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Travel & Tourism/Group Tours

Your are cordially invited to visit Washington County, located in North Central Kansas on U. S. Highway 36. The Pony Express Hollenberg Station, a State Historic Site, is the only unaltered station remaining at its original location, looking much like it did in 1857. A great place for a stop along your journey.

Washington County is primarily an agriculture area growing wheat, milo, corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and prairie hay. You will also find fields of sunflowers, the State Flower, grown within the County. Dairies and cow-calf herds can also be found throughout the 30 square mile boundary of the County. You will find the skyscrapers of the prairie, (grain elevators) dotting the horizon from corner to corner. 

Although agriculture is primary, you will also find manufacturing. Metal fabrication and machining, truck rebuilding, screen printing, construction, pallet building, livestock and bison handling equipment are included in the diverse mix. Soybean processing, honey extraction, and pet wholesaling also add to the diversity of the County.

Washington County is made up of 12 Villages who welcome visitors to their communities. There are Community festivals and activities occurring monthly in the various Villages. You won’t find one fast food franchise in our County, but you will find home-cooked meals at cozy little Country Cafes. We don’t even have a stoplight in our County, however you can stroll through an antique shop or quilt shop bringing back memories of grandma’s house.

We look forward to becoming a day trip, rest stop, or destination on your route though the State. Plan an overnight stop or weekend visit. Antique shops, Museums, Home-Made Pies, Kansas Specialty Dog Service, and Church tours can be found to intrigue the visitor. We have a Buffalo Ranch and a Genealogy library to visit. A Music Festival, Wild West Show, Lighted Horse Parade, and Antique Tractor Show are a few of the events held during the year.

Please contact the tourism office for more information regarding catered meals, restaurants, shopping, step-on guide services, and lodging in the area. The office also has information regarding outfitters and guide service for the hunter. Deer, pheasant, quail, and turkey are hunted throughout the County. The County has a State Fishing Lake, plus rivers, streams and ponds for the fisherman. (Refer to our Sportsman’s Information)

We maybe small in size, however we are great in spirit. Highlights of each Village have been listed in the following descriptions. You will find signs in each village that briefly describes their founding history. For more information please check out each Village listed, and also www.travelks.com before making your travel plans. Thank you in advance for considering Washington County in your travel plans.

Barnes ~ Clifton ~ Greenleaf ~ Haddam ~ Hanover ~ Hollenberg
Linn ~ Mahaska ~ Morrowville ~ Palmer ~ Vining ~ Washington

Barnes is located on Kansas Highways 9 and 148, close to the Washington-Marshall County line, near the head of North Coon Creek.  In January 1876, Mr. Henry Ober erected a store building, moving the Maplewood Grange store to this location.  The Missouri Pacific Railroad was completed to this point in the latter part of November 1876.  The town was named by the railroad surveyor, A. S. Barnes.  He offered a silver chalice to the first boy born there and a white Bible to the first girl.  More information at the Travel Kansas Website: www.travelks.com, or phone 785-763-4400.

The historic Dearborn building was built in 1895 from native stone quarried in the area.  The Opera House is located on the top floor and is open for tours by appointment.  785-763-4400.  The lower level is home to the Barnes Mercantile.  Antiques, collectables, Kansas Products, and photography are among some of the items for sale. Website: www.barnesmercantile.com

The Band Shell, located in the I.O.O.F. park, is a 1940 W.P.A. Project.  Entertainment is held at the Band Shell during special events.   Located at the corner of Center & 1st Ave. downtown.  Drive-by photo opportunity.

