Sometimes you discover a community that delightfully blends great amenities, convenient location and unexpected hidden gems. Located on the southwest side of the Kansas City metro, Shawnee, Kansas is just that!
This Kansas community is teeming with local history, beautiful outdoor spaces, and delicious spots to eat and drink. You’ll discover a creative craft beverage scene and eateries that go the extra mile to add to their atmosphere. Shawnee also has a rich history, from compelling local stories to its role in western expansion. Whether you’re traveling along Kansas I-70 or exploring the greater Kansas City area, there’s plenty worth stopping for in Shawnee.
Keep reading to discover five offbeat things to do in Shawnee, Kansas, plus plenty of unique places to eat, drink and stay.
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by the Kansas I-70 Association. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own. This post may also contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
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Offbeat Things To Do in Shawnee, Kansas
Find Inspiration on the Art Nine Disc Golf Course
There are plenty of reasons to visit Shawnee Mission Park during your time in Shawnee. This stunning 1,600-acre park has a lot to offer with a scenic lake, ample nature trails, an archery range, dog park and more. But the park is also home to the Art Nine Disc Golf, an installation that joins public art and this popular sport.
With nine site-specific sculptures installed near each of the nine disc golf tees, this unique course makes for a fun walk, even if you’re not an avid disc golf player. Wander into the wooded area to explore the nature-inspired sculptures and experience the park in a new way.
Pro Tip: The Art Nine Disc Golf Course is located next to the Shawnee Mission Park Inclusive Playground. Park in the shared parking lot and head back behind the playground along the trail. You should start seeing sculptures from the course on your left.
Art Nine Disc Golf Course, 7900 Renner Road in Shawnee, Kansas
Plan Your Own Brewery Tour
You won’t want to miss out on Shawnee’s burgeoning beverage scene. Get a taste for the local craft offerings by hosting your own brewery tour of downtown. The city’s three breweries are located within easy walking distance of each other and many of downtown’s other main attractions:
- Friction Beer Company (11018 Johnson Drive in Shawnee, Kansas): Music-inspired craft brews flow through this cozy downtown taproom. Soak in the creative vibes, play a board game or two, and enjoy the tunes.
- Servaes Brewing Company (10921 Johnson Drive in Shawnee, Kansas): Opened in 2019, Servaes Brewing Company was the first woman-owned and operated brewery in Kansas owned. Today, the community favorite has expanded to multiple locations around the KC area.
- Transport Brewery (11113 Johnson Drive in Shawnee, Kansas): Nestled in a century-old building, Transport Brewery’s Shawnee taproom is a cozy spot to grab a pint. This local spot also offers brewery tours by appointment for a small fee.
Step Back in Time in Shawnee Town 1929
Have you ever wanted to see what a place was like a hundred years ago? Enter Shawnee Town 1929. This historical museum complex lets visitors experience what it would be like to live a typical day in and around the farm community of Shawnee, Kansas, in the 1920s.
So, why did the organization choose to focus on 1929? There are a few reasons. Starting with the most practical: it was the year that the county paper began covering the community more extensively, giving a more accurate account of what it was like in Shawnee at the time. This was also the beginning of the Great Depression, which had impacts across the country.
Explore the historic farmstead and learn about the prevalence of the truck farming industry in early Shawnee. Then head into the farm town to explore the shops and see how the community would have grown.
The museum complex offer lots of great opportunities to take a hands-on approach to history. For example, in the market, visitors can help fill grocery orders while period-correct packaging is used to spark larger conversations about the practices and social norms of the 1920s.
Pro Tip: Want an even more interactive experience at Shawnee Town 1929? Download the new multimedia tour app to learn about local history through audio stories shared by more than 50 distinct voices and tons of supporting historical photos.
Shawnee Town 1929, 11501 W. 57th Street in Shawnee, Kansas
Discover the History of the Santa Fe Trail
Founded in 1821, the Santa Fe Trail was a popular trade route between Franklin, Missouri and Santa Fe, New Mexico. For more than 60 years, wagons traveled west carrying traders, trappers, gold seekers and settlers. In the greater Kansas City area, the route had two trailheads.
