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
The Midland Railroad Hotel
The native limestone structure was originally built in 1889 as the "Power Hotel." In 1902 a fire gutted the interior of the Hotel leaving the limestone walls. Mr. Samuel Anspaugh agreed to purchase the hotel site if the town would raise the money for interior construction. A fund drive netted $2,250
Wilson, KS Historic HotelsThe Hodgden House
The Hodgden House, built by Perry Hodgden, was the first private home to rebuild with stone after these fires. It was completed in 1878. The house was restored to its former elegance as one of the grand houses of Ellsworth in 1961.
Ellsworth, KSFort Harker Museum Complex/ Kanopolis KS
The Fort Harker Museum is located in Kanopolis Ks. First Established as Fort Ellsworth in 1864 at the juncture of the Smokey Hill River and the Fort Riley/Fort Larned Road on the Smokey Hill Trail, the post was moved from its site by the river and renamed Fort Harker in 1866
Ellsworth, KS Military HistoryOriel 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 MuseumsHistorical Opera House & Museum
The Wilson Opera House and Opera House Museum, along with Dr. Whitmer'
Wilson, KS MuseumsGranny 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 PatchesWar 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 Memorials1873 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 Buildings