McPherson County, KS
Most of the early settlers of McPherson County came from the east lured by the promise of free land. The Santa Fe Trail which crosses the county just south of McPherson is a current reminder of the early heritage of the county. Marked with monuments where it crosses the county's highways, the variations the trail left on the terrain are still visible from aerial photos.
McPherson County offers a rich diversity of historic, cultural, and natural attractions. It was settled primarily by Swedish, German, Swiss, and Volga German immigrants whose heritage is very alive across the county. Enjoy historical celebrations in full native costumes each summer and fall in Lindsborg, "Little Sweden, U.S.A." and the Scottish Highland Games at McPherson. Native prairie can still be found in this area, some of which overlooks the Smoky Valley. The county also includes some of the finest cultural attractions in the area.
Explore McPherson County
McPherson Opera House
Built in 1888, the McPherson Opera House was considered one of the most elaborate and architecturally sound in the state. This three-story architectural showpiece, listed on the National Register of Historic Places had a seating capacity of 900
McPherson, KS Opera HousesWild Dala Herd
Chicago May Have Cows but Lindsborg has Wild Dala Horses! The Herd of Wild Dala Horses, one of the 8
Lindsborg, KS ArtRange School Museum
This authentic one-room schoolhouse was moved into Marquette from its location northwest of town. It was built in 1906, and is very unique because of its all-wood interior. It has been beautifully restored and is operated as a museum by the Marquette Historical Society. It was moved here in 1986
Marquette, KS Historic SchoolhousesGalva Museum
Since the late 19th century and throughout the 20th century, the stone building has been an integral part of the Galva community. The two-story natural limestone building (referred to as the only skyscraper in Galva) was built in the early 1880s. It measured 100 feet by 25
Galva, KS MuseumsBlacksmith Coffee Roastery
Every Fourth of July, one of the original owners, Janne Johnson of the old Holmberg - Johnson Blacksmith and Wagon Shop, would carry two large anvils outside the shop and at 4:30
Lindsborg, KS Historic BuildingsStan Herd Mural
The Stan Herd mural painted in 1986 on a building on Main Street shows the artist's vision of how Inman might have looked in 1910
Inman, KS ArtsMaxwell Wildlife Refuge
No other place in Kansas can buffalo and elk be viewed as they can at the 2800-acre Maxwell Wildlife Refuge. Voted as one of 8
Canton, KS Wildlife RefugesGen. James Birdseye McPherson Statue
The equestrian statue that overlooks Memorial Park was dedicated in 1917 in a ceremony that attracted 40,000
McPherson, KS MemorialsCity Parks
The beautiful native stone park entrances to Marquette's City Park were built in the 1920's by local stone masons. They were donated by various organizations in the community which engraved their names on the posts.
Swimming Pool
Marquette'
Marquette, KS RecreationMcPherson County Old Mill Museum
The Museum complex includes the restored 1898
Lindsborg, KS MuseumsHanson-Lindfors Home
This 16 room Victorian house was built in 1888 for Hans Hanson, one of the town founders. Restored to its original appearance, it is completely furnished with antiques, some original to the home. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Marquette, KS Historic HomesModel Railroad Layouts
Learn about American history and railroading history by viewing one of Kansas largest model railroad layouts. Two train layouts featuring N&HO scales; "A slice of American history preserved in miniature." In this 1,694 square feet area there is over 1,250 feet of HO&N scale track and over 1,700
McPherson, KS Railroad History