Marion County, KS

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
Marion County Courthouse
Completed in 1909, the Romanesque revival, native limestone courthouse has a clock tower and stone carvings at entrance. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Marion, KS Historic CourthousesHillsboro 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 CoursesThe 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 MuseumsThe 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 SchoolhousesMennonite 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 MuseumsCentral 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 RecreationPeabody 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 LandmarksPresbyterian 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 ChurchesMarion Country Club and Golf Course
If you take potential hazards as a personal challenge, then the Marion golf course heads the list. A natural creek meanders through the hilly nine hole course and provides plenty of challenges to golfers.
Marion, KS Golf CoursesMarion 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 CemeteriesBurns 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 Museums