Top Rated Attractions in Emporia

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is a part of Chase County, Kansas, in the pristine Flint Hills region. This preserve primarily conserves the rare tallgrass prairie ecosystem that was once found predominantly in the North American continent. If you are lucky, you might even spot the American bison, Tallgrass Prairie bison herd. The preserve offers nature trails, hiking, and guided tours for tourists.

The Chase County Historical Society & Museum in Cottonwood Falls is home to an impressive collection of exhibits that explore the history and culture of the region. Spanning over multiple floors, the museum features an old school room, dentist's office, military room, Victorian memorabilia, and cowboy artifacts. Apart from these intriguing exhibits, a permanent exhibition at the museum depicts the plane crash in the county that took the life of Knute Rockne, the famous football coach. Housed in an 1882 stone building that finds a mention on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum is an unmissable attraction for history buffs visiting the town.

Located 1.5 miles (2.41 kilometers) west of Cottonwood Falls, the Chase State Fishing Lake is an excellent recreational space for the entire family. Featuring a shallow and rocky shoreline, the lake is stocked with varieties like bluegill, black bass, channel catfish, crappie and white bass, making for an ideal attraction for fishing and angling. Spend a leisurely day by the lake as you try your luck with fresh catch, have a lovely picnic by the shoreline, or explore its picturesque environs, including the dam and a beautiful waterfall. During spring, blooming wildflowers add to the site's breathtaking beauty.

Located in a quiet corner of Swope Park in Cottonwood Falls, the Chase County Veterans Memorial was built in honor of the veterans in all American wars and conflicts. A cenotaph at the memorial commemorates all the local residents of Chase County who served the country from the Civil War to the present times. The memorial includes a tank, an anchor and a military helicopter, representing different branches of the service. When in town, pay a visit to the memorial to remember the veterans and their contribution to the security of the country.

The Cottonwood Falls River - Walking Bridge is the site where the first bridge in Cottonwood Falls was built in 1872. The old iron bridge was replaced by the present arch bridge in 1914 by the Missouri Valley Bridge and Iron Company. One of the only three earth-filled arch bridges standing in Kansas, the bridge has now become a popular tourist attraction in the town. When in town, take a leisurely stroll along the bridge to admire its serene surroundings and learn more about its history. Located close to local shops and eateries, it is an ideal place to spend a pleasant evening in Cottonwood Falls.

The Chase County Courthouse was built in 1873 in the charming town of Cottonwood Falls. Known for being the oldest operating courthouse in Kansas, the beautiful structure is also a popular tourist attraction in the town. Constructed with local limestone, the building features a gorgeous staircase that winds across three stories made out of local walnut trees. Designed in the French Renaissance Revival style of architecture, the building finds a place on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can admire the stunning structure up-close on a heritage walk of the town.