Hanover KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hanover, Kansas.
1. Hollenberg Pony Express Station State Historic Site
ORIGINAL FRONTIER MAIL STOP
The Hollenberg Pony Express Station is the only unaltered Pony Express Station still on its original site, located 5 miles north of US Hwy 36 in Washington County. Pony Express riders and hundreds of pioneers made stops at this historic station, which was established in 1857 by Gerat H. and Sophia Hollenberg on the Oregon-California Trail. The station served various purposes throughout history, including as a neighborhood grocery store, a tavern, and an unofficial post office for emigrants.
2. St. John's Catholic Church
HISTORIC LIMESTONE ARCHITECTURE
St. John's Catholic Church was built of limestone in 1868 and is located at 114 South Church Street in Hanover. This impressive architectural church is open daily to the public and features an enormous pipe organ still in its original condition. The church complex includes the adjoining St. John's parochial school for grades 1-8 and the rectory.
3. Ricky's Café
LOCAL COMFORT FOOD
Ricky's Café is a popular dining establishment in Hanover offering café and diner-style cuisine. The restaurant provides affordable dining options in a casual, hometown atmosphere. Visitors and locals alike enjoy the comfortable setting and traditional American fare.
4. Snappers Pub and Grub
CASUAL DINING HOTSPOT
Snappers Pub and Grub is one of the main dining options in Hanover, offering a casual atmosphere for locals and visitors. The establishment serves as both a restaurant and a social gathering place in the community. Snappers provides traditional American fare in a relaxed environment.
5. Pony Express Café
FRONTIER-THEMED DINING EXPERIENCE
The Pony Express Café pays homage to Hanover's historical connection to the famous mail delivery service. This themed restaurant offers visitors a taste of local cuisine while surrounded by historical ambiance. Diners can enjoy a meal while immersing themselves in the local heritage of the Pony Express.
6. Turn 4 Bar & Grill
SPORTS AND DINING VENUE
Turn 4 Bar & Grill serves as both a restaurant and a social hub in the Hanover community. The establishment offers a menu of American favorites in a sports bar atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy food and drinks while socializing with locals in this popular gathering spot.
7. Blue River Rail Trail
SCENIC OUTDOOR PATH
The Blue River Rail Trail is a highly-rated hiking trail located near Hanover in the Marysville area. This outdoor attraction offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy nature while walking, running, or cycling along the converted rail path. The trail features beautiful scenery and is popular among outdoor enthusiasts visiting the region.
8. Marysville Sod House
PIONEER LIVING HISTORY
The Marysville Sod House is a historic site showcasing pioneer living conditions in the region. Located just a short drive from Hanover, this attraction offers visitors insight into early settlement life on the prairie. The preserved sod house demonstrates the resourcefulness of early settlers who used available materials to create shelter.
9. Pony Express Barn & Museum
MAIL SERVICE HISTORY
The Pony Express Barn & Museum is housed in an architectural building that serves as a historic site related to the famous mail delivery service. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the history and significance of the Pony Express, which operated briefly but significantly in American frontier history. The museum preserves artifacts and stories from this important chapter in western communication.
10. Alcove Springs
NATURAL HISTORIC LANDMARK
Alcove Springs is a natural body of water that served as an important landmark for pioneers traveling westward on the Oregon Trail. Located near Hanover, this picturesque spot offered fresh water to emigrants making the journey west. The site combines natural beauty with historical significance as many wagon trains stopped here during the westward migration.
11. Annual Days of 49
COMMUNITY FESTIVAL TRADITION
The Annual Days of 49 is a significant community celebration held in Hanover during late June. This festive event features parades and a carnival that brings together locals and visitors for entertainment. The celebration represents an important cultural tradition for the Hanover community.
12. Wagon Wheel Cafe
REGIONAL AMERICAN DINING
The Wagon Wheel Cafe in nearby Marysville offers mid-range American and cafe-style cuisine that includes vegetarian-friendly options. This popular dining establishment provides visitors with a taste of regional cooking in a comfortable atmosphere. The restaurant has earned positive reviews for its menu and service.
13. Crystal Springs Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION AREA
Crystal Springs Park is a recreational area located a short drive from Hanover in nearby Fairbury, Nebraska. This park offers visitors various outdoor activities and relaxation opportunities in a natural setting. The park serves as a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts in the region.
14. Bonham Theater
HISTORIC CINEMA EXPERIENCE
The Bonham Theater in Fairbury, Nebraska provides entertainment options for visitors to the region around Hanover. This historic theater offers movie screenings in a traditional cinema setting. Visitors can enjoy current films while experiencing the charm of a classic theater venue.
15. Atlas Ad Astra Adventure Resort
CONVERTED MISSILE SILO EXPERIENCE
The Atlas Ad Astra Adventure Resort near Wilson offers visitors the unique opportunity to explore what it's like inside a missile silo. This unconventional attraction transforms a former military installation into an adventure destination. Guests can experience this distinctive repurposing of Cold War infrastructure while learning about its historical significance.