Disclosure: The Marion Merchants Association sponsored my trip. All opinions and photographs are my own. Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.
Two lakes. A charming downtown district. And a historic hotel with a stunning interior. There is so much to love in Marion, Kansas, the home of visit-worthy stops and scenic escapes just beyond town.
Marion, located less than a one-hour drive northeast of Wichita, is a delightful overnight getaway or day trip destination.
Go for the small-town charm. Stay overnight to be spoiled at the Historic Elgin Hotel. And if you prefer to sleep under the stars, the town includes two lakes with primitive and RV campsites.
Things To Do in Marion, Kansas: A Charming Escape in the Flint Hills
LUXURIOUS LODGING
Historic Elgin Hotel
It was my pleasure to stay at the highly-rated Historic Elgin Hotel (115 N. 3rd St.), a luxurious boutique hotel that fellow travelers recommended.
Completed in 1886, the hotel was the largest hotel in the county at the time. Since then, it’s undergone rounds of renovations, and its current owners are maintaining its opulence.
Like me, I’m sure your mouth will drop in awe of the stunning interior architecture, with dark wood accents and twinkling crystal chandeliers. Jazz music plays as the sun’s rays shine through original windows.
Ideal for hosting couples’ romantic vacations, group gatherings, or girls’ getaways, the Historic Elgin Hotel includes 12 suites with private bathrooms featuring heated floors, spa amenities, and high-end toiletries.
The destination hotel is a sought-after spot for wedding receptions thanks to its remarkable design and attentive customer service.
The first floor includes a reservable meeting space, often used for formal gatherings.
The lobby’s sitting area is a relaxing place to review tourism brochures, which are readily available because the hotel doubles as the town’s official tourism information stop.
The second level, accessible via a grand staircase or an elevator, features additional lounge areas, including an outdoor veranda. A comfy velvet couch and oversized chairs invite conversation with friends.
My curiosity got the best of me, and I peeked into a few of the unoccupied suites, like Harvey House (four-poster King bed) and Eisenhower Suite (tufted Queen bed), which absolutely wowed.
Reserve Suite 312 – Elgin Memoir on Level 3. The quiet 727-square-foot master suite, featuring a king-size bed, a coffered ceiling, and cherry-wood built-in bookcases, envelops you in finery.
The room sleeps 7-8 guests, including a second, smaller bedroom with full-size bunk beds.
An in-room mini refrigerator, streaming television, and Bluetooth docking station feel like home.
A separate full kitchen, complete with a Keurig coffee station, was feet from the suite’s door. If you prefer hot tea, they stock over a dozen loose-leaf varieties.
A walk-in shower with five sprayers and a deep clawfoot bathtub exceeded our expectations.
Optional add-ons like our cheese and chocolate tray with snack basket and iced-down cider made our in-room stay extra delightful. We toasted to making new travel memories before savoring truffles from Sweet Granada, a Kansas chocolatier.
When not enjoying our room, we hung out with friends in the hotel’s Game Lounge prior to arriving for our dinner reservation at the on-site restaurant, Parlour 1886.
PRO TIP: Review the Special Occasions Specials before reserving your suite at the Historic Elgin Hotel.
HOTEL PACKING LIST: 5 Items I Always Put In My Bag
DECADENT DINING, COFFEE & ICE CREAM
Parlour 1886
Parlour 1886′s design mimics the hotel’s stunning interiors with stained glass windows and dark color tones. The decor of a full-service American restaurant with a full bar looks timeless.
The dining room, seating about 50 people, was bustling by 5:30 p.m. on a Friday evening. We ordered Happy Hour cocktails and appetizers: plates of roasted Brussels sprouts and fried ravioli.
The 1886 Old Fashioned, prepared with Boot Hill Distillery bourbon whiskey, was delicious, but surprisingly, it arrived several minutes after the appetizers.
Our table’s dinner selections, which took extra time to arrive at the time, included salmon, pasta entrees, and soup and salad. Overall, the table agreed that each entree tasted delicious, and a few of us left nothing on the plates.
Parlour 1886 also offers a brunch menu. We returned the following day to enjoy classic early-morning favorites, Steak and Eggs, and a Parlor Breakfast. The freshly prepared meal was scrumptious.
