Excitedly Exploring Pittsburg, Kansas: The Best and Most Fun Things To Do and Places To Visit

Pittsburg is coal country. The Miners Hall Museum covers the mines and the men who worked them, and the County Historical Museum in the Crawford County Courthouse costs nothing to enter. Big Brutus, a giant electric coal shovel, is now a museum you can climb. The strip-mine lakes are what the industry left behind, and they take the fishing, the boating and the swimming. Little Balkans Days runs in late August and the Labor Day parade follows it.

For a place to visit in Kansas, Pittsburg is the answer. This city covers a lot for its size, from historical attractions to outdoor time, art and culture, festivals and events and a good deal more. Traveling with family, with friends or alone, there is plenty here to work through.

History readers should check out the Crawford County Historical Museum, which covers the pioneer, mining and bootlegging history of the area. Take a stroll through Immigrant Park for the Miner’s Memorial and the other landmarks and monuments there. Outdoor enthusiasts get the parks and trails, Kiwanis Park and Lincoln Park among them, the latter carrying Kiddieland for the children. And no trip to Pittsburg is complete without Pittsburg State University, a small institution with plenty of activities and events for visitors.

Key Takeaways

Pittsburg, Kansas offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests.
From historical landmarks and outdoor adventures to art and culture and festivals and events, there’s something for everyone in Pittsburg.
Be sure to visit the Crawford County Historical Museum, Immigrant Park, Lincoln Park, and Pittsburg State University for a truly unforgettable experience.

Historical Attractions in Pittsburg

History readers do well in Pittsburg. These are the historical attractions worth finding:

County Historical Museum

Set in the Crawford County Courthouse, the County Historical Museum holds a serious collection of artifacts and exhibits covering the area’s history. The early days of the Osage Nation, displays on the Civil War and World War II, and the region’s mining and railroad history are all in there. The museum opens Tuesday through Saturday and costs nothing to enter.

Historic Walking Areas

Pittsburg has several historic walking areas built for a leisurely stroll. The Downtown Historic District carries turn-of-the-century buildings now housing shops, restaurants and art galleries. There is also a self-guided walking tour of the Pittsburg State University campus, which takes in several buildings dating back to the early 1900s.

Historic Sites

Pittsburg is home to several historic sites worth a visit. The Miners Hall Museum is the one for anyone interested in the area’s mining history. The artifacts and exhibits there tell the story of the miners who worked the local coal mines. The Crawford County Historical Society Museum is the other, with exhibits on the region’s Native American heritage, early settlers and local industries.

History reader or someone looking for an afternoon, Pittsburg’s historical attractions hold up. They are the fastest way into this region’s past.

Outdoor Activities

For outdoor time in Pittsburg, Kansas, you are in luck. The area is ringed with countryside and rugged ground, which makes it work for hiking, biking and exploring. These are the outdoor activities in Pittsburg.

Biking Trails

Pittsburg has a number of strong biking trails covering every skill level. The Meadowlark Trail is the popular one, a 9-mile paved trail winding through the countryside. It works for families and beginners, staying relatively flat and easy to navigate. For more experienced riders, the Crawford County State Park Trail is the harder ride, with the long views over the surrounding area.

Hiking Trails

For hiking, Pittsburg has plenty of trails. The Wilderness Trail is the one to walk, a 1.5-mile loop through rugged countryside with the views over the surrounding area. For a longer hike, the Little Balkans Trail, a 5-mile loop past the historic strip-mine lakes with plenty of birdwatching and wildlife spotting along the way.

Strip-Mine Lakes

The strip-mine lakes in Pittsburg are the most unusual natural feature in the area. The lakes were created by the mining industry and have since turned into recreational areas. Bone Creek Reservoir is the one to visit, covering fishing, boating and swimming. The Crawford State Fishing Lake and the Big Brutus Lake are the other popular ones.

There is plenty of outdoor ground to work through in Pittsburg, Kansas. Biking, hiking or the strip-mine lakes, all three are here. Pack the bags, grab the gear and go.

Art and Culture

Pittsburg, Kansas carries a real art and culture scene. Art, music or theatre, all three are covered. These are the places to visit and the things to do in Pittsburg’s art and culture scene.

Artwork

Art people have several galleries and art museums in Pittsburg. The Pittsburg State University Art Gallery is the one to start with. The gallery shows work from local and international artists across a broad range. It also runs events through the year, art exhibitions, workshops and lectures among them.

Little Theatre

The Little Theatre in Pittsburg is where to catch a play or a musical. The theatre has been running for over 50 years and its productions are strong. It seats 250 and hosts several shows through the year. Theatre people should check the Little Theatre’s schedule.

Broadway

Broadway fans should know that Pittsburg has its own Broadway series. The series is hosted at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts and runs several Broadway productions through the year. The center also hosts concerts, dance performances and lectures.

