Explore Crawford County

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Explore Crawford County NATURE/OUTDOORS

This corner of Kansas once looked like the rest of the state with rolling fields of prairie grasses and wooded areas only along creeks.
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Home to the nation's only collegiate gorilla mascot, six of the oldest fried chicken restaurants in Kansas, and a history and habitat not like the rest of state A 100-year search for coal changed that. Shovels pushed topsoil aside to get to the underground bed of coal, leaving behind steep rocky hill ranges surrounding deep pits which filled with water. Wilderness and wildlife followed. Today these man-made lakes and forests are prime outdoor recreation areas: camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, and increasingly, mountain biking and kayaking. The "Mined Land Wildlife Areas" of Southeast Kansas are owned by the state and open to public use. 40+ sections ("units") include more than 1,000 man-made lakes with an estimated 200 miles of shoreline and 80+ boat ramps scattered across two counties. Search "MLWA Unit" on Google Maps.

10/22/2026

Here is the plan for Saturday.

Pitt State Football hosts their annual Hall of Fame Game against Central Oklahoma at 2:05 PM 🦍 🏈

BE THERE AND BE LOUD GORILLA NATION.

Pitt State Football

10/19/2026

🧙‍♀️ Hey, you know what’s better than one witch bar hopping?

100 witches bar hopping. 🧹🍸

The Midnight House presents the Black Moon Ball Coven Bar Crawl. On Friday, October 30th downtown Pitt will be covered in witches (insert obvious joke here).

🕖 7 PM – whenever the spell wears off
📍 Start at ANY participating bar to pick up your Coven Punch Card
🍹 Make your way through the crawl
🎟️ Get your card punched along the way
🎧 End the night at the Yard for the Coven Dance Party with DJ Hightower spinning the spells—I mean, tunes.

Costumes are not mandatory but why the hell wouldn't you?

Bring your completed punch card to the dance party to be entered into the drawing for the Grand Prize. 🎟️🏆

One night. Multiple bars. One coven on the loose. What could possibly go wrong? 🤷‍♀️

The Pitt TOAST The Canary Lounge 5th Street Bar & Grill Faces Saloon TJ Lelands The Drink

What is the Pittsburg area known for? Coal mining and Gorillas. The only thing missing is a piece of fried chicken.
10/17/2026

What is the Pittsburg area known for? Coal mining and Gorillas. The only thing missing is a piece of fried chicken.

⛏️🦍 MEET THE MINING GORILLA!
Coal Mining Heritage Meets Gorilla Pride!
What happens when you combine Southeast Kansas' rich coal mining history with our beloved Gorilla? You get this magnificent Mining Gorilla!
A huge THANK YOU to Explore Crawford County (Crawford County Convention & Visitors Bureau) for their generous donation of these unique statues to area museums, including Miners Hall Museum!
We're thrilled to have this impressive 17-inch Mining Gorilla on display at the museum, honoring the hardworking miners whose determination and grit helped build our communities.
🎁 AND HERE'S SOME EXCITING NEWS!
The Mining Gorilla will soon be available for purchase in the Miners Hall Museum Gift Shop!
Four sizes will be offered:
🦍 3 inches
🦍 8 inches
🦍 12 inches
🦍 17 inches
🎁 PREORDERS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED!
Don't miss out! Call (620-347-4220) or visit Miners Hall Museum to reserve your Mining Gorilla today!
📦 We'll announce when the Mining Gorillas arrive and are ready for pickup or purchase in the gift shop.
🎄 Looking for a unique Christmas gift? Whether you're a Gorilla fan, a history enthusiast, or someone proud of their Southeast Kansas roots, this collectible would make a wonderful gift!
Stop by the museum to see our magnificent 17-inch Mining Gorilla in person!
⛏️ Preserving Our Mining Heritage—With a Little Gorilla Pride! 🦍
🦍 And there's more Gorilla fun! A special thank-you to Steve at Gorilla Country , where you'll find these unique Gorilla statues representing a variety of professions and activities—from golfers and auto mechanics to construction workers, quarterbacks, BBQ enthusiasts, and more! Be sure to check out Gorilla Country to see the entire collection!

10/17/2026

Nothing beats the energy of homecoming weekend! Drop a comment if you are heading to the game today.

10/17/2026
10/16/2026
10/15/2026

Pitt State Homecoming is officially here under this year’s "Gorillas Go West" theme. From the bonfire and Yell Like Hell to Saturday morning's parade down Broadway and GorillaFest, campus is buzzing with traditions old and new.
Drop a comment and let us know what event you’re looking forward to most or share your favorite Pitt State memory!

10/15/2026

Whether you're a lifelong resident, returning home for the weekend, or visiting for the first time, there's something for everyone to enjoy. For updates follow Girard Events

Address

117 W 4th Street
Pittsburg, KS
66762

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16202311212

Website

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