Montgomery: Dalton History, Museums and Nature

Montgomery offers a wide range of visitor experiences: Coffeyville focuses on the history of the Dalton Gang raid, while Independence offers museum and park history. Cherryvale combines events at Logan Park with nearby Big Hill Lake.

Dalton History in Coffeyville

At Dalton Defenders Plaza and in Death Alley, you can follow the route the Dalton Gang took in 1892 when it attempted to rob two banks at the same time. Death Alley is also home to the old jail, which features replicas of the gang as they were laid out after their deaths. Plaques at the plaza and in Death Alley mark the locations where Lucius Baldwin, George Cubine, Charles Brown and Marshall Connelly were killed during the raid.

The Dalton Museum adds memorabilia from the raid to the tour, including court records from the trial of Emmett Dalton. You can also see memorabilia belonging to baseball player Walter Johnson, who lived in Coffeyville. The Aviation Heritage Museum explores a different subject: it presents memorabilia from early aviation and the region’s pioneering pilots, including material from Coffeyville Air Base. The graves of three members of the Dalton Gang are at Elmwood Cemetery.

Museums and Local History in Independence

The Little House on the Prairie Museum preserves the legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder. The site includes a replica of the Ingalls family cabin, an old post office and a one-room schoolhouse. For 2026, the visiting season is scheduled to run daily from March through October 31, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can still visit the grounds outside the season, but the buildings and gift shop are closed. For a later trip, it’s best to check the current seasonal schedule.

The history of Riverside Park is also tied to a specific name: the park was established on the Verdigris River and designed by landscape architect George Kessler. Neewollah began in Independence in 1919 as an alternative to the usual Halloween pranks. These two stories highlight different things—one the design of a park, the other the origins of an event.

Brown Mansion offers another way to combine architecture with a visit: the entire third floor is a ballroom. The building is available year-round for private events, and tours are also offered. If you’re planning a tour, confirm the arrangements before you arrive.

Cherryvale and Big Hill Lake

Logan Park in Cherryvale hosts the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Cherryvale Youth Fair. Check event dates before your trip.

Big Hill Lake is about five miles east of Cherryvale. It has public campgrounds, equestrian trailheads and day-use areas. Possible activities include hiking, swimming, fishing and horseback riding. A 17-mile equestrian trail follows the lake along a scenic, wooded ridge; there are hitching areas and parking for horseback riders.

Rock Ledge and Loop Trail at Elk City State Park

Table Mound is a steep limestone cliff in Elk City State Park. If you’re interested in a designated trail, the park also has the Green Thumb Nature Trail: the one-mile loop starts at the state park campground. The paved roads leading into the park are another useful landmark for planning. The cliff and the loop trail offer different ways to experience nature.

If you’re planning a stay around a tour, museum season or event, confirm the relevant dates and arrangements in advance.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Cherryvale, Independence, Caney, Coffeyville, Wabaunsee County, Neosho County, Stanton County, Seward County.

For the main travel overview: Kansas.