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Larned, Kansas

The Santa Fe Trail Center near Larned is a regional museum dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of the geographic area once known as the Santa Fe Trail. The trail was a great trade route which linked the United States with Mexico, and later with its own American southwest. The era of the Santa Fe Trail began in 1821, when Mexican independence from Spain opened up new trade opportunities for both American and Mexican merchants. Pulled by oxen and mules, commercial freight wagon trains crossed the plains until the railroad arrived near Santa Fe in 1880. This ended the Santa Fe Trail's freighting days and a new era began as settlers established homes, farms, and ranches along the ruts of the old trail.

The museum's exhibits show the trail as a transportation route which blended the Indian, Spanish, andAmerican cultures. Displays include prehistoric Indian artifacts, a Wichita Indian grass lodge, a full-sized mounted buffalo, a commercial freight wagon , and an exhibit showing the Spanish influences on the trail.

The period of settlement along the ruts of the old trail, brought about by the coming of the railroad, is depicted in the museum by a series of rooms showing pioneer life in the early 1900's. An impressive collection of historic firearms showing the progression of weapons from flintlock to cartridge is also on display.

Outdoor exhibits on the Trail Center's 5-acre complex include a sod house, dugout home, limestone cooling house, one-room schoolhouse, and a Santa Fe Railroad depot. On special occasions, living history programs provide visitors with an insight into early pioneer life.

In 1991, the Santa Fe Trail Center was designated a certified site on the Santa Fe National Historic Trail. It was the second site on the trail and the first site in Kansas to receive this important designation by the National Park Service.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Sibley's Camp

As one of the last acts of his presidency, James Monroe signed a bill on March 3, 1825 which provided $10,000 for surveying the road and $20,000 to treat with Indians for right-of-way. On March 16, Monroe'

Larned, KS Pioneer History

Auto Tour of Sites in the Legacy of Henry Booth

Take this Self-Guided Auto Tour of the Historic Sites associated with Henry Booth, the principal founder of Pawnee County and the City of Larned. There are 10

Larned, KS Tours

Self Guided Auto Tour of the Santa Fe Trail

An itinerary of 73 markers placed on the five separate routes of the Santa Fe Trail in present day Pawnee, Edwards, and Ford Counties, Kansas by the Wet/Dry Routes Chapter of the Santa Fe Trail Association. Those routs are:

Larned, KS Tours

Historic House Auto Tour

Tour Larned with the Historic Houses Auto Tour, a 28 house tour with houses dating between 1880 and 1917 (15 prior to 1887). The houses are private residences, but are clearly visible.

Larned, KS Tours

Schnack Park

While you're visiting Larned, visit Schnack Park. Take in the fresh air amid the greenery of the Park. A spacious swimming pool is also available to take away summer's heat. Pack a lunch, view the fountain and relax in our picnic area. Ride the "Schnack Express"

Larned, KS Recreation

Things to do near Larned, KS

Caves

There are over 235 known caves on private land in southeast Comanche County. They are in the northern part of the Permian Bas...

Wichita County Park and Swimming Pool

Wichita County Park at Fifth and Earl sports a new swimming pool with water slides and other recreational items including bas...

Historical Sites

Wild Horse Corral - In early days, wild horses were grazing on the prairie and often t...