Situated between the beautiful Flint Hills tallgrass prairie and the Osage hills, Emporia was founded in 1857 and named for a Market Center in Greece. Strategically located at the intersection of I-35, I-335, US 50 and KS 99, the city today still serves as a trade center for communities between Topeka, Kansas City and Wichita. A growing business and industrial community, Emporia still retains the friendly charm of a small town. Brick streets are lined with lush oak and sycamore trees, and flower gardens are spotted throughout the community. The city is home to Emporia State University, enhancing the community’s many academic, cultural and recreational opportunities. Best Western Emporia Kansas.
Things to do in Emporia
All Veterans Memorial
Dedicated in 1991, the All Veterans Memorial was the first memorial in the nation to pay tribute to veterans from all wars. The memorial includes a World War II M-4A6 Sherman army tank and a memorial honoring Emporia resident Sgt. Grant Timmerman. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors those who fought in Vietnam with a Huey helicopter from that war. Located at 933 S. Commercial Street. Call 620-342-1803 for more information.
Emporia Arts Center
Emporia Arts Center features programs in the visual and performing arts, including exhibits, classes, theatre and premier performances from renowned artists. Located at 618 Mechanic Street. Call 620-343-6473 for more information.
Emporia Municipal Golf Course
Emporia's 18-hole municipal golf course is open year-round. Amenities include a pro shop, driving range, and club & cart rental. Located six miles south of Emporia at1133 S. Highway 99. Call 620-342-7666 for more information.
Emporia Public Library
Chartered in 1869, Emporia's public library is the oldest in Kansas. The library offers a complete genealogy resource, a Kansas collection, special events and more. Located at 110 E. 6th Avenue. Call 620-340-6462 for more information.
Emporia State University Theatre
Theatrical performances are presented in two theatres, Albert Taylor Hall and Bruder Theatre, on the campus of Emporia State University. Call 620-341-5256 for more information.
Emporia Zoo
The accredited Emporia Zoo provides shelter to a wide variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles, as well as beautiful botanical exhibits. Located at S. Commerical Street & Soden Road. Call 620-342-6558 for more information.
Flint Hills Wildlife Refuge
Located upstream from John Redmond reservoir, Flint Hills Wildlife Refuge features 18,500 acres that provide a home for migratory waterfowl, bald eagles, and wildlife. Travel eleven miles east on I-35 & 8 miles south on K-130. Call 620-392-5553 for more information.
Howe House & Welsh Farmstead
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Howe House was built in 1867 by Richard Howe, a Welsh immigrant stonemason. The limestone home offers insight into the everyday lives of the settlers from more than 100 years ago. 315 E. Logan Avenue. Call 620-342-6691 for more information.
John Redmond Dam & Reservoir
Popular activities on John Redmond Reservoir include boating, camping, swimming, water skiing, picnic area, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. Located 3 miles north and 1 mile west Burlington on Highway 75. Call 620-364-8614 for more information.
Johnston Geology Museum
Johnston Geology Museum at Emporia State University exhibits over 50 geologic displays from Kansas, including a Kansas Cretaceous mosasaur, a giant ground sloth, a mastodon tusk, and the world famous Hamilton Quarry Fossil Assemblage. On the campus of the ESU in the Cram Science Hall, 14th and Merchant Street. Call 620-341-5330 for more information.
Lyon County Historical Museum
Lyon County Historical Museum is housed in a 1904 Carnegie Library building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum displays over 150,000 artifacts in rotating exhibits. 118 E. 6th Ave. Call 620-340-6310 for more information.
Lyon State Fishing Lake
Lyon State Fishing Lake a number of outdoor recreational activities, including boating, camping, swimming, picnicking, fishing and hunting. Located 12 miles north on Highway 99 and 5 miles east on Highway 170. Call 620-342-0658 for more information.
National Teachers Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame honors the education profession and recognizes five outstanding PreK-12 teachers annually. A museum features old school desks, class attendance records, teacher contracts, antique textbooks, and other memorabilia from the early days of teaching. 1320 C of E Drive Call 620-341-5660 for more information.
Norman Eppink Art Gallery and Gilson Memorial Room
ESU's Eppink Art Gallery and Gilson Memorial Room exhibits works from the university's art collection, as well as from visiting artists, galleries, and museums. Located in King Hall on the university campus. Call 620-341-5246 for more information.
One-Room School Museum
An authentically furnished one-room rural schoolhouse from the late 1800s depicts the learning environment of the time. Located on the ESU campus at 18th Avenue & Merchant Street. Call 620-341-5301 for more information.
Peterson Planetarium
The Peterson Planetarium on the ESU campus is home to a state-of-the-art projector that simulates the skies of day and night. Featured programs are offered to the community. Located in Cram Hall on campus. Call 620-341-5330 for more information.
Prairie Passage Stone Sculpture Garden
Massive limestone sculptures depict the history of Emporia and Lyon County. Located on the Lyon County Fairgrounds, W. US 50 & Industrial Road. Call 620-342-1803 for more information.
Richard S. Schmidt Natural History Museum
The Schmidt Natural History Museum features an extensive collection of native wildlife specimens, with a special focus on birds and mammals. Located in Breukelman Science Hall at Emporia State University. Call 620-341-5311 for more information.
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
An abundance of plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals call the Flint Hills prairie home. The Tallgrass National Preserve protects a section of the once expansive tallgrass prairie, most of which is in the Flint Hills region. The area's rolling hills and wide vistas offer a beautiful environment for hiking, birding, wildlife observation and nature study. Visitors can also tour the historic Z Bar/Spring Hill Ranch. The preserve is located 16 miles west on Highway 50 and 2 miles north on Highway 177. Call 620-273-8494 for more information.
William Allen White Bust and Memorial
Dedicated by former President Herbert Hoover in 1950, a bust of William Allen White pays tribute to the renowned newspaperman and author. Located in Peter Pan Park, southeast of the lake at S. Rural Street and Randolph Avenue.
William Allen White House - State Historic Site
Purchased by White in 1901, the site known as "Red Rocks" served as his home for 45 years. From the 1890s through the World War II, White's writings from Emporia influenced state and national politics. A National Historic Landmark, the site will open to the public in the spring of 2005. Located at 927 Exchange Street. Call 620-342-4800 for more information.
William Lindsay White Memorial Park
White Memorial Park commemorates renowned authors William Allen White and his son, William Lindsay White. A bust of W. L. White (1900-1973) pays tribute to author, and several excerpts of their writings are featured. Located at 517 Merchant Street.