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Historical Hiking Trail


category : Hiking Trails
The Neodesha Historical Trail was started in 1971 as part of the 100th Aniversary celebration of the founding of Neodesha, Kansas. It is a 10-mile long (alternate route is 15 miles long) loop hike through Wilson County and Neodesha, Kansas.

It begins and ends at the Norman No. 1 Oil Well Museum located near the reconstructed first successful commercial producing oil well in Kansas and the mid-continent field - known as Norman No. 1.

The trail was originally laid out and planned as an Eagle Scout Community Service project by Scout Tom O. Parish III of Troop 30. Many citizens helped make the trail possible. The trail and brochure were reviewed in 1990-91 to update 20 years of changes to identifying features of the trail.

Hikers should visit the museum to pick up the detailed explanatory brochure and map and learn about the oil history and settlement of the area as this history is part of the trail tour. Other points of interest are other oil derrick sites and working wells, historic bridges, wildlife and ecosystems, a 300-year-old tree, caves with markings, historic buildings, and early townsite cemetery markers.

Guided historical tours are available for schools, community groups and individuals.


Address: First and Main Streets
Phone: 620-325-5316

Come visit us in Neodesha, Kansas

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Norman No. 1 Oil Well Museum

November 28, 1892, the Norman No. 1 oil well became the first and largest commercial oil well west of the Mississippi and it became the birthplace of the vast Mid-Continent Oil Field. Norman No. 1 was in continuous operation until 1919. The well was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1978

Neodesha, KS Museums

Historic Episcopal Church

The Episcopal Church of the Ascension was finished in 1909. It wasa Mission church of the Independence Diocese of the Episcopal Church under the Bishop of the Wichita Diocese.

Neodesha, KS Historic Churches

Historic Presbyterian Church

The first and only Presbyterian Church was built in 1886. The building remained unchanged until 1920 when the building was raised to put a basement underneath.

Neodesha, KS Historic Churches

Frisco Caboose Museum

The Frisco Caboose Mueseum houses railroad artifacts and memorabilia.

Neodesha, KS Railroad History

Neodesha Arts Association

Housed in an impressive Georgian building built in 1914, the Neodesha Art Association sponsors summer theater for children, music performances, and drama. On the second Saturday of every September it hosts an Arts and Crafts Fair for area artisans with fun, food, and entertainment for all ages.

Neodesha, KS Arts

Things to do Hiking Trails near Neodesha, KS

Historical Hiking Trail

The Neodesha Historical Trail was started in 1971 as part of the 100th Aniversary celebration of the founding of Neodesha, Ka...