LASR.net Homepage

Menu


Lakin, Kansas

The Commercial Hotel built in 1883 and run by Mrs. W.P. Loucks, had a good trade. Mrs. Loucks, the genial hostess, was the pioneer hotel keeper of Lakin. She came here in 1879 when Lakin was a way station on the Santa Fe and opened an eating house for the railroad employees.

"She has gained a wide reputation for running one of the best hotels in Southwest Kansas. The tables are always supplied with the best foods in season and we can conscientiously recommend the Commercial to the traveling public." (Advocate, 1887)

In 1948 it was still used as a hotel named the Dowd Hotel, and today it is the "Pioneer Home," a multiple family living establishment.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Beymer Water Recreation Park

Beymer Water Recreation Park offers a variety of activities for the outdoorsman. Swimmers may cool off at the designated swim beach, while picnickers enjoy a barbecue on the many tables and grills. A covered picnic shelter is available for large parties. Reservations may be made at the County Clerk\

Lakin, KS Recreation

Conestoga Wagon

The Conestoga Wagons were used primarily to haul freight on the Santa Fe Trail and other freight trails. They could handle two tons of goods. The wagon in our displayed in the Museum Comples bears the inscription "Joseph Edgar - 1831". There is a series of 1939

Lakin, KS Pioneer History

Old Commercial Hotel

The Commercial Hotel built in 1883 and run by Mrs. W.P. Loucks, had a good trade. Mrs. Loucks, the genial hostess, was the pioneer hotel keeper of Lakin. She came here in 1879 when Lakin was a way station on the Santa Fe and opened an eating house for the railroad employees. "

Lakin, KS Historic Buildings

Chouteau's Island

Chouteau's Island was the largest island of timber on the Arkansas River in this area. In the spring of 1816, Auguste Pierre Chouteau was returning to Missouri with several other fur trappers when they were attacked by a large party of Pawnee Indians. Chouteau'

Lakin, KS Pioneer History

Columbian School House

The Columbian Schoolhouse, built in 1893, was named after the Columbian Exposition held in Chicago. Later shortened to Columbia, the school conducted its last class approximately 1945. This one room school was moved to the museum site from 15 miles north of Lakin and restored in 1984.

Lakin, KS Historic Schoolhouses

Things to do near Lakin, KS

Dodge Theater

An historic art deco theater built in 1928 offers films of yesteryear. Movies are scheduled on weekends with times to be anno...

Bear Creek Pass

This pass is one of the most interesting histories in the state of Kansas. Kearny County was fortunate in the creation of the...

The Battle of Coon Creek

Indian attacks along the Santa Fe trail were frequent from the 1820's to the 1870's. Near here, where the trail followed the...

Wichita County Municipal Golf Course

Clear Lake

When the wagon trains turned south at Chouteau's Island from the Santa Fe Trail, to go down to the Cimarron River at Wagon Be...