Events in Barnes:

• May – Alumni Banquet

• June – Water garden & Backyard Tours

• November – Lighted horse parade

Food, Lodging, & Specialty Shops:

• Hometown Café

• Co-op Stop ‘N Shop

• Our Daily Bread Bake Shoppe & Bistro

• Barnes Mercantile

• Gloria’s Coffee & Quilts B&B

• The Hobby House

• dh Ranch B&B

Points of Interest:

• Christian Church

• Methodist Church

• St. Peter’s Lutheran - Country

• Maplewood Cemetery

• Mound Cemetery

• St. Boniface Cemetery

• W. P. A. Band shell

• W. P. A. Entrance to City Park

• Historic Register Bridge - Country

• Dearborn Building – Barnes Mercantile

• City Park

• RV Hook-Ups

Clifton is located on Kansas Highway 9. The town’s main street, Parallel Street, separates the community between Washington and Clay Counties.  Clifton was originally laid out in 1859 by a surveyor named Clifton, for whom the town was named.  After changing locations several times, the present town of Clifton was laid out in 1870 by Rufus Berry in anticipation of the railroad, which arrived to this point in December 1877.  The town was incorporated a few years later in 1884.  For more information you may call 785-455-3711, Website:  http://skyways.lib.ks.us/kansas/towns/Clifton/ or www.travelks.com

Berner Memorial Park – 50+ Camping Hook-Ups, 2 ball fields, horseshoes, kiddy park, picnic pavilions, swimming pool, and tennis court

Clifton Historical Museum is located at the corner of Clifton and Railroad Streets in the building, which was once the Missouri Pacific Railroad Depot.  For more information call: 785-455-3763 or 446-2284

The frontier boom of the late 1800’s is relived today at “What Not City.”  Here you will find anything from antiques and collectibles to used furniture, all with an old frontier theme.  A Wild West Weekend is held in conjunction with the Clifton-Vining Music festival in August.

Events:

• May – Alumni Celebration

• July – 4^th of July Celebration

• August – County Music Festival and Wild West Show

• October – Halloween Parade

• November – Veteran’s Day Parade 

Food, Lodging, & Specialty Shops:

• Clifton Café

• Sunflower Inn

• Cottage Creations

• LCL Buffalo Ranch & Meats

• Kountry Trends

• Petal’s ‘N Pearls

Points of Interest:

• Brantford Covenant Church – Country

• LCL Buffalo Ranch

• Christian Church

• What Not City

• Faith United Presbyterian

• Clifton Historical Museum

• St. Mary’s Catholic

• Berner Memorial Park

• Old City Jail

• Founder’s Sign

Greenleaf is located 1 mile North of Kansas Highways 9 & 148 on Hwy 119 or 7 miles South of U. S. 36 on Country Road. Greenleaf was founded and laid out in 1876 by the Central Branch of the Union Pacific Railroad Company.  Greenleaf was named after A. W. Greenleaf, treasurer of that company.  The railroad reached Greenleaf in December 1876.  Greenleaf was considered the end of the main line until its extension further in 1877.  Greenleaf became incorporated on September 6, 1880, and the first election was held September 7, 1880.  For more information phone 785-747-2858 or check the Kansas Travel site at www.travelks.com.

The Sacred Heart Catholic Church is on the South edge of Greenleaf. The beautiful red brick Church is over 100 years old. Cornerstone laid 1899.

The native limestone Greenleaf Clubhouse was built in 1938 as a W.P.A. project. Directly east of the Clubhouse is a native stone Jail.

Events:

• May – Memorial Day Services
• June – Fun Day

Food – Specialty Shops:

• American Legion

• Elite Café

• Twin Valley Thriftique

• Lynes Unlimited Wooden Toys

Points of Interest:

• Bethlehem Lutheran – Country

• 1938 W.P.A. Clubhouse

• St. Michael’s Catholic Church – Kimeo

• Native Stone Jail

• Trinity Lutheran

• Greenleaf City Cemetery

• Sacred Heart Catholic Catholic Cemetery

Haddam is located 3 miles North of U. S. Highway 36 on Kansas Hwy 22.

