Parkerville KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Parkerville, Kansas.
1. Parkerville Historic Town Square
RAILROAD TOWN HERITAGE SITE
Parkerville Historic Town Square represents the original layout established by Charles G. Parker in 1870 when he founded this railroad town. The square was designed to potentially house a courthouse as Parker hoped to remove the county seat status from Council Grove. Today, visitors can explore this semi-ghost town's history and see the remnants of what was once a bustling railroad community.
2. Neosho River Access
SCENIC WATERWAY EXPERIENCE
The Neosho River flows near Parkerville, offering visitors opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and nature observation. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot various bird species and other animals that make their home along the river banks. The peaceful setting provides a perfect escape from city life with its natural beauty and tranquil waters.
3. Historic Parkerville Schoolhouse
1871 EDUCATIONAL LANDMARK
The Historic Parkerville Schoolhouse is a two-story structure built in 1871 during the town's early development. This educational landmark served the community's children for many years and stands as a testament to the importance placed on education by the town's founders. Visitors can appreciate the architectural style typical of rural Kansas schools from that era.
4. Santa Fe Trail Crossing
HISTORIC FRONTIER ROUTE
Located near Parkerville, the Santa Fe Trail Crossing represents an important piece of American frontier history. Charles G. Parker, Parkerville's founder, was a former Santa Fe Trail wagon train freighter before establishing the town in 1870. Visitors can walk in the footsteps of pioneers and traders who traversed this historic commercial highway connecting Missouri with Santa Fe, New Mexico.
5. Gerth Cabin
HISTORICAL PIONEER DWELLING
Gerth Cabin offers visitors a glimpse into pioneer life with its well-preserved historical structure. The cabin showcases the rustic living conditions and architectural style common during the settlement period in Kansas. History enthusiasts can explore this authentic dwelling to better understand the daily challenges faced by early settlers in the region.
6. John Brown Museum
CIVIL WAR HISTORY
The John Brown Museum preserves the history of the famous abolitionist who fought against slavery in pre-Civil War Kansas. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing Brown's controversial life and his role in the violent struggles that earned Kansas the nickname 'Bleeding Kansas.' The museum provides valuable insights into this pivotal period in American history that helped shape the nation's approach to human rights.
7. Isinglass Estate
HISTORIC PROPERTY TOUR
Isinglass Estate welcomes visitors to explore its historic grounds and architectural features that showcase Kansas heritage. The estate offers guided tours highlighting the property's significance to local history and culture. Guests can enjoy the picturesque setting while learning about the families who once called this magnificent property home.
8. NightHawk Vineyard & Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
NightHawk Vineyard & Winery offers visitors a delightful taste of locally produced wines in a charming rural setting. Guests can enjoy wine tastings featuring varieties made from grapes grown on the property and in the surrounding region. The winery provides a perfect afternoon destination with its beautiful grounds and opportunity to learn about Kansas viticulture from knowledgeable staff.
9. Fire Lake Soapery
ARTISANAL SOAP SHOP
Fire Lake Soapery delights visitors with its handcrafted soaps and bath products made using traditional methods. This artisanal shop offers demonstrations of the soap-making process and allows guests to choose from a variety of scents and formulations. Shoppers can purchase unique, locally-made souvenirs and gifts while supporting small-scale craftsmanship.
10. Council Grove Historic District
SANTA FE TRAIL TOWN
Council Grove Historic District serves as a living museum with its well-preserved buildings and landmarks from the Santa Fe Trail era. The district contains numerous sites on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Last Chance Store, Hays House Restaurant, and the Kaw Mission. Visitors can stroll through history while enjoying the small-town charm that has remained largely unchanged since the trail days.
11. Kaw Mission State Historic Site
NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY
Kaw Mission State Historic Site preserves a stone building constructed in 1851 as a school for Kaw (Kansa) Indian boys. The mission operated until 1854 and now serves as a museum documenting the history of the Kaw people and their interactions with European-American settlers. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and information about this important crossroads of cultures during the westward expansion period.
12. Hays House Restaurant
HISTORIC DINING EXPERIENCE
Hays House Restaurant, established in 1857, claims the title of oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi River. The historic building once served as a gathering place for trail riders and has hosted notable figures including Jesse James and George Armstrong Custer. Today, diners can enjoy classic American cuisine while surrounded by the authentic atmosphere of a Santa Fe Trail establishment.
13. Council Grove City Lake
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Council Grove City Lake offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreational activities including fishing, boating, camping, and hiking. The lake's clear waters are home to numerous fish species, making it a popular destination for anglers throughout the region. Nature enthusiasts can explore the surrounding woodland areas and observe local wildlife in this peaceful natural setting.
14. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
NATIVE GRASSLAND ECOSYSTEM
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve protects one of the last remaining areas of tallgrass prairie, an ecosystem that once covered 170 million acres of North America. Visitors can hike through rolling hills of native grasses and wildflowers while potentially spotting the preserve's bison herd that was reintroduced to help maintain the natural landscape. The historic Spring Hill Ranch complex within the preserve offers insights into the agricultural history of the region and how ranching shaped the prairie landscape.
15. Chase County Courthouse
HISTORIC LIMESTONE ARCHITECTURE
The Chase County Courthouse stands as the oldest operating courthouse in Kansas, built of native limestone in 1873 in the French Renaissance style. Its distinctive design features a 113-foot-tall bell tower that can be seen for miles across the Flint Hills landscape. Visitors can tour this architectural gem to appreciate its grand staircase, original woodwork, and learn about its continued role in county governance after nearly 150 years of service.