Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Emporia, Kansas

Located in east-central Kansas, this university town lies on upland prairie by the Flint Hills, which extends through much of the region. For approximately 160 years, Emporia has been the home of Emporia State University, the third-oldest public university in Kansas, historically linked with educator preparation.

Among the notable figures who elevated Emporia’s visibility in the early 20th century was journalist William Allen White, known as the Sage of Emporia, who emerged as a prominent voice for Middle America during his three-decade residency in the city. White hosted five different presidents at his residence, Red Rocks, now maintained as a museum, and he was instrumental in the establishment of Peter Pan Park, a charming public space with a compelling narrative.

1. Downtown Emporia Historic District

Where Commercial Street intersects 6th Avenue, downtown Emporia presents an enjoyable pedestrian experience, showcasing numerous buildings dating back to the 1860s, shortly after the city’s inception. Spanning approximately 18 blocks, the downtown area is designated as a U.S. Historic District, boasting around 115 contributing structures.

While steeped in history, the district thrives with activity, featuring an array of intriguing shops, restaurants offering diverse cuisines, cafes, a notable history museum, and cultural venues such as the elegant Granada Theatre. The downtown area also serves as the backdrop for numerous annual events, ranging from parades and block parties to the Unbound Gravel, a noteworthy biking event traversing the Flint Hills each spring, commencing and concluding in Emporia.

2. Emporia State University

Upon reaching the north end of Commercial Street, visitors will encounter the campus of Emporia State University, established in 1863. This institution has developed a strong reputation in teacher education; notably, its Teachers College is one of only four programs nationwide recognized as an Exemplary Model Teacher Education program. This distinction renders it a fitting site for the National Teachers Hall of Fame, which will be discussed further below.

Allocate sufficient time to stroll leisurely around the inviting campus, which features public art, fountains, a pond, and a handful of engaging small museums. The renowned theatre department provides performances year-round, and also noteworthy are the Eppink & Gilson Art Galleries, the Peterson Planetarium, and additional museums housed within the Science Hall, which will be elaborated upon later.

3. William Allen White House State Historic Site

Red Rocks, the residence of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist William Allen White (1868-1944), is preserved just a few blocks east of Commercial Street. Under the stewardship of the Kansas Historical Society, Red Rocks is designated as a National Historic Landmark and was constructed in 1887 in the Tudor Revival architectural style. After relocating here in 1915, White and his wife Sallie welcomed five different presidents to their home, most notably Theodore Roosevelt.

During his early years at Red Rocks, White sought the expertise of Frank Lloyd Wright for a renovation; although another architect ultimately completed the project, the result incorporated many of Wright’s initial concepts. A guided tour will provide insights into the last three decades of White’s life in Emporia, where he earned the title of the Sage of Emporia. Visitors will see the bed where Theodore Roosevelt slept, along with photographs featuring T.R., Albert Einstein, and Herbert Hoover.

4. The Flint Hills

Emporia is positioned on the eastern slope of a vast hill range that extends north to south through east-central Kansas. The remarkable Flint Hills emerged from deposits left by a gigantic inland sea that inundated Kansas over 250 million years ago. The resulting hardened flint shelves endured after softer shales eroded, renowned for their extraordinary botanical diversity, hosting over 40 species of grass and countless wildflowers.

The rugged topography has impeded extensive farming, allowing the tallgrass prairie region to retain much of its original character as witnessed centuries ago by the Kaw, Osage, and other Native American tribes. In Emporia, you find yourself on the brink of the very heart of the Flint Hills, offering numerous opportunities to explore this natural landscape. For an adventurous experience, consider traversing the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway or hiking along the 117-mile Flint Hills National Trail.

5. David Traylor Zoo

Situated within Soden’s Grove Park is one of the smallest AZA-accredited zoos in the United States. Despite its size, over 400 animals representing around 80 species inhabit this landscaped park, celebrated for its beautiful botanical displays. Among the inhabitants are bison, prairie dogs, Cinereous vultures, red foxes, mule deer, elk, cougars, and cotton-top tamarins.

Entry to the zoo is free, although donations are welcomed, and the institution is continually expanding its exhibits. Arrange your visit to coincide with one of the annual events, such as Zoo Lights during the holiday season or Boo in the Zoo at Halloween. Families can also enjoy a miniature train that operates at specified times during Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the summer months.

6. Peter Pan Park

Peter Pan Park, located in the southern part of Emporia along the northern bank of the Cottonwood River, is situated just upstream from the David Traylor Zoo. This beloved municipal park emerged in the late 1920s, with its land donated by William Allen White following the tragic death of his daughter, Mary, in a horse riding accident in 1927. White referred to his daughter as a “Peter Pan who refused to grow up.”

A memorial bust and plaque recounting Mary’s story can be found on the southeast side of the park’s pond. The park spans over 50 acres and features historic WPA structures from the 1930s. Amenities include a fishing pond, two shelters, walking trails, an 18-hole disc golf course, a splash pad, a playground, and numerous picnic tables shaded by mature trees.

7. Lyon County History Center

Established in 1937, the Lyon County Historical Society operates a remarkable museum housed in a spacious historic structure on Commercial Street. The museum relocated here in 2016 from the Carnegie Library building and features captivating exhibits drawn from a collection of over 150,000 artifacts. The eight core themes represented include Natural History, Native Americans, Immigration, Transportation, Farming, Ranching, Business & Industry, and Military/Veterans Day.

