Flint Hills Country, Kansas
The Flint Hills is a place where you can still wander and explore magnificent grassland prairies, unchanged since the days of the Santa Fe Trail. Where the sky bends to meet the earth, and summer breezes blow across a sea of tallgrass and prairie wildflowers. Leave the 20th century behind and hop on an authentic Conestoga wagon for a western adventure you won't soon forget. Take the scenic route in search of historic forts and presidential treasures. Stop along the way to sample young vintages at a Kansas winery. And, if the spirit moves you, raise your arms, free your feet and dance across the open prairie. It's a place where the West is still wild. Where less is definitely more. So saddle up and hit the trail.
Explore Flint Hills Country
Museum of Independent Telephony
The Museum of Independent Telephony shares a building with the Dickinson County Historical Society and Museum. It was in Abilene that Cleyson L. Brown, a local youth, built and operated a telephone exchange in 1898
Abilene, KS MuseumsHerington Lakes
Herington has two city lakes just one mile apart, great for picnicking, boating, skiing, swimming. Along with trophy bass, the city lake is also the best small-lake walley fishing in the State of Kansas. There are full camping facilities with electric hook-ups, boat ramps, and swimming. The "old"
Herington, KS RecreationFather Padilla Park
Father Padilla Memorial Park features a monument to Juan Padilla, who was killed in 1542. The shaded park has picnic facilities, playground facilities, gazebo, tennis court, basketball, nine-hole disc golf course, and baseball diamonds. Admission to the park's WPA-built swimming pool is free.
Herington, KS RecreationCouncil Grove National Bank Building
Completed in 1887, this bank that anchors a corner of downtown is a fine example of Western Commerical architecture. The exterior of the building was refurbished in 1974 and, after a 1978 fire, additional work restored the lobby to an appearance reminiscent of 1887. Listed on the
Council Grove, KS Historic BuildingsHiatt House
The Italianate Victorian home presently known as Hiatt's House Restaurant, owned by Mr. & Mrs. Richard Tredway, was built in 1879 by Col. J.C. McMullen, a local banker. Other owners were George Miller of the famed 101 Ranch from 1888 to 1902, and the J.W. Hiatt family from 1902 to 1974
Winfield, KS Historic BuildingsCity 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 RecreationEarly Day Jail
Desperadoes, ruffians, robbers and horse thieves all "bunked" here in this early day calaboose (jail), built in 1849. It was said to be the only jail on the Santa Fe Trail at the time. Other Durland Park attractions:
Council Grove, KS Pioneer LifeOld Frisco Wooden Water Tower
Built in 1885 for Frisco Railroad steam engines in Beaumont, the water tower provided water for the railroad roundhouse and cattle shipping operation. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is the oldest wooden water tower still operating in America.
Beaumont, KS Railroad History