Trail Days Cafe and Museum

  4.8 – 185 reviews   • Cafe

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We are unique in that the food you eat is part of the Museum experience. We want you to taste history through the food you eat. We went back in time to find out what would be a delicious authentic taste of the past. We have an award from Kansas Sampler Foundation for making History delicious.

✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out Trail Days Cafe and Museum 66846

Hours

Tuesday11 AM–8 PM
Wednesday11 AM–8 PM
Thursday11 AM–8 PM
Friday11 AM–8 PM
Saturday11 AM–8 PM
SundayClosed
Monday11 AM–8 PM

Address and Contact Information

Address: 803 W Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846

Phone: (620) 767-7986

Website: https://www.traildayscafeandmuseum.org/

Menu Photos

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… Hills of Kansas alive! Donations can also be mailed to: HISTORIC PRESERVATION CORPORATION. 803 West Main Street. Council Grove, KS 66846. $. Go to Checkout.

Trail Days Cafe & Museum | Council Grove KS – Facebook

From 1600’s Berkshire pork to our 1902 Hamburger. while your food is cookin’ you can go next door to the Trail Days Arts & History Center and see our Bison …

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Guests are transported back to a time when some homes along the Santa Fe Trail served as eating places. Delicious, made-from-scratch American Indian, …

Reviews

Travis Truong
A historic house dating back to the pioneer era back when Kansas was a new state to the United States. Although the museum portion was eye-pleasing and had artifacts relating to Kansas in the 19th century, the food was just alright and portions were small. The elk pot roast was underseasoned, but the rest of the meal was good. However, the person running the restaurant was knowledgeable about the history of Council Grove and the building itself which made up for less than ideal food.
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Ashley Adams
This place was absolutely fantastic! The gentleman that was there was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the home, town and people that lived in and around the area! They have spent so much time and have detailed information about the items in the museum and home. They really have dedicated a big part of their lives ti preserving a piece of history!
I’d highly recommend this place!
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DOOD J
What a truly excellent experience! The folks that operate this little museum are the real deal, they know so much about the area and have done such a fantastic job restoring this historic stone home that it’s amazing they have the time to host hungry folks as well. This isn’t a fast food or “chain” kind of experience, plan to sit down, spend some time here, experience the historic nature of the place that includes the early American style of being “hosted” as a weary traveller by local folks rather than the modern “customer/business” transaction. You’ll get a savory meal, interesting and informative conversation and genuine traditional Midwestern American hospitality. This is more museum and home than Cafe, please be respectful of the place, the folks and the artifacts so we can continue to have this cultural portal for years to come. Heck, you might just learn something!
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Jeovano Lima
We visited the Trail Days Cafe and Museum on July 31, 2025 after a recommendation from the attendant at the Kaw Mission. We arrived around 4:50 pm with modest expectations since we were just passing through Council Grove using the Sunflower app—but what a surprise!
We were greeted by the owner, Mr. McClintock, who welcomed us warmly and shared rich stories spanning from the Santa Fe Trail era to the present while showing us the café. He then called his wife, Mrs. McClintock, to guide us through the rest of the museum. She was exceptionally attentive—especially with our kids—and led us on a memorable tour of local history, including a thoughtful bison exhibit.
What we thought would be a quick stop turned into two hours of learning and delight. This place far exceeded our expectations. If you’re anywhere near Council Grove, KS, make time for this gem. Highly recommend!
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Zendra Jones
The cafe … you literally eat inside a museum! Our waiter was also the cook and the bottle washer, and probably also the owner. A very nice man. We were told by a local who was also dining there that our “waiter” is also known as the local historian, and I believe it, because he has a story to tell for every interaction we had with him. Totally delightful, but allow yourself plenty of time to explore all the artifacts while you wait for your food. He was especially busy the day we were there, apparently, but we were well entertained. We had the Bison pot roast, so tender and delicious, couldn’t tell it from the regular English pot roast, with sides of sweet potatoes, Indian bread and succotash. They have German offerings as well. There is free off-street parking right in front. Highly recommend, but allow enough time to enjoy it! Time well spent, very enjoyable.
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M. Raymon
I highly recommend stopping in this place. The loving authentic care taken in the restoration and passionate historical knowledge is unmatched; regardless of whether you’re interested in history or not. You’re invited to explore the space or visit the museum next door while you’re waiting on your food or after you eat or whether you decide to eat there or not (don’t miss the short video at the museum it is REALLY well done).
The menu is diverse and delicious (we tried the bison and elk meals, Reuben and grilled cheese sandwiches – every one was pleased with their choice), the people were genuinely friendly. The place is decorated with period appropriate items that include notes with interesting information. It is a homey welcoming layback atmosphere that transports you to a simpler time when people would actually sit back and relax a bit.
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Michelle Rose
If you are in Council Grove, this is where you should have lunch or dinner! The menu is an eclectic mix of Native American and various European dishes. Everything we ate was delicious. Due to Covid, they were only serving on the porch, but it was a lovely evening.
The hosts are so friendly and informative! Other members of the local Historical Society came there to eat and we have amazing conversations. We were able to see the other historical buildings and mural on the site. We hope next time we can see the inside of the house for this is a true labor of love!
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Scott Lakeside
I went in just before they were to have a group of 30+ for lunch, so I wasn’t able to eat. It’s probably best to check if they can serve you before you go.

Even though the owners were busy preparing the meal for the group, the gentleman stopped and gave me a quick orientation to the place and its history. I was then able to look around at the pictures and artifacts, including the lower seating area and the upstairs trail period bedroom display. There is also a variety of historic out-buildings scattered around the property.
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Cheryl Trosper
Neat little museum and restaurant. Lots of history in a restored building. The couple running it are delightful. We had Elk pot roast with sweet potatoes and indian bread, ham and bean soup, hamburger and fries, bison sloppy Joe, brownie and oatmeal cookie, all were good. The fries, soup, Indian bread, sweet potatoes and oatmeal cookie were hits. The bison sloppy Joe had a good bun, tasted good, but not enough meat mixture on it. Plan to explore while waiting for your meal, this is not a quick meal, but worth the time. Check out the one room school house too.
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Yolanda Ortiz
We stopped here on our way to Albine, Ks. This place is packed with history. We toured the museum while they prepared our meal. The menu is varied and the service is great. We had elk, sweet potatoes and cherry strawberry pie. The place has a corner with children books and toys , It is a great option for the whole family.
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