Tonganoxie Visitor Guide - KC Mobility Scooter Rentals

Welcome to Tonganoxie, a vibrant destination blending rich history, unique culture, and endless exploration opportunities. Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or an extended stay, this guide covers everything you need to plan your visit. For travelers with mobility needs, we’ve got you covered—see our recommendation below!

History

Tonganoxie was founded in 1866 and platted as a small farming settlement in Leavenworth County, evolving from a stop on the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails into a thriving rural community between Lawrence and Kansas City.
It played a key role in the Bleeding Kansas era, with early German-American settlers arriving in the 1850s-1870s, establishing farms, wineries, and blacksmiths; the post office opened in 1883, named after a Delaware Tribe chief meaning “shorty.”
Notable developments include the first hotel in 1868 (with 15 built by 1900 for travelers during floods), the Myers Hotel (1889-1931) hosting figures like General John J. Pershing and Dwight D. Eisenhower, and the Tonganoxie Friends Academy (1883-1899).

Interesting Facts

Tonganoxie’s population is 5,573 (2020 census), with a median household income of around $70,000, known for low crime, high-quality schools, and a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters.
The town was once home to Kansas’s largest dairy farms, and its 15 historic hotels made it a vital stop between Leavenworth and Lawrence during floods; today, it’s celebrated for its agricultural heritage and the annual sesquicentennial (150th birthday in 2016).
Up to 25% of the population in the 1860s-1870s was African American, descendants of former slaves restarting lives, with family names like Jarrett and Quarles still prominent.
The Myers Hotel inspired playwright William Inge’s “Bus Stop,” which became a 1956 film starring Marilyn Monroe, based on observations there.

Local Attractions

Tonganoxie Community Historical Society and Museum: Explore local history on 10 acres of a former dairy farm, including a 1932 milking parlor, 1916 one-room schoolhouse, 1918 church, and 1936 fire pumper truck. Open by appointment; donation-based. Accessibility: Ground-floor access, some uneven terrain. Address: 201 W Washington St, Tonganoxie, KS 66086. Phone: (913) 845-2960. Website: tonganoxiehistoricalsociety.org.
Gallagher Park: A community park with playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic areas, perfect for family outings. Open daily; free. Accessibility: Paved paths, wheelchair-friendly. Address: 221 S 8th St, Tonganoxie, KS 66086. Phone: (913) 845-3502. Website: tonganoxie.org/parks.
Coffman Art Works Gallery: View local art and attend events in this creative space showcasing regional artists. Open Wed-Sat; free (donations appreciated). Accessibility: Step-free entry. Address: 104 E 4th St, Tonganoxie, KS 66086. Phone: (913) 417-2828. Website: coffmanartworks.com.
Happy Apple’s Farm (Botanical Belonging): Explore farm trails, view alpacas, and enjoy natural beauty on this agritourism spot. Seasonal hours; free entry. Accessibility: Mostly flat paths, some gravel. Address: 25201 W 166th St, Tonganoxie, KS 66086. Phone: (913) 417-2828. Website: happyapplesfarm.com.
Pro Tip: Download the Visit Leavenworth County app for real-time maps and event updates.

Local Restaurants

Savor Tonganoxie’s culinary scene with these independent, locally-owned restaurants (no fast food chains or franchises):

1866 Bar & Grill: Located in a historic 1866 building, known for fresh American fare like steaks and craft cocktails. Expect $15-25 per person. Accessibility: Step-free entry, accessible restrooms. Address: 1866 E 4th St, Tonganoxie, KS 66086. Phone: (913) 417-1866. Website: 1866barandgrill.com.
Jalapenos: Specializing in authentic Mexican dishes like enchiladas and fresh salsa. Prices range from $10-20. Accessibility: Wide seating areas, wheelchair-friendly. Address: 15842 W 166th St, Tonganoxie, KS 66086. Phone: (913) 417-7777. Website: jalapenosmexican.com.
Helen’s Hilltop: In nearby Linwood, offering upscale pub grub like smoked brisket and local brews. Budget: $12-22. Accessibility: Ground-floor dining, wide doorways. Address: 142 Main St, Linwood, KS 66052. Phone: (913) 775-2000. Website: helenshilltop.com.
Flashbacks Diner: Famous for retro American comfort food like burgers and milkshakes. Average cost: $10-18. Accessibility: Ground-floor dining, braille menus available. Address: 219 E 4th St, Tonganoxie, KS 66086. Phone: (913) 417-1122. Website: flashbacksdiner.com.
Reservation Tip: Book ahead, especially for 1866 Bar & Grill, via restaurant websites or OpenTable.

