Marion County, KS
Welcome to Marion County!You will soon discover some of the best kept secrets in the Heartland!
Each community in Marion County has a unique heitage, which you may share and experience at any of the many museums, restaurants, craft shops and other attractions throughout the country.
Marion County is located at the center of it all, in the middle of Kansas in the central United States.
In the 1860's, Marion County extended west all the way to the Colorado Territory line!. Today those borders have been reduced, but Marion County Still offers plenty of territory for tourism and recreation!
Marion County is the only location in the United States where the Santa Fe Trail and Chisholm Trail cross each other's paths. Visitors may track the Santa Fe Trail in northern Marion County, near Lost Springs, Romona, Tampa and Durham.
Cowboys herded longhorns from Texas along the famous Chisholm Trail, located in the western part of the county near Goessel, Lehigh, Hillsboro and Durham.
In southern Marion County, the towns of Florence and Peabody were founded along the route of the Santa Fe Railroad.
Old Indian trails cross through the county, as well. Many artifacts continue to be discovered in several locations.
Explore Marion County
Presbyterian Church
The distinction of being the oldest church organization in Marion County belongs to the Presbyterian Church of Marion, which is also listed on the State Register of Historic Buildings. The native stone used to build this structure was cut in 1872
Marion, KS Historic ChurchesPeabody City Park
Peabody's beautiful City Park has provided a meeting place for generations of community members. The idea of a park was perhaps established in 1876 when the tradition of having a county wide 4
Peabody, KS LandmarksHistoric Mennonite Brethren Church
This is the oldest Mennonite Brethren church building in the United States. Built in 1893, it was the first classroom of Tabor College, a Mennonite Brethren liberal arts college. The Mennonite Brethren Church is one of several distinct denominational families within the larger Mennonite/
Hillsboro, KS Historic ChurchesAntique Fountain
This ornate fountain was built in 1884 and is located in Central Park.
Marion, KS ArtsMorgan House
The Morgan House is a two story Queen Anne Cottage built by W.H. Morgan, first editor of the Peabody Gazette, for his family in 1881
Peabody, KS MuseumsCarnegie Library
Steel magnate Andrew Carnegie gave millions of dollars to establish libraries across America in the early 1900s. The women's study clubs of Peabody were determined to bring a Carnegie Library to Marion County - they were joined by civic leaders and county commissioners and obtained $10,000.00
Peabody, KS Carnegie LibrariesFriesen Dutch Windmill
The mill is an authentic replica built to specifications of the original 1876, Jacob Friesen Mill built by Mennonite immigrants. Authentic down to the square wooden pegs, this working mill uses wind power to grind whole wheat flour.
Hillsboro, KS Historic Mills1887 Olde Towne Restaurant
The three-story Olde Towne building was completed in 1880, a year after Hillsboro was founded. It was restored in 1887. Over the years, the building has housed a bank, hardware and dry goods store, apartments on the upper floor, and egg processing plant. The building was vacant in the 1960
Hillsboro, KS Historic BuildingsMennonite Settlement Museum
The Mennonite Settlement Museum celebrates the thousands of immigrant Russian and Polish Mennonites who settled in western Marion and eastern McPherson Counties in the early 1870s. The museum includes: The historic Peter Paul Loewen House
Hillsboro, KS MuseumsHill School Building
The Hill School building is the oldest building in the state of Kansas in continuous educational use. Built in 1873 of native stone, it is listed on the National Historic Register.
Marion, KS Historic SchoolhousesPeabody Downtown Walking Tour
33 sites along Walnut Street, the main street of Peabody, remarkably remain while most pioneer towns suffer losses from fires and storms. The oldest building dating to 1878, was first occupied by a bank, then the majority of other buildings were built in 1883.
Peabody, KS Tours