Downs, Kansas

Sod 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

Missouri-Pacific Railroad Depot

Carnegie Library

The Downs Carnegie Library built in 1905 which was constructed from a $5,000 gift from Andrew Carnegie, still houses the library. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings.

The Organ Factory

The historic Baptist Church of 1890 is now home to Richardson's Organ Factory. Tour the factory and learn about organ design from a European-trained organ master.

Lipton 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.