Osborne County, KS
On the Meade Ranch in southeast Osborne County is a bronze plate with cross-marks upon it which is the most important spot on this continent to surveyors and map makers. The point of intersection of those two lines is called the Geodetic Center of the United States. On the tiny point where those two lines cross depend the surveys of a sixth of the world's surface.Of literary significance, Osborne County is the prairie location of the John and Rosa Ise homestead whose lives were chronicled in the annotated book, Sod and Stubble, highly recommended reading for a day by day account of pioneer life on the prairie.
Russell Stover's birthplace was in Alton, and Porky Pig had roots in Portis. For the most enjoyable learning experience, come to the Storytelling Capital of Kansas held in Downs the last weekend in April.
You're welcome anytime to Osborn
Explore Osborne County
Recreation
The Osborne visitor can enjoy outdoor activities at the municipal swimming pool, Sanders Baseball Complex, Osborne Gun Club Shooting Range, tennis courts, three miles of bike trails, or just spend some time enjoying one of three parks located in the community.
Osborne, KS RecreationOsborne County Courthouse
A visit to the Osborne County Courthouse will show the use of the area's popular post rock material in its Romanesque Revival styling. Built in 1907-1908 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places,
Osborne, KS Historic CourthousesOsborne County Pioneers Memorial
This simple elegant sphere-topped white marble column was dedicated in 1929 to preserve the memory and spirit of Osborne County's first generation of settlers. It is located on the northeast corner of the historic courthouse square.
Osborne, KS MemorialsLipton Hotel
The Lipton Hotel was built in 1880 and is still standing. It once sheltered dignitaries and politicians. Today it houses one of the areas finest gift stores on the street level and some of the old rooms upstairs have been converted into modern apartments.
Downs, KS Historic BuildingsDowns Unplugged Coffeehouse
The Downs Unplugged Coffeehouse presents amateur and professional artists the second Saturday of each month starting at 7:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.. Enjoy comedy, music, and theater! "Unplugged"
Downs, KS EntertainmentOsborne County Veterans Memorial
Erected in 2000, This granite obelisk is dedicated to the memory of all Osborne County military veterans who ever served in active duty. Located on the north side of the historic courthouse square, the black African/
Osborne, KS MemorialsOsborne City Cemetery
The Osborne City Cemetery opened in 1879 at the corner of Eleventh Street and U.S. Highway 24 West. Veterans ranging from the Mexican War though the Vietnam War are buried here. Noted buffalo hunter Jeff Durfey and Howard Ruede, author of the celebrated book "Sod-House Days,"
Osborne, KS CemeteriesSod and Stubble Country Self-Guided Auto Tour
Three miles northwest of the city of Downs is located the site of the 1871 homestead of immigrant Henry Ise. In 1873, Henry married seventeen-year old Rosa Haag of Holton, Kansas and brought her west to live. Twelve children (five girls and seven boys) were born on this homestead in the 27
Downs, KS Pioneer LifeOsborne Carnegie Research Library
The Osborne Carnegie Library is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1912
Osborne, KS GenealogyOsborne Shady Bend Golf Course
Want a Challenge? Try Shady Bend Golf Course in Osborne, Kansas. You'll like the irrigated, tree lined, blue grass fairways and the undulating, sloped bent grass greens. Our 9 hole golf course, par 36, is a challenge to any golfer with our slope rating of 130.
Our economical $10
Osborne, KS Golf Courses