Haddam was founded in the fall of 1869 when J. W. Taylor built and stocked a small store on land donated by George Canfil.  It was named by George after the town of Haddam, Connecticut.  Near this time, A. Whitney opened a store on his claim, a short distance west, and started a rival town, which he also called Haddam.  When Mr. Canfil resigned as postmaster, Mr. Whitney was appointed postmaster and the post office was moved to West Haddam.  In 1874 Mr. Whitney sold his stock of goods to H. H. Cheney, who moved it to the present Haddam.  For more information contact 785-778-3631, website: www.ci.haddam.ks.us, or Kansas Travel site www.travelks.com.

The 1901 election saw an all women City Council elected along with the Mayor, City Clerk, and Police Judge, even though women were not given the right to vote until 1920. Right away, the women decided to build a jail, accepted a $325.00 bid and saw construction of the stone jail within five months. The jail, on its original site, is one-half block south of Haddam’s main street at the bank corner.
Griswold Wildlife Area is Located North of U. S. Hwy 36 on KS Hwy 22 South of Haddam. Established in 2002.	$2.50/day green fees. (Sand greens) Payable at the course. Phone 785-778-2425 for more information

Events:

• July – Haddam Frontier Days

• Oct. – Lord’s Acre Day

Food & Specialty Shops:

• Haddam Café

• Grandma B’s Honey

Points of Interest:

• United Methodist Church 

• 1901 Jail

• Church of God of Prophecy

• Haddam City Hall

• Griswold Wildlife Area

• Haddam Golf Course

Hanover is located 4 miles North of U. S. Highway 36 on Kansas 148, and ½ miles west on Kansas Hwy 243. Hanover was founded by Gerat Hollenberg in 1869, becoming incorporated in July 1874. Mr. Hollenberg was born in the German State of Hanover. Mr. Hollenberg established his Cottonwood Ranch just east of Hanover, which became a station where immigrant wagons, stagecoaches, and Pony Express riders all paused in passing along the Oregon-California and Pony Express Trails. The Western Brewery and Malt House, built in 1870, is a two-story brick building west of the Hanover Hospital. It operated for 10 years as a saloon brewery until State prohibition forced its closing. Information Phone 785-337-2242 or visit the Travel Kansas Site at www.travelks.com.

St. John’s Catholic Church, built of native limestone, was begun in 1878 and dedicated in 1880. Steeple stands 110 feet high. This is the oldest Catholic Church in the Salina Diocese. The impressive interior is open to visitors. Phone 783-337-2207, 114 S. Located at 114 S Church, Hanover

The Hollenberg Pony Express Station, a State Historic Site, is the only unaltered station remaining at its original location, looking much as it did in 1857. A visitor’s center is located west of the Station. For information phone 785-337-2635 or hollenberg@kshs.org. Located at 2889 23rd Road rural Hanover

Events: 

• June – Alumni Celebration  

• July – 4th of July Celebration

• August – Days of ‘49

• Pony Express Festival 

Food & Specialty Shops:

• Ricky’ Cafe

• T's Restaurant

• Wildcat Express

• Pony Express Cafe

Points of Interest:

• St. John’s Catholic Church

• Hollenberg Pony Express Station

• Zion Lutheran

• Western Brewery & Malt House

• St. John’s Lutheran

• Pony Express Sculpture

• Trinity Lutheran

• City & Catholic Cemeteries

Hollenberg is located 8 miles North of U. S. Hwy 36 on Kansas Hwy 148 and 8 miles West via County Road.  Hollenberg is the smallest village in Washington County.

Hollenberg was named after its founder Gerat Hollenberg in 1872.  For years the City of Hollenberg was known for its community well, which is still located in the middle of the street in the downtown area.  The water was available for residents to carry to their businesses or homes for personal use.  For more information phone 785-337-2156 or visit the Kansas Travel site at www.travelks.com.

The founding history sign is located in the City Park.

The Hollenberg Post Office is the only active Business within the City Limits.

Points of Interest: 

• Zion Lutheran Church

• Community Well

Linn is located on Kansas Highway 9.  Planned in a boxcar in 1877, Linn was first named “summit” by surveyors, because it was at the highest point of the Missouri Pacific branch.  The name was changed to Linn when the town applied for a post office.  The name came from a physician and politician Lewis Fields Linn, who served as U. S. Senator from 1833 to 1843. Senator Linn was instrumental in the acquisition of the Oregon Territory for the United States.  The first plat of the City was filed in 1883.  For more information phone 785-348-5839, or visit the Kansas Travel site at www.travelks.com.

