Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Visit Marysville and its partners. 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.

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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