Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Visit Marysville and its partners. However, all opinions and photos are my own, with the exception of one labeled courtesy photo.
Referred to as Black Squirrel City, Marysville, Kansas, is a place everyone should experience. Once located on the Oregon Trail and home of Pony Express Station No. 1, the charming town offers visitors multiple museums, boutique shops, downtown dining options, and outdoor trails.
Marysville is a one-hour drive north of Manhattan and about a 20-minute from the Nebraska border.
Located near the Big Blue River, Marysville was established before Kansas became a state, serving as a trading post in 1852 for Francis J. (Frank) Marshall. Eventually, Marshall opened a post office and named the town Marysville after his wife, Mary.
Eventually, the town was the first home station of the Pony Express route west of St. Joseph, Missouri. As time passed, Marysville was the site of the Union Pacific Railroad’s line connecting Kansas City, Kansas, and Hastings, Nebraska.
The town is rich in history, and it inspired me to want to explore. Plus, its stunning architecture and natural scenery add a Hallmark movie quality, which earned it a place on USA Today‘s “50 State Road Trip,” featuring the most beautiful towns in every state.
I visit numerous Kansas towns. Marysville’s points of interest deliver a wow factor.
10 Must-Have Experiences in Marysville, Kansas
Explore Pony Express History
Brave riders race through Kansas with leather bags filled with mail en route along the Pony Express in all the terrain and weather around the clock. For 18 months, from April 1860 to October 1861, riders delivered letters from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California. Marysville was the first station west of Missouri.
Snap Photos at Pony Express Sculpture
Start your day at the towering Pony Express bronze sculpture across from the Marysville Convention & Tourism office (209 N. 8th Street).
The artist’s representation of Pony Express rider Jack Keetley, shows him as the first rider to embark on the journey from Marysville. Look closely at his face. Can you imagine what was going through his mind as he rose into the night?
PRO TIP: I defied blustery Kansas winds to admire artist Dr. Richard Bergen’s sculpture, and it was well worth viewing as the native grass well in the wind at its base. Don’t miss the chance to view three tile panels installed nearby. As you walk from one to the other, notice how the subject matter changes as if animated.
Tour the Pony Express Barn & Museum
Naturally, your next stop should be the Pony Express Barn & Museum (106 S. 8th St.), the Original Pony Express Home Station No. 1 dating back to 1859. A native limestone building, it is nestled next to the barn that once served as a livery stable.
You’re transported back in time as you walk into the museum’s doors.
I was warmly greeted by a volunteer who offered to give me a personalized tour of the grounds after I watched a 14-minute introductory video about Pony Express history.
As he led me from artifact stations to dioramas depicting Native American tribes who once resided in the area, I became increasingly impressed with the museum exhibits. Considering how difficult it is to curate items from the Pony Express era, the museum reflects the year in history well.
Hands-on activity stations, designed for visiting children and groups of touring school kids, include animal pelts, sun-bleached bones, and cowboy apparel. Massive stagecoaches and farm equipment sit nearby, but once you venture into the original barn, it becomes clear how primitive life on The Great Plains was in the late 1800s. 
The old livery stables smell of straw, rusted farm tools, and dusty barn boards. Donated implements rest on shelving.
As my guide cranked an antique corn sheller, demonstrating how it removed kernels from the cob, I watched field corn drop into a pan underneath.
Mail a Letter from the Post Office
The next stop on your exploration of the town’s Pony Express history should lead you to the Marysville Post Office (109 S. 9th). The first of its kind in Kansas, the interior resembles a typical post office, but it’s what’s outside that fascinates history seekers.
The post office is the oldest civilian post office in continual operation in the state, and its exterior marker honors this history, noting the contributions of the Pony Express founders Majors, Waddell, and Russell.
PRO TIP: Buy stamps and mail a letter or postcard to celebrate your visit. Note: The post office is closed during the lunch hour from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Locate the Black Squirrels on Parade
How does a town become known as Black Squirrel City in the heart of the country? Sure, they’re the town’s mascot, but why?
As the legendary story goes, a child at the McMahon Carnival released caged black squirrels, and they ran wild, making their home in Marysville. While black squirrels exist in other locales, their concentration in Marysville is significant.