Stained Glass in the Chapel at the Linn Community Nursing Home. Phone 785-348-5551

Founding Sign located in the Linn City Park.

Events:

• May – Alumni & Memorial Day Activities

• July – Linn Picnic

Food & Specialty Shops:

• Wholmoor American Legion

• Peters Country Mart

• Just Left

Points of Interest:

• St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

• United Methodist Church

• Zion Lutheran (Mo. Synod)

• Immanuel Church

Mahaska is located 12 miles North of U. S. Highway 36 via County Road.

Mahaska was founded in 1887 by L. Bonham.  Mahaska is the Indian version of the name White Cloud II, meaning “White Swan”.  White Cloud II was a chief of the Prairie Sioux.  Located one mile west and one mile north of Mahaska you will find the 1856 Surveyor’s Monument.  Originally marked in 1856, this site was the beginning point for land surveys for all land in Kansas, Nebraska, three-fourths of Colorado, most of Wyoming and a small part of South Dakota.  The original marker was discovered in 1976, and a new monument was dedicated in 1987.  For more information phone 785-245-3368 or visit the Kansas Travel Site at www.travelks.com.

The Sixth Principal Meridian or 40th Parallel Marker came about on May 30, 1854, as Congress agreed to establish and survey the Kansas and Nebraska territories.  This surveyor’s point is the site from where more than 200 million miles of land was surveyed.
1940 W. P. A. Water Tower – located in Mahaska City Park	One cell City Jail – located at the North End of Main Street. Door is open for viewing.

Events:

• July: 4th of July Celebration

Specialty:

• Lambriar Kennels

Points of Interest: 

• Sixth Principal Meriden or 40th Parallel Marker

• City Jail

• 1940 W. P. A. Water Tower

• Community Center

Morrowville is located 2 miles North of U. S. Highway 36 on Kansas Highway 15.

Founded in 1884, the town of Morrow was named for its founder, Cal Morrow, a state senator from 1876 to 1890, landowner and cattleman.  The name “Morrowville” was chosen on June 7, 1884, because of confusion with the mail going to the Brown County town of Morrill.  For more information phone 785-265-3155 or visit Kansas Travel site at www.travelks.com.

Founders Sign located in Cummings Park.

In the City Park you will find the world’s first bulldozer, patented 1925 by J. Earl McLeod and Jim Cummings.  This replica is on display in Cummings Park.

Events:

• February – Ground Hog Day Celebration

• June – Annual Whole Hog Barbeque 

• December – Nanninga’s Christmas Joy land 

Food:

• Korner Café – Jct. US 36 & Hwy 15

• Morrowville Café & Bar

Points of Interest:

• Cummings Park

• Founders Sign

• Christian Church

• City Cemetery

• St. Peter & Paul Catholic – Country

• United Methodist Church

Palmer is located 1 mile West of Kansas Highways 15 & 9 on Kansas Highway 115.

In 1879, a few buildings were moved from Pete’s Creek to a site two miles north next to the Union Pacific Railroad, Central Branch.  E. A. Thomas laid out the town, naming it for J. Palmer, the first superintendent of public instruction in the County.  The community of Palmer was actually founded in 1882, when a plat of the community was filed. Palmer will be celebrating its 125^th year in 2003.  For more information phone 785-692-4255 or visit the Kansas Travel site at www.travelks.com

1920 Wooden Frame Jail Located East of Palmer Post Office – Downtown Palmer	St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – Located West of Downtown Palmer  - Over 100 years Old
Outcropping of laid rock remaining on the original location of the Brown Hotel. Located West of Downdown. Drive-by photo opportunity.

