We’ve got so many great small towns in Kansas. Since the state is so spread out, it can be difficult to get to some in a timely manner. One that is not too remote that makes for a great day trip in the Sunflower State is Marysville. It’s the county seat of Marshall County and has a population of just over 3,000. There’s a surprising amount to see and do here. Check it out:
Visit Marysville, KS Marysville’s population is under 3,500, but you’ll find a surprising array of things to do in this little town! It’s got a fascinating history dating back even prior to its incorporation in 1861.
Airwolfhound/Flickr Let’s get Marysville’s most famous attraction out of the way first: the city is known as Black Squirrel City thanks to its unusually large population of black squirrels. The squirrels are the same species as the more common gray or brownish eastern gray squirrel. Marysville has a squirrel population that’s about 20% black due to a genetic anomaly. According to legend, the Marysville black squirrel population is descended from a pair of squirrels that escaped from a circus back in 1912.
Black Squirrels on Parade/Facebook The squirrels are beloved in the town and are the city’s official mascot. You can find 34 statues of “Black Squirrels on Parade” in front of various businesses throughout the city, among several other unique attractions you’ll want to visit:
Historic Trails Park and Rope Ferry Replica: 1189 US-77, Marysville, KS 66508
Visit Marysville, KS Marshall County was once home to eight historic trails, including the legendary Oregon Trail and the Mormon Trail. This park contains signs explaining the historical significance of the various trails. It’s a great way to enjoy nature while learning about the history of this small town in Kansas. Historic Trails Park & Rope Ferry Replica, 1189 US-77, Marysville, KS 66508, USA
Pony Express Home Station and Museum: 106 South 8th, Marysville, KS 66508
Visit Marysville, KS The Pony Express only ran for about a year and a half (it was simply too expensive to maintain). Even so, the route has a beloved spot in the history of the Midwest. Marysville was home to the Pony Express’s home station. The stable is the oldest building in Marshall County and is now a museum housing exhibits on Marysville’s role as a transportation hub. Get more information from the museum’s Facebook. 106 S 8th St, Marysville, KS 66508, USA
Blue River Rail Trail: 900 Jayhawk Road, Marysville, KS 66508
Visit Marysville, KS Kansas is one of many states throughout the country to have begun work on converting unused railroad lines into bike and walking trails. The Blue River Trail runs all the way from Marysville to Nebraska! You can learn more on the trail’s website. 900 Jayhawk Rd, Marysville, KS 66508, USA
Koester House Museum: 919 Broadway St, Marysville, KS 66508
Tanya Stegemoller/Google Maps The Koester House Museum is the perfect spot to visit when the weather is warm. The museum is a Victorian home that contains fascinating local history, and the gardens are glorious. Koester House Museum, 919 Broadway St, Marysville, KS 66508, USA
Alcove Spring: Elm Creek, KS 66411
Visit Marysville, KS Alcove Spring was a major stop on the Oregon Trail that’s just south of Marysville. Here, you’ll find a 223-acre park. The walk to the spring itself is only about 0.25 miles. Alcove Spring, Elm Creek, KS 66411, USAAlcove Spring, KS 66411, USA
You can learn more about Marysville and its attractions on the town’s website.
We’ve got so many great small towns in Kansas. Since the state is so spread out, it can be difficult to get to some in a timely manner. One that is not too remote that makes for a great day trip in the Sunflower State is Marysville. It’s the county seat of Marshall County and has a population of just over 3,000. There’s a surprising amount to see and do here. Check it out:
We’ve got so many great small towns in Kansas. Since the state is so spread out, it can be difficult to get to some in a timely manner. One that is not too remote that makes for a great day trip in the Sunflower State is Marysville. It’s the county seat of Marshall County and has a population of just over 3,000. There’s a surprising amount to see and do here. Check it out:
Visit Marysville, KS
Marysville’s population is under 3,500, but you’ll find a surprising array of things to do in this little town! It’s got a fascinating history dating back even prior to its incorporation in 1861.
Airwolfhound/Flickr
Let’s get Marysville’s most famous attraction out of the way first: the city is known as Black Squirrel City thanks to its unusually large population of black squirrels. The squirrels are the same species as the more common gray or brownish eastern gray squirrel. Marysville has a squirrel population that’s about 20% black due to a genetic anomaly. According to legend, the Marysville black squirrel population is descended from a pair of squirrels that escaped from a circus back in 1912.
Black Squirrels on Parade/Facebook
The squirrels are beloved in the town and are the city’s official mascot. You can find 34 statues of “Black Squirrels on Parade” in front of various businesses throughout the city, among several other unique attractions you’ll want to visit:
Marshall County was once home to eight historic trails, including the legendary Oregon Trail and the Mormon Trail. This park contains signs explaining the historical significance of the various trails. It’s a great way to enjoy nature while learning about the history of this small town in Kansas.
Historic Trails Park & Rope Ferry Replica, 1189 US-77, Marysville, KS 66508, USA
The Pony Express only ran for about a year and a half (it was simply too expensive to maintain). Even so, the route has a beloved spot in the history of the Midwest. Marysville was home to the Pony Express’s home station. The stable is the oldest building in Marshall County and is now a museum housing exhibits on Marysville’s role as a transportation hub. Get more information from the museum’s Facebook.
106 S 8th St, Marysville, KS 66508, USA
Kansas is one of many states throughout the country to have begun work on converting unused railroad lines into bike and walking trails. The Blue River Trail runs all the way from Marysville to Nebraska! You can learn more on the trail’s website.
900 Jayhawk Rd, Marysville, KS 66508, USA
Tanya Stegemoller/Google Maps
The Koester House Museum is the perfect spot to visit when the weather is warm. The museum is a Victorian home that contains fascinating local history, and the gardens are glorious.
Koester House Museum, 919 Broadway St, Marysville, KS 66508, USA
Alcove Spring was a major stop on the Oregon Trail that’s just south of Marysville. Here, you’ll find a 223-acre park. The walk to the spring itself is only about 0.25 miles.
Alcove Spring, Elm Creek, KS 66411, USAAlcove Spring, KS 66411, USA
Have you visited this great small town in Kansas? Do you have other attractions there you’d recommend? Share your experiences in the comments!
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Address: Marysville, KS 66508, USA