PRO TIP: Make a reservation prior to arriving. Dining on a Friday or Saturday evening? Place your dinner order when you order drinks if the dining room is at capacity.
Wagon Wheel Express
The Wagon Wheel Express (202 W. Main St.) has been locals’ go-to for a sizzling-hot hamburger and hand-cut fries since 2011.
Situated inside a tiny building on the edge of downtown, the casual eatery is family-owned and operated, serving regular customers who often wait for the door to unlock.
The restaurant’s humorous signage and Americana decor added a Grandma’s house quality. The day’s special, a Bacon Swiss Burger with fries, and my order, a Philly sandwich, were so tasty we ate every bite.
My only regret is that I didn’t plan ahead for a slice of pie when ordering lunch.
PRO TIP: Hand-squeezed lemonade served in summertime is a popular choice.
Bill & Essie’s BBQ
As we entered Bill & Essie’s BBQ (301 E. Main St.), a woman’s voice warmly welcomed us. The smell of barbecue-smoked meat permeated the air.
We decided to split a Three-Meat Dinner for lunch, which is more than enough food when served with two side dishes.
The chef was out of sliced brisket and burnt ends, but all was right in the world when a large platter of pulled pork, chopped brisket, and thick ribs arrived. The baked beans with meaty morsels were my preferred side dish.
The owner, who gained experience working at various barbecue restaurants, including Plowboys and Q-39, prepares bottle-worthy sauces.
We sampled four sauces, ranging from a white Carolina-style to a spicy traditional sauce. Overall, they were all tasty, and we each claimed a favorite, adding it to our plates.
PRO TIP: Check restaurant hours before arriving. Bill & Essie’s BBQ is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Expect a global twist on barbecue classics for Friday Fusion menu specials.
The Sit Down
I can’t resist a home-turned-coffee-shop, and sipping a latte with a pastry at The Sit Down (301 E. Santa Fe St.) feels like a warm hug.
The owner moved from Vermont to Marion, deciding to open a cafe where people could sit down and unwind with a cup of coffee and a bite to eat.
The home/coffee shop is decorated with thoughtfully curated antiques. Separate rooms offer quiet spaces for reading or working from a laptop.
I ordered a tiramisù latte and indulged in a couple of scoops of White Chocolate Raspberry ice cream. Music played in the background as I relaxed into a booth seat.
The Sit Down serves hot and cold espresso drinks, house-made soup, sandwiches, and grab-and-go pastries. Everyone will leave happy.
BONUS DINING STOP: We ran out of time, or we would have also dined at Taco’s Food Truck at That One Place, but we’ll be back.
HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS
Marion Historical Museum
A visit to the Marion Historical Museum (501 E Main St.) is the best way to truly get to know the town’s history and sense of community.
Open May through October or by appointment, the building itself is worth visiting for its stunning architecture and colorful stained glass windows. The museum is set inside the former Baptist Tabernacle Church, built in the 1880s.
The director gave us a quick overview of the museum’s exhibits before we embarked on a self-guided, free tour.
Its main space is divided into exhibits focused on local history, ranging from early settlers to contributions by prominent citizens.
We particularly enjoyed the room dedicated to Marion schools over the years, featuring yearbooks, band uniforms, and nostalgic photographs.
PRO TIP: Ask about the time capsule buried in the museum’s front lawn.
Historic Santa Fe Depot / Marion City Library
If you love reading and history, you must visit the Marion City Library (101 Library St.). Located inside a meticulously restored 1912 Santa Fe Depot, the library is open to the public and often hosts events.
On the day of our visit, a back room housed a quilt show featuring the handiwork of area residents.
Although the library is smaller, there is so much to see and do. An area of the library definitely worth exploring is the Kansas Room for its extensive book collection and Sunflower State artwork.
The crown jewel of the library is the children’s department. A vibrant mural depicting children’s book characters serves as the backdrop for storytime sessions.
PRO TIP: Check the library’s website for upcoming events open to visitors and residents. Who doesn’t love a plant swap or holiday party?
Marion County Courthouse
The county seat, Marion, is centered around its grandest building, the courthouse.
Constructed of native limestone in the Richardsonian Romanesque style in 1906, the Marion County Courthouse (200 S. 3rd St.) is worth viewing inside and out.
