LASR.net Homepage




Menu


Elk Falls and the River Canyon Area


category : Scenic Views
Elk Falls and the River Canyon Area This beautiful natural falls on the Elk River is impressive - at least by Kansas standards - and makes a really nice roar. Impressive, too, is the deep boulder-strewn river canyon in which it is located. Dry year? Welcome to "Elk Trickle."

The Falls, as it is known locally, is where the town of Elk Falls (pop. 120 or so) derives its name. The natural waterfall is about 10 ft. high and approximately 100 ft. wide, formed by the stone outcropping across the river. It was once the site of a waterpowered grist mill which was built in 1875. The water was originally channeled to one side by a log dam to turn the water turbine. Floods washed out the early wooden dams until the curved stone dam was constructed by Jo Johansen, a Swede from Minnesota. This stone dam is still standing after well over 100 years of floods. The falls are easily viewed from the 1893 iron truss bridge, or you can hike down to the water's edge on the massive limestone slabs on either side of the river. It's a great place for picnics, fishing, birdwatching, or just relaxing to the soothing sound of rushing water. As one of the most photographed sites in Elk County, the Elk Falls is a terrific example of the natural beauty of Southeast Kansas.



Hours: Year round, dawn to dusk
Address: E. Montgomery St.

Come visit us in Elk Falls, Kansas

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Elk Falls and the River Canyon Area

This beautiful natural falls on the Elk River is impressive - at least by Kansas standards - and makes a really nice roar. Impressive, too, is the deep boulder-strewn river canyon in which it is located. Dry year? Welcome to "Elk Trickle."

Elk Falls, KS Scenic Views

Prudence Crandall Memorial Markers

Is she America's most famous unknown woman? Learn about her fascinating life at this combined Kansas and Connecticut marker site. Her story was told in the Walt Disney/NBC-TV movie, She Stood Alone. Prudence Crandall is buried in the Elk Falls cemetery. In 1831

Elk Falls, KS Memorials

Elk Falls Cemetery

History buffs will find much of interest here. In addition to the graves of Prudence Crandall and her brother Hezekiah, several Union Soldiers, one Confederate soldier and one of America's first women mayors, America I. King, are buried here.

Elk Falls, KS Cemeteries

Keefe Homestead Museum

Built in 1872, this landmark Elk Falls home is still pretty much as it was when the Keefes lived in it. Tours of the house and barn with its family heirlooms and 19th century implements are available during the annual open house always the Friday and Saturday before Thanksgiving.

Elk Falls, KS Museums

Little White Churches

Oldest in the area, these charming clapboard structures were built in 1879 (now Calvary Chapel), and in 1880 (United Methodist). The latter has had a continuously active congregation since its formation in 1870. A visit to its tranquil interior will take you back to a quieter, more peaceful era.

Elk Falls, KS Historic Churches

Things to do Scenic Views near Elk Falls, KS