This Charming, Overlooked Kansas City Is An Affordable Gem With A Vibrant Ethnic Heritage And Culture

While Kansas is one of the best places to have an authentic Midwest fall getaway, boasting a pristine 'Prairie Trail' with wild bison, state park tours, and exceptional eateries, its stunning natural beauty is far from the only thing that makes this state so charming. As a state with many small towns rich in culture, there are still few places that have the vibrant ethnic heritage that can be found in Pittsburg. Originally a zinc- and coal-mining town that dates back to 1876, it's no wonder that this small town is still buzzing with life today, thanks to its rich backstory and deep historical roots.

Those interested in this history should be sure to visit the Miner Memorial. Located in downtown Pittsburg, this stunning memorial is made up of a large bronze statue of a miner and granite monuments etched with the names of many who worked there. It serves as a beautiful tribute to the settlers who both worked and lost their lives in the mines. One of the granite stones is inscribed with a map of the Weir-Pittsburg coal field, and another contains information about the area's history, making it not only a touching tribute but an intriguing educational insight into the history of this destination.

Pittsburg is also increasingly putting itself on the affordability map. With an average home value hovering around $130,000, it's not a terrible idea for prospective homeowners to take a trip to the city to scope out if it's a good fit for relocation.

If you're looking for something cultural and creative to do during your time in Pittsburg, look no further than the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts. Located on the grounds of Pittsburg State University Campus, it's the place to be for live music, theater shows, concerts, and the occasional music festival. 

The Crawford County Historical Museum is also well worth a visit. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., this is the best place to learn more about the county's mining history and even see one of the steamshovels that was used at the time – the Marion Steamshovel.

There's also plenty to do in the downtown area, including a range of great restaurants, antique stores, and plenty of unique and interesting boutiques. When it comes to choosing a great place to eat in Pittsburg, 5th Street Bar & Grill is a great choice, with live music on the patio and tasty dishes such as burgers, tacos, and fried pickles. Those looking to get a unique souvenir should be sure to pay Past Time Antiques and Flea Market a visit, where you can get your hands on a huge range of interesting finds, including authentic Mennonite-produced jams and jellies, vintage car parts, and even Mexican vanilla.

Choosing when to visit Pittsburg can be quite tricky, as the weather is generally best in spring or early fall, when temperatures reach highs of 82 and lows of 61 degrees Fahrenheit. That said, if you're interested in the history of the town, you'll want to try to plan your visit for August, which is when the annual Little Balkans Days festival takes place. 

This festival is held as a tribute to the European workers, many of whom came from the Balkans in Europe, who helped settle the town. It boasts unique cultural activities such as cooking classes and quilt shows. Just be sure to note that August can see highs of 91 degrees Fahrenheit, so be sure to bring along your sunscreen!

Pittsburg is also fairly easy to reach, especially for those traveling by car. It sits around 2 hours from the upscale Kansas City suburb of Leawood (worth a visit in its own right), and just less than 2 hours from Springfield, Missouri. This location makes it a great choice for a road trip through this wildly underrated flyover state. Fly into Kansas City International Airport and start your road trip there.