I spotted the exterior’s hand-carved stone with mascarons, or people’s faces. Who were they?
Other areas included intricate carvings of foliage, and interestingly enough, a fruit pie is hidden amongst the exterior’s beautiful design.
The courthouse’s administrator volunteered to give us a tour of the unoccupied courtroom.
You have to see it for yourself. It resembles something from a movie set.
OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES
Central Park
Even if you’re not traveling with kids, I encourage you to stop and explore Central Park (E. Main St.), where founding settlers once camped upon arrival in 1860.
The spacious park includes covered picnic tables, modern playground equipment, shade trees, and a tennis court. Horseshoe pits are available, but you’ll need to bring your own horseshoes.
Don’t miss the town’s largest Pete the Rhino statue.
NOTE: The natural spring was dry during our mid-March visit, but we still explored the rocky terrain, discovering some of the largest toads I’ve ever seen and a den of garden snakes. Careful where you step.
Marion Reservoir
How is it that a town of less than 2,000 people has not one, but two lakes? We started our lake adventures at Marion Reservoir by enjoying the scenic views and listening to the waves lap against the shore as boaters crossed the water.
Located only three miles northwest of town, Marion Reservoir is a must-stop for outdoor enthusiasts.
Even if you don’t own a boat, you can still enjoy more than 6,000 acres of water from the shoreline. Anglers can drop a line from unlimited access points for walleye, crappie, channel catfish, and wipers.
Campers can choose from 171 primitive and RV hook-up sites. We played disc golf before pulling over at a campsite to use the playground equipment, so I could play like a kid again.
PRO TIP: If you want to navigate to the reservoir dam, map your route here, then follow paved roads to campsites.
Marion County Park & Lake
The second lake, Marion County Park & Lake, is smaller in size but just as enjoyable if you’re seeking a tranquil day on the water. And it’s located only one mile east of town.
Marion County Lake is surrounded by private residences, giving it a community vibe as you’ll likely see families exploring the area by boat or four-wheeler during the day.
The 40-foot-deep water is ideal for fishing bass, catfish, sunfish, and bluegill. If it’s winter, locals know to use the marina’s heated fishing dock.
Bring discs to ring hains on the 18-hole disc golf course with concrete pads located at the hilly southeast corner of the lake. Several baskets are located close to the water, making play more challenging.
Whether camping overnight or visiting for the day, the sandy swim beach looks to be a popular hangout not far from where kayakers enjoy the water.
Marion Country Club
You don’t have to be a member of the Marion Country Club (1501 East Hwy 256) to pay green fees and play nine holes. Players have enjoyed its manicured fairways since 1920.
Golfers can expect to pay their dues using the honors system drop box at the clubhouse building before teeing off or reserve their game play and cart online. Golf carts are located in a nearby shed.
Green sod, native trees, and hilly terrain make for a memorable game. Need a break during play? The clubhouse’s shaded front porch is the ideal spot to relax and rehydrate.
SPA SERVICES
S&S Med Spa
I grew excited when I learned that Marion has a spa, and even more enthused when I walked inside and saw how beautifully S&S Med Spa (308 E. Main St.) was designed.
S&S Med Spa is where you go when you need a reset. To escape to serenity. To unwind. And perhaps, to refine your body, too.
Operated by a doctor and her staff, the practice offers services including automated massage, IV therapy, skincare, dermal fillers, and more
I opted for a 20-minute session in the state-of-the-art massage chair. It exceeded my expectations.
My muscle tension released as the massage chair’s heat, rolling, and kneading worked me over from my neck to my toes. I nearly fell asleep while listening to Bluetooth music through headphones in the peaceful, darkened room.
If you’re short on time but still want a full-body massage, reserve a session in the automated massage chair.
The owner plans to add a spa-like grotto with a hot sauna and cold plunge area, which would be a wonderful way to start or end the day.
Now this is what a “treat yourself” day looks like in small-town Kansas.
LOCAL SHOPS
Aunt Bee’s Floral & Gifts
If you tell me there is a florist or houseplant store nearby, I’m there. Aunt Bee’s Floral & Gifts (1201 E Main St.) is a Marion mainstay, offering walk-in customers an array of floral arrangements and gifts to choose from.
