Emporia State University

With a rich history stretching back over 150 years, Emporia State University’s traditions have been making memories for students from around the world. With an enrollment of 6,000 students, ESU is the 7th largest university in Kansas. For visitors, the campus offers a beautiful stroll with fountains, a pond, public art, historic buildings, and several small museums.

Founded in 1861, Emporia State University began as Kansas State Normal School, as teacher’s college. Today, ESU’s Teachers College is one of only four post-secondary institutions in the United States to be identified as an Exemplary Model Teacher Education program in a national study of teacher education programs. Be sure to visit the One Room School House and Fallen Educators Memorial.

ESU’s athletic teams are known as the Hornets, and Emporia celebrates their Hornet Pride each fall during Homecoming Week.

Emporia State University Theatre Department [favorite_button]

620-341-6378 | Website

Going strong for over a hundred years, Emporia State University Theatre has one of the oldest and strongest theatre programs in the country. Shows are year-round.

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Eppink & Gilson Art Galleries [favorite_button]

620-341-1200 | Website

View works from students, faculty and nationally known regional artists at the Eppink & Gilson art galleries on the Emporia State campus. These free galleries are open when classes are… Read more

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ESU Campus Bike Trails [favorite_button]

Located just north of the Emporia State University recreation center, this trail has some challenging turns, climbs, and terrain changes. You will ride up, over, and around logs, camel backs, and slabs… Read more

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Johnston Geology Museum [favorite_button]

See a western Kansas Cretaceous mosasaur, a giant ground sloth, a mastodon tusk plus other displays in the ESU Geology Museum. The museum contains geological specimens predominantly from Kansas. Included… Read more

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National Memorial to Fallen Educators [favorite_button]

Located on the Emporia State University campus, the National Memorial to Fallen Educators is free to visit and open 24 hours a day. The memorial commemorates educators who lost their… Read more

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National Teacher’s Hall of Fame [favorite_button]

The National Teachers Hall of Fame recognizes and honors exceptional career teachers, encourages excellence in teaching and preserves the rich heritage of the teaching profession in the United States. The… Read more

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One Room School House [favorite_button]

This one-room, limestone schoolhouse was originally located about 50 miles west of Emporia in Marion County. Constructed in 1873, it was known as Dobbs School. The school was donated as a… Read more

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Peterson Planetarium [favorite_button]

It’s a beautiful thing when education and entertainment intermix! Discover the cosmic wonders of the universe and enjoy planet and star gazing in a climate-controlled venue any time of the… Read more

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Prophet Aquatic Research & Outreach Center (PAROC) [favorite_button]

(620) 341-5727 | Website

The Prophet Aquatic Research & Outreach Center, located on King Lake on the Emporia State University campus, provides hands-on learning opportunities for students and the public. The center is open… Read more

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Schmidt Museum of Natural History [favorite_button]

The Schmidt Museum of Natural History contains a comprehensive collection of approximately 600 taxidermy mounts of birds, mammals, reptiles and fish from Kansas. A research collection of more than 2,500… Read more

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William Allen White Library & Archives [favorite_button]

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Wooster Lake [favorite_button]

Enjoy a picnic or a quiet afternoon on the lawns around this picturesque lake. Between the Memorial Union and Welch Stadium, this lake is at the center of many campus… Read more

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