Black Squirrels on Parade celebrates the town’s appreciation for the fuzzy critters with hand-painted fiberglass sculptures. The city installed 34 five-foot squirrels in 2016, and now more than 50 of the chubby chipmunks are stationed across town.
Of course, I wasn’t satisfied taking pictures of faux squirrels and set out to find the real ones running about me. At Marysville City Park (10th and Oak Street), I parked the car and waited.
Within minutes, I spotted black squirrels chasing one another up and down trees in the company of red squirrels. They emitted high-pitched chirps until they spotted me, and then they froze in place silently, posing for my camera.
PRO TIP: Walk through the park to the stone historic marker honoring Marysville’s stop on the Oregon Trail. Traveling with kids? They’ll love using the castle-like playground equipment at the park, which also includes a nine-hole disc golf course.
Admire Victorian Living at Koester House Museum and Gardens
Isn’t it grand? Perhaps the most opulent Marysville residence, Koester House Museum and Gardens (919 Broadway), looks as fantastic inside as it does from street view.
As I stepped into the garden blooming with spring tulips, a water fountain trickled water in the distance as the trees blew in the Kansas wind. I walked uneven brick pavers up to the door and rang the bell.
Leading me through the home was not just a tour guide but a family member by marriage to the Koesters. Her personal ties to the family infused the tour with a storytelling, as she recounted the Koester family’s captivating journey to prosperity.
Charles F. Koester came from Germany to Marysville in 1960 and served as treasurer before teaming up with his brother-in-low to launch the Exchange Bank of Schmidt & Koester. Family heirs donated the entire block’s buildings, built by the family, to the town in 1977.
As we meandered through the lower level of the home and exterior buildings, which included an ice house, coal house, and summer kitchen, I was in awe, thinking how a German immigrant arrived to Kansas at age seven without a formal education and accomplished so much.
PRO TIP: The museum is open for tours from April through October. It is closed during the lunch hour from 12:00 pm-1:00 pm. Walk-ins welcome. Remember to sign the guest book after paying the $5 adult and $2 children admission.
Appreciate the Past at Marshall County Historic Courthouse Museum
Onward! Leave the car park and walk a couple of blocks to Marshall County Historic Courthouse Museum (1207 Broadway). The 1891 courthouse, a Richardsonian Romanesque building constructed with $43,000, is viewable from any direction due to its tower, limestone foundation, and vibrant red brick.
The interior, restored to its original beauty, is bolder in design. Multi-color tile floors lead thematic rooms, where museum volunteers curated artifacts that tell a visual story of Marshall County history, its people, and industries.
The recessed entrance, crown molding, sun-catching stained glass, and ornate stair railing showcase 19th-century Romanesque style.
As I toured each of the three floors’ displays, I stopped in my tracks upon entering the courtroom. As if untouched since the judge and jury exited a final time, the massive room is meticulously restored. The wood floor creaked until my step, and the mid-day sun cast light beams through colored stained glass windows.
And then I spotted the most interesting room of them all. The Jury Room.
The tiny space included a table, chairs, and primitively designed bathrooms. It’s hard to imagine deliberating a court case in the room for days. Perhaps weeks.
PRO TIP: Refer to the museum’s Facebook page to plan your visit around an upcoming event.
Dine Like a Local
eMpTy Cup Coffee Bar & Bistro
If you’re searching for a place to savor a hearty homemade breakfast with a cup of coffee, eMpTy Cup Coffee Bar & Bistro (723 Broadway) is an excellent place to land. The locals fill the morning dining room, chatting about the town’s news between breakfast bites and trips to refill cups at the self-serve coffee station.
I enjoyed listening to the chatter and the kitchen grill sizzling while perched on a barstool at the window counter. A friendly employee delivered a large plate of smothered biscuits, eggs, and cheese, a delicious meal that could easily feed two people.
PRO TIP: Voted Best Pie in Marshall County, don’t forget to buy a slice to go from the reach-in refrigerator.
Sandy’s Pantry
Locals recommend dining at Sandy’s Pantry (820 Center St.) at lunchtime. A bit lost, I asked a local for directions. She said, “It’s located in the movie theatre. You’ll like it. They serve good food.”