Much of the retail caters to women who appreciate vibrant colors in home and garden decor.
A multi-sided display of $5 costume jewelry, adjacent to shelves stocked with kids’ plush toys and home decor, makes Aunt Bee’s Floral & Gifts a one-stop shop for gift givers who want to pair an item with a plant or floral arrangement.
We were visited by the store’s cat, a welcome delight while shopping.
CB Baked Goods
Marion’s residents got lucky when CK Baked Goods (420 E. Main St.) opened its doors to serve freshly baked goods.
Within minutes of introducing myself to the baker, Rachel, two customers arrived and placed their usual order for bierocks. It was lunchtime, and they were hungry for CB Baked Goods’ most popular menu item.
The Colletts, who are longtime residents, are used to the bakery’s frequent traffic. Rachel told me that she sells thousands of bierocks per year. Baked goods are sold as singles, half-dozen, or by the dozen.
Whether you visit CB Baked Goods for grab-and-go bierocks, bolsos, breakfast pizza, or dessert treats, you’ll leave happy like their regular customers.
TC’s What Not Shop
Remember when you were a kid and liked to hunt for hidden treasure? You’ll feel that sense of nostalgia inside TC’s What Not Shop (901 E. Main St.).
The store’s eclectic mix of antiques and collectibles is a picker’s dream. I noticed that each booth was labeled by seller, and while some included thematic, grouped items, other displays felt randomly displayed.
Visit TC’s What Not Shop if you love to search for low-cost items from your home or personal jewelry collection. A lake house sign. Faux pearl necklace. Seasonal decorations. They sell it all.
Jetset Clothing Co.
You won’t find run-of-the-mill women’s clothing or kids’ clothes at Jetset Clothing Co. (331 E. Main) because the boutique’s owner designs and embroiders the inventory.
Plus, she stocks modern brands like Risen jeans and Rustic Rays Candle Company.
What started as an online-only store became a brick-and-mortar business as the owner’s embroidered apparel gained popularity.
Shoppers can custom-design clothing, ordering shirts and hats embellished with the word or phrase of their choice, or shop her ready-to-wear apparel.
Love your trip to Marion so much that you want a keepsake? Jetset Clothing Co. is the store to purchase Marion Warrior merchandise.
Crafty Cactus Studio
Creative makers and shoppers who love unique art will appreciate Crafty Cactus Studio (329 E. Main St.)
The front of the store is dedicated to selling vendors’ creations, while the rear of the shop is a working studio space where you can work on craft projects.
The make-and-take craft studio is primarily focused on wood and ceramic projects. All ages are encouraged to participate, and because most projects are crafting kits, it’s suitable for all skill levels.
Short on time, I wasn’t able to sit down and craft a DIY project, but by the looks of the happy families crafting in the studio, it was entertaining.
PRO TIP: Review the Crafty Cactus Studio’s Facebook page to learn about upcoming workshops.
St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary Shoppe
A group of people waited to enter St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary Shoppe (321 E. Main St.) for several minutes before a store volunteer opened its doors.
Open on Fridays and Saturdays, the thrift store is popular for its heavily discounted household goods, clothing, shoes, and the “didn’t know you needed it” items.
Be prepared to shimmy down the aisles amongst other shoppers while hunting for a good deal. Sale proceeds benefit St. Luke Hospital for equipment and remodeling expenses.
Lanning Pharmacy
Lanning Pharmacy‘s (217 E. Main St.) inventory of home decor and everyday essentials will surprise you. It’s not just a place to purchase medicine cabinet staples.
Need a holiday-themed or housewarming gift with a greeting card for someone? Want to create a gift basket with seasonal items? Lanning Pharmacy is your go-to shop.
PRO TIP: Find the clearance items table stocked with a plethora of discounted items you’ll definitely want to purchase.
Silk Salon & Boutique
Silk Salon & Boutique (125 E. Main) is where you can go to refresh your hairstyle or treat yourself to a pedicure, and it also doubles as a retail boutique.
The salon was abuzz with chatter when I stepped inside to browse the boutique’s clothing racks, stocked with Kansas-made alpaca sweaters.
The owner refreshes inventory with new clothing items, ranging from denim to on-trend shirts and shorts, depending on the season.
