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Butler County, KS

Butler CountyButler County has been a rich cattle grazing land since the 1860s. As early as 1857, the first pioneers looked down on the beautiful Walnut River valley and decided to make it home. At the center of the Flint Hills, the area has changed little since Captain Zebulon Pike noted the hills covered with flint rock cobbles during his 1806 expedition across Kansas. The Name "Flint Hills" had identified the region ever since.

Since the beginning a lore of cowboys, cattle drives, and western style living has entertained and amazed the area traveler. The first cattle drives began in Texas during 1865 when animals were driven to Kansas railroads through the Flint Hills. By 1885 the wild Texas cattle drives were over and 5 million cattle had passed through the Hills on their journey to eastern markets. The era of custom grazing of out-of-state cattle began, and today over 1 million head of cattle are fattened annually on the lush pasture land.

The peaceful tranquility of the region changed forever when oil was discovered near El Dorado in 1915.

Cattle grazing and bottom land farming gave way to the mixed economy of beef and black gold.

Several area driving tours are available for the interest of the photographer, bird watcher, fossil hunter, antique lover, fisherman or amateur historian. So treat yourself to one of the best kept secret in the land - Butler County, where rich history, breathtaking scenery, and adventure abound.

Explore Butler County

Santa Fe Lake

Get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life at this 200-acre lake.

Augusta, KS Lakes

Augusta Historic Theater

The Augusta Historical Theatre, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a perfect example of the architectural elegance and grandeur of movie palaces in the 1920s and 1930s during the height of grand theatre building in the United States. The Augusta Theater opened June 19, 193

Augusta, KS Historic Theatres

Rock Creek Stone Arch Bridge

Turn back the clock and drive across this graceful old bridge built in the 1880

Latham, KS Historic Bridges

El Dorado Broncos

The El Dorado Broncos are the summer collegiate baseball team in El Dorado. The team plays a 50-plus game schedule during June, July and August. They play all of their home games at McDonald Stadium in El Dorado. The team moved to El Dorado in 1996

El Dorado, KS Recreation


Missouri-Pacific Depot

The El Dorado Missouri-Pacific Depot began as a wooden structure in 1883 in a town of less than 2,000 people. It served as a center of activity and development for the community with news being brought in by train and other news transferred by the telegraph located at the depot.

El Dorado, KS Railroad History

Walter's Pumpkin Patch

Where Fall Begins! Walters' Pumpkin Patch has hours of entertainment for families of all ages. Our new O'

El Dorado, KS Pumpkin Patches

Beaumont Hotel

The Beaumont Hotel was created in 1879 as a stagecoach and railroad stop to shelter weary pioneers when the railroad brought cattle barons and frontier society to The Beaumont.

Beaumont, KS Historic Hotels



Douglass Community Building

The building listed on the National Register of Historic Places was constructed in 1938 of native stone for the WPA (Works Projects Administration)

Douglass, KS Historic Buildings

City Parks

Library Park - Adjacent to the Library on Highland Street, Library Park has a Gazebo, covered shelter, and playground equipment. South City Park

Towanda, KS Recreation

Explore Butler County