The smell of home-cooked Chinese food permeated the theatre lobby. Specializing in Chinese entrees, Sandy’s Pantry also serves a few Mexican and American dishes. I chose the day’s special, Sweet and Sour Chicken, and sat in a retro diner booth to sip my fountain drink. My meal arrived steaming hot on a bed of white rice.
PRO TIP: The restaurant menu features seven moderately priced entrees, including seven classic Chinese dishes. Tax included.
Wagon Wheel
Find your way to the Wagon Wheel (723 Broadway) at dinnertime. The serving staff ushered me to a comfortable booth in view of a dining room brimming with locals. The check-out counter’s phone rang almost continuously, and people called for pick-up orders.
You could choose a Blue River Fish Sandwich or a Meat Lover’s Burger, which are probably fantastic, but then you’d miss out on perfectly grilled 14-ounce ribeye. I paired my steak dinner with a Blue Moon Belgian Ale (six domestic beers on tap) and enjoyed a leisurely dinner.
PRO TIP: If you want to beat the dinner rush, arrive before a local event ends. Bulldog pride comes out in full force on a middle school cross-country meet night.
Enjoy Retail Therapy During a Downtown Shopping Spree
MSC Boutique
Women seeking the latest fashions will appreciate shopping at MSC Boutique (812 Broadway). Stocking apparel for sizes Small to 3X, the store caters to women who like casual to semi-dressy clothing in vibrant colors and bold patterns.
PRO TIP: Don’t skip the consignment apparel selection in the backroom, and be sure to watch the shop’s live TikTok videos on Sunday at 5:00 pm to view new inventory.
Farmer and Florist
Inside Farmer and Florist, the shop smells of fresh floral arrangements and scented candles. Jarred Kansas-made products, stationary, and bath products adorn shelves amongst house plants.
Farmer and Florist is the type of store that draws you in; before you know it, you’re purchasing a gift for someone. I found the perfect greeting cards.
South Hill Pottery
A few minutes spent inside South Hill Pottery (911 Broadway), and you’re bound to start a conversation with the owner, Sue, who is painting ceramic pieces at a table.
I struck up a conversation learning that not only is the store’s retail created entirely by Sue, but she also teachers individual and group pottery painting classes.
Whether you’d like to drop in and paint a pottery piece to take home or shop for ceramics, South Hill Pottery provides visitors with an immersive experience.
Simple Pleasures & Treasures
At first glance at Simple Pleasures & Treasures’ (905 Broadway) storefront, you may think it’s a tanning salon. But it’s so much more.
It’s the kind of place where women could spend a half day pampering themselves and then shop for a little something special.
Reflections Hallmark
A Hallmark-esque town needs a Hallmark Gold Crown store, and Reflections (901 Broadway) fits the bill. But like most small-town shops, it also delivers unexpected services such as custom orders and picture framing services.
The shelves are stocked with gifts for all ages, including toys for kids, Hallmark ornaments for collectors, and collegiate merchandise for sports fans.
PRO TIP: Introduce yourself to the owners, and you may leave with a complimentary candy, which is a delightful surprise.
AR-EX Drug Store
AR-EX Drug Store (801 Broadway) is not your typical pharmacy. Aside from stocking medical supplies and filling prescriptions, the store is a gem of a find for those shopping for home decor or Black Squirrel City gifts.
The store has a decent amount of inventory, and you’ll likely find clearance items marked for sale each season.
Garden of Eden Flowers & Gifts
No matter your day, your mood instantly lifts after a few minutes of shopping at Garden of Eden Flower & Gifts (717 Broadway). The colorful gift inventory combined with wall decor with positive messaging delivers an element of cheerfulness.
On the day of my visit, the staff was eager to help me when they weren’t busy arranging floral displays in the backroom.IdntiTeez
In Marshall County, you’re surrounded by Marysville Bulldog and K-State Wildcat fans, and IdntiTeez (505 Broadway) is the place to shop for branded apparel. 
PRO TIP: Take a photo with a black squirrel sculpture after placing your custom apparel order, which is available for pick-up the same day.
