A collection of more than 150,000 artifacts, a rare limestone house from the early settlement period, and trails through woodland and meadow landscapes: Lyon County showcases history and nature in different ways. In Emporia, theater, art and local products add to the mix. You can shape your stay around the topics that interest you most.
History in Stone and in a Collection
The Lyon County History Center preserves and interprets the history of Lyon County through its collection. The center offers guided tours for adult and student groups. Its schedule lists opening hours of 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday; confirm the hours before your visit.
History can also be explored through a specific building: the Richard Howe House was built around 1866–1867 by Richard Howe, a Welsh immigrant and stonemason. It is a rare surviving example of a limestone building from the early settlement period.
Another historical trail leads to Red Rocks, the former home of newspaper publisher William Allen White. Its seasonal schedule lists mid-April through mid-October, Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Confirm the hours before your visit. While the Richard Howe House represents an early limestone building, Red Rocks connects its historical significance with the life of a newspaper publisher.
Culture and Art in Emporia
The Emporia Granada Theatre is a historic 1929 theater in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, fully restored in 2009. Live music and events are held there regularly. Its architectural history and event program offer different points of interest: you can take an interest in the building or combine a visit with music and events. Check the theater’s schedule to see what’s on.
At the Emporia Arts Center, the Trusler Gallery features exhibitions by local and regional artists. The Arts Center also offers art and craft classes for children and adults. Alongside viewing the exhibited works, you can choose creative activities as another way to experience the local culture.
The Emporia Farmers Market offers a connection to everyday local life. Since 1982, it has brought together locally grown, home-baked and handmade goods from local farmers, gardeners and artisans in Lyon County. Its offerings range from produce and kitchen goods to handmade items. If you’re interested in local products, the market complements the historical and artistic experiences with another facet of the area.
Trails, Wildlife and Landscape
East of Emporia, Camp Alexander covers 90 acres of forests, ponds and gently rolling meadows. Nearly five miles of challenging hiking and biking trails wind through dense woods and open meadows; there is also a nine-hole disc golf course. The area offers a range of activities amid a landscape of woods, water and meadows.
At Lyon State Fishing Lake, the Clinton Eubank Memorial trail system runs along the southeast side of the lake and is well suited to wildlife viewing. Those who want to focus on quietly observing their surroundings will find a different experience here from the challenging hiking and biking trails at Camp Alexander.
The Flint Hills Trail is an existing 23.4-mile corridor along a railroad line converted into a recreational trail. Lyon County and northern communities such as Admire, Allen and Bushong benefit from it. No permit is required to use Flint Hills Trail State Park; check current park information before your trip. David Traylor Zoo offers another nature experience, with exotic animals and lush botanical displays in a landscaped setting.
Emporia as a Stopover
Emporia is located on I-35/335 about halfway between Wichita and Kansas City, making it a convenient place to stay overnight. If you’re planning an overnight stop on a drive between these cities, its location can help guide your search. Once there, you can choose from a variety of interests: historic houses and collections, art and events, local goods or nature experiences. Each attraction has a distinct focus—from the history of a single house to exhibitions, wildlife viewing and outdoor trails.
Discover more destinations: Emporia, Labette, Johnson, Geary County, Kiowa County, Barber County, Ness County, Phillips County.
For the broader travel overview: Kansas.
