McPherson County, KS
Most of the early settlers of McPherson County came from the east lured by the promise of free land. The Santa Fe Trail which crosses the county just south of McPherson is a current reminder of the early heritage of the county. Marked with monuments where it crosses the county's highways, the variations the trail left on the terrain are still visible from aerial photos.
McPherson County offers a rich diversity of historic, cultural, and natural attractions. It was settled primarily by Swedish, German, Swiss, and Volga German immigrants whose heritage is very alive across the county. Enjoy historical celebrations in full native costumes each summer and fall in Lindsborg, "Little Sweden, U.S.A." and the Scottish Highland Games at McPherson. Native prairie can still be found in this area, some of which overlooks the Smoky Valley. The county also includes some of the finest cultural attractions in the area.
Explore McPherson County
Moundridge Depot Museum
The Depot Museum was built as an actual railroad depot in the 1880's when the railroad came through the area. In 1986 the building was purchased and moved a few feet off the railroad right-of-way.
Moundridge, KS Railroad HistoryBirger Sandzen Memorial Gallery
The gallery holds an extensive collection of fine art from the master. It is a tribute to the beloved Swedish art teacher at Bethany College, the late Birger Sandzen. Here one may find oil and watercolor paintings, prints and woodblocks and more by Sandzen, as well as objects from the gallery'
Lindsborg, KS ArtsMarquette's Historic Downtown
The downtown area of Marquette was built in the 1880's and 1890's, and has been restored to its turn of the century appearance. Most of Marquette'
Marquette, KS Historic DowntownsCity 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 RecreationAnton Pearson Woodcarving Studio
The Pearson Woodcarving Studio, located is the oldest artist's studio in Lindsborg, preserves the memory of early pioneers. Son in law, Norman Malm, a prolific artist, continues the woodcarving tradition. A large collection of his pen and ink drawings and satire cartoons are shown as well. Norman'
Lindsborg, KS Art GalleriesModel Railroad Layouts
Learn about American history and railroading history by viewing one of Kansas largest model railroad layouts. Two train layouts featuring N&HO scales; "A slice of American history preserved in miniature." In this 1,694 square feet area there is over 1,250 feet of HO&N scale track and over 1,700
McPherson, KS Railroad HistoryMcPherson Opera House
Built in 1888, the McPherson Opera House was considered one of the most elaborate and architecturally sound in the state. This three-story architectural showpiece, listed on the National Register of Historic Places had a seating capacity of 900
McPherson, KS Opera HousesCanton Carnegie Library
The 1921 Canton Township Carnegie Library still seems to be in great shape on North Main. It was the last Carnegie Library built in Kansas and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987
Canton, KS Carnegie LibrariesSwedish Pavilion
The Swedish Pavilion is one of seven historic buildings on display at the Old Mill Heritage Square. The Swedish Pavilion was Sweden's exhibit at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis. At the close of the World'
Lindsborg, KS Historic BuildingsHöglund Dugout
Arriving in the fall of 1868, Gustaf Hoglund proceeded to dig a dugout to serve as some protection. The dugout served as the family home until 1874. The Smoky Valley Historical Association maintains the Hoglund Dugout, now a historical site marking an example of an early Scandinavian home.
Lindsborg, KS Historic SitesRange School Museum
This authentic one-room schoolhouse was moved into Marquette from its location northwest of town. It was built in 1906, and is very unique because of its all-wood interior. It has been beautifully restored and is operated as a museum by the Marquette Historical Society. It was moved here in 1986
Marquette, KS Historic SchoolhousesChisholm Trail/Santa Fe Trails Meet
Two of the most historic trails of Kansas, the Santa Fe Trail and the Chisholm Trail, meet just 3 miles east of Canton on Highway 56, on the McPherson/Marion County line, the only place in the United States where these two trails cross.
Canton, KS Pioneer Life