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
Prairie Lawn Cemetery
Of special interest in the Prairie Lawn Cemetery whose association began in 1880, is its close connection with the Civil War.Around 125 graves of veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic are found here. According to the Peabody Historical Society, more may exist, although they are unmarked.
Peabody, KS CemeteriesPeabody 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 MuseumsTabor College
Tabor College is an accredited 4 year liberal arts Christian college, with an extensive collection of Mennonite history, cultural and sporting events.
Hillsboro, KS CollegesCentral Park
Central Park continues to be a favorite spot to gather for outdoor fun, or sometimes just a stoll among the century old Burr Oaks. The shade from these mighty oaks makes this an outdoor haven even during those warm Kansas summers. The historic fountain built in the park in 1884
Marion, KS RecreationHistoric Mennonite Brethren Church
This is the oldest Mennonite Brethren church building in the United States. Built in 1893, it was the first classroom of Tabor College, a Mennonite Brethren liberal arts college. The Mennonite Brethren Church is one of several distinct denominational families within the larger Mennonite/
Hillsboro, KS Historic ChurchesThe William Schaeffler House
Reflective of a prosperous midwestern family in the early years of the century, this home of Lutheran immigrant, William F. Schaeffler from Germany, was constructed in 1909. Part of the reason the house is now a museum could be attributed to its "modern"
Hillsboro, KS MuseumsPeabody Printing Museum
The Peabody Printing Museum is a collection of hot type equipment dating from 1870 to 1920. Not only is this Museum an attraction for those visiting Peabody, it also serves as a memorial to the thousands of "ink-stained wretches"
Peabody, KS MuseumsSalem Orphan's Home Cemetery
Although known as the Salem Orphan's Home Cemetery, this field of graves once belonged to the Industrial School and Hygiene Home for the Friendless. Incorporated in 1890, the purpose of the home was to "
Hillsboro, KS CemeteriesMennonite 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 Museums1887 Olde Towne Restaurant
The three-story Olde Towne building was completed in 1880, a year after Hillsboro was founded. It was restored in 1887. Over the years, the building has housed a bank, hardware and dry goods store, apartments on the upper floor, and egg processing plant. The building was vacant in the 1960
Hillsboro, KS Historic BuildingsBurns Community Museum
The Community Museum is housed in the former Burns Union School built in 1904 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The school was the first consolidated grade and high school in Kansas.
Burns, KS MuseumsFriesen 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 Mills