Ellsworth County, KS
Enjoy... the natural geographic wonders of Mushroom Rock State Park or take a walk back in time through Faris Caves, with its story-telling Indian Carvings of centuries past. Enjoy the serenity of the many nature trails...hiking where wagon trains crossed the prairie and where Indian and Buffalo roamed. Atop Horse Thief Canyon enjoy a breathtaking view of Kanopolis Lake and the Smoky Hill River Valley, with its rolling hills and plains as far as the eye can see. Ellsworth County offers you a piece of the good life. Nestled between two lakes, fishing, boating, and many other water sports can be enjoyed year around. Wildlife and waterfowl are abundant for the sightseer or the hunters.
History runs deep and varied in this post rock country. Enjoy the rich Czech heritage of Wilson, the Mexican heritage of Kanopolis, the strong Baptsit roots of Lorraine, and the German-Irish heritage of Holyrood, or experience the Wild West Cowtown Days of Ellsworth. The pride of who we are can be enjoyed at four museums in the county.
We invite you to enjoy a bit of our relaxed, quiet beauty. See deep green or amber waves of wheat, to fish filled lakes and cattle grazing on rolling pastures...meet residents with a friendly smile and hello...come and experience our "Pride of the Prairie"...Welcome to Ellsworth County.
Explore Ellsworth County
Historic Churches
The third building for the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church was erected in 1911 of veneered brick. It is named for Svaty Vaclay, St. Wenceslaus, the patron saint of Bohemia.
The St. Wenceslaus Cemeteries - On June 16, 1887
Wilson, KS Historic ChurchesHistorical Opera House & Museum
The Wilson Opera House and Opera House Museum, along with Dr. Whitmer'
Wilson, KS MuseumsWar Memorial
Located in Downtown Wilson in the city park by the railroad right of way is the World Wars Memorial in memory to those soldiers and marines who lost their lives during the wars.
Wilson, KS Memorials1909 Union Pacific Wooden Caboose
A 1909 wooden caboose given to the museum by the "Union Pacific Railroad." This caboose is one of 26 known wooden "Union Pacific" cabooses still in existence in the United States and is the only one known of in Kansas. Following a complete restoration the caboose celebrated its 100
Ellsworth, KS RailroadEllsworth Municipal Golf Course
Ellsworth is fortunate to boast one of the finest nine-hole golf courses in Central Kansas. Watered fairways and greens amongst the rolling hills make for an enjoyable and professional game. Elevated greens on nearly every hole make proper club selection a priority.
Ellsworth, KS Golf CoursesOriel Building
One of only a few bartizan style structures remaining in Kansas, the old Signature Insurance Building with its signature oriel window stands as an architectural landmark of the early drover history of Ellsworth, Kansas.
Ellsworth, KS Museums1873 Jail
The old jail is the oldest building in Ellsworth. Earlier jails were temporary structures like cages. At other times, prisoners were housed in private homes. This jail was authorized on April 2 1872, with the lower floor designated as the jail and the upper floor to be used as court rooms. (
Ellsworth, KS Historic BuildingsGranny Mae's Pumpkin Patch
At Granny Mae's Pumpkin Patch we have created six unique patches - Munchkin Land, SuperFreaks, Land of Giants, Gourd Grove, Full Moon Farm, and the Pumpkin Patch - where we grow pumpkins and gourds in every shape, color, and size imaginable. Everything grown at Granny Mae'
Wilson, KS Pumpkin PatchesOld Wilson State Bank Building
The historic bank building was built in 1886 for multi-purposes to serve the people. The main floor housed the banking system and upstairs in the back was the first Telephone Company. Also on the upstairs on the south side of the building was a entry with stairs that led to two doctor'
Wilson, KS Historic Buildings