Louisburg, Kansas once served as a reservation for several Native American tribes. These groups included the Kaskaskia, Peoria, Piankeshaw, and Wea. These four tribes eventually banded together to form The Confederated Tribe of Peoria. During the 1850s, European Americans began migrating to the area. This soon spelled trouble for the well-established tribes. When Kansas officially became a state in 1861, the tribes were ordered to pay taxes and abide by state laws. This simmering conflict wouldn’t last long, however. After the Civil War ended in 1865, the newly formed Kansas state government forced the Confederated Tribe of Peoria to sell their land and moved them to present-day Oklahoma, where many of their descendants still reside until this very day.
As more European Americans began to move to the area, the new community quickly blossomed. By 1870, the town, which was now dubbed Little St. Louis, had constructed several businesses and a train station. Because the railway system boasted a stop in the similarly named St. Louis, Missouri, the town’s name was changed from Little St. Louis to Louisburg. This was done in order to stop any potential name confusion. Louisburg was granted a city charter in 1882. At the time, the population stood at 400. The city continued to flourish throughout the 20th century, eventually constructing retail stores, hotels, gas stations, churches, and schools. Today, Louisburg, Kansas is home to nearly 5,000 citizens.
If you want to get a more up-close look at the wonders of outer space, check out the Powell Observatory. Visitors have reported seeing galaxies, stars, the moon, Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter. Next, head over to the Cedar Cove Feline Conservatory & Education Center and pay a visit to some of the world’s most endangered big cats. The modest collection of big cats includes lions, bobcats, mountain lions, and tigers.
Although Louisburg is a relatively small city, there are several desirable eating options. The Timbercreek Bar & Grill offers an extensive menu that features everything from grilled salmon and loaded fries to grilled chicken quesadillas and fried mushrooms. For a hearty barbecue meal, check out Big L's BBQ. Menu options include brisket cheese fries, barbeque ribs, barbeque sandwiches, and jalapeno poppers.
Campgrounds Near Louisburg, Kansas
Located in the charming city of Merriam, Kansas, Walnut Grove RV Park is a modest campground that offers 50 sites. Amenities include full hookups, free Wi-Fi, shower facilities, laundry services, and a dump station. This pet-friendly campground even provides a separate dog area.
Worlds of Fun Village is conveniently located just a mile away from the World of Fun amusement park. This Kansas City, Missouri campground provides full hookups, a swimming pool, Wi-Fi access, pull-through sites, and adequate cell reception. A nearby store is stocked with food, souvenirs, and supplies.
The stunning Basswood Resort is perfect for nature lovers. The resort, which sits on 73 acres of land, features beautiful landscaping, walking trails, and fish-stocked lakes. Campground amenities include full hookups, laundry services, a playground, and a propane filling station.
At Trailside RV Park, you will have access to full hookups, pull-through sites, Wi-Fi, and hot showers. Military and senior discounts are available.
State Parks Near Louisburg, Kansas
Located in Paola, Kansas, Hillsdale State Park sits on the shores of Hillsdale Lake. Hillsdale Lake is a reservoir that boasts a surface area of 4,580 acres. The reservoir is surrounded by the Hillsdale Dam. Built in 1982, the dam has an impressive water storage capacity of more than 75,000 acre-feet. This lovely park provides opportunities for swimming, horseback riding, fishing, boating, hunting, hiking, picnicking, and much more.
Situated on Clinton Lake, Clinton State Park is an ideal fishing location. The 7,000-acre reservoir features crystal-clear water and a healthy population of blue catfish, crappie, and smallmouth bass. The area surrounding the lake is home to groups of migratory birds and interesting animal species. These animals include Canada geese, bald eagles, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer. Along with fishing, the park provides a variety of other recreational activities, including hiking and biking.
Cross Timbers State Park is a 1,075-acre park that is located just south of Toronto, Kansas. Nestled within the Verdigris River valley, the park provides direct access to Toronto Lake. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the lake is an essential flood control system for the surrounding areas. Some of the park’s wildlife species include wild turkeys, raccoons, and white-tailed deer.
National Sites Near Louisburg, Kansas
Located in the quaint city of Independence, Missouri, the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site helps to preserve the former home of United States President Harry S. Truman. Truman and his wife occupied the home from 1919 to 1972. This historic site displays Truman’s Steinway piano, a vinyl collection, and a variety of historic paintings. The estate also includes the homes of Truman’s brothers-in-law, aunt, and cousins.
The Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park in Topeka, Kansas commemorates the historic Brown v. Board of Education court case. The site features Monroe Elementary School, one of several schools that were at the center of the racial segregation issue at the time. Established in 1992, this historic 1.85-acre site welcomes over 15,000 visitors every year. Available outdoor activities include picnicking and hiking.
The George Washington Carver National Monument is located in Newton County, Missouri. Established in 1943 by former United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the site honors and preserves the legacy of prominent African American scientist George Washington Carver. Along with a carved monument of Carver’s face, the site includes his childhood home and the Moses Carver House. Built in 1881, the Moses Carver House was owned by Carver’s adoptive father, Moses Carver.
National Forests Near Louisburg, Kansas
You won’t have to go far to get to the stunning Mark Twain National Forest. Located less than 250 miles away from Louisburg, this massive forest boasts well over 1 million acres of land. Named after famous author Mark Twain, the land encompasses six ranger districts, several wilderness areas, Greer Spring, and large portions of the Ozark Trail. In addition to hiking and backpacking, the forest provides trails for ATVs and motorcycles.
Ozark – St. Francis National Forests contains two separate forested areas. Ozark National Forest, which is located within the Ozark Mountains, spans 1.2 million acres. St. Francis National Forest is considerably smaller, covering just 22,600 acres. Jointly, the forests consist of over 20 campgrounds and nearly 400 miles of hiking trails. The tree population includes Shortleaf Pine, White Oak, Blackjack Oak, and Northern Red Oak.
Shawnee National Forest is a 280,000-acre forested area that’s situated within the Shawnee Hills. The forest spans across several Illinois counties, including Alexander, Gallatin, Hardin, and Jackson. There are seven wilderness areas located within the forest. Some of these wildlands include the Clear Springs Wilderness and the Panther Den Wilderness. The forest also features the 500-foot-tall Little Grand Canyon as well as Cedar Lake. Activities such as rock climbing, speed climbing, hiking, swimming, and horseback riding are permitted.