Ellsworth KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ellsworth, Kansas.
1. Hodgden House Museum Complex
HISTORIC PIONEER SETTLEMENT
The Hodgden House Museum Complex showcases Ellsworth's rich pioneer history through multiple historic buildings. Visitors can tour the Hodgden House built in 1873 by Perry Hodgden, one of the town's first settlers, along with a stone livery from 1887, two historic churches, and a rare wooden Union Pacific Caboose. The complex also includes the Black Wolf school built in 1912 and the oldest building in Ellsworth, the 1873 Jail.
2. National Drovers Hall of Fame Museum
CATTLE DRIVE LEGACY
The National Drovers Hall of Fame Museum is housed in the old Signature Insurance Building on North Douglas Avenue in Ellsworth. This museum celebrates the history of the Great American cattle drives that once passed through this historic cow town. Visitors can engage with interactive displays that bring to life the era when Ellsworth was known as 'The Wickedest Cattletown in Kansas.'
3. Ellsworth 1873 Jail
OLD WEST LAW ENFORCEMENT
The Ellsworth 1873 Jail stands as the oldest building in Ellsworth, offering a glimpse into frontier justice. This historic structure played a crucial role during Ellsworth's wild cattle town days of the late 1860s. Visitors can explore the jail cells and imagine life during a time when lawmen faced notorious outlaws in this once bustling railroad town.
4. Ellsworth Area Arts Gallery
LOCAL CREATIVE EXPRESSION
The Ellsworth Area Arts Gallery showcases the creative talents of local and regional artists. The gallery features rotating exhibitions of various art forms including paintings, sculptures, and photography. Visitors can immerse themselves in the cultural side of Ellsworth while appreciating the artistic expression of Kansas creators.
5. Prairie Trail Scenic Byway
HISTORIC TRAVEL ROUTE
The Prairie Trail Scenic Byway allows travelers to follow in the footsteps of Native Americans, explorers, and pioneers as they journeyed through Kansas. This scenic route passes near the historic Santa Fe and Chisholm Trails, where 19th-century cowboys once drove cattle. The byway offers stunning views of the majestic Flint Hills region where huge herds of bison once roamed.
6. Kanopolis Lake & State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Kanopolis State Park, the first state park in Kansas, is nestled among the rolling hills, bluffs, and woods of the scenic Smoky Hills region. The park features towering Dakota sandstone bluffs, caves, and crevices of Horsethief Canyon, offering rugged beauty and stunning vistas for nature lovers. Kanopolis Lake provides more than 30 miles of trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, fishers, and campers.
7. Coach & Four Bowling Lanes
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
Coach & Four Bowling Lanes offers family-friendly entertainment in the heart of Ellsworth. This bowling alley provides a fun recreational option for locals and visitors alike, with lanes suitable for all skill levels. Visitors can enjoy a casual game while experiencing a slice of small-town Kansas social life.
8. Paden's Place Bar
LOCAL WATERING HOLE
Paden's Place Bar serves as a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors in Ellsworth. This establishment offers drinks and a taste of authentic small-town Kansas hospitality. Patrons can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere while mingling with friendly locals who often share stories about the area's rich history.
9. Mushroom Rock State Park
UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL FORMATION
Mushroom Rock State Park features unique rock formations that resemble mushrooms, created through millions of years of erosion. These Dakota sandstone concretions are among the most unusual rock formations in the state and have been a landmark for Native Americans and pioneers alike. The small but fascinating park offers visitors a chance to explore these natural wonders while enjoying picnic facilities in a serene prairie setting.
10. Ellsworth Golf Course
PRAIRIE LINKS EXPERIENCE
Ellsworth Golf Course offers golfers a chance to play among the scenic Kansas prairie landscapes. The course features well-maintained greens and fairways that challenge players of all skill levels. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful rural setting while testing their golf skills at this local favorite.
11. Preisker Park & Splash Pad
FAMILY COOLING RECREATION
Preisker Park & Splash Pad offers a refreshing outdoor recreation option for families visiting Ellsworth. The splash pad provides a fun way for children to cool off during hot Kansas summers with interactive water features. The surrounding park area includes shaded spaces and facilities for picnics and gatherings.
12. Kanopolis Drive-In Theatre
NOSTALGIC MOVIE EXPERIENCE
The Kanopolis Drive-In Theatre offers a nostalgic movie-watching experience under the Kansas stars. This classic drive-in allows visitors to enjoy current films from the comfort of their vehicles, hearkening back to a bygone era of American entertainment. The theater creates a perfect evening outing for families, couples, and film enthusiasts seeking a unique cinematic experience.
13. Atlas Ad Astra Adventure Resort
CONVERTED MISSILE SILO
The Atlas Ad Astra Adventure Resort near Wilson offers visitors the rare opportunity to tour an abandoned Atlas F Missile Silo. This unique attraction transforms a Cold War military installation into an educational adventure experience. Guests can explore the underground complex and learn about its historical significance during the height of nuclear tensions.
14. World's Largest Hand Painted Czech Egg
CULTURAL FOLK ART
The World's Largest Hand Painted Czech Egg stands as a testament to Wilson's rich Czech heritage. This impressive folk art creation showcases traditional egg decoration techniques scaled to monumental proportions. Visitors can admire the intricate patterns and vibrant colors that represent the cultural traditions brought to Kansas by Czech immigrants.
15. Faris Caves
HISTORIC MAN-MADE CAVERNS
The Faris Caves are a series of man-made caverns carved into the Dakota sandstone in the 1800s. Created by early settler Ezekiel Faris as a cool place to store food and seek shelter, these historic caves offer a glimpse into pioneer ingenuity. Visitors can explore these remarkable structures while enjoying the surrounding natural beauty of the Kansas landscape.