If there’s something better after hours on the trail than a giant jacuzzi tub, I’ve yet to find it.

Since we finished the research for the first edition of the Kansas Trail Guide: The Best Hiking, Biking, and Riding in the Sunflower State back in 2014, Kansas has added an impressive amount of new trails, which is the reason we’re putting in the legwork to get you the latest details on Kansas’ new trails for a second edition. And so far in our research, one definite standout set of trails are the ones right outside of Iola in southeast Kansas. Clearly we weren’t the only ones impressed by what’s going on there; the state of Kansas made Lehigh Portland State Park into Kansas’ newest state park.

It’s under a 2-hour drive from Kansas City and about 2 hours from Wichita, though whichever direction you’re coming from, the drive is going to be worth it. The drive or the bike ride — Iola is also a main trailhead two rail trails — the Prairie Spirit Trail that runs for 52 miles north to Ottawa and the Southwind Rail Trail that takes you south 6.5 miles to Humboldt — I mean, there’s a reason that Iola was voted Kansas Trail Guide town of the year in 2017.

If you’re planning a visit to check out the 14+ miles of trails just south of Iola, I’d highly recommend making a weekend of it. You could see a lot of cool stuff there in a day, but staying overnight gives you a chance to get out on the trails early as well as check out the area and get a chance to relax. At some point when the state park infrastructure is built up, there will be camping at Lehigh Portland State Park.

But until then, and even then, for those who prefer their overnights in a comfy bed with all the amenities of home, I’d highly recommend a stay at Experience The Lofts. *Full disclosure, my visit there was hosted, but that in no way impacts how awesome I found this place!*

Experience The Lofts is right on Iola Square — the largest courthouse square in America — in a renovated historic building, less than a 10-minute drive and about a 15-minute bike ride from the state park trails.  They have 11 different loft suites to choose from, named after major players in Iola’s history, and they all have full kitchens, Roku TV, free WiFi, and BONUS! free snacks.

The beds are comfy, the bathroom is stocked with all necessary toiletries, and the full kitchen means it’s easy to feel at home. It’s contactless check-in; you’ll get key codes as the way to get into the doors from the street and then the door to your loft / suite. And if you need anything, help is just a text away. As an FYI: it is a somewhat steep flight of stairs to get up to the lofts, so keep that in mind.

You basically have your own personal apartment at Experience The Lofts, and there are options for pretty much every group size, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a group. I got a chance to stay in The Beck Suite with its two bedrooms complete with king size beds, full size kitchen, living room with picture windows overlooking the square, walk-in shower, and a jacuzzi tub — the perfect way to relax after spending time at the state park.

If you’re out for multiple days on the trail, you don’t even have to pack extra clothes if you don’t want to — there’s laundry right on-site.

Staying at Experience The Lofts feels like being a part of the revitalization of Iola. Plus, it’s super convenient to check out Lehigh Portland State Park’s fantastic trail system. 

If you go:
From $120/night
1 E Madison Avenue
Iola, KS 66749
tel: 620-365-1785, email: tcsparks106@gmail.com