Ramona KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ramona, Kansas.
1. Trinity Lutheran Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
Trinity Lutheran Church continues to serve parishioners in Ramona, offering a glimpse into the town's religious heritage. The church stands as one of the few active institutions remaining in this small Flint Hills community. Visitors can appreciate the architecture and historical significance of this enduring spiritual center.
2. Union Pacific Railroad
HISTORIC RAILWAY ROUTE
The Union Pacific Railroad still runs through Ramona, carrying on the legacy of the former Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railway. Locomotive enthusiasts can watch trains pass through this small Kansas town, connecting it to the wider railway network. The railroad played a crucial role in Ramona's development and remains an important part of its identity.
3. Ramona Post Office
COMMUNITY MAIL HUB
The Ramona Post Office continues to serve the community as one of the few remaining operational businesses in town. This establishment provides an important connection to the outside world for residents of this small Flint Hills city. Visitors can experience a slice of small-town Kansas life while stopping by this local institution.
4. Historic Downtown Ramona
GLIMPSE OF THE PAST
Historic Downtown Ramona features several abandoned business buildings that tell the story of the town's more prosperous past. Walking along the main street provides visitors with a window into rural Kansas history and the evolution of small agricultural communities. The architecture and layout of these structures offer insight into what life was like during Ramona's heyday in the mid-20th century.
5. Ramona Grain Elevator
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE LANDMARK
The Ramona Grain Elevator stands as a prominent landmark in the town, representing its agricultural roots and economic history. Once converted to a farmers' cooperative, this structure symbolizes the importance of farming to the community's identity. The elevator provides a striking visual reminder of rural Kansas's agricultural heritage against the Flint Hills landscape.
6. Flint Hills Scenic Drive
NATURAL BEAUTY ROUTE
The Flint Hills Scenic Drive offers breathtaking views of the unique tallgrass prairie ecosystem surrounding Ramona. Visitors can experience one of the last remaining expanses of tallgrass prairie in North America while driving through rolling hills and open landscapes. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound along this route, particularly during spring wildflower blooms and autumn when the prairie grasses change color.
7. St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church
SPIRITUAL HERITAGE SITE
St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church is a highly-rated religious site near Ramona with a 4.9/5 visitor rating. The church showcases beautiful architecture and religious artwork that reflects the spiritual heritage of the region. Visitors appreciate both the historical significance and peaceful atmosphere of this Marion County landmark.
8. Marion County Courthouse
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Marion County Courthouse serves as the center of local government and stands as an architectural highlight in the region. Located approximately 19 miles southeast of Ramona, this historic building features distinctive design elements characteristic of its era. Visitors can admire both the exterior architecture and interior historical details while learning about local governance.
9. Hillsboro Museums
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
Hillsboro Museums preserve and display the cultural heritage of the area through artifacts, photographs, and historical exhibits. These museums offer insights into pioneer life, agricultural development, and the unique Mennonite history of the region. Visitors can step back in time while exploring the collections housed in several historic buildings.
10. Centre K-12 School
EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY HUB
Centre K-12 School on Highway 77 serves as an educational hub for the surrounding communities, including Ramona. The facility represents the consolidation of local schools, including the former Centre Elementary in Lost Springs which closed in 2011. Visitors can appreciate this modern educational center that maintains the traditions of rural Kansas schooling.
11. Santa Fe Trail Sites
PIONEER PATH MARKERS
The Santa Fe Trail sites in Marion County mark the historic route used by traders and settlers traveling between Missouri and Santa Fe. These locations feature interpretive signs explaining the significance of this important 19th-century commercial highway. Visitors can follow the trail markers to experience the same landscapes viewed by pioneers and traders nearly two centuries ago.
12. Father Kapaun Museum
WAR HERO TRIBUTE
The Father Kapaun Museum honors the life of Emil Kapaun, a Catholic priest and Medal of Honor recipient who died as a prisoner during the Korean War. Located in nearby Pilsen, the museum displays personal effects, photographs, and information about Kapaun's military service and spiritual leadership. Visitors from around the world come to learn about this heroic chaplain whose cause for sainthood is being considered by the Vatican.
13. Herington Historical Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Herington Historical Museum preserves the history of this important railroad town located near Ramona. Exhibits highlight Herington's development as a rail center, its military connections, and the everyday life of residents throughout different eras. Visitors can explore collections of photographs, documents, and artifacts that tell the story of this significant regional hub.
14. Maxwell Wildlife Refuge
PRAIRIE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Maxwell Wildlife Refuge provides a home for herds of American bison and elk in a natural tallgrass prairie setting. Located within driving distance of Ramona, the refuge offers tram tours that allow visitors to observe these magnificent animals in their native habitat. Nature enthusiasts can also enjoy bird watching, photography, and hiking within this protected ecosystem.
15. Marion Reservoir
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Marion Reservoir offers a variety of water-based recreational activities including fishing, boating, swimming, and camping. The reservoir's shoreline provides habitat for diverse wildlife and serves as a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in the region. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the water against the backdrop of rolling hills while experiencing the natural beauty of the Flint Hills landscape.