North Lyon County Veterans Memorial
Tiny Bushong, Kansas, population 27, is nearly a ghost town. However, devoted residents have built (and continue to build) a beautiful memorial for 10 young men from Bushong who were killed in World War II. In the 1940s, Bushong’s population was just 134 people. During the war, Bushong lost the most men per capita in Kansas, and perhaps the U.S. The memorial honors these men and other veterans. The stone structures are remnants of some of Bushong’s original buildings.
Post Office Oak
From 1828 to 1847, Santa Fe Trail travelers left messages in a cache at the foot of this tree, to inform others of trail conditions, giving it its name, “Post Office Oak”. The tree died in 1990 and its stump has been preserved on the site. There is parking on the south side of the road. If you’d like spend more time in Council Grove, there are a few restaurants and other other historic sites dotted along Main Street.
Council Grove River Walk
The Riverwalk is a paved, scenic walking and bicycle path along the Neosho river. The area was an important river crossing on the Santa Fe Trail. The actual crossing spot by early wagon trains is identified on the east bank along the walkway.
Friar Juan Padilla Monument
Father Juan Padilla, a Franciscan missionary and the first American martyr, accompanied Coronado on his expedition through this area. It is believed that he was killed near this site in 1542. The monument here is believed to mark both Fr. Padilla’s burial site and a Kaw Native American burial ground. It was destroyed by lightning in May 2009 but rebuilt by the St. Rose Catholic Church later that year. A memorial Mass was held on November 2, 2009, honoring both Fr. Padilla and the native people buried at the site.
Lake Kahola
Please note that this lake is privately owned by the Kahola Lake Community so there is no public fishing or boating allowed. However, you’ll be able to view the lake as you travel along the north side and as you cross the dam on the east end.
The route ends in Downtown Emporia, where you can enjoy unique local shopping and dining, events, a brewery and more.
One important request...
If you'll be trying our Jeep Route, please consider taking the Visit Emporia Pledge. It's important that our visitors are good stewards of the environment, community and culture of the area. The pledge explains our three core principles of stewardship. When you take the pledge, you'll get a sharable digital badge.
You must be logged in to post a