Marion County, KS
Welcome to Marion County!You will soon discover some of the best kept secrets in the Heartland!
Each community in Marion County has a unique heitage, which you may share and experience at any of the many museums, restaurants, craft shops and other attractions throughout the country.
Marion County is located at the center of it all, in the middle of Kansas in the central United States.
In the 1860's, Marion County extended west all the way to the Colorado Territory line!. Today those borders have been reduced, but Marion County Still offers plenty of territory for tourism and recreation!
Marion County is the only location in the United States where the Santa Fe Trail and Chisholm Trail cross each other's paths. Visitors may track the Santa Fe Trail in northern Marion County, near Lost Springs, Romona, Tampa and Durham.
Cowboys herded longhorns from Texas along the famous Chisholm Trail, located in the western part of the county near Goessel, Lehigh, Hillsboro and Durham.
In southern Marion County, the towns of Florence and Peabody were founded along the route of the Santa Fe Railroad.
Old Indian trails cross through the county, as well. Many artifacts continue to be discovered in several locations.
Explore Marion County
Civil War Memorial
The Civil War Memorial was erected in 1929 by Theodore P. Burkert, a Civil War veteran. It is dedicated to Civil War veterans and the Women's Relief Corps.
Marion, KS MemorialsMorgan House
The Morgan House is a two story Queen Anne Cottage built by W.H. Morgan, first editor of the Peabody Gazette, for his family in 1881
Peabody, KS MuseumsPresbyterian Church
The distinction of being the oldest church organization in Marion County belongs to the Presbyterian Church of Marion, which is also listed on the State Register of Historic Buildings. The native stone used to build this structure was cut in 1872
Marion, KS Historic ChurchesHistoric Mennonite Brethren Church
This is the oldest Mennonite Brethren church building in the United States. Built in 1893, it was the first classroom of Tabor College, a Mennonite Brethren liberal arts college. The Mennonite Brethren Church is one of several distinct denominational families within the larger Mennonite/
Hillsboro, KS Historic ChurchesCarnegie Library
Steel magnate Andrew Carnegie gave millions of dollars to establish libraries across America in the early 1900s. The women's study clubs of Peabody were determined to bring a Carnegie Library to Marion County - they were joined by civic leaders and county commissioners and obtained $10,000.00
Peabody, KS Carnegie LibrariesThe Kreutziger Schoolhouse
The Kreutziger Schoolhouse reminds us of the early education on the Kansas prairie, 1886-1960. Today the bell tower, the desks and the stove show how one teacher taught eight grades with an average of from 20 to 30 students.
Hillsboro, KS Historic SchoolhousesMarion County Lake and Park
Marion County Park and Lake is a favorite spot for fishermen, as they come from far and near to use the heated dock, where record-breaking fish have been caught. And they do catch 'em! Located near the dam, the heated dock provides 24
Marion, KS RecreationPeabody Downtown Walking Tour
33 sites along Walnut Street, the main street of Peabody, remarkably remain while most pioneer towns suffer losses from fires and storms. The oldest building dating to 1878, was first occupied by a bank, then the majority of other buildings were built in 1883.
Peabody, KS ToursPrairie Lawn Cemetery
Of special interest in the Prairie Lawn Cemetery whose association began in 1880, is its close connection with the Civil War.Around 125 graves of veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic are found here. According to the Peabody Historical Society, more may exist, although they are unmarked.
Peabody, KS CemeteriesHillsboro Municipal Golf
Hillsboro Municipal Golf Course is playable by all caliber players. This nine-hole course is irrigated from tee-box to green creating lush bluegrass fairways and challenging bent grass greens.
Hillsboro, KS Golf CoursesMennonite Settlement Museum
The Mennonite Settlement Museum celebrates the thousands of immigrant Russian and Polish Mennonites who settled in western Marion and eastern McPherson Counties in the early 1870s. The museum includes: The historic Peter Paul Loewen House
Hillsboro, KS Museums