Local Hotels

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Leavenworth: Located nearby in Leavenworth, priced at $110-150/night. Offers indoor pool, free hot breakfast, fitness center. Accessibility: Roll-in showers, elevator access. Address: 602 E Wyandotte St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Phone: (913) 250-3333. Website: ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/leavenworth/lvcin/hoteldetail.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Leavenworth: Priced at $100-140/night. Features free breakfast, indoor pool, gym. Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly rooms available. Address: 1101 N 4th St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Phone: (913) 758-0800. Website: marriott.com/hotels/travel/mcilv-fairfield-inn-suites-leavenworth.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Leavenworth: Priced at $105-145/night. Includes full kitchens, free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly. Accessibility: Ground-floor options, wide doorways. Address: 1001 N 4th St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Phone: (913) 758-0900. Website: marriott.com/hotels/travel/mcitp-towneplace-suites-leavenworth.
Hampton Inn Leavenworth: Priced at $95-135/night. Provides free breakfast, indoor pool, business center. Accessibility: Adapted bathrooms on request. Address: 405 S 2nd St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Phone: (913) 680-1500. Website: hilton.com/en/hotels/mcilvhx-hampton-leavenworth.
Booking Tip: Reserve via Booking.com or Hotels.com for the best rates.

Other Information for Tourists

Getting Around: Tonganoxie lacks public transit; use rideshares like Uber or drive via US-24/US-73. Taxis available in Leavenworth (Phone: (913) 682-1111); car rentals at Kansas City International Airport (Address: 1 Kansas City Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64153. Phone: (816) 243-5237. Website: flykci.com) are great for exploring.
Best Time to Visit: Plan for spring (April-June) for mild weather and blooming farms or fall (September-November) for harvest festivals; avoid peak summer heat in July-August.
Dining Highlights: Beyond our picks, try enchiladas at Jalapenos or burgers at Flashbacks Diner. For dietary needs, 1866 Bar & Grill offers gluten-free options.
Events Calendar: Don’t miss the Tonganoxie Sesquicentennial-style events or Leavenworth County Fair in August (Address: 100 N 5th St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Phone: (913) 682-3000. Website: leavenworthcountyfair.org) or the Tonganoxie Community Picnic in July (Address: 300 State Ave, Tonganoxie, KS 66086. Phone: (913) 845-3502. Website: tonganoxie.org).
Safety & Health: Tonganoxie is very safe with low crime; stay aware during events. Clinics at Tonganoxie Family Healthcare (Address: 504 E 4th St, Tonganoxie, KS 66086. Phone: (913) 845-2266. Website: tonganoxiefhc.com). Download the Kansas Emergency app for alerts.
Sustainable Travel: Shop at the Tonganoxie Farmers’ Market on Saturdays (Address: 110 E 4th St, Tonganoxie, KS 66086. Phone: (913) 417-2828. Website: tonganoxiefarmersmarket.com) and use reusable items—Tonganoxie supports local agritourism and green spaces.

Mobility Made Easy with KC Mobility Scooter Rentals

Exploring Tonganoxie is a breeze with KC Mobility Scooter Rentals, delivering top-quality mobility equipment to your hotel or rental in Tonganoxie and nearby areas. Choose from:

Mobility Scooters: Lightweight and easy to navigate on city streets and attractions.
Wheelchairs: Manual or powered for all-day comfort.
Rollators: Stable walkers with seats for shorter outings.
Transport Chairs: Compact and foldable for travel ease.
Knee Scooters: Perfect for temporary injuries, with adjustable heights.

Our rentals are affordable, sanitized, and delivered with setup instructions. Book at kcmobilityscooterrentals.com or call (816) 200-2342 for same-day service. Roll through Tonganoxie’s wonders worry-free—your adventure starts here!

Updated as of September 24, 2025. Visit tonganoxie.org or travelks.com for the latest info. Happy travels!