When it’s time to play, Pittsburg area residents have a wide array of choices. The arts are alive in the Pittsburg area, from music to theatre to pottery. Fine art galleries, Pittsburg Community Theatre, and regular performances by a symphony and university and community bands — we have it all! Pittsburg State University serves as a mecca of cultural attractions, regularly treating area residents to nationally-renowned artists, poets and sculptors in the University Gallery.
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Annual community events in the Pittsburg area include local homecoming celebrations, Four State Farm Show and Little Balkans Days, a community-wide festival celebrating the history and ethnic diversity of southeast Kansas. Little Balkans Days is held over Labor Day weekend and celebrated its 26th anniversary in 2011.
A mild, four-season climate makes outdoor activities a favorite pastime of many southeast Kansas residents, including swimming, golfing, fitness, hunting, fishing, bowling, movies, biking and camping. At Pittsburg’s Lincoln Park, visitors can find miniature golf, tennis courts and Kiddieland, a children’s amusement park.
The Pittsburg Aquatic Center features a zero-depth entry pool, water slides, lazy river, sand volleyball and a children’s pool with its own slide. At Schlanger Park “The Pitt” skatepark offers fun for skate boarders, BMX riders and inline skaters. The Frontenac City Pool has zero-depth entry, a sun deck, and diving boards.
Crestwood Country Club, open only to members and their guests, offers a championship-level golf course, a fully-stocked pro shop, dining and swimming. Four Oaks Golf Course, an 18-hole course located at Lincoln Park, and Countryside Golf Course, a 9-hole course located just south of Pittsburg, are open to the public.
The Pittsburg Family YMCA offers diverse fitness classes for all ages and abilities, as well as an indoor Olympic size pool, and basketball and racquetball courts. Hikers and bikers will enjoy Wilderness Park, which includes four miles of trails and a chance for wildlife observation.
Hunting and fishing opportunities abound in area mined land, wildlife areas and state parks. Crawford State Park in nearby Farlington is home to the county’s only state fishing lake, which at 150 acres, offers boating, fishing and water sport activities. The park also offers camping spaces, shelter houses and a marina.
Spectator athletics play a prominent role in the Pittsburg area, with local schools commonly competing for state championships. Of course, Brandenburg Field at Carnie Smith Stadium is where you’ll find most residents on any given Saturday in the fall. Pittsburg State University is among the nation’s top Division II football programs, boasting three national titles and an assortment of conference titles.
Free Pittsburg area attractions open virtually year-round include the Crawford County Historical Museum, the Pittsburg State University Veteran’s Memorial Amphitheater, Miner's Memorial, Immigrant Park and the Hotel Stilwell.
For additional information on activities in the area, visit the Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau web site.