Potter’s Jewelry
Potter’s Jewelry (714 Center St.) is within walking distance of Broadway Avenue, where most stores are located. Whether you’re hoping to add a gemstone or diamond ring to your jewelry box, you will likely see a sparkling piece beneath the glass case that catches your eye.
The inventory includes pendant, earrings, bracelets, and a classic bridal jewelry.
Admire Artists’ Work at Lee Dam Center for Fine Art
A trip to downtown Marysville is incomplete without touring Lee Dam Center for Fine Art (201 S. 9th St.), but unfortunately, they were closed during my visit. I plan to return for the opportunity to view its exhibitions, which rotate monthly.
The building is a piece of art of its own. Built in 1903, the tall windows cast light indoors on the art gallery and studio workroom.
PRO TIP: Verify the gallery’s hours and current exhibitions prior to visiting.
Relax in Comfort at Trailhead Suites
I love a well-maintained Airbnb that incorporates local history into its thematic design. Trailhead Suites (805 Jackson) is home to two-bedroom suites with full kitchens, tub/shower bathrooms, patio spaces, and front-door parking.
Suite A’s bedrooms include a comfortable queen bed, vanity, blackout curtains, and a small desk. The family room opened up to a dining room, where I used high-speed Wi-Fi to get some work done.
I appreciated that the hosts stocked the kitchen cabinets with essentials for guests to cook a meal or prepare a pot of coffee.
After a full day of exploring, my Airbnb retreat provided the modern, comfortable amenities I’ve come to expect from a rentable home.
PRO TIP: The Airbnb is within walking distance of Blue River Trail. Traveling with a dog? Pets are welcome at Trailhead Suites.
Take a Walk on the Blue River Rail Trail
Nature explorers will appreciate walking the Blue River Rail Trail (8th Street and Jayhawk Road), winding 11.5 miles amongst native trees with views of the river and retired railroad bed. Its manicured gravel trails are accessible for walkers or backroad cyclists to navigate.
I walked some of the trail’s northern edge during the cool early morning hours, enjoying the serenity periodically interrupted by bird sounds.
PRO TIP: Refer to this link to find a trailhead or this page to learn about the annual Pony Express 120 Gravel Dash via the trail.
Watch a Waterfall at Alcove Spring Historic Park
A 6-mile drive outside of town is recommended to view Alcove Spring Historic Park, an area discovered by the Donner party in 1846 on the Oregon Trail.
Despite my best efforts to find it, I wasn’t successful. I followed Apple Map’s directions to Alcove Springs Park, which led me on a curving dirt road outside of town ending near a resident’s property and fenced land.
PRO TIP: Use this link to learn more about the natural spring and how to locate it successfully.
You won’t regret a road trip to check off each of the 10 must-have Marysville experiences.
If you’re interested in traveling to Marysville when a festival brings heightened excitement, consider reserving your lodging before the Mother’s Day Flea Market, Big Blue River Days, Black Squirrel Night, or SkyFest.
As always, please leave your travel questions or suggestions in the comment section below. I’m eager to hear from you.
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From big items like old handmade furniture and saddles to delicate antique glassware and jewelry, 
Serious shoppers will want to devote at least an hour or more to scanning shelving and peering into glass cases at 
Two store employees quickly asked me if there was anything they could help me find, but I wasn’t in search of anything specific. Because the store’s vast collection can seem overwhelming upon entry, it may help to preview featured items on the 
Some of the booths’ owners did an excellent job of displaying items by theme, and I was surprised to find handcrafted items like unique lamps or embroidered tee towels nestled amongst antiques.
PRO TIP: Ask about layaway options if you want to add an investment piece to your collection.
PRO TIP: The charming store, located in a historic building, is an antiquity. Walk to the back of the store and look up at the tin ceiling and architecture.
The darkroom was left untouched, including images drying on a clothesline. 
Although I didn’t visit during one of those events, I still found it worthwhile to tour. Beyond the “main street,” it includes the Grove Ill Schoolhouse relocated from the Lincoln Township. A 1859 settler’s cabin is also a noteworthy sight.
PRO TIP: Ask about their latest addition to the baked goods line-up, miniature homemade pies. The day’s menu special is written on a wall chalkboard.
