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Baldwin City, Kansas

The 3-story native sandstone Castle was the first home of Baker University, Kansas' oldest 4-year college. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places , it was built in 1857 and 1858, at a cost of $3,200 and includes native wood - mostly walnut - woodwork. It provided a "sight to behold" for pioneers traveling the historic Santa Fe Trail during the 1850s and 1860s who could see it for miles over the treeless prairie before their rumbling wagons actually came alongside it.

It now houses an outstanding museum of the University and Baldwin as well as the Santa Fe Trail. The third floor, originally donated by the Palmyra Masonic Lodge, has been designated as the state's Masonic Historic Lodge #1.

Also on the Complex grounds is the Palmyra Post Office and the Kibbee Cabin.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Parmenter Hall

Parmenter Hall with its distinguishing tower, is the first building actually built on the Baker University campus and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places . The cornerstone was laid in June, 1866, but lack of financing delayed completion until 1881

Baldwin City, KS National Register

Santa Fe Trail Ruts

The historic Santa Fe Trail which carried civilization and commerce between the East and the Mexican settlements of the southwest between 1825 and 1875

Baldwin City, KS Pioneer Life

Quayle Rare Bible Collection

The Quayle Bible Collection includes over 700 volumes and manuscripts dating from hand-lettered and ornately-decorated Bibles by monks, clay tablets from 2060 BC (the time of Abraham), a synagogue roll from the 12th century made of 13

Baldwin City, KS Collections

Kibbee Cabin

[Kibbee Cabin] The Kibbee Cabin is a reproduction of a log cabin which stood on the crest of the Santa Fe Ridge (commonly called "Big Hill") north of Baldwin where a group of Methodist ministers met to form Baker University in 1857

Baldwin City, KS Pioneer Life

Clarice L. Osborne Memorial Chapel

This chapel's history takes a little more than a glance to read, but the story of its transport from a small town in England to its resurrection at Baker University is remarkable.

In 1864, after nearly six decades of meeting in local homes, a small Methodist congregation in Sproxton (

Baldwin City, KS Historic Churches

Things to do near Baldwin City, KS

Lone Star Lake

Swimming, paddle boating, canoeing, fishing and picnicking are just some of the fun activities to enjoy at Lone Star Lake. Th...