Expect free-flowing, comfortable blouses, jeans, and a small assortment of gift-ready plush toys and handmade blankets.
Bearly Makin’ It Antiques
Sometimes the best antique treasures are the ones with character and a lot of rust, or should I say, patina.
You’ll find everything, including the kitchen sink, at Barely Makin’ It Antiques (1953 Sunflower) located on the north edge of town.
Open on Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm, cars arrive early parking wherever they can find a spot at the former alfalfa mill.
A walk of the property reveals rows of items grouped by category: old bikes, bed frames, sinks, metal tubs, farm implements, ladders, and the list goes on.
We spotted used wood furniture, structural items, antique tools, and various oddities inside both barns. Whatever your do-it-yourself project needs or your heart desires, Barely Makin’ Antiques likely has it.
BOUTIQUES AND ANTIQUES BEYOND TOWN
Prairie Oaks Design / Doyle Creek Boutique
Stop everything and make the 11-mile drive Southeast to Florence, Kansas, if you want to find a true gem.
Doyle Creek Boutique and Prairie Oaks Designs are located under one roof (423 Main St), selling farmhouse-style home decor, handcrafted metal signage, feminine clothes, candles, kitchen staples, and more.
If you love the farm/rodeo aesthetic in Pioneer Woman style, this is your store.
Tables are fully stocked with neutral-colored gift items, and the reach-in refrigerator is always stocked with farm-raised beef cuts available for purchase.
Pay close attention to the store’s Facebook Events page for announcements about classes, sip-and-shop events, and seasonal open-house showcases.
The owner was a delight, and I was sad I didn’t have more time to shop. I wanted to buy everything in sight.
The Copper Shed
Drive less than 15 minutes Northwest of Florence to The Copper Shed (1832 140th), an antique store and barn on a couple’s private property.
Open Monday through Saturday, the owners filled two buildings with salvaged and primitive items. Start shopping outside to peruse grouped piles of rusty metalware before walking inside the buildings.
Rooms overflow with antique and seasonal decor inside the red building. The Christmas room, located up a ladder set of stairs, is not to be missed.
Expect groups of shoppers to mill about on the weekend in search of western-style primitives and signage bearing hand-painted catchphrases.
The second building, a well-organized barn, is filled to the brim with old housewares, farm tools, furniture, and you’ll even spot antique children’s toys.
ATTRACTIONS BEYOND MARION
Drive West on Highway 56
Chaplain Kapaun Museum
If you have extra time, drive to Pilsen, Kansas, to explore the Chaplain (Capt.) Emil J. Kapaun Museum (275th St. and Remington Rd.), next door to the Holy Family Catholic Parish.
The museum, inside the old rectory where he lived, is free to visit and welcomes donations.
Open Thursday and Friday afternoons and Saturdays, Father Kapaun’s early life growing up in Pilsen and his priesthood are documented using his personal belongings.
A touchscreen interactive display recounts the Medal of Honor recipient’s childhood, his experience as a Prisoner of War in North Korea, and details where his remains were miraculously located decades after his passing.
PRO TIP: Walk to the upper level of the museum and the church next door for a complete, immersive tour.
Drive East on US 56/KS 156
Tallgrass Prairie National Reserve, Maxwell Wildlife Refuge
Seeking an outdoor adventure beyond Marion? Some of the best scenic views of the Flint Hills are only a short drive from Marion at the Tallgrass Prairie National Reserve and Maxwell Wildlife Refuge.
MARION EVENTS TO PLAN A TRIP AROUND
Don’t miss Chingawassa Days, the first weekend in June. Since 1997, the three-day festival has featured a headlining band on the main stage, watermelon feed, vendors, and activities for all ages, often centered around the town’s official mascot, a rhino.
Bluegrass at the Lake takes place the first weekend in August, creating a laid-back atmosphere. Bands play on the Bob McCurdy Memorial Stage. A disc golf tournament, hula hoop contest, and bake sale keep the good times rolling.
Within a short drive of Wichita, I’m delighted to have discovered Marion for its luxurious lodging, unique shops, and lake activities.
Reserve a good-weather weekend to make the most of a visit to Marion.
And if you’re in the area, consider extending the road trip west to McPherson or east to Emporia.
