Top 15 Attractions and Activities in McPherson, Kansas

Founded in 1872, McPherson is a city of approximately 14,000 residents located in Central Kansas, recognized for its industrial, agricultural, and educational significance, bolstered by the presence of two colleges.

Characterizing McPherson as an exemplary small town is not an exaggeration, as it boasts a vibrant Main Street, charming public parks, distinctive events, and a wealth of activities to engage the community.

If you have a keen interest in sports, you might discover how McPherson contributed to Team USA’s Olympic Gold victory in basketball in 1936.

This and many other intriguing narratives are unveiled at the remarkable McPherson Museum & Arts Foundation, which offers more than one might expect for a town of its size.

1. Downtown McPherson

Main Street McPherson is nearly an ideal central commercial hub. Each establishment here is locally owned, and you may find it takes considerable time to explore the few blocks extending from the railroad tracks down to Skancke Street.

Unique shops include those offering antiques, used books, games, doughnuts, health foods, flowers, shoes, art supplies, women’s fashions, jewelry, confections, furniture, and much more.

For cultural enrichment, visit the grand McPherson Opera House, the inviting McPherson 4 cinema, and galleries like The Clayworks, which features an inspiring narrative.

Culinary options are diverse, with Italian, Mexican, grill fare, BBQ, delis, Chinese cuisine, and beloved breakfast offerings at Neighbors Café.

2. McPherson Museum & Arts Foundation

McPherson is home to one of the finest local history museums in the state. Established in the 1960s through a collaboration between the city and McPherson College’s collections.

The college’s extensive collection originates from the 1890s, and currently, the McPherson Museum features around 25,000 items, with particular emphasis on paleontology, geology, fine art, Native American history, pioneering history, and the city’s local history.

The museum relocated to a contemporary facility in 2013 and houses a plethora of intriguing exhibits, such as an intact ground sloth skeleton from the La Brea Tar Pits, paintings and lithographs by Birger Sandzén, meteorites, cultural artifacts from Africa and China, and Native American tools, pottery, and arrowheads.

An engaging exhibit is dedicated to the McPherson Globe Refiners, a local amateur basketball team instrumental in securing a gold medal for Team USA at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

3. McPherson Opera House

A notable point of community pride, the McPherson Opera House is a bustling performing arts venue that dates back to 1889, having undergone an $8.5 million renovation in 2010.

The architecture showcases a blend of Renaissance and Romanesque Revival styles, initially serving as a venue for live performances, suffrage meetings, and political gatherings before being repurposed as a movie theater in the 1920s with the advent of sound films.

This function persisted until the mid-1960s, followed by a period of stagnation. However, the recent restoration has revitalized the building, returning it to its former glory while equipping it with state-of-the-art production capabilities.

The venue hosts concerts by prominent touring artists, classic and contemporary films, comedic acts, dance productions, and children’s performances.

4. All Schools Day

This distinctive festival has its origins in 1914, making it the longest-running celebration of its kind in the nation.

Initially starting as a parade and banquet to celebrate eighth-grade graduates, All Schools Day has evolved into a week-long series of events and activities for families to enjoy.

Commencing on the first Friday of May, the program features a week-long carnival in Wickersham Park, a “Madathon” (youth Olympic-style games), and a May Fete on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

On the second Friday, a grand parade takes place downtown, attracting more than 40,000 attendees, followed by a fireworks display after dark.

5. McPherson Community Building

This spacious brick structure downtown was erected in 1928 and has recently undergone extensive renovations.

Almost a century after its establishment, the McPherson Community Building remains a critical multipurpose venue, accommodating sports events, exhibitions, receptions, meetings, and more.

In the 1930s, the gymnasium hosted the McPherson Globe Refiners, an amateur basketball team sponsored by the local refinery, who achieved remarkable success.

Under the innovative leadership of coach Gene Johnson, the Refiners secured the AAU national championship in 1936 and joined forces with Hollywood Universal to field a combined team for the Berlin Olympics.

The Refiners’ players shone in the gold medal match, defeating Canada 19-8, long before the emergence of the Dream Team.

6. Lakeside Park

Situated along Turkey Creek, this picturesque park lies at the heart of McPherson, conveniently positioned between Main Street and the McPherson College campus.

Lakeside Park serves as an excellent location for summertime outdoor events. The bandshell hosts a series of movies every Friday from June through July.

The park connects to adjacent green spaces along Turkey Creek and features various facilities, including a disc golf course, four playgrounds (with one ADA accessible), six picnic shelters, the beautiful Swan Court fountain, and a fishing lagoon.

7. McPherson Water Park

For a budget-friendly family outing, McPherson Water Park offers an exceptional public facility located adjacent to Lakeside Park and operates throughout the summer break.

The main attractions are an eight-lane 50-meter pool, a 500-foot lazy river, a spacious zero-depth entry leisure pool, a large water slide, a diving well, and a delightful children’s splash pad area.

