Centralia KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Centralia, Kansas.
1. Centralia Lake
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Centralia Lake is a 480-acre recreational lake completed in 1990 that offers boating, fishing, and camping opportunities. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful waters surrounded by the natural beauty of Nemaha County. The lake serves as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience rural Kansas at its finest.
2. Hidden Park
HISTORIC COMMUNITY GREEN SPACE
Hidden Park was gifted to the city by the family of Dr. John S. Hidden, an important early physician in the area. The park offers residents and visitors a pleasant green space in the heart of this small farming community. It serves as a gathering place for local events and leisure activities throughout the year.
3. Centralia Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Centralia Museum, established in 2016, is located in City Hall and showcases artifacts donated by local residents. Open weekdays from 8AM to 5PM, with special appointments available after hours and on holidays, the museum preserves the rich history of this farming community. Visitors can explore exhibits that tell the story of Centralia from its 1859 founding to the present day.
4. Spring Creek Golf Club
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Spring Creek Golf Club offers a highly-rated golfing experience with a 4.4/5 rating from visitors. The course features well-maintained greens and fairways set against the backdrop of Kansas countryside. Golf enthusiasts appreciate the challenging yet enjoyable layout that accommodates players of various skill levels.
5. Sac & Fox Casino
GAMING ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION
Sac & Fox Casino is a popular entertainment venue near Centralia with a 3.4/5 rating from visitors. The casino offers various gaming options including slot machines and table games for those seeking excitement. Beyond gambling, the facility features dining options and occasional live entertainment.
6. John Riggins Memorial
LOCAL SPORTS HERO
The John Riggins Memorial honors Centralia's most famous native son, a legendary professional football player. Riggins, known as 'The Diesel,' had an illustrious NFL career with the New York Jets and Washington Redskins, culminating in a Super Bowl MVP award. The memorial celebrates his achievements and connection to this small Kansas town that proudly claims him as their hometown hero.
7. Black Vermillion River
SCENIC WATERWAY ROUTE
The Black Vermillion River flows through Centralia, providing scenic views and outdoor recreation opportunities. The river played a significant role in the town's development, as Centralia relocated to its banks in 1867 when the Missouri Pacific Railroad was built nearby. Today, the waterway adds natural beauty to the community while offering fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities.
8. Nemaha County Countryside
RURAL AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE
The Nemaha County Countryside surrounding Centralia showcases the agricultural heart of Kansas with expansive fields of wheat, milo, corn, and soybeans. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives through the rolling farmland and observe the seasonal changes in crops throughout the year. The pastoral setting, which includes cattle and hog farms, offers a glimpse into the farming lifestyle that has sustained this region for generations.
9. Historic Downtown Centralia
CHARMING MAIN STREET
Historic Downtown Centralia features buildings that recall the town's early days when it was established as a colony in 1859. The area once housed the original general store, schoolhouse, hotel, drug store, law office, and blacksmith shop that formed the foundation of the community. Today, visitors can stroll through downtown to appreciate the preserved architecture and small-town atmosphere of this farming community.
10. Pony Express Museum
HISTORIC MAIL SERVICE
The Pony Express Museum in nearby Marysville celebrates the legendary mail delivery service that connected the East and West in the 1860s. Exhibits feature original artifacts, interactive displays, and comprehensive information about the brave riders who carried mail across the frontier. Visitors can learn about this important chapter in American history and its impact on communication and westward expansion.
11. Marshall County Historical Society Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Marshall County Historical Society Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts representing the area's rich history. Exhibits span from Native American heritage through pioneer settlement to modern times, providing a comprehensive view of regional development. The museum offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the evolving story of this part of Kansas.
12. Koester House Museum
VICTORIAN ERA ELEGANCE
The Koester House Museum is an exquisitely preserved Victorian mansion that showcases the opulent lifestyle of a prominent 19th-century family. The house features original furnishings, decorative arts, and architecture that transport visitors to the Victorian era. Surrounding the mansion are beautiful gardens that complete this glimpse into the refined living of Kansas' past.
13. Blue Rapids Museum
SMALL TOWN STORIES
The Blue Rapids Museum chronicles the history of this unique round town and its distinctive geological features. Exhibits highlight the town's unusual circular layout, inspired by Washington DC, and the natural gypsum deposits that influenced local industry. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and stories that capture the essence of this charming Kansas community.
14. Alcove Spring Historic Park
OREGON TRAIL LANDMARK
Alcove Spring Historic Park preserves an important stopover point for pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail in the 1840s. The natural spring, waterfall, and inscriptions left by westward travelers provide tangible connections to this significant migration period. Hiking trails allow visitors to explore the same terrain crossed by thousands of pioneers seeking new opportunities in the American West.
15. Homestead Restaurant
HEARTLAND COMFORT FOOD
The Homestead Restaurant serves authentic Midwest cuisine in a warm, welcoming atmosphere near Centralia. Diners enjoy hearty portions of home-style cooking featuring locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. The restaurant has become a gathering place for both locals and travelers looking to experience genuine Kansas hospitality and flavors.