Southeastern Kansas

Southeastern Kansas is a region of Kansas. Geographically it is dominated by a broad rolling landscape located between the Flint Hills to the west and includes the Ozarks to the southeast. It was first inhabited by several Native American tribes. After settlement by European  Americans, frontier towns largely dependent on cattle ranching, and mining, were wracked by violence over the issue of slavery both before and during the American Civil War. Coal mining was the most prevalent type of mining in Southeastern Kansas because of the amount of coal found, and because of the quality and thickness of its coal.

By car
One can enter southeast Kansas via the following US Highways:
 * US 75, which runs north-south through Independence and Neodesha.
 * US 166, which runs east-west through Independence and Coffeyville
 * US 169, which runs north-south through Coffeyville and near Cherryvale and Chanute.

By plane

 * Chanute Martin Johnson Airport (CNU) is a general aviation airport.
 * Coffeyville Municipal Airport (CFV) is a general aviation airport.
 * Independence Municipal Airport (IDP) is a general aviation airport.
 * Tulsa International Airport (TUL) is approximately 90 miles south of the Oklahoma/Kansas border.

Get around
Driving is the best way to get around in this region.

Iola

 * Buster Keaton Celebration held annually in Iola. Keaton is a native of Piqua, seven miles west of Iola.  On the last weekend of September, the community celebrates his life viewings of his films, talks from experts, and workshops.  Admission is free.

Elsewhere

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 * Katy Days, celebrating Parsons' railroad heritage, is held every Memorial Day weekend (fourth weekend in May) in Parsons.

Stay safe
Kansas is part of Tornado Alley. Tornadoes are most common in late spring and early summer. If you plan to visit any part of Kansas, you should brush up on Tornado safety.