Many options for campers
Campers at the two lakes can find numerous places to visit during their stay.
Marion Historical Museum, located in a former church east of the downtown area, contains artifacts of early day life and Indian artifacts from archaeological digs around the city, which was first settled by white men in 1860.
The Adobe House at Hillsboro is a museum about early Mennonite settlements.
Marion's Central Park was the home of the first settlers in 1860. It features tall, stately trees and a new memorial plaza at a historic spring on the east edge of the park. A nature trail, volleyball/basketball court, horseshoe court, fish pond with historic fountain, memorial fountain, and playground equipment can be found there.
Local Attractions — Also include three buildings on the National Historic Register: The Hill School Building, built in 1873 is the oldest building in the State of Kansas in continuous educational use; Marion County Courthouse, was completed in 1907; and The Elgin House, built in 1886, originally was a 42-room hotel. All three are built of native stone. The Presbyterian Church is listed on the State Historic Register. It was built in 1872, also of native stone.
Marion Country Club has a nine-hole golf course with reasonable fees. Tee times are not required.
Two Lakes — Marion is located between two lakes. Marion Reservoir and Marion County Park and Lake are within a short driving distance from Marion. Marion Reservoir is a 6,200 acre lake built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It was completed in 1968. The smaller Marion County Lake, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936, covers 153 acres.
Restaurants — Eating places include Kingfisher's Inn at Marion County Park and Lake, Stone City Café, Gambino's Pizza, Wagon Wheel Express, and McGillicuddy's in downtown Marion, The Big Scoop across from Central Park, and Pizza Hut on U.S.-56 at Eisenhower Drive.
Hillsboro's McDonald's and Pizza Hut can be found on the main drive through town (280th Street) and a Chinese Buffet is downtown. Sonic drive-in is located on U.S.-56 at the north edge of town.
Holy Family Catholic Church at Pilsen, north on Remington Road, is one of the most unique churches on the prairie. Completed in 1915, this magnificent church was built by the early Czechoslovakian settlers. It is the home parish of Father Emil Kapaun, the beloved military chaplain who died in a prison camp during the Korean War.
Accommodations — Country Dream Bed and Breakfast is nestled in the Flint Hills, 7 miles east and 3 north of Marion. The White Oak Inn Bed and Breakfast, built in 1906, is located at 115 N. lm, Marion. Also available are several motels in the area.
Tours — Guided tours of Marion and surrounding communities can be arranged upon request. Marion has many beautiful historic stone buildings including homes.
Community events
Major community events coming up in the area during the next three months include:
Marion County Fair, Aug. 7-10 — Held at the fairgrounds in Hillsboro, it features a parade and several major events such as a rodeo and demolition derby.
Labor Day Fireworks, Sept. 1 — Sponsored by Marion County Economic Development Council, the annual fireworks display will be held at Marion County Park and Lake, weather permitting.
Florence Labor Day Celebration, Sept. 2 — Florence is located at the junction of U.S.-50/77 about five miles southeast of Marion. The annual event includes a parade and other activities.
Arts/crafts fairs, Sept. 15 — Art in the Park at Marion and the Arts and Crafts Fair at Hillsboro attract hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of shoppers.
Old Settlers' Day, Sept. 29 — An annual event at Marion, the celebration includes a parade, class reunions, and many events in the park.
Lincolnville Octoberfest, Oct. 5 — at the city park. Lincolnville is nine miles north of Marion on U.S.-56/77.
For assistance, call Marion Chamber of Commerce, 620-382-3425, or Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce, 620-947-3506.