Beyond those three, Pittsburg has other venues for music and auditorium events. The Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center is where to catch a concert or another live event. The auditorium seats 2,500 and hosts events through the year.

Pittsburg’s art and culture scene runs broader than the city’s size suggests. Art, music or theatre, something here will hold you. Work through all of it.

Festivals and Events

Pittsburg, Kansas hosts a range of festivals and events through the year. Labor Day, the city’s cultural heritage or cowboy poetry, all three are covered.

Labor Day Celebrations

Pittsburg’s Labor Day celebrations are the event to catch if you are in the city during the first weekend in September. The festivities start with a parade through downtown Pittsburg, with marching bands, floats and community groups. After the parade, head to Lincoln Park for live music, food vendors and a carnival.

Little Balkans Days

Little Balkans Days is a celebration of Pittsburg’s cultural heritage. Held in downtown Pittsburg in late August, the festival runs live music, arts and crafts vendors and a great deal of food. Check out the Little Balkans Days quilt show, which shows the work of local quilters.

Cowboy Poetry

Cowboy poetry people should not miss the annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Pittsburg. Held in February, the event features performances by some of the finest cowboy poets in the country. There are workshops too, along with the chance to meet the poets and buy their books and recordings.

Labor Day celebrations, Little Balkans Days or cowboy poetry, Pittsburg covers all three. Plan the trip and see this city work.

Food and Drink

Pittsburg, Kansas carries a range of local eateries and nightlife options. These are the places to eat and drink in Pittsburg.

Local Eateries

Pittsburg has a number of locally-owned restaurants that are worth the time. These are our picks:

Chicken Mary’s – If you’re in the mood for some good old-fashioned fried chicken, Chicken Mary’s is the place to go. This iconic restaurant has been serving up crispy chicken and sides since 1952.
Harry’s Cafe – Harry’s Cafe is a classic diner that has been a Pittsburg staple since 1942. They serve up breakfast all day, as well as burgers, sandwiches, and homemade pies.
Bourbon County Beer Company – This brewery and taproom offers a rotating selection of craft beers, as well as a food menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers.

Nightlife

When the sun goes down, Pittsburg has options. These are a few places to check out:

The Dirty Mule – This bar and grill offers live music, a full menu, and a wide selection of beer, wine, and cocktails.
The Jolly Fox – The Jolly Fox is a laid-back neighborhood bar that serves up cold drinks and good times. They offer pool, darts, and other games, as well as occasional live music and karaoke nights.

A hearty meal or a night out on the town, Pittsburg covers both. Grab the friends and go and explore the local food and drink scene.

Pittsburg is not a big city and it does not behave like a small one either. Downtown holds the historic district, the shops and the restaurants, with the Crawford County Courthouse and the County Historical Museum in it. Pittsburg State University is next to that, across 223 acres. Lincoln Park and Immigrant Park sit close in. The strip-mine lakes, Bone Creek Reservoir and the Crawford State Fishing Lake among them, are out in the countryside. So is Big Brutus.

Memorials and Landmarks

Pittsburg, Kansas carries a lot of history, and several memorials and landmarks are worth the time. These are the ones to see:

Veterans Memorial

The Veterans Memorial in Pittsburg honors the men and women who served. It sits in Immigrant Park. It features a bronze statue of a soldier and several plaques honoring the veterans of Crawford County. Walk the park, read the names of the fallen, and pay your respects.

Points of Interest

There are several other points of interest in Pittsburg worth adding to the itinerary. These are the popular ones:

Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium: This beautiful building is a landmark of real scale downtown, and it’s a regional events venue, with a 1,500-capacity auditorium on the upper level and a flexible convention center below. In a rare Egyptian Revival style, the building dates to 1925 when it opened as the temple for the Mirza Shriners.
Freedom Corner: Located in Pittsburgh’s Hill District neighborhood at the intersection of Centre Avenue and Crawford Street, the Freedom Corner monument marks a crucial point in Pittsburgh’s extensive Civil Rights history and serves as an important gathering location for those advocating for peace, justice, and equality.
Miner’s Memorial in Immigrant Park: This beautiful memorial is a tribute to the miners who worked in the coal mines of Crawford County. The memorial features a bronze statue of a miner, as well as several plaques honoring the miners who lost their lives in the mines.
Kiddieland at Lincoln Park: This is a great place to take your kids for some fun and excitement. Kiddieland features several rides and attractions, including a carousel, a train ride, and a ferris wheel.

Pittsburg, Kansas rewards a visit, and these memorials and landmarks are only part of what is here. Pack the bags and the camera.

Family Fun

For family time in Pittsburg, the options are here. There is plenty to keep the children occupied. These are the ones to work through:

Dinosaur/Dragon Slide

Children like dinosaurs and dragons, and the Dinosaur/Dragon Slide at the Pittsburg Aquatic Center covers both. The giant slide looks like a dinosaur or a dragon depending on how you look at it. They slide down the tail and into the pool. It handles a hot summer day.

