Cowboy Burger, Mushroom Swiss, Breakfast Burger, California Burger, and a Mexican Burger. That’s one for every day of the week!