Hays House, which once served as a local theater, restaurant, and court, is one of the oldest dining establishments in the town of Council Grove. With a range of traditional American items and succulent grilled options on its menu, the food served here is enough to keep bringing you back to this lovely place. Moreover, the rustic ambience of this restaurant still retains its old-world charm from the 1800s when you step in through its doors. Regaling guests with savory meals in the quaint and culturally enriched town of Council Grove, this establishment is also a prominent registered historic landmark.

A haven for food lovers and history geeks, Trail Days Cafe and Museum -offers a fantastic and unique experience to approach the local history. This charming café offers a beautiful character to the place, where food becomes a part of a museum experience for the patron. Diners are taking on a fascinating journey through the history of the Santa Fe Trail. This must-stop attraction offers a delightful menu offering Native American food to old-world dishes from early settlers. Taste culture in every bite and savor interesting historical facts through food.

Madonna of the Trail is a series of 12 monuments across the United States that have been erected in honor of the country's pioneer women. Council Grove is home to one such statue, representing the state of Kansas. Sculpted by artist August Leimbach, the Madonna of the Trail symbolizes faith and courage and has become a source of love and pride among the locals. A popular landmark in Council Grove, the statue finds home in a park surrounded by scenic environs.

Council Grove Lake is a tranquil reservoir built on the Neosho River in Council Grove. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the lake has become a popular recreational area among locals and tourists alike. The lake is surrounded by over 100 campsites, making it an ideal weekend getaway for families. Replete with plenty of activities like hiking, boating, fishing and more, it promises an adventure-filled day to visitors. As the area is surrounded by the rare tallgrass prairie landscape, it makes for a unique natural attraction in the town.

Richey Cove Park is a sprawling campground in Council Grove. Featuring over 40 campsites, the park exudes tranquil, blissful vibes, making for an idyllic family getaway in the town. Located on the banks of the Ritchey Creek, the park is ideal for recreational waterside activities. Head over to the park to spend a pleasant day in the lap of nature. Take a stroll to explore the lush green environs, take a boat out into the water, enjoy kayaking and paddle boarding, and spend the night at the campsite under the beautiful skies of Council Grove.

Located on the picturesque Santa Fe National Historic Trail, Hermit's Cave is believed to have once been the abode of Giovanni Maria Augustini, an Italian religious mystic. According to local belief, Giovanni inhabited the cave until 1863, after which he traversed the Santa Fe trail to reach New Mexico. While this is the generally believed legend, there are several other versions of the story. When in town, visit the small cave to learn more about its intriguing history and explore its scenic surroundings.

The Old Bell Monument is one of Council Grove's historic attractions that speaks volumes about the period. The ancient bell, which sits atop Belfry Hill along the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway, was brought to Council Grove in 1863 after being discarded by the church owing to a defect. In 1866, a wooden tower was erected for the bell; it is believed that the bell was used as an alarm to warn of an Indian raid. But who is to say whether it was used as a warning bell or simply a community bell? Visit the stone bell monument that still stands in the corner as a memorial.

Built in 1857, the Last Chance Store is one of the historic locations that remain intact. This historic location was once traders and travelers’ last stop to trade goods on the Santa Fe trail before entering Santa Fe in New Mexico. In 1971, the property was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This privately-owned building is now a well-preserved monument with interesting artifacts from the time and thus making it a wonderful stop for visitors.

Along the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway, some charming attractions are not to be missed. One such is the Neosho Riverwalk. This beautiful park is a scenic trail, ideal for walking and bicycling. Connecting Kaw Mission Historic site and the Madonna of the Trail statue, the riverwalk is a concrete path along the Neosho River. It is a 1.1-mile loop trail that is a heavily trafficked route that is often visited by nature lovers looking for serenity.

The Allegawaho Heritage Memorial Park is a heritage site for Native Americans. Home to a tall limestone tower – Kanza Monument erected in 1925. Kaw Nation dedicated a memorial park in the native homeland near Council Grove in 2002. The park remains a mark of return to the lands after being forcefully driven out by the settler. This heritage park, spanning over 168 acres, includes the historic monument, stone ruins, the remains of Native Americans, and their possessions. The heritage trail of Kanza also passes through this memorial park later, connecting Flint Hill Nature Trail. With a Visitors center on the way, the memorial park is an interesting stop to learn about the Native Americans.

Farmers and Dovers Bank is a remarkable landmark and an eye-catcher located on the town square. This historic building is a reminder that all old things are wonderful. It is one of the fine examples of elegant architecture with red bricks featuring Romanesque arches. Built-in 1892, this beautiful bank is a two-story building with limestone trims and a Byzantine dome. This iconic building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

It is always a wonder how travelers exchanges notes on their journey in the old world. One such interesting story lies behind the Post Office Oak. Falling in Santa Fe Trail, Post Office Oak came into existence when the travelers left notes regarding the trail conditions under the foot of the old oak tree. This oak tree was in front of a native stone building built-in 1864. This stone structure housed a local brewery for travelers. In 1990, the tree died; however, its stump remains preserved, making it a historic site with a rich tale. The stone building was converted into a museum and managed by Morris County Historic Society. Inside the museum, visitors can see old-world furnishings, cameras, railroads, and other interesting displays. It is open by appointment only.