I happily devoured my lunch while watching customers order at the counter and grab a seat at tables and a nearby couch. Surrounded by music-themed artwork, I felt relaxed while enjoying the sounds of vintage rock music.
PRO TIP: If you’re a sports fan, M&R is a great place to watch the game, with TV views from a dining room booth. Carve out time to visit the 
PRO TIP: Take a few minutes to walk next door to the Central Kansas Free Fairgrounds to locate another Cowboy Boot Art installation. You can’t miss it.
The Big Spur stands 28 feet high and weighs one ton. Constructed in 2002 by Larry Houston, it’s certified by Guinness World Records as the largest.
The boots are a tribute to T. C. McInerney’s Drovers Boot Store open in the 1870s. He made the first pointed toe boot. A fitting tribute since Abilene was a major stop on the Chisholm Trail.
PRO TIP: Each boot is located at a commercial building, so parking is usually not an issue. View the 
Across the street, a similarly designed blonde brick building once used as the Union Pacific Freight Station (110 N. Cedar St.). 
I appreciated the detailed feedback, including the club face angle, stroke speed, and the ball’s trajectory. The ForeSight technology offers users various golf courses to select from, plus families with kids love its carnival game option.
PRO TIP: 
Artists can reserve a day pass to gain unlimited access to the warehouse’s equipment during open studio hours. Summer is a busy time for the studio when about a dozen instructors teach classes. Are you interested in painting, ceramics or paper crafts? They have a 
My instructor, Darren, taught me the step-by-step process of making a linocut drawing using a provided pattern. Admittedly, I wasn’t the best at carving intricate lines into the linoleum square (it’s more difficult than it looks!), but he patiently talked me through the process until it was ready for inking and rolling through the press.
I watched Problemista, a film about a mild-mannered young man working toward getting a VISA 
During your stroll downtown, you’ll quickly notice vibrant -olored murals peeking out from around corners and down alleyways. Each October, selected artists from across the globe converge on Salina to paint street art during the 
PRO TIP: Surround yourself with multiple murals by walking 
I took my time enjoying breakfast in the dining room as I watched the owner, Taylor, and her staff serve breakfast to drive-up window and dine-in customers.
The museum is known for hosting thematic events featuring specific makes and models of cars. 
PRO TIP: If you’re looking for a place to reserve for a group event, consider their 
While strolling Douglass Avenue downtown, I noted the 1800s architecture and how local businesses are working to maintain its authenticity. What would Wyatt Earp, who allegedly walked these streets in 1873, think of it today?
The coffee shop sits adjacent to an active railroad track and the town’s downtown corridor, a bustling location for locals who stop in for a quick caffeine boost and delicious breakfast.
It was challenging to decide what I wanted to eat from the menu’s extensive list of affordable pub fare options, but I eventually settled on a simple but savory taco salad. We sat in the quiet company of a few locals who also stopped by for a late lunch.
The select-your-meal menu includes beef or chicken sliders or baskets of fried appetizers. Small but big in flavor, my Original Chicken Sliders reminded me of a Chick-fil-A meal. If you’re extra hungry, I suggest ordering extra sliders, as the combo meal with fries is a light lunch.
Of course, we had to try out 900 Club’s indoor golf simulator. The setup is available to the public to practice their swing, and the local high school team is known to use it when outdoor conditions are unfavorable for play.
PRO TIP: Museum-goers who like to stroll the grounds leisurely and its buildings will want to carve out at least two hours for a tour and, of course, allot time to shop the gift shop’s inventory of homemade goods.
I purchased a large container of pure raw honey produced by Sylvan Grove’s Labertew Honey Co., an affordable purchase given its size.
PRO TIP: Prefer to create art rather than shop for it? Check the 
Less than 1,000 people call Wilson home today. The tight-knit community is a welcoming town with a thriving Czech culture and tourism stops, which include a hometown eatery.
One can expect almost a dozen fruit flavors ranging from pumpkin to cherry. The Dutch Apple pie with added vanilla ice cream didn’t disappoint for its flaky crust and extra cinnamon and sugar.
Half of the store is devoted to home decor and gift merchandise, while the other half serves as gallery space featuring Betty Kepka’s artwork. The impressive collection features Czech folk art consisting of mostly handprinted eggs with various patterns. The Wilson native worked as an art teacher.
