Geary County, KS
We invite you to share the magic that our forefathers experienced as they discovered this land we call home.
A tour through Geary County will inspire thoughts of the early settlers who journeyed westward on the trails of yesteryear. In the very heart of America's heartland, the pioneers discovered majestic vistas and rolling waves of tallgrass priaire lands characteristic of the picturesque Flint Hills. It is a region full of stories about courage, greed, determination, and innovation, where spritis of soldiers, Indians, and immigrants join scientists, students, and nature lovers.
Forts were built along major trails to protect white settlers from the Indians, and Fort Riley went on to play a key role in American military history. It was Cavalry Headquarters after the Civil War ... a story well told at the U.S. Cavalry Museum. Since World War I, members of Fort Riley's First Infantry Division, the "Big Red One," have been prominently protecting us aginst modern marauders, from Germany to Iraq.
Kansas' soldiers are honored at the Kansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Junction City, the county seat and metropolitan center of Geary County. While in Junction City, visit the Geary County Historical Museum which houses three galleries focusing on the history of the area in a native limestone structure dating back to 1903.
Visitors are surprised to see all the water in our region. Milford Reservoir is the largest lake in Kansas. It is a great tour stop where the Nature Center studies Kansas' wildlife, and the Fish Hatchery is among the country's finest.
Geary County, originally bore the name "Davis County" in 1855. For several years the citizens of Davis County complained about living in an area named for the President of the Confederate States of America, even though he was a Secretary of War when the county was named for him. In 1889, the county's name was changed to Geary after John W. Geary, Governor of Kansas Territory.
Explore Geary County
Wounded Knee Monument
This monument is dedicated to the men of the 7th cavalry who were killed during the Pine Ridge Campaign of 1890 and the battle that is known as Wounded Knee. This controversial engagement marked one of the last armed conflicts between the army and Native Americans.
Fort Riley, KS MonumentsKansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The 13x46 foot, black granite memorial was dedicated to the men and women who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. The memorial lists the names of the 797 Kansans who were either killed or are still officially listed as Missing in Action.
Junction City, KS MemorialsPost Cemetery
Beyond the Ogden Monument is the Post Cemetery. In the area nearest the Ogden Monument are mass graves of persons who died in two cholera epidemics which struck the post in 1855 and 1867
Fort Riley, KS CemeteriesGeary County Courthouse
This Roman Revival building was commissioned May 20, 1899, and was completed in May, 1900 at a cost of $35,000
Junction City, KS Historic CourthousesTrolley Station
The Trolley Station was used as a baggage storage and waiting area for soldiers and families riding the inter-city trolley between Junction City and Fort Riley from 1901 until 1907. In 1907
Fort Riley, KS Historic BuildingsPolk Hall
Known in its early years as West Riding Hall, this building was completed in 1908 and served until after World War II as one of two indoor riding halls.
Fort Riley, KS Historic BuildingsRolling Meadows Golf Course
Rolling Meadows is consistently rated by Golf Digest as one of the top ten places to play golf in Kansas. This 18 hole championship course was designed by Richard Watson, with construction in 1978. You will will enjoy many tree lined fairways, encounter five lakes, and finesse your way around 29
Junction City, KS Golf CoursesGeary County Historical Society Museum
The three-story, native limestone building which houses the Geary County Historical Museum, has been described by architects as a "unique and magnificent structure and an outstanding example of the stonecutter's art."
The building, originally the Junction City High School, was constructed in 1
Junction City, KS MuseumsFirst Baptist Church
The First Baptist Church was organized in Junction City on November5, 1865. This building was dedicated January 27, 1867, and served as the Baptist Church until the adjacent building was occupied in 1917. Under the stucco exterior are the original native limestone blocks.
Junction City, KS Historic ChurchesCuster House - Fort Riley
Constructed in 1855 of native limestone, the Custer House is the only surviving set of quarters from the Fort'
Fort Riley, KS MuseumsStarcke/Henderson Period House Museum
The Starcke/Henderson Period House museum located just south of the Geary County Historical Museum was developed to showcase the Historical Society museum's growing collection of vintage household furniture and accessories. The main portion of this brick cottage was built in 1885
Junction City, KS MuseumsGeary County State Fishing Lake
As an alternative to the two big reservoirs at Milford Lake and Tuttle Creek Lake in this area, Geary County State Lake is a smaller body of water with 99 acres of secluded fishing, free camping, hunting, and hiking. The lake is primarily intended to be used for fishing and no swimming is allowed.
Junction City, KS Recreation