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Lakin, Kansas

The Commercial Hotel built in 1883 and run by Mrs. W.P. Loucks, had a good trade. Mrs. Loucks, the genial hostess, was the pioneer hotel keeper of Lakin. She came here in 1879 when Lakin was a way station on the Santa Fe and opened an eating house for the railroad employees.

"She has gained a wide reputation for running one of the best hotels in Southwest Kansas. The tables are always supplied with the best foods in season and we can conscientiously recommend the Commercial to the traveling public." (Advocate, 1887)

In 1948 it was still used as a hotel named the Dowd Hotel, and today it is the "Pioneer Home," a multiple family living establishment.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Chouteau's Island

Chouteau's Island was the largest island of timber on the Arkansas River in this area. In the spring of 1816, Auguste Pierre Chouteau was returning to Missouri with several other fur trappers when they were attacked by a large party of Pawnee Indians. Chouteau'

Lakin, KS Pioneer History

Charlie's Ruts

About four miles east of Lakin on highway 50

Lakin, KS Pioneer History

Columbian School House

The Columbian Schoolhouse, built in 1893, was named after the Columbian Exposition held in Chicago. Later shortened to Columbia, the school conducted its last class approximately 1945. This one room school was moved to the museum site from 15 miles north of Lakin and restored in 1984.

Lakin, KS Historic Schoolhouses

Old Commercial Hotel

The Commercial Hotel built in 1883 and run by Mrs. W.P. Loucks, had a good trade. Mrs. Loucks, the genial hostess, was the pioneer hotel keeper of Lakin. She came here in 1879 when Lakin was a way station on the Santa Fe and opened an eating house for the railroad employees. "

Lakin, KS Historic Buildings

Conestoga Wagon

The Conestoga Wagons were used primarily to haul freight on the Santa Fe Trail and other freight trails. They could handle two tons of goods. The wagon in our displayed in the Museum Comples bears the inscription "Joseph Edgar - 1831". There is a series of 1939

Lakin, KS Pioneer History

Things to do near Lakin, KS

Tamarisk Golf Course

The Kiowa County Historical Museum

Cimarron National Grassland Flora

Kinsley Golf Club

The Mormon Batallion

On September 19, 1846 a 500 man Morman Battalion arrived at the Springs on their way to California to fight in the Mexican Wa...