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Marquette's Historic Downtown


category : Historic Downtowns
Marquette's Historic  Downtown The downtown area of Marquette was built in the 1880's and 1890's, and has been restored to its turn of the century appearance. Most of Marquette's downtown buildings display a decorative metal trim-work meticulously painted in a Scandinavian motif. The painting began as a beautification project for a single building but quickly spread throughout downtown, leaving behind one of the most attractive business districts in Kansas.The entire downtown area is designated a Kansas Historic Site, known as the Washington Street Historic District.Opera House Block

The six-store structure on the east side of the street known as the Opera House Block was built in 1886-87 for $50,000!

 

Olof Olson, founder of The Olson Furniture Store (1886), was one the original builders. This store is still in business after almost 110 years!

City SundriesLocated in the Opera House Block is an old fashioned Drug Store from the turn of the century-complete with ice cream chairs and marble soda fountain! It has regular business hours - stop by for a soda!

 


Old Marquette State Bank BuildingA very unique fact about these stores is the tunnels underneath the businesses connecting them together. Many years ago, you could go from one store to the next! The same is true for the old Marquette State Bank building on the west side of the street at the opposite end. It was built in 1887, and is now the Mauquette Community Library. The buildings under those four stores are also connected by tunnels!


Come visit us in Marquette, Kansas

Attractions and Upcoming Events

City Parks

The beautiful native stone park entrances to Marquette's City Park were built in the 1920's by local stone masons. They were donated by various organizations in the community which engraved their names on the posts.

Swimming Pool

Marquette'

Marquette, KS Recreation

Marquette Visitor's Tour

Schedule

9:00 A.M. - Arrive in Marquette for restrooms and coffee time.

Hot coffee and rolls at the Cafe - Tuesday thru Saturday, OR

Marquette, KS Tours

Marquette 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 Museums

Kansas 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 Museums

Hanson-Lindfors Home

This 16 room Victorian house was built in 1888 for Hans Hanson, one of the town founders. Restored to its original appearance, it is completely furnished with antiques, some original to the home. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Marquette, KS Historic Homes

Things to do Historic Downtowns near Marquette, KS