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Santa Fe Trail Ruts


category : Landmarks
Still etched in the prairie, the 175-year-old Santa Fe Trail ruts carved their niche in our nation's history by helping move freight and settlers to the great Southwest. To see the ruts, take US-56 (Main Street) west to the city limits sign. Drive another 4.9 miles west, turn left (south) on a gravel road and go .6 miles. A sign indicates the ruts, a shallow trough running in a west-southwest direction. (The ruts are on private property.)


Come visit us in Council Grove, Kansas

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Farmers and Drovers Bank Building

A Council Grove landmark, the Farmers and Drovers Bank is one of the community's most ornate buildings. The two-story red brick bank with limestone trim was built in 1892 for $20,000. Its "eclectic"

Council Grove, KS Historic Buildings

Post Office Oak and Museum

This 300-year-old bur oak (just the trunk remains) served as the unofficial post office for travelers on the Santa Fe Trail from 1825-1847. Passing caravans could leave messages for future travelers in a cache in the base of the tree. A stone building erected in 1864

Council Grove, KS Landmarks

Neosho River Walk

"Retracing the Footsteps of the Pioneers"

Council Grove, KS Trails

Custer Elm

Legend has it that while patrolling the Santa Fe Trail with his famous 7th Cavalry Regiment, George Armstrong Custer camped under the huge elm that flourished at this site. The massive trunk is all that remains of this tree that measured more than 100 feet tall and 16 feet around. Custer bought 120

Council Grove, KS Landmarks

Old Stone Barn

This imposing, 76-foot-long native stone barn was built into the bank of a hill in 1871 on land owned by the town's founder, Seth Hays. It's the only structure remaining from the Morris County Poor Farm, which existed here from 1889-1945.

Council Grove, KS Historic Barns

Things to do Landmarks near Council Grove, KS

Coronado Heights

Post Office Oak and Museum

Peabody City Park

Council Oak

Custer Elm