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
Birger Sandzen Memorial Gallery
The gallery holds an extensive collection of fine art from the master. It is a tribute to the beloved Swedish art teacher at Bethany College, the late Birger Sandzen. Here one may find oil and watercolor paintings, prints and woodblocks and more by Sandzen, as well as objects from the gallery'
Lindsborg, KS ArtsCoronado Heights
Coronado Heights is a twenty-six acre virgin prairie park overlooking the Smoky Valley. The first buildings of Lindsborg were at the foot of this hill. Legend says it was also a lookout for Coronado's party on their 1541 journey into Kansas. This is one of the two highest lookout points in Kansas.
Lindsborg, KS LandmarksVälkommen Trail
Välkommen Trail is a 2.5 mile all-weather bicycle and pedestrian trail. The trail was converted from the abandoned Missouri - Pacific and Union Pacific rail beds. Take time to read the historical signage emphasizing points of interest about Lindsborg'
Lindsborg, KS TrailsMcPherson Valley Wetlands
The wetlands are managed primarily for waterfowl and other hunting during the season and wildlife viewing the rest of the year. Public hunting is allowed on most of this almost 4,000 acre area. Sportsmen should check with the wildlife manager for possible changes in areas open to hunting.
McPherson, KS RecreationModel 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 HistoryMaxwell 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 RefugesChisholm Trail/Santa Fe Trails Meet
Two of the most historic trails of Kansas, the Santa Fe Trail and the Chisholm Trail, meet just 3 miles east of Canton on Highway 56, on the McPherson/Marion County line, the only place in the United States where these two trails cross.
Canton, KS Pioneer LifeGen. James Birdseye McPherson Statue
The equestrian statue that overlooks Memorial Park was dedicated in 1917 in a ceremony that attracted 40,000
McPherson, KS MemorialsLindsborg Golf Course
The Lindsborg GolSeason: Year-round, weather permitting Course Type: City of Lindsborg Municipal course, pasture style. Original greens were cotton seed hull instead of sand. Surrounded by wheat, milo fields, crop ground and cattle. Course Designer:Hilding Jaderborg Year Built: 1960 Facilities &
Lindsborg, KS Golf CoursesBethany Lutheran Church
The interior of this historic church is reminiscent of churches in rural Sweden with a hand-crafted altar and large oil paintings.
Lindsborg, KS Historic ChurchesHenry Park
Whether you are looking for family gatherings or a one on one outting, Henry Park is the place with plenty of well kept grass and a shaded playground area with a picnic shelter, tables, restroom, and a tennis court.
Galva, KS Recreation