Should you wish to relax while your children expel some energy, you can enjoy the sunbathing areas, which provide ample shade and unobstructed views. Family Nights on Fridays feature discounted entry and special themes every few weeks.

8. Meadowlark Trail

Developed over several years, the Meadowlark Trail is emerging along the Union Pacific railroad corridor, destined to extend 12.6 miles from McPherson to Lindsborg to the north.

Lindsborg is worth a visit, as will be discussed later in this article, and the trail has been rolled out in various phases over approximately 25 years.

At present, most of the trail is accessible, with the exception of a two-mile portion between Rainbow and Pueblo Roads that requires a detour. Parking is available at a grassy lot located at the corner of Moccasin Road and U.S. Highway 81.

9. Lindsborg

This quaint town, accessible via the Meadowlark Trail, is celebrated for its Swedish heritage, having been initially settled by farmers from Värmland in the late 1860s.

Lindsborg maintains a sister city relationship with Munkfors in Sweden and celebrates the biennial Svensk Hyllningsfest (Swedish Honoring Festival) in odd-numbered years each October, featuring a parade, traditional dance, culinary demonstrations, arts and crafts, and traditional foods such as lutfisk.

There are numerous year-round indicators of this Swedish connection, including brightly painted Dala horses appearing on doors, sidewalks, and in the gift shops downtown.

Additionally, explore the city’s Swedish-American history at the McPherson County Old Mill Museum, home to the 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion, and the gallery on the Bethany College campus displaying the works of Swedish-American landscape painter Birger Sandzén (1871-1954).

10. Dyck Arboretum Of The Plains

Ashort distance away, this attraction at Hesston College showcases the botanical diversity of Kansas and the Great Plains.

Founded in 1981, the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains encompasses 13 acres with an additional 18 acres dedicated to ongoing prairie restoration.

The original site features various gardens that grow native and adaptable trees, wildflowers, shrubs, and a rich variety of grasses.

During a self-guided tour, visitors can explore the different ecoregions of Kansas and admire distinct areas such as the Shade Garden, Xeric Garden, Butterfly Garden, Rain Garden, Buffalo Grass Meadow, and Our Mother’s Garden—a poignant memorial garden planted with ornamental varieties introduced to Kansas by homesteaders in the 19th century.

11. Maxwell Wildlife Refuge

Experience a glimpse of the natural environment that greeted settlers approximately 150 years ago at the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, situated a short distance northeast of McPherson.

Located on the southern edge of the Smoky Hills range, the refuge features a rolling landscape of mixed grass prairie inhabited by elk and bison.

Covering more than 2,500 acres, it was established in 1859 when the Maxwell family sought to protect a segment of the prairie landscape and its diminishing native bison population.

Visitors can take an educational tram tour, allowing close encounters with the bison herd (and elk during winter), while learning about the Maxwell family’s legacy and the natural wonders of the Kansas Prairie.

12. Wall Bicentennial Park

McPherson’s largest park is situated at the southern end of a series of public parks along Turkey Creek.

The creek feeds the four-acre Mingenback Lake, which is lined with a half-mile walking trail. Wall Bicentennial Park serves as the venue for McPherson’s annual 4th of July fireworks celebration.

This park offers a host of amenities, including an exercise trail, skate park, playgrounds for children, a collection of baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, handball courts, four picnic shelters, restrooms, and expansive open spaces.

13. The Clayworks

Located in downtown McPherson, The Clayworks is a unique pottery studio and sales gallery that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Artists at The Clayworks have autonomy over what they choose to create, receiving assistance from professional art educators in mastering the use of kilns, potter’s wheels, and other tools.

All proceeds benefit the artists, contributing to their independence while providing a creative outlet and sense of achievement.

Visiting the studio provides an opportunity to meet these talented artists and gain insight into their processes, while the One Door North Gallery serves as a showroom for their distinctive creations.

14. McPherson County Courthouse

Located in the greenery of Memorial Park is the stately McPherson County Courthouse, constructed in 1893.

Still operational, this building exemplifies the Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style and is made of Cottonwood limestone sourced approximately 60 miles west near Strong City.

Notably, it features a 105-foot square bell tower with a clock added in 1908. The west lawn presents a picturesque setting, adorned with a pergola, gazebo, and memorials, including a bronze equestrian statue honoring Union Civil War General James Birdseye McPherson (1828-1864), the city’s namesake, who lost his life at the Battle of Atlanta while being the second-highest-ranking Union officer killed in action.

15. Turkey Creek Golf Course

McPherson boasts a well-regarded public golf course, situated directly south of Wall Bicentennial Park. Established in 1990, Turkey Creek Golf Course features impeccable bluegrass fairways and pristine bent grass greens.

This 18-hole, par 70 course is known for its challenging water hazards, thanks to a series of ponds adjacent to Turkey Creek, thus, bringing extra golf balls is advisable.

For those looking to refine their skills, the facility also includes an excellent driving range, exceeding 300 yards, equipped with all-grass hitting stations.