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
Peabody 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 ToursCentral Park
Central Park continues to be a favorite spot to gather for outdoor fun, or sometimes just a stoll among the century old Burr Oaks. The shade from these mighty oaks makes this an outdoor haven even during those warm Kansas summers. The historic fountain built in the park in 1884
Marion, KS RecreationElgin House Apartments
The Elgin House apartments was originally a 42 room hotel with a dining room that seated 80 guests, and provided billiard and card rooms. It was built in 1886 of native stone, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Marion, KS Historic HotelsMarion Historical Museum
The Museum building was constructed in 1882 for the First Baptist Church and continued to serve Baptist congregations until the middle of the 1950s. It was then given to Marion County for use as a museum and formally dedicated in 1961 on Old Settler's Day - the year of Marion'
Marion, KS MuseumsThe 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 SchoolhousesTabor College
Tabor College is an accredited 4 year liberal arts Christian college, with an extensive collection of Mennonite history, cultural and sporting events.
Hillsboro, KS CollegesHillsboro 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 CoursesPeabody Museum Historical Complex
The 1874 frame building given by railroad executive, F.H. Peabody, to express his appreciation for the town being named for him was the first free library in the State of Kansas, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. He gave 2,000
Peabody, KS MuseumsCivil 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 MemorialsCarnegie 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 LibrariesPresbyterian 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 Churches