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Emporia, Kansas

Emporia, Kansas

Lyon County surrounds Emporia which is known as the "Front Porch to the Flint Hills." Prairie Passage Stone Sculpture reflects Emporia's role as gateway to the Flint Hills, depicting the land, its forces and its people.

One of the distinctive features of the Flint Hills is the mix of farmers and ranchers. Nearly all farmers in the Flint Hills also raise livestock, while nearly all ranchers in the region also raise crops.

In historic times, the two Native American tribes that inhabited the Flint Hills were the Kansas (or Kaw) in the north and the Osage in the south. Early white settlers to the Flint Hills were British, Swedish, Welsh, German, French, Slavic, and Mennonite.

The Exoduster movement in the 1870's resulted in the resettlement of African-American ex-slaves onto small farms, while in the years around the turn of the century Mexicans were brought in by the Santa Fe to work on the railroad. In more recent years refugees from Southeast Asia have moved into the larger Flint Hills towns.

In the spring, the Flint Hills becomes a natural wonderland with the grasses and wildflowers. The barren landscape becames green and lush attracting over 200 kinds of birds including hawks, robins, blue jays, meadowlarks, and eagles. There are 29 kinds of reptiles and amphibians, such as turtles, snakes, and armadillos. There are also 31 species of mammals.

The Tallgrass prairie National Preserve was designed to protect a portion of the largest remaining unbroken tracts of tallgrass prairie left in the world.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Lyon County History Center and Historical Society

The Lyon County Historical Society was established in 1937 when it archives were first located in the basement of the Civic Auditorium/William L. White Auditorium. In 1980, operations moved just across the street to the vacant Emporia Public Library, formally the 1904

Emporia, KS Museums

Cookie Jar Heaven

2000 cookie jars and 300

Emporia, KS Museums

Emporia Bike Trail

A 7 mile scenic trail passing Emporia attractions.

Emporia, KS Biking

William Allen White's Home - Red Rocks State Historic Site

This house, a National Historic Register Landmark, was rented by William Allen White in 1899 and purchased by him in 1901. It was his home for 45

Emporia, KS Famous Homes

1904 Carnegie Library Building

The 1904 Carnegie Library Building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, housed the Lyon County Historical Museum for 36 years from 1980 to 2016

Emporia, KS Carnegie Libraries

Things to do near Emporia, KS

Posh - Clothing for women

Come shop our women's clothing and pick out some cute accessories to top off your newest outfit....

Stan Herd Mural

Painted by Stan Herd in 1992, this mural stands as a great tribute to the Cherokee Strip Land Rush. The mural was painted in ...

Durland Park

Located on East Main Street. This park is a great place to have lunch in the shade and visit some of Council Grove's historic...