Paola Area

Your Gateway to Small-Town Charm

As the county seat, Paola offers a blend of history, culinary charms and community spirit that offers an escape to the hustle and bustle of city life.

A Stroll Through History

The crown jewel of Paola is undoubtedly the historic Downtown Park Square, a picturesque haven dating back to 1867. This generous gift from city founder Baptiste Peoria serves as the town’s vibrant centerpiece, boasting a Victorian gazebo, a central fountain, and a striking monument. Throughout the year, the square comes alive with community events, concerts and festivals. Free public Wi-Fi is an added bonus.

Music lovers and foodies love the Music and the Market series, a summer staple that combines live concerts with a farmers market every Saturday May through September. Car enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Paola Heartland Car Show in June, while crafters and shoppers look forward to a craft fair occurring the following weekend. As August rolls around, the Roots Festival takes center stage, drawing blues and bluegrass fans from the Midwest.

Just a stone’s throw from the square, history buffs will enjoy strolling through the Miami County Historical Museum. This hidden gem showcases the county’s rich heritage via interactive exhibits and boasts one of the largest collections of American Indian artifacts in the state.

A Culinary Adventure

Paola is a veritable paradise for food lovers with more than a dozen locally owned eateries. Legacy Homestead offers a farm-to-table experience with made-from-scratch dishes and bakery items, while Milo’s Steakhouse is famous for its oversized pork tenderloin and homemade cheesecake. For potato enthusiasts, Spudley’s Family Restaurant is the go-to spot for all things spud-related. Those craving Mexican flavors can choose between El Potro for mouthwatering Tex-Mex cuisine or Sonora Tacos for authentic Mexican dishes. Circle C Café serves up homestyle cooking with giant pancakes and smothered pork chops, making it a local favorite.

For those on the hunt for some fuel in the form of caffeine, coffee lovers can get their fix at Café Latte at the Jackson Hotel served with some delicious baked goods. Other options include the charming Cowboy Coffee Post inside of Family Center Farm & Home, or Scooter’s, conveniently located right off the highway. Healthy options are on the menu at Revive Paola featuring nutritious smoothies and teas. Meanwhile, sweet tooths are satisfied at Daylight Donuts.

Barbecue lovers have plenty to choose from with Papa C’s BBQ Bar & Grill and We B Smokin’ offering unique dining experiences. Italian food fans can indulge at Simple Simon’s, while the Salebarn Café provides a one-of-a-kind meal alongside a livestock auction every Friday.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

Paola’s shopping options are equally diverse. The historic Park Square is surrounded by locally owned boutiques and specialty shops. Adorned on Gold offers a mix of clothing, home décor, and salon services, while Home Town Market and Floral is the place to go for party supplies, décor, and floral arrangements.

Treasure hunters love Lola’s Now and Then, an antique and vintage store where the owners also recane furniture. Shoppers interested in natural products enjoy Fire Lake Soapery’s handmade soaps, candles, cleaning items and skincare. Plum Creek Home Decor and Furniture provides everything needed to make a house a home.

Crafting enthusiasts enjoy Lil’ Red Hen Quilt Shop for their quilting and sewing supplies. Amanda Leigh Crafts provides a quiet spot to pick up crocheting supplies or to take a beginner classes.

For those who prefer to DIY, check out the courses offered by many of the boutiques.

Celebrate in Style

Paola offers a range of stunning venues for special events accommodating groups by the dozens or by the hundreds. The selection includes Brickhouse Studio and Events, Town Square, Paola Country Club and Paola Community Center. The annual July Miami County Fair and Rodeo is a must-see, featuring a parade, rodeo action and 4-H exhibitions. This celebration of the area’s rich agricultural heritage includes mutton bustin’ for the little ones, auctions, delectable food vendors and entertainment for the whole family.

Outdoor Adventures

There is plenty to explore outdoors around Paola. Wallace Park offers a playground, trails, sports courts, a swimming pool and a skateboard park, providing recreational activities for all ages. Lake Miola boasts 200 acres of aquatic fun, including boating, skiing, swimming and fishing. The lake is surrounded by a 7-mile hiking trail and camping facilities for those seeking a serene outdoor experience. Pet owners appreciate the Paola Dog Park, a haven for four-legged friends located near the Lake Miola boat docks. The Paola Pathways system offers multi-use trails connecting key locations throughout the city, perfect for walkers, runners and bicyclists.

For outdoor supplies and archery practice, Roth Outdoors is the place to go, featuring hunting supplies and an indoor archery range.

Unwind and Rest

Cap off the day at the Somerset School House, a renovated 1920s schoolhouse offering a unique blend of boutique shopping, coffee, cigars and a speakeasy atmosphere. Visitors relax around the fire pit and, on the right night, enjoy live music.

When it’s time to call it a night, choose from charming accommodations like Casa Somerset, offering the tranquility of country life just minutes away, Paola Inn & Suites, providing traditional hotel comforts right off the highway, or the historic Kaskaskia Place, a charming 1904 Queen Victorian home that offers comfort and convenience.

Canaan Oaks Bed & Breakfast provides a quiet rural retreat for families.