Today, Shawnee sits on the trailhead that would have started in Westport. While the popular thoroughfare is no more, modern travelers can learn about this unique piece of history through public art at Shawnee’s Pioneer Crossing Park.
Pioneer Crossing Park, 10406 Shawnee Mission Parkway in Shawnee, Kansas
Try Your Hand at Rolle Bolle
Sister Cities Park may be one of the Shawnee’s smaller parks, but it’s home to its most unique game: rolle bolle. Pronounced like “roly-poly,” rolle bolle is a Belgian sport that’s part horseshoes and part bowling but sounds way more difficult. Especially because the bolles are made to roll in a curved, elliptical arc.
Every week residents get together for a friendly tournament of this unique sport. Each year it’s played during the community’s annual Shawnee Days. While I didn’t try my hand at rolle bolle when I learned about it a few years ago exploring KC Destinations’ Quirky Trip, but I’m obsessed with learning more. Did you know that there are other places in Iowa and Minnesota that have also embraced rolle bolle?
Sister Cities Park, 5801 King Street in Shawnee, Kansas
Discover Offbeat Gems Along I-70
Driving along the Kansas I-70 corridor? There are plenty of places worth pulling over along the way! Discover unexpected museums, roadside attractions, epic eateries, unique places to stay and so much more.
Unique Places to Eat & Drink in Shawnee, Kansas
Cafe Equinox
I believe that quality coffee is an essential part of any good trip. So I could not have been more delighted to discover Shawnee’s Café Equinox. Located inside of Family Tree Nursery, this cozy coffeeshop is a must-visit for any plant lover.
Head inside the nursery’s main building to order your beverage and grab a light snack from the coffeeshop’s foliage-filled bar area. Café Equinox serves coffee from local roaster Thou Mayest alongside other locally-sourced pastries and treats. Then, head through the indoor shop and into the nursery’s greenhouse where you’ll discover a cozy seating area amongst hundreds of tropical plants.
Café Equinox, 7036 Nieman Road in Shawnee, Kansas
Hank’s Garage & Grill
It’s no secret that I love a retro restaurant, and Hank’s Garage & Grill perfectly pairs vintage flair with seriously mouth-watering menu items. Located in the heart of downtown Shawnee, this former auto body shop turned eatery is a must-visit, whether you’re looking to grab a quick lunch or hang out with a bigger group.
The building’s garage doors have been repurposed to give the space the perfect for indoor-outdoor feel and it’s compact patio is a great spot for a casual happy hour or family-friendly gathering.
The folks behind Hank’s are no strangers to quality sandwiches and immaculate vibes. The restauranteurs also own King G’s Bar and Delicatessen in Kansas City’s Crossroads neighborhood. With a menu that features chef-driven bar fare alongside classic beers and craft cocktails, Hank’s offers an elevated dive bar experience without pretension.
I loved the Hank’s Original burger with diced pickles and thinly sliced fries. The Sonoran Hot Dog has been another popular menu item since this spot opened though. And for a true Midwestern treat, don’t miss the SPAM fries served with banana pepper ketchup!
Hank’s Garage & Grill, 5801 Nieman Road in Shawnee, Kansas
Wild Child
If you’re a cocktail enthusiast, grabbing a drink at Wild Child is a must. Nominated for a 2025 James Beard Award for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service, this local spot specializes in creative craft cocktails.
Many of this popular spot’s drinks arrive in whimsical glassware or with fun, over-the-top presentation. During my last visit, I ordered the Midori Sour, which arrived topped with the advertised “shitload of shaved ice,” shaved using a hand crank right at the bar. Wild Child also serves a large selection of non-alcoholic mocktails, which I really appreciated.
Pro Tip: If you’re hoping to snag a seat at this spot, I highly suggest making a reservation! Wild Child is a small space and seating is limited. Especially if you plan to visit on a weekend, this is the best way to ensure that you get to experience this piece of Shawnee.
Wild Child, 11022 Johnson Drive in Shawnee, Kansas
Where to Stay in Shawnee, Kansas
Whether you’re exploring the Kansas City metro area or traveling along Kansas I-70, Shawnee serves as a great home-base for your adventure. There are plenty of places to stay in this community, whether you’re looking for a hotel with modern amenities or a vacation rental with more space to spread out.
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