Florence KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Florence, Kansas.
1. Florence Water Tower
HISTORIC LANDMARK SINCE 1888
The Florence Water Tower is a striking cylindrical structure standing 110 feet tall and 18 feet wide, with its lower half constructed of native limestone. Built in 1888 as part of the city's waterworks system that cost $50,000, the tower is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can spot this iconic landmark on a grassy hill just east of the junction of US Highways 50 and 77.
2. Historic Florence Spring House
NATURAL HERITAGE SITE
Historic Florence Spring House offers visitors a unique glimpse into the area's rich heritage and stunning natural surroundings. The spring house represents an important part of early settlement in the region, where water sources were crucial for community development. Travelers can explore this beautiful landmark to appreciate both its historical significance and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
3. Santa Fe Railroad Harvey House
PIONEER HOSPITALITY LANDMARK
The Santa Fe Railroad Harvey House in Florence was the second restaurant opened by Fred Harvey and the first Harvey House with sleeping accommodations, dating back to 1878. Visitors can schedule a tour to view historic artifacts and learn about this important piece of American railroad history. The preserved building offers a fascinating glimpse into the innovative hospitality system that revolutionized travel dining in the western United States.
4. Florence Opera House
HISTORIC CULTURAL CENTER
The Florence Opera House is a beautifully preserved stone building listed on the State Historic Register, showcasing the cultural importance of the arts in early Kansas settlements. Today, this historic venue houses a health food store and bakery, blending its historical significance with modern community use. Visitors can admire the architectural details while strolling down Florence's wide brick Main Street.
5. Town & Country Cafe
LOCAL COMFORT FOOD
Town & Country Cafe offers hearty, homestyle meals that have made it a beloved dining institution in Florence. The cafe serves as a community gathering spot where locals and travelers alike can enjoy classic American comfort food in a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the authentic small-town dining experience that captures the essence of rural Kansas hospitality.
6. Doyle Creek's Brandin' Iron
WESTERN HERITAGE DINING
Doyle Creek's Brandin' Iron serves up authentic western-style cuisine named after one of Florence's earliest settlers, Patrick Doyle. The restaurant honors local heritage through both its menu and rustic atmosphere, creating an immersive dining experience. Visitors can enjoy hearty meals while connecting with the history of this pioneer settlement established in the 1870s.
7. Prairie Oak Designs
LOCAL ARTISAN CRAFTS
Prairie Oak Designs showcases beautiful handcrafted items created by local artisans in Florence. The shop specializes in unique gifts and home decor that reflect the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Kansas prairie. Visitors can find one-of-a-kind souvenirs while supporting the local creative community.
8. Florence Public Library
HISTORIC COMMUNITY RESOURCE
Florence Public Library serves as both a modern community resource and a window into the town's literary history. The library maintains a collection that includes materials about local history, perfect for visitors wanting to learn more about Florence's past. Travelers can stop by to enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and potentially participate in community events.
9. Doyle Creek Bunkhouse
RUSTIC COUNTRYSIDE LODGING
Doyle Creek Bunkhouse offers visitors a chance to experience authentic rural Kansas accommodations named after the creek that runs through Florence. The lodging provides a comfortable base for exploring the historic town and surrounding natural beauty of Marion County. Guests can enjoy the peaceful countryside setting while staying connected to the area's pioneer heritage.
10. 1929 Santa Fe Railroad Caboose
PRESERVED RAILWAY HISTORY
The 1929 Santa Fe Railroad Caboose stands as a testament to Florence's important relationship with the railroad industry that helped establish the town. Visitors can view this well-preserved piece of transportation history that represents the era when the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad was vital to the region's development. The caboose provides an authentic glimpse into early 20th century railway operations that shaped communities throughout Kansas.
11. Florence Limestone Quarries
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE SITE
The Florence Limestone Quarries showcase the impressive magnesium limestone deposits that changed the town's economic trajectory in the 1870s when A.F. Horner abandoned his mercantile plans to enter the stone business. The Florence Stone Company operated multiple quarries, including one at the bottom of 5th Street hill and another east of town, employing hundreds of workers during their peak operation. Visitors can appreciate how these natural resources shaped the development and architecture of Florence and surrounding areas.
12. Marion Reservoir
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Marion Reservoir provides extensive outdoor recreation opportunities just a short drive from Florence. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, camping, and wildlife viewing across this 6,200-acre lake and surrounding public lands. The reservoir offers a refreshing natural retreat with scenic views of the Kansas prairie landscape.
13. Marion County Courthouse
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Marion County Courthouse stands as an impressive architectural landmark in the county seat near Florence. The historic government building showcases the importance of Marion County in the development of this region of Kansas. Visitors can admire the structure's design while learning about local governance history.
14. Chase State Fishing Lake
SERENE FISHING DESTINATION
Chase State Fishing Lake offers peaceful fishing and outdoor recreation in the scenic Flint Hills region near Florence. The 109-acre lake is stocked with channel catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie, making it a popular destination for anglers. Visitors can also enjoy wildlife watching, picnicking, and camping in this tranquil natural setting.
15. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
NATIVE PRAIRIE ECOSYSTEM
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve protects a nationally significant example of the once vast tallgrass prairie ecosystem that covered 170 million acres of North America. Visitors can explore nearly 11,000 acres of native tallgrass prairie, historic buildings, and hiking trails that showcase this unique landscape. The preserve offers an opportunity to experience the natural environment that greeted settlers who established communities like Florence in the 19th century.