El Dorado is the perfect budget-friendly destination

Saturday

Stop #1

Arrive in El Dorado around noon and enjoy lunch from one of our local favorites, the Black Gold Grill. This unpretentious, quaint burger shop on the edge of town has kids’ meals for only $5.99 (including the drink). For you parents, we suggest ordering an El Dorado classic - the Stapleton. This fried pork veal sandwich is served open faced and stacked with chili, cheese and relish. The sandwich’s name honors El Dorado’s history and is named after the Stapleton Oil Well No. 1 - the site of the El Dorado Oil Field Discovery in 1915. 

Black Gold Grill, 710 S Main St.,

Bonus

Curious where the Stapleton No. 1 well once stood? You can still visit the original location, which is commemorated with a marker and modern oil derrick. The location is just north of El Dorado, less than one mile outside of city limits.

You can find more info here: http://www.kansastravel.org/stapletonoilwell.htm

Stop #2

No trip to El Dorado is complete without visiting the Kansas Oil Museum! The museum highlights early Kansas oil history and has interactive exhibits educating visitors on the rich oil history of Butler County and the world-wide impact our region had during World War 1. Another exhibit, “Boomtown”, is an outdoor replica of a 1920s oil town. Walk along the boardwalk and browse the General Store, take a look inside the Doctor’s Office and learn about early printing in the Print Shop! 

Kansas Oil Museum, 383 E Central Ave.,

Bonus

The Kansas Oil Museum is located next to El Dorado’s oldest public park - East Park. Let the kiddos burn their energy at the playground or exploring the duck pond. 

East Park, 100 S. Woodland,

Stop #3

Head to Downtown El Dorado and check out El Dorado’s Coutts Museum of Art. This historic building once housed the Butler County State Bank but is now home to three floors of art from artists like Makk, Walton and Remington! Admission is free for all. 

Coutts Museum of Art, 110 N Main St.,

Sunday

Stop #1

Start your Sunday morning at BrewCo. & Dilly Deli in Downtown El Dorado. Wake up with a fresh espresso drink and one of their famous Yoder Cinnamon Rolls. I recommend ordering sandwiches to go and enjoying a picnic lunch at El Dorado State Park. You can’t go wrong with your sandwich selection (but our personal favorites are the Kettle Chicken Sandwich and the Adult Grilled Cheese). Make sure to order the pasta salad as your side - trust me - you won’t regret it. 

Brewco. & Dilly Deli, 139 N Main St.,

Stop #2

Take a drive down Main Street on your way to El Dorado State Park - Kansas’s largest and most visited outdoor attraction. Our state park has it all - boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, playgrounds and archery. For younger children, I suggest exploring one of the easier hiking trails such as the Teter Nature Trail. This path winds along the base of the dam in a heavily wooded area with creeks and is filled with wildlife. You’ll often see deer, rabbits and a wide variety of birds along the trail. 

El Dorado State Park, 618 NE Bluestem Rd.,

Stop #3

Finish the weekend practicing your bowling skills at the El Dorado Fun Center, home to Van’s Bar & Grill. I recommend enjoying dinner at the restaurant (the Philly Cheesesteak is a must-try). Parents, take some time for yourself and enjoy a drink and dessert on the patio while watching the kids play a round of mini-golf. 

El Dorado Fun Center, 307 S Haverhill Rd.,

Not sure where to stay? 

Days Inn $$

Amenities: Indoor Pool, Complimentary Breakfast, Indoor Gym, Business Center, Laundry 

Baymont Inn $ 

Amenities: Indoor Pool, Complimentary Breakfast, Pet Friendly, Wifi, Indoor Gym, Restaurant 

Holiday Inn $$

Amenities: Indoor Pool, Complimentary Breakfast, Indoor Gym, Laundry, Business Center