Concordia KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Concordia, Kansas.
1. National Orphan Train Complex
HISTORICAL MIGRATION MUSEUM
The National Orphan Train Complex, housed in a restored Union Pacific Depot, preserves the history of the Orphan Train Movement from 1854-1929. The museum is dedicated to documenting the relocation of more than 250,000 children from New York City to rural areas across America. Visitors can explore museum displays, archives, research materials, and a gift shop focused on this significant chapter in American history.
2. Brown Grand Theatre
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
The Brown Grand Theatre has been restored to its original 1907 splendor and serves as a centerpiece for cultural events in Concordia. The venue hosts live entertainment including plays, concerts, and performances by the Brown Grand Players and the Community Concert Association. This historic theater also showcases at least one college production each year, making it a vital part of the community's cultural landscape.
3. Sisters of St. Joseph Nazareth Convent
MAGNIFICENT HISTORIC MOTHERHOUSE
The Sisters of St. Joseph Nazareth Convent, a magnificent structure that has towered over Concordia's landscape since 1903, serves as the motherhouse for the Sisters of St. Joseph. The five-story red brick building features towers reaching seven stories and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can admire the incredibly intricate stained-glass windows, stunning architecture, and extensive collection of art and artifacts during tours of this historic convent.
4. WWII German POW Camp
WARTIME HISTORICAL SITE
The WWII German POW Camp Concordia was built during World War II to house captured German prisoners, housing 4,000 German prisoners and 1,000 military and civilian staff at its peak. Today, visitors can explore the POW Museum located in the large T-9 warehouse, view the concrete water tower base, and see original stonework at the main entrance and guard tower. This historical site offers a glimpse into a little-known aspect of American wartime history and its impact on the local community.
5. Cloud County Convention & Tourism Whole Wall Mural
AMERICA'S LARGEST BRICK MURAL
The Whole Wall Mural, spanning 140 feet in length with 6,400 bricks, stands as the largest sculpted brick mural in the United States. Located on the east wall of the Cloud County Museum Annex and Concordia Travel Information Center, this incredible piece of public art depicts the rich history of Cloud County. The mural was created as a project of the Cloud County Historical Society and has become one of Concordia's most distinctive visual landmarks.
6. Cloud County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Cloud County Historical Museum preserves and displays artifacts and information related to the history of Cloud County and Concordia. The museum houses extensive collections that document the settlement, development, and cultural heritage of the region. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring period clothing, furniture, tools, photographs, and other items that tell the story of life in north-central Kansas through the decades.
7. Broadway Plaza
DOWNTOWN PUBLIC EVENT SPACE
Broadway Plaza serves as Concordia's premier outdoor public event space, hosting between 100-150 events annually. This vibrant community hub features a giant LED screen for watching games and movies, a splash pad for children, and a stage for concerts and performances. The Plaza functions as the gateway to Concordia's downtown shopping, dining, and entertainment district, making it central to the city's social and economic life.
8. Orphan Train Statue
COMMEMORATIVE PUBLIC ART
The Orphan Train Statue stands as a poignant memorial to the children who were part of the Orphan Train Movement from 1854-1929. This public artwork captures the emotion and historical significance of a movement that relocated over 250,000 orphaned children from eastern cities to new homes across America. The statue complements Concordia's National Orphan Train Complex, reinforcing the city's connection to this important chapter in American social history.
9. Concordia City Park
FAMILY RECREATION AREA
Concordia City Park offers residents and visitors alike a spacious green space for outdoor recreation and community gatherings. The park features playground equipment, picnic areas, walking paths, and sports facilities that serve people of all ages throughout the year. During warmer months, the park hosts community events, concerts, and festivals that showcase the friendly atmosphere of small-town Kansas.
10. Rod's Food Store
LOCAL GROCERY EXPERIENCE
Rod's Food Store has served as a cornerstone business in Concordia, providing residents with fresh groceries and specialty items. The store combines the convenience of modern shopping with the personal service characteristic of small-town businesses. Beyond just groceries, Rod's functions as a community hub where locals connect while supporting a longstanding family-owned establishment.
11. Rocky Pond Brewing
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Rocky Pond Brewing offers visitors a taste of locally crafted beers in a welcoming atmosphere in downtown Concordia. The brewery produces a variety of beer styles, from traditional favorites to seasonal specialties that showcase the creativity of their brewmasters. Patrons can enjoy their beverages in a relaxed setting that often features local music, food pairings, and community events.
12. Heavy's BBQ
SMOKY KANSAS BARBECUE
Heavy's BBQ delights diners with authentic Kansas-style barbecue featuring slow-smoked meats and homemade sauces. The restaurant has built a reputation for serving generous portions of brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and other barbecue favorites accompanied by traditional sides. This casual eatery embodies the heartland's passion for barbecue while providing a friendly, unpretentious dining experience for locals and travelers alike.
13. Cloud County Community College
EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL HUB
Cloud County Community College serves as both an educational institution and a cultural center for Concordia and the surrounding region. The college offers a wide range of academic programs, technical training, and continuing education opportunities to students of all ages. Beyond academics, the campus hosts art exhibits, theatrical productions, musical performances, and athletic events that are open to the public throughout the year.
14. Frank Carlson Library
COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE CENTER
The Frank Carlson Library provides Concordia residents with access to books, digital resources, and community programs in a welcoming environment. Named after Kansas Senator Frank Carlson, the library serves as an educational resource for all ages through its collections, technology access, and regular events. The facility hosts reading programs, educational workshops, and cultural activities that enrich the intellectual life of the community.
15. Britt's Farm
RURAL AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Britt's Farm, located near Manhattan but worth the drive from Concordia, offers visitors a genuine agricultural experience with seasonal produce and farm activities. The farm features a market with fresh fruits and vegetables, pumpkin patches in the fall, and Christmas trees during the holiday season. Families particularly enjoy the corn maze, hayrides, and other agricultural attractions that connect visitors with Kansas farming traditions.