Emporia Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the heart of Kansas, Emporia is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. With its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and diverse range of attractions, Emporia is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic American experience.

One of the city's most notable attractions is the Emporia State University. Nestled in a beautiful campus, this renowned institution is not only a hub of academic excellence but also offers various cultural and sporting events throughout the year. Visitors can explore the campus, attend a lecture, or catch a thrilling football game at the university's stadium.

For nature enthusiasts, Emporia is a gateway to the scenic Flint Hills region. Stretching across central Kansas, this vast expanse of rolling prairies is known for its breathtaking beauty and abundant wildlife. Travelers can embark on a scenic drive through the Flint Hills, hike along the numerous trails, or simply enjoy a picnic surrounded by the serene countryside.

History buffs will find plenty to discover in Emporia as well. The Lyon County Historical Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's past, showcasing exhibits that range from Native American artifacts to pioneer-era memorabilia. The National Teachers Hall of Fame is another must-visit attraction, honoring the contributions of outstanding educators from across the country.

Emporia also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene. The Granada Theater is a historic landmark that hosts a variety of live performances, including concerts, plays, and comedy shows. The Emporia Arts Center showcases the work of local artists and offers workshops for those looking to unleash their creative side.

Food lovers will delight in the diverse culinary offerings found in Emporia. From classic American diners to international cuisine, the city's dining scene has something for every palate. Visitors can savor mouthwatering barbecue, indulge in farm-to-table delicacies, or enjoy a leisurely brunch at one of the charming cafes downtown.

Alternative names: Founded: 1857 (167 years ago)Population: 24.6 thous.Area: 12.24 mi²Elevation: 1145 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 38°24'23"N, 96°10'50"W

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KansasUnited States

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Emporia Top Attractions

Emporia Attractions - What to See and Explore

Emporia offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Emporia Granada Theatre, Emporia Arts Council, Lyon County Courthouse, William Allen White House. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Concerts and shows • Theater
Emporia Granada Theatre
The Granada Theatre is a theatre located in Emporia, Kansas, United States. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 and was designed by the Boller Brothers.
Church
Emporia Arts Council
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church is a parish established in Emporia, Kansas on February 14, 1870, as part of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. St. Andrew's first building was constructed in the Fall of 1870 and was of a Gothic Revival style. In 1928, the original building was replaced by a larger Gothic Revival architecture building. St.
38°24'19"N • 96°10'41"W
Lyon County Courthouse
Museum

Historical place • Museum • History museum
William Allen White House
The Red Rocks State Historic Site is a Kansas historic site at 927 Exchange Street in Emporia, Kansas. It preserves the William Allen White House, also known as Red Rocks, which was the home of Progressive journalist William Allen White from 1899 until his death in 1944.
38°24'45"N • 96°11'20"W
Walt Mason House
The Walt Mason House in Emporia, Kansas, located at 606 W. 12th Ave. was built in 1912. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. It is an American Foursquare-style house. It was home of Walt Mason, a humorist poet.
38°24'31"N • 96°10'25"W
Harris-Borman House
The Harris-Borman House, a Queen Anne-style house at 827 Mechanic in Emporia, Kansas, was built in 1897. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. It was deemed notable "for its architectural significance as a transitional, Queen Anne residence." It was constructed by Linley M.
38°23'29"N • 96°10'28"W
Richard Howe House
The Richard Howe House, located at 315 E. Logan Ave. in Emporia, Kansas, was built in about 1866–67. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
History museum
Emporia State University Teachers College
The Emporia State University Teachers College is an education college located in Emporia, Kansas, United States. It is a part of Emporia State University.
Neighbourhood
Emporia Downtown Historic District
The Emporia Downtown Historic District is a historic district which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. The district covers about 18 city blocks. Its 67 acres listed area included 115 contributing buildings and 52 non-contributing buildings. Two already-listed resources were included.
Student center • Universities and schools
Emporia State University Memorial Union
The Emporia State University Memorial Union is the student activity center on the Emporia State University campus in Emporia, Kansas.
Universities and schools
Emporia State University
Emporia State University is a public university in Emporia, Kansas, United States. Established in March 1863 as the Kansas State Normal School, Emporia State is the third-oldest public university in the state of Kansas.

Day trips

Emporia – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Emporia, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Kaw Mission (Council Grove), Chase County Courthouse (Cottonwood Falls), Tallgrass Prairie bison herd (Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve).

25 milesNW
Historical place, Museum, History museum
Kaw Mission, Council Grove
Kaw Mission is a historic church mission at 500 N. Mission Street in Council Grove, Kansas that was home, school and church to 30 Kaw boys from 1851–1854. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. The site is now administered by the Kansas Historical Society as Kaw Mission State Historic Site.
20 milesW
Tower, Neo-renaissance architecture
Chase County Courthouse, Cottonwood Falls
The Chase County Courthouse in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas was built in 1873 and is the oldest operating courthouse in Kansas.
21 milesW
Park
Tallgrass Prairie bison herd, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
The Tallgrass Prairie bison herd is a population of American bison inhabiting the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in central Kansas. It is a public bison herd that has little evidence of cattle introgression.
44 milesSW
Museum
Burns Union School, Burns
The Burns Union School at the SW corner of Ohio and Main Sts. in Burns, Kansas was built in 1904. It was a work of C.W. Squires and J.J. Clayton. In 1965, it closed as a result of statewide school district consolidation. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
42 milesW
History museum, Museum
Harvey House, Florence
Harvey House of Florence, Kansas, United States, also known under the older name of Clifton Hotel, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

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Best Time To Visit Emporia

Learn when is the best time to travel to Emporia weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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April and June are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May and July.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in January and February. Most of it rains in June.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Emporia?

The top attractions to visit in Emporia are:

What is the best time to visit Emporia?

April and June are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May and July. The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January.