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Chanute, Kansas

Chanute, Kansas

Chanute owes its name and existence to a track-laying race between the Leavenworth, Lawrence, and Galveston (LL&G) and the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas (KATY) railroads in the early 1870's. At the junction where the two lines crossed, town promoters planned three towns: Tioga, New Chicago, and Chicago Junction. The two railroad rivals schemed and fought for dominance. Finally, after two years, rivalry-weary leaders cooperated to plat a fourth town, Alliance. This solution failed, so in 1873, they agreed to consolidate all the towns and call the conglomerate Chanute after Octave Chanute, the LL&G chief civil engineer who later became a pioneer aeronautical engineer. Known as the "Father of Aviation", Octave built the "Chanute Glider" which was an invaluable aid to the art of flying. It is given without remuneration that he made the success of the Wright brothers possible. He died in 1911 before the science of flying had made anything like its present success. A recognized authority in England and Canada in civil engineering, his life's aim was to see air transportation an accomplished fact.

Osa Johnson, the explorer, was born in Chanute; the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum containing photographs and artifacts is located here.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Highland Park

Stop and relax at Highland Park while you are enjoying your stay in Chanute. Recreational opportunities include fishing, picnicing with a shelter, a playground, and tennis.

Chanute, KS Recreation

Historic Homes Tour

Discover Chanute's rich historical heritage. Explore tree-lined streets made of hand-laid brick and note the architectural and cultural significance of many of Chanute's historic downtown buildings and elegant homes. A printed brochure of 24 sites dating mostly from 1890 to 1907

Chanute, KS Tours

Martin & Osa Johnson Safari Museum

Located in the beautifully restored Santa Fe depot, this unique attraction preserves the work of these famous wildlife photographers whose cameras introduced the exotic treasures of Africa and the South Pacific to many Americans in the early 1900

Chanute, KS Museums

Tioga Hotel

The Tioga was built in 1929 by J.W. Pratt and was leased by the Boss Hotel Chain for most of its life. Designed in the Art Deco style, it features gargoyles on each corner. It was one of the state's first fireproof hotels and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991

Chanute, KS Historic Hotels

Nu-Wa Industries Factory Tours

Nu-Wa Industries is the leading manufacturer of 5th wheel RV'

Chanute, KS Tours

Things to do near Chanute, KS

Four Oaks Golf Course

18 hole public golf course. Driving range and putting green. The Four Oaks Sports Complex also features softball and baseb...

Mined Land Wildlife Area-Strip Pits Fishing Report

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT ACCURATE FISHING REPORTS: This is just to remind you that fishing reports are given with the bes...