Marion County, KS
Welcome to Marion County!You will soon discover some of the best kept secrets in the Heartland!
Each community in Marion County has a unique heitage, which you may share and experience at any of the many museums, restaurants, craft shops and other attractions throughout the country.
Marion County is located at the center of it all, in the middle of Kansas in the central United States.
In the 1860's, Marion County extended west all the way to the Colorado Territory line!. Today those borders have been reduced, but Marion County Still offers plenty of territory for tourism and recreation!
Marion County is the only location in the United States where the Santa Fe Trail and Chisholm Trail cross each other's paths. Visitors may track the Santa Fe Trail in northern Marion County, near Lost Springs, Romona, Tampa and Durham.
Cowboys herded longhorns from Texas along the famous Chisholm Trail, located in the western part of the county near Goessel, Lehigh, Hillsboro and Durham.
In southern Marion County, the towns of Florence and Peabody were founded along the route of the Santa Fe Railroad.
Old Indian trails cross through the county, as well. Many artifacts continue to be discovered in several locations.
Explore Marion County
Historic Homes Tour
The Marion Historic Committee has prepared a tour of designated historic homes within the city. These homes range in design of the oldest cut stone of the Wm. Kellison Home dating 1879 to the elegant Victorian examples of the early 1900's.
Marion, KS Historic HomesThe Kreutziger Schoolhouse
The Kreutziger Schoolhouse reminds us of the early education on the Kansas prairie, 1886-1960. Today the bell tower, the desks and the stove show how one teacher taught eight grades with an average of from 20 to 30 students.
Hillsboro, KS Historic SchoolhousesHill School Building
The Hill School building is the oldest building in the state of Kansas in continuous educational use. Built in 1873 of native stone, it is listed on the National Historic Register.
Marion, KS Historic SchoolhousesPresbyterian Church
The distinction of being the oldest church organization in Marion County belongs to the Presbyterian Church of Marion, which is also listed on the State Register of Historic Buildings. The native stone used to build this structure was cut in 1872
Marion, KS Historic ChurchesHillsboro Municipal Golf
Hillsboro Municipal Golf Course is playable by all caliber players. This nine-hole course is irrigated from tee-box to green creating lush bluegrass fairways and challenging bent grass greens.
Hillsboro, KS Golf CoursesPeabody City Park
Peabody's beautiful City Park has provided a meeting place for generations of community members. The idea of a park was perhaps established in 1876 when the tradition of having a county wide 4
Peabody, KS LandmarksPeabody Museum Historical Complex
The 1874 frame building given by railroad executive, F.H. Peabody, to express his appreciation for the town being named for him was the first free library in the State of Kansas, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. He gave 2,000
Peabody, KS MuseumsMennonite Heritage Museum
The Mennonite Heritage Museum Complex was extablished in 1974 to preserve the artifacts from early households, farms, and community institutions and tell the story of the Mennonite families who left Russia in 1874 to make Kansas their home. The Museum Complex includes eight buildings: The
Goessel, KS MuseumsElgin House Apartments
The Elgin House apartments was originally a 42 room hotel with a dining room that seated 80 guests, and provided billiard and card rooms. It was built in 1886 of native stone, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Marion, KS Historic HotelsFriesen Dutch Windmill
The mill is an authentic replica built to specifications of the original 1876, Jacob Friesen Mill built by Mennonite immigrants. Authentic down to the square wooden pegs, this working mill uses wind power to grind whole wheat flour.
Hillsboro, KS Historic MillsCivil War Memorial
The Civil War Memorial was erected in 1929 by Theodore P. Burkert, a Civil War veteran. It is dedicated to Civil War veterans and the Women's Relief Corps.
Marion, KS MemorialsMarion Cemetery
A unique monument of great interest in the Marion Cemetery is that of Rueben Riggs. It stands in honor of a man who did not make any major historic contributions, but who is remembered for showing kindness to other people.
Marion, KS Cemeteries