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
Mennonite 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 MuseumsSalem Orphan's Home Cemetery
Although known as the Salem Orphan's Home Cemetery, this field of graves once belonged to the Industrial School and Hygiene Home for the Friendless. Incorporated in 1890, the purpose of the home was to "
Hillsboro, KS CemeteriesCivil 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 MemorialsHistoric 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 ChurchesPeabody 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 ToursMarion County Courthouse
Completed in 1909, the Romanesque revival, native limestone courthouse has a clock tower and stone carvings at entrance. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Marion, KS Historic CourthousesMarion Cemetery
A unique monument of great interest in the Marion Cemetery is that of Rueben Riggs. It stands in honor of a man who did not make any major historic contributions, but who is remembered for showing kindness to other people.
Marion, KS CemeteriesThe 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 Country Club and Golf Course
If you take potential hazards as a personal challenge, then the Marion golf course heads the list. A natural creek meanders through the hilly nine hole course and provides plenty of challenges to golfers.
Marion, KS Golf CoursesHill School Building
The Hill School building is the oldest building in the state of Kansas in continuous educational use. Built in 1873 of native stone, it is listed on the National Historic Register.
Marion, KS Historic Schoolhouses