Elk County, KS
The Elk River runs across Elk county from the northwest corner to the southeast corner. The Fall river drains the northeast corner of the county; the southwest corner near Grenola has the beautiful Caney river valley. These various waterways have carved the whole county with big valleys and small canyons. As you travel the county from west to east, you descend about 500 feet from the Flint Hills of Cowley county to the river bottoms that form the Elk City lake in Montgomery county. The rugged terrain leads some to call this area "the Kansas Ozarks." The giant quarries near Moline are the county's largest industry. Farming, ranching, and oil & gas production are all important to the local economy.
Explore Elk County
Gragg Agricultural Memorial and Benson Museum
The Gragg Memorial and Benson Museum houses antique implements such as a 1901 International Thresher, a 1916 Tumley oil pull tractor, and Howard's first fire truck - a 1929 model with less than 800 miles.
Howard, KS Museums
Elk Falls and the River Canyon Area
This beautiful natural falls on the Elk River is impressive - at least by Kansas standards - and makes a really nice roar. Impressive, too, is the deep boulder-strewn river canyon in which it is located. Dry year? Welcome to "Elk Trickle."
Elk Falls, KS Scenic ViewsGrenola Mill and Elevator Museum
Grenola was formed in 1879 when the two communities of Greenfield and Canola relocated along the new railroad line. The community for a time was a rowdy cowtown, being a major shipping point for the cattle driven north from Oklahoma and Texas. Later, in the early 1900
Grenola, KS MuseumsElk County Courthouse
The Elk County Courthouse was built in 1908 after the original county seat center built in 1886 burned. The courthouse is one of a few that have a fireplace in every office.
Howard, KS Historic CourthousesPrudence Crandall Memorial Markers
Is she America's most famous unknown woman? Learn about her fascinating life at this combined Kansas and Connecticut marker site. Her story was told in the Walt Disney/NBC-TV movie, She Stood Alone. Prudence Crandall is buried in the Elk Falls cemetery. In 1831
Elk Falls, KS MemorialsPoints of Interest
1887 Bank - The Howard National Bank was organized in 1877, with the existing building built in 1887. It is now unoccupied and in need of repair, but its stately design can still be admired.
Authentic Sidewalks
Howard, KS Historic BuildingsHubbell's Rubble People
On the West side of Highway 99 on Adam's Street, see whimsical outdoor sculptures made from cast-offs. They will definitely make you smile. CAMERA TIME!
Howard, KS ArtsElk Falls Cemetery
History buffs will find much of interest here. In addition to the graves of Prudence Crandall and her brother Hezekiah, several Union Soldiers, one Confederate soldier and one of America's first women mayors, America I. King, are buried here.
Elk Falls, KS CemeteriesTeacher of the Plains Grave
Frank Hobbs was the first teacher in Elk County in 1869. In 1933, each student in the county contributed a nickel to build the fence to mark the grave site.
Howard, KS CemeteriesKeefe Homestead Museum
Built in 1872, this landmark Elk Falls home is still pretty much as it was when the Keefes lived in it. Tours of the house and barn with its family heirlooms and 19th century implements are available during the annual open house always the Friday and Saturday before Thanksgiving.
Elk Falls, KS MuseumsLittle White Churches
Oldest in the area, these charming clapboard structures were built in 1879 (now Calvary Chapel), and in 1880 (United Methodist). The latter has had a continuously active congregation since its formation in 1870. A visit to its tranquil interior will take you back to a quieter, more peaceful era.
Elk Falls, KS Historic Churches