Visitors can explore aspects of local cowboy culture, the significance of railroads in settlement and industry, artifacts reflecting Native American heritage, and the evolution of agriculture since pioneer times.

8. Granada Theatre

Located on Commercial Street in downtown, the stunning Spanish Revival Granada Theatre is a prominent landmark. Upon its opening in 1929, it accommodated 1,400 patrons, ranking it among the largest movie palaces in the state. The theater faced potential demolition in the 1990s, but was rescued by a consortium that renovated it and relaunched it as a versatile performing arts venue, now seating 823.

As you pass by, take a moment to admire the intricate terra cotta moldings adorning the facade. Additionally, the auditorium captivates with its coffered ceiling and ornate gilded plasterwork accenting the doorways, proscenium arch, balconies, and alcoves integrated into the walls. Keep an eye on the Granada’s website for announcements regarding upcoming performances featuring popular touring artists, tribute acts, dance groups, comedians, and other entertainment.

9. Johnston Geology Museum

Situated within the ESU Cram Science Hall, this outstanding geology museum bears the name of its founder, Professor Paul Johnston, who dedicated nearly four decades to ESU. Featuring significant finds mainly from Kansas, the remarkable collection includes petrified tree stumps, a well-preserved mosasaur skeleton, a pteranodon wing, a mastodon tusk, a giant ground sloth, numerous other fossils, exquisite minerals, and a variety of Native American artifacts—totaling 45 displays.

The museum operates during regular hours from Monday to Friday and on Saturday mornings.

10. Schmidt Museum of Natural History

Maintain the educational theme by visiting this museum, which predominantly showcases zoological specimens, located in Science Hall Room 043. If you have an interest in birdwatching, the Schmidt Museum of Natural History serves as a critical reference for Kansas’ avian life, featuring hundreds of mounted birds native to the state.

This collection is complemented by taxidermied mammals, reptiles, and fish, all meticulously labeled. This museum was established by Richard H. Schmidt (1909-2000), who enjoyed a longstanding career as an amateur taxidermist before joining the university on a full-time basis in 1956.

11. C of E Park

Located northwest of downtown, C of E Park originated from the former Presbyterian College of Emporia, established in 1882 and operational until 1974. Following the dissolution of the old campus for development, approximately six acres were bequeathed to the city to transform into a park.

The result is C of E Park, where visitors can immerse themselves in historical context amid a pleasant lakeside environment. The park preserves Kenyon Hall (1929), the college’s Tudor Gothic administration building, as well as the Anderson Memorial Library (1901), both of which can be appreciated along the walking trail that winds through C of E Park.

12. Emporia Farmers’ Market

Emporia boasts a premier farmers’ market, which has been thriving for over four decades, making it the largest market within a 60-mile radius. The market is conducted in the parking lot at 7th & Merchant on Saturday mornings (from May to October) and Wednesday afternoons (from June to September), featuring multiple local producers and artisans.

Typically, vendors offer fresh produce, honey, herbs, eggs, high-quality meats, locally roasted coffee, fresh baked goods, pastries, and much more. From November through April, an indoor market is also available at Waters Hardware (2727 W Hwy 50) on the first and third Saturdays of the month.

13. National Teachers Hall of Fame

Located on the Emporia State University campus, the National Teachers Hall of Fame honors outstanding educators. This non-profit organization was established in 1989 and has recognized over 130 inductees to date. Guests can learn about their exceptional contributions through exhibits in the Hall of Fame’s museum located in Visser Hall.

Close by stands the poignant National Memorial to Fallen Educators, stemming from the tragic events in Sandy Hook in 2012. Officially designated as a national memorial in 2018, it commemorates over 110 individuals, the earliest of whom dates back to 1763; detailed profiles can be found on the memorial’s website.

Additionally, the memorial is adjacent to the One Room Schoolhouse, originally built around 50 miles away in Marion County in 1873, which was relocated to the campus for preservation as a museum in 1969.

14. Jones Aquatic Center

Located near the intersection of the Kansas Turnpike and I-35 in the northwest part of Emporia, the city hosts a public water park—the Jones Aquatic Center. This expansive facility features multiple attractions, including a 50-meter, eight-lane swimming pool, two waterslides (one tube and one body), a lazy river with a vortex pool, a diving area, a splash playground, a sand volleyball court, and a concessions/patio area.

Additionally, the main pool includes a zero-depth entry area on one side, providing a safe environment for children and less confident swimmers. The center opens for the season on Memorial Day weekend, operating daily through mid-August, a rarity among public pools.

15. Emporia Family Fun Center

This venue, situated just off the Monarch Highway, operates from March through November and offers a variety of entertaining activities for families during the long summer days. Previously part of the Putt-Putt franchise, the Emporia Family Fun Center features two engaging miniature golf courses devoid of gimmicks like windmills and oversized decorations.

In addition to miniature golf, the center includes batting cages, a go-kart track, and a small arcade. The facility also shares a building with a branch of the Kansas fast-food chain Goodcents, recognized for its 16” hot and cold subs.