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
Lindsborg Municipal Swimming Pool
Lindsborg Municipal Swimming Pool offers Thor's Revenge (a 153' long water slide), 5 and 10 meter diving boards, 6 lap lanes, a kiddie pool with zero depth entry, water spouts, sand volleyball courts, and a bath house. Hours Monday, Wednesday & Friday 1:00 p.m. to 7:00
Lindsborg, KS SwimmingGen. James Birdseye McPherson Statue
The equestrian statue that overlooks Memorial Park was dedicated in 1917 in a ceremony that attracted 40,000
McPherson, KS MemorialsChisholm 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 LifeEarly Residents Walking Tour
"Where Did They Live? Early Residences of Lindsborg, KS." This is a self guided street /
Lindsborg, KS Historic HomesCanton Carnegie Library
The 1921 Canton Township Carnegie Library still seems to be in great shape on North Main. It was the last Carnegie Library built in Kansas and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987
Canton, KS Carnegie LibrariesBethany 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 ChurchesMarquette 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 MuseumsKansas 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 MuseumsAnton Pearson Woodcarving Studio
The Pearson Woodcarving Studio, located is the oldest artist's studio in Lindsborg, preserves the memory of early pioneers. Son in law, Norman Malm, a prolific artist, continues the woodcarving tradition. A large collection of his pen and ink drawings and satire cartoons are shown as well. Norman'
Lindsborg, KS Art GalleriesMcPherson 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 Houses