Established in 1867, Ellsworth soon became a thriving cowtown and the leading cattle shipping point in Kansas. The small and friendly community is located seven miles south of I-70, set amidst a scenic Smoky Hill landscape with rolling hills bluffs. The city is home to three lovely parks, a brand new swimming pool, a challenging golf course, and two state lakes within 15 miles. The nearby countryside is known for excellent hunting and fishing. Best Western Ellsworth Kansas.
Things to do in Ellsworth
Drover’s Mercantile
Drover’s Mercantile is a unique shop specializing in historically accurate 19th century cowboy attire and merchandise. The shop is reminiscent of the days when cowboys drove cattle from Texas to Ellsworth, and would rely on “The Old Reliable House” for everything a drover needed. Located at 119 N. Douglas. Call 785-472-4703 for more information.
Ellsworth County Art Gallery
Ellsworth County Art Gallery exhibits area art and special collections on a rotating basis. The permanent collection features the works of Charles B. Rogers. The gallery also hosts workshops, demonstrations, and artist receptions. Located at 204 N Douglas Avenue. Call 785-472-5658 for more information.
Ellsworth County War Memorial
Historical memorial for war veterans located at Ellsworth County Courthouse Square. Call 785-472-3052 for more information.
Ellsworth Historical Plaza Walking Tour
Seventeen interpretive signs take visitors on a self-guided tour of the original cattletown business district along Kansas' first railroad. The tour begins at 114 ½ N Douglas. Call 785-472-4071 for more information.
Ellsworth Municipal Golf Course
Ellsworth’s municipal golf course offers 9 challenging holes of golf. Amenities include cart rental, club rental, and pro shop. Located at 902 E. 2nd Street. Call 785-472-4236 for more information.
Fort Harker Guardhouse Museum Complex
One of three forts built to protect travelers on the Smoky Hill Trail, Fort Harker also became a major supply station for forts in the west. The complex includes the original guardhouse, junior officer's quarters, a depot with salt mine and early area history exhibits. Located at 308 West Ohio in Kanopolis. Call 785-472-3059 for more information.
Hodgden House Museum Complex
Ellsworth’s original 2-block commercial district remains virtually unchanged from Ellsworth’s days as a thriving cowtown in the 1870s. The site is now known as The Hodgden House Complex, a museum that features the 1878 Victorian Hodgden House, an 1880s livery stable, 1912 one-room school, 1880s church, log cabin, general store, antique farm equipment, 1911 caboose, 1900 train depot, and a turn-of-the-century wooden windmill. Located at 104 S. Main Street at the intersection of Highway 14 (Douglas Street). Call 785-472-3059 for more information.
Kanopolis State Park
Kansas' oldest recreation area, Kanopolis State Park covers more than 22,000 acres of rolling hills, bluffs and woods. Situated within the park is the 3,000-acre Kanopolis Lake where popular water sports include fishing, water skiing, boating, jet skiing and swimming. The park’s facilities include a full service marina, beaches, picnic areas, and trails for horseback riding, mountain bikes and hiking. Fourteen campgrounds offer both primitive and utility campsites. Travel east on Highway 140 then south on Highway 141. Call 785-546-2565 for more information.
Mushroom State Park
The smallest of the Kansas state parks, the 5-acre Mushroom Rock State Park is also the most unique. The park features unusual rock formations that appear as giant mushrooms rising above the horizon. Indians and early pioneers like John C. Fremont and Kit Carson used the rocks as meeting places and landmarks. Located 2 miles south and 2.5 miles west of the intersection of Kansas Highways 140 and 141. Call 785-546-2565 for more information.
Old Jail
The oldest building in Ellsworth, the structure that served as the town jail was authorized on April 2, 1872 for joint use as a jail and court rooms. Located on Court Street ½ block east of North Main Street.
Svaty's Produce
Svaty's Produce features a farm animal petting zoo with goats, sheep, pigs, cattle, horse, and a donkey. A hay bale maze is also available, as well as 20 different varieties of pumpkins and squash. Located 1 mile southwest of Hwy 14/156 at 1355 Highway 156. Call 785-472-4044 for more information.
The Village Cottage
The oldest wood frame house in Ellsworth, the Village Cottage was owned by the Roth family. Mr. Roth owned the local barber shop and Mrs. Roth was a milliner. The cottage is adorned with many of the family’s original personal items and furnishings, including mustache and shaving mug cases, lingere privacy screen, and hats made by Mrs. Roth. Today the cottage is a gift shop, with one room paying tribute to the history of the Roth family. The beautiful grounds bloom with flowers in spring and summer. Located at 122 East 2nd Street. Call 785-472-4005 for more information.
Wilson State Park and Lake
With over 9,000 acres and 100 miles of shoreline, nearby Wilson Lake offers an abundance of recreational opportunities. Known for its excellent bass fishing, other popular activities include boating, skiing and swimming. Wilson State Park is located on the southern edge of the reservoir, and offers two swimming beaches, hiking and biking trails, both primitive and utility camping facilities, boat ramps and marina, sand volleyball, basketball and horseshoe pitching. Located 8 miles north on K-232 from the I-70 Wilson exit. Call 785-658-2465 for more information.