Located on the edge of the scenic Flint Hills in south central Kansas, just thirty miles northeast of Wichita, El Dorado was founded in 1870 and became known as an Oil Town when one of the largest underground oil reserves in the U.S. was discovered there. Today the town is a progressive community that offers a diversity of business and recreation from fine art museums to respected schools and medical facilities to hunting, fishing and more in El Dorado State Park. It was designated a Main Street City in 1998, one of just 21 elite communities in Kansas. Best Western El Dorado Kansas.
Things to do in El Dorado
American Legion Golf Course
The American Legion Golf Course offers a 9-hole golf course, driving range, putting green, snack bar, pro shop and golf carts. Located at 1801 W. Central. Call 316-321-1295 for more information.
Coutts Memorial Museum of Art
Established in 1970, the Coutts Memorial Museum of Art was established to serve as "...a memorial for all time to come commemorating the memory of all of the beloved sons and daughters of this community." The fine art gallery features over 1,000 works by artists such as Renoir, Thomas Hart Benton, Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. The museum also hosts traveling exhibits and special events throughout the year. Located at 110 N. Main. Call 316-321-1212 for more information.
El Dorado City Parks
El Dorado has twelve city parks offering various recreational activities for the entire family, including community concerts, BMX bike races, baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, swimming, skating and picnicking. Call 316-322-7400 for more information.
El Dorado Main Street
El Dorado was designated a Main Street city in 1998, one of 21 such elite communities in Kansas. In nostalgic downtown El Dorado, visitors can spend a pleasant day strolling red-bricked sidewalks lined with flowers and old-fashioned light poles; browsing art galleries and unique shops; dining in charming restaurants and cafes; or simply relaxing in beautiful outdoor courtyards with flower planters and outdoor sculptures. Call 316-321-3088 for more information.
El Dorado State Park and Lake
Located at the edge of the scenic Flint Hills just northeast of the city, El Dorado State Park offers a multitude of opportunities for outdoor and water recreation. El Dorado Lake has nearly 8,000 surface acres of water and 98 miles of shoreline for fishing, boating, swimming, and picnicking. The park has designated approximately 6,000 acres of land for hunting. In addition, 4,000 acres of developed parks and recreation areas offer camping with both primitive camp sites and developed camp sites with utility hookups and shower houses; hiking, biking and equestrian trails; two swimming beaches; group shelters; a large amphitheater with an indoor and outdoor stage; and the Shady Creek Marina. Call 316-321-7180 for more information.
Kansas Oil Museum
Dedicated to the discovery and development of the oil industry in Kansas, the Kansas Oil Museum features indoor exhibits on farming, ranching and oil; a hands-on area for children; Texaco Theater; and Kansas Oil Hall of Fame. Ten acres of outdoor exhibits display oil field equipment dating from the 1920s to the 1950s. In addition, 8 historic buildings relate the social history of Butler county and Kansas oil. Located at two blocks east of downtown El Dorado at 383 E. Central. Call 316-321-9333 for more information.
McDonald Stadium
McDonald Stadium is the home of the El Dorado Broncos, a semi-professional summer baseball team in the premier Jayhawk League and a top contender for the National Baseball Congress World Series. Located at the stadium, the El Dorado Baseball Hall of Fame honors local people who have contributed to the success of baseball in El Dorado. Take K254 (Central) east through town to Griffith, then north on Griffith 1/2 block to McDonald Stadium. Call 316-321-3150 for more information.
Prairie Trails Golf and Country Club
Prairie Trails is an 18-hole golf course open to members and to the public for daily green fees. Call for tee times and reservations. Practice facilities, pro shop, restaurant and cart rentals are available. Located at 1100 Country Club Lane. Call 316-321-4114 for more information.
The Playhouse Doll Museum
Located in the basement of the historic Antioch Church, the Playhouse Doll Museum is a charming exhibit of dolls and antiques arranged in time period rooms. Open Sunday afternoons or by appointment. The church is located at 526 N. Star. Call 316-321-1748 for more information.