PRO TIP: The sister boutique to Midland Railroad Hotel, the store features a DIY Plant Bar. Visitors can purchase and build a terrarium using succulent plants. Check their 
Open seven days a week, the store stocks everything from candles and crafts to gift baskets and backed goods. A secondary room’s inventory includes colorful t-shirts of various designs and an assortment of books by Kansas authors.
Each time I visit Lucas, I discover something new to me. The positive messages and vibrant colors of the Lucas Public Library mural caught my eye, and I wasn’t leaving town without taking a selfie photo with the polar bear sitting on a Main Street bench. Yes, a polar bear.
I was enamored by the intricate wheat-weaving creations by Kansas artist Doris Johnson. All of the art is for sale, should you decide to bring home a shadow box featuring pin-cushion figurines, a stained glass window, or a framed photo of a Midwest landscape.
Other fascinating spaces to view while in town include 
The gallery’s featured artists rotate every two months, and the public is invited the 2nd Friday of the month to an exhibition reception. The artists give talks about their work.
PRO TIP: Walk to the gallery’s rear to shop the gift shop for affordable artwork.
PRO TIP: Arrive for dinner when they open. Locals fill up the dining room quickly. Save room for dessert. I wish I had tried the banana pudding or skillet cookie.
After a day of exploring, we sat in the one-time parlor, reading stories of the home’s first residents and the generations that followed. Then, a tour of each room containing family heirlooms completed the family’s story.
We were pleased with the home’s comfortable amenities, including high-speed WiFi, laundry facilities (robes provided!), a walk-in shower with toiletries, and a full kitchen (breakfast pastries and French press coffee, anyone?).
The home sleeps six people. Each bedroom contained a Queen-sized bed with plenty of space to store one’s belongings. We slept peacefully thanks to blackout curtains and the home’s peaceful surroundings.
Families will appreciate the home’s spaciousness and proximity to the park across the street. It’s a safe, lovely neighborhood. 
PRO TIP: Parking in front of the home on the gravel driveway. Read the house manual, located in the kitchen before unpacking.
You’ll enjoy strolling to many of these shops, and the public art and historical markers dotting the district’s landscape make shopping the area entertaining.
One of the newest additions to Downtown Shawnee’s storefronts, Chicken Creek Co. by The Flower Chick, caters to women who love brightly colored, fun, and sometimes whimsical gifts. The hilarious greeting card selection makes gift-giving easy.
Each item in the store is hand-selected by its owner. I appreciated that she stocks handcrafted items by other independently-owned businesses, ranging from jewelry to candles.
Shoppers can expect fiction and non-fiction titles, and I was impressed to see several best-selling titles in stock. Are you on the hunt for a good read during a road trip? Do you have a young adult reader interested in a new book? You’ll find multiple genres at Seven Stories.
Don’t be surprised if you find a gift for someone else while shopping for your next book. A hand-curated selection of whimsical greeting cards are for sale.
Many of the gift items are adorned with funny sayings and hilarious phrases. Shoppers know that the owner frequently replenishes the inventory with new items; sometimes, a line of customers forms outside the storefront before it opens.
Known for their handmade selection of individual chocolates, I also love the extensive line of confections. Don’t leave the store without asking for a sample of the Milk Chocolate Covered Toffee. One bite and you’re likely to buy a bag of it.
Melt-in-your-mouth Sea Salt Caramel, Imperial filled with creamy, chocolate ganache, and Vanilla Bean chocolates are some of my top recommendations if you’re creating a bag or box of sweet treats.
Animal lovers will appreciate the selection of domestic and exotic animals. The family owned and operated store’s greeter, Frankie, a Capuchin monkey, excitedly jumps around its cage attracting shoppers’ attention.
For me, the chirping colorful birds and fluffy bunnies were the highlight of the visit.
As I perused the shelves, I noticed the owner carries mostly Midwest brands of bath bombs, personal hygiene products, and household cleaners.
If you’re someone who prefers a sustainable lifestyle, you’ll appreciate the store’s thoughtfully selected inventory.
Suds Refillery hosts a candle filling event every third Thursday of the month, so bring an empty vessel with you when you arrive.
