The Kansas Oil Museum tells the story of Butler County and Kansas’s oil industry. Indoor exhibits, historic buildings and equipment are part of a 10-acre museum site. Inside, you’ll encounter numerous artifacts from the county’s history, including displays about the Butler County Courthouse, life on the prairie and agricultural equipment. A hands-on exhibit for children adds a practical element to the historical themes. As exhibits may change, it’s worth checking what’s currently on offer before your visit.
Art, Trails and Landscape
The permanent collection at the Coutts Museum of Art offers a different perspective: it includes more than 2,000 works. These include sculptures by Frederic Remington and prints by Birger Sandzén and the Prairie Printmakers. The collection offers a distinctive way to explore art alongside the historical themes. Individual presentations may change, so check the current exhibition before your visit.
The trails vary in length and scenery. The Walnut Ridge Trail is 3/4 mile long and runs as a hiking and biking trail through dense tree cover along the Walnut River. The route is described as scenic. The Double Black Diamond Mountain Bike Trail is 2 miles long; it runs as a hiking and biking trail through the uplands of the Flint Hills and down into the lowlands of the Walnut River. Together, they offer a shorter riverside trail and a longer route through varied landscapes.
The Shady Creek Nature Trail is also 3/4 mile long. This interpretive trail leads into a scenic wetland where visitors can watch waterfowl, shorebirds and wading birds. The focus here is on observing nature. Another option is the approximately 2-mile-long Linear Trail in the Walnut River Campground. It is open to hiking and biking and is specifically open to wheelchair use.
Getting to El Dorado Reservoir
From Wichita, the route to El Dorado Reservoir follows I-35 north to the North El Dorado exit, then continues along the signed access roads. Road conditions and signs may change, so check the current route before you travel.
Market, Festival and History
The El Dorado Farmers and Art Market features locally grown, raised and made goods. Vendors at the market offer vegetables and baked goods. The selection of vendors may vary by season, and seasonal dates may also change. If you’re planning a visit specifically for the market, check the latest information ahead of time.
The recurring Frisco Water Tower Festival takes place in Beaumont in June. Check the date for the relevant year when planning your visit. The Prairie Rose Chuckwagon is near Benton; check seasonal operating details before your visit.
The Augusta Historical Museum includes the C.N. James Log Cabin and Trading Post, built in 1868 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If you’re planning a visit, check the current opening arrangements before you travel. Together, these attractions offer a cultural experience spanning art and local history, historic buildings and events.
Discover more destinations: Latham, El Dorado, Andover, Augusta, Scott County, Russell County, Seward County, Kiowa County.
For the main travel overview: Kansas.