Events:

• September – Labor Day Celebration

Food:

• Palmer Café

Points of Interest:

• St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

• Old Brown Hotel – Laid Rock Outcropping

• St. John’s Lutheran Church – Country

• 1920 Jail

Vining is Located on Parallel Street, 1 block West of Kansas Highway 9, West of the Village of Clifton. Vining shares the same distinction as its neighboring Village of Clifton, since it lies in two counties. Washington County is on the North side and Clay County is on the South side of Parallel Street. Clifton and Vining each has their own City government, however they work together holding community events. The largest event being the Clifton/Vining Music Festival held in August. For more information phone 785-455-2229, or visit Kansas Travel site at www.travelks.com. Also, visit sister Village of Clifton.

Marker at the site of the Vining Post Office in Operation from 1907-1954.

Entering the City of Vining heading west from Clifton on Parallel Street.

Events:

• August – County Music Festival and Wild West Show

Food:

• Brett’s Club           

Points of Interest: 

• Founder’s Sign

• City Park

• Refer to Information listed under Clifton City

Washington is located on U. S. Highway 36 and Kansas Highway 15. Washington is the County seat.  Gold-seeks traveled by the thousands through Washington County in 1849 along the Oregon-California Trail on their way to California.  Not until 1857 did the first settlers come in numbers to claim farms in the rich creek and river valleys.  In 1860, one year before Kansas was a State, Mr.’s Ballard, Bowen, and Pierce founded Washington. Following the Civil War, settlers came more rapidly and the town began to grow.  The coming of the Union Pacific Railroad to the community was celebrated in 1877.   The Burlington Northern arrived in 1884.  The community was named after our First President, George Washington.  For more information phone 785-325-2284, or visit   www.washingtonks.net, or Kansas Travel site at www.travelks.com.

Washington County Historical Museum & Genealogy Library East of Courthouse on Courthouse Square – 785-325-2198

1882 Log Cabin City Park

Events:

• May – June Swap Meet & Tractor Show
  Jayhusker Races
  Washington Speedway

• June – Rodeo
  Jayhusker Races
  Washington Speedway

• July – 4th of July Celebration

• July-Aug. - County Fair

• Dec. – Santa’s Gifts & Goodies
  Heart’s ‘N Things Bazaar & Auction Country Antiques

Food, Lodging, & Specialty Shops:

• Longhorn Bar & Grill

• Schooky’s Deli

• Honeysuckle Fabrics & Quilts

• Main Street Market

• Swirley Top

• Tre Barista

• K-Motel

• Seven Days Inn

• Gas ‘N Shop

• Short Stop

• Mar-Con Pies

• Tea & Treasures

Points of Interest:

• United Methodist Church

• County Courthouse

• Baptist Church

• Washington County Historical Museum and Genealogy Library

• St. Augustine’s Catholic Church

• Church of the Brethren

• 1882 Log Cabin

• Christian Church

• Allis Chalmer Museum

• Good Shepherd Lutheran

• W.P.A. Limestone Buildings - Fairgrounds

• Vision of Grace Independent Baptist

• KSDS

• Cedar Hills Golf Course

• Munchkinland – Playground at City Park

• Tea & Treasures

Washington County State Fishing Lake Located 10 miles Northwest of Washington via County Roads	Skyscrapers of the Plains – Or to us Locals – “The Grain Elevator”.
Kimeo Sign at the location of a small Early 1900’s community.  Located South of Greenleaf via County Road The end to a perfect day in Washington County	St. Michael’s Catholic Church located South of Greenleaf via County Road. A must see drive-by. Over 120 years old.
Buffalo Herd near Clifton on LCL Buffalo Ranch	Dam over Mill Creek – Southside of Washington City Park
Kansas Specialty Dog Service, Inc. – Training Center for Service Dogs – located in Washington – Visit:   www.ksds.org	Annual Antique Tractor Show & Swap Meet – Washington - June

Address:
214 C Street
Washington, KS 66968

Phone:
785-325-2116

Fax:
785-325-2830

E-mail:
washcott@
washingtonks.net