Pool Noodles and Toys

Children who like swimming will take to the Pittsburg Aquatic Center. The pool carries everything they need. Pool noodles and toys are there to play with, and there is plenty of space to swim and splash around. Lifeguards are always on duty, so you can sit down without watching every second.

There is more to do in Pittsburg with the family, and these are the ones built for children. Dinosaurs, dragons, swimming or an afternoon of noise, they will find it here. Pack up the car and go.

Pittsburg State University

Visiting Pittsburg, Kansas means visiting Pittsburg State University. The public university sits in the heart of Pittsburg and carries a lot for visitors.

The campus is the main attraction at Pittsburg State University. It spreads over 223 acres and holds a number of strong buildings and green spaces. Take a leisurely stroll around and look at the architecture, or sit down and picnic with family and friends.

The university also holds museums and galleries. The Bicknell Family Center for the Arts is the one for performing arts, hosting concerts, plays and musicals through the year. The Kansas Technology Center is the other, with exhibits on technology and innovation.

Sports people get plenty at Pittsburg State University. The university has a strong football team, and you can catch a game at the Carnie Smith Stadium during the fall season. The other facilities cover a basketball court, a swimming pool and a gym.

For academics, Pittsburg State University runs a broad set of programs. Undergraduate and graduate programs cover business, education, engineering and more. Take a tour of the university and work through what is on offer.

Pittsburg State University belongs on any visit to Pittsburg, Kansas. Architecture, arts, sports or academics, the campus covers all four.

Casinos in Pittsburg

For a night out with some risk in it, head to one of Pittsburg’s casinos. Seasoned gambler or complete beginner, both are covered. Here is what to know about the casinos in Pittsburg:

Small Casino

For a more intimate gambling room, check out the small casino in Pittsburg. The crowd is smaller and there is more space to move between the slot machines and the table games. The room is cozy, which makes it work for a night out with friends or a date.

The small casino runs a range of slot machines, penny slots and video poker among them. Table game players get blackjack, craps and roulette. The casino also hosts regular tournaments, so check their schedule before you go.

The small casino does not have the glitz of a larger one and it makes up for it with friendly staff and personal service. Grab a drink, take a seat and let the games begin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some unique attractions to see in Pittsburg, Kansas?

Pittsburg, Kansas carries several attractions you will not see elsewhere. The Crawford County Historical Museum is the popular one, holding artifacts and exhibits on the history of the area. Big Brutus is the other, a giant electric coal shovel that is now a museum. You can climb to the top of the shovel and look out over the surrounding area.

What are some family-friendly things to do in Pittsburg, Kansas?

For family-friendly activities in Pittsburg, Kansas, the options hold up. The Animal Kingdom Arcade is one, with games and activities for every age. The Prairie State Park is another, with hiking trails, picnic areas and bison up close. The Small World Park is the third, with rides and activities for children.

What events are happening soon in Pittsburg, Kansas?

Something is always happening in Pittsburg, Kansas, whatever time of year you come. The Little Balkans Days Festival is one of the upcoming ones, celebrating the area’s mining heritage with food, music and activities. The Crawford County Fair is the other popular one, with carnival rides, livestock exhibits and live entertainment. Check the Pittsburg State University calendar too, for concerts, theater performances and sporting events.

What are some interesting facts about Pittsburg, Kansas?

Pittsburg, Kansas was once a major center for coal mining. The area was home to several large mines, and the Big Brutus was used to dig coal out of the ground. Pittsburg State University was originally founded as a teacher’s college in 1903 and is now a comprehensive university with over 200 academic programs. And Pittsburg, Kansas is home to the largest indoor aquatic center in the state, the Crimson and Gold Aquatic Center, which has a 50-meter Olympic-sized pool.

Frequently asked questions about Pittsburg, Kansas

Which hiking trail should you walk in Pittsburg, Kansas?

The Wilderness Trail if you want it short, a 1.5-mile loop through rugged countryside. The Little Balkans Trail if you want it longer, a 5-mile loop past the strip-mine lakes with the birdwatching along the way. Neither one is hard on the legs.

Is the Meadowlark Trail good for beginners?

Yes. It runs 9 paved miles through the countryside, it stays relatively flat, and it is easy to navigate with children on bikes. For a harder ride, the Crawford County State Park Trail climbs and gives you the long views.

What can you see at the County Historical Museum?

The early days of the Osage Nation, displays on the Civil War and World War II, and the region’s mining and railroad history. It sits in the Crawford County Courthouse, opens Tuesday through Saturday, and costs nothing to enter. Allow an hour, or two if you read everything.

Keep exploring Pittsburg, Kansas