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8 ELEMENTS OF KANSAS RURAL CULTURE

Experience the authentic attractions and remarkable destinations that make Kansas rural culture truly special
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COFFEE

Stay Grounded Co. Coffee Shop

Visiting this shop in a town of 380 and finding good coffee…

📍 Colony, Anderson County

RESTAURANT

Steamy Joe Cafe

You are greeted with home-baked goodies and the wonderful aroma of fresh…

📍 Arkansas City, Cowley County

BAR AND RESTAURANT

Stearman Bar and Grill

Situated beside the Lloyd Stearman Field, named for aviation pioneer Lloyd Stearman,…

📍 Benton, Butler County

HISTORY

Steele Homestead

Herbert Steele homesteaded here in 1888, and in 1909 he and his…

📍 Scott County

MEMORIAL

Steele Memorial

Across from the Steele homestead. Looking up and across from the Steele…

📍 Scott County

RESTAURANT

Sterling Cafe

This longtime local café in Sterling is well-loved for its comforting, home-style…

📍 Sterling, Rice County

CEMETERY

Sterling Cemetery

In Sterling Cemetery the black-faced granite Haran gravestone pays a touching tribute…

📍 Sterling, Rice County

CARNEGIE LIBRARY

Sterling Free Public Library

The 1917 red-brick Carnegie library still houses the local bibliotheque. Nearby are…

📍 Sterling, Rice County

HISTORIC HOME(S)

Sterling Historic Homes

The grand 1898 D.J. Fair home at 204 E. Monroe is just…

📍 Sterling, Rice County

LAKE

Sterling Lake

A location for the 1955 filming of the movie Picnic, this 1937…

📍 Sterling, Rice County

ARCHITECTURE

Sterling Municipal Power and Water Plant

A little vintage water fountain stands in front of the early 1900s…

📍 Sterling, Rice County

HISTORIC DEPOT

Sterling Santa Fe Depot

The 1903 Santa Fe depot was renovated in 1984 as a law…

📍 Sterling, Rice County

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The Kansas Sampler Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Our mission is to preserve and sustain rural culture by educating Kansans about Kansas and networking and supporting rural communities. 
The goal is to keep every town viable that shows the will and spirit to help itself.
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