Butler: Discover Culture, History and Trails

For a trip to Butler, museums, historic sites or trails can each offer a different focus. Destinations range from regional history and art to wetlands, birdwatching and routes for hiking or cycling. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay in Butler, considering which of these topics interests you most can be a useful starting point for planning.

Museums and Regional History

The Kansas Oil Museum presents the history of Butler County and the oil industry in Kansas. It combines indoor exhibits with historic buildings and equipment across a 10-acre museum site. The indoor exhibits feature numerous artifacts from the county’s history, including displays on the Butler County Courthouse, life on the prairie and agricultural equipment. A hands-on exhibit for children complements these topics. The exhibits may change over time.

The art collection is the focus at the Coutts Museum of Art, with more than 2,000 works. These include sculptures by Frederic Remington and prints by Birger Sandzén and the Prairie Printmakers. Individual exhibitions may change, so the permanent collection should not be assumed to be presented in an unchanging way.

The Augusta Historical Museum, with the C.N. James Log Cabin and Trading Post, offers another way to explore regional history. Built in 1868, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Check current visiting options before you arrive.

Trails, Landscapes and Birdwatching

The Walnut Ridge Trail is three-quarters of a mile long and runs through dense tree cover along the Walnut River. This scenic route is suitable for hiking and cycling. Also described as suitable for both activities is the 2-mile Double Black Diamond Mountain Bike Trail, which descends from the Flint Hills uplands into the Walnut River lowlands. The two trails therefore differ both in length and in the landscapes they traverse.

The Shady Creek Nature Trail is also three-quarters of a mile long, but has a different focus. This interpretive trail leads into a scenic wetland where visitors can observe waterfowl, shorebirds and wading birds. Those looking to combine a short walk with birdwatching will find it has a different character from the wooded Walnut Ridge Trail.

The Redbud Trail is 6 miles long and has a concrete and compacted limestone surface. It is suitable for walking, running and almost any type of bicycle. Another option is the paved trail at Walnut River Campground: this approximately 2-mile extension of the Linear Trail is open for hiking and cycling, and is particularly suitable for wheelchair use. The stated distances can help you compare the different time and activity levels involved; they do not specify walking times.

Markets, Events and Trip Planning

The El Dorado Farmers and Art Market features locally grown, raised and made goods. Vendors mentioned include sellers of vegetables and baked goods. Dates and offerings may vary by season; check the latest information when planning a visit to the market.

The Frisco Water Tower Festival takes place in Beaumont in June. Since the date should be checked from year to year, check the date for the relevant year before your trip. Prairie Rose Chuckwagon is located near Benton; check its seasonal operating details in advance as well.

The described route from Wichita to El Dorado Reservoir follows I-35 north to the North El Dorado exit, then continues via the signed access roads. Road conditions and signs may change, so check the current route before setting out.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Latham, El Dorado, Andover, Augusta, Mcpherson County, Logan County, Decatur County, Reno County.

For the broader travel overview: Kansas.