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
Bethany 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 ChurchesKansas Motorcycle Museum
The Kansas Motorcycle Museum features vintage antique motorcycles of many different makes and models. The museum is dedicated to motorcycle memorabilia. The museum also displays over 600 trophies owned by local legend motorcycle racer Stan Engdahl. A new addition to the museum was completed in 2005
Marquette, KS MuseumsI.O.O.F Building
The Inman public library is housed in a historic old limestone building originally built in 1893
Inman, KS Historic BuildingsMcPherson 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 HousesVälkommen 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 TrailsMarquette's Historic Downtown
The downtown area of Marquette was built in the 1880's and 1890's, and has been restored to its turn of the century appearance. Most of Marquette'
Marquette, KS Historic DowntownsEarly Residents Walking Tour
"Where Did They Live? Early Residences of Lindsborg, KS." This is a self guided street /
Lindsborg, KS Historic HomesChisholm 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 LifeMarquette Historical Museum
The museum is on the State Register of Historic Places and highlights early Marquette and pioneer items, including a number of items that recall the tornado of 1905 which left serveral town structures damaged or destroyed. The Elim Lutheran Church young people society (Luther League)
Marquette, KS MuseumsModel 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 HistoryGen. James Birdseye McPherson Statue
The equestrian statue that overlooks Memorial Park was dedicated in 1917 in a ceremony that attracted 40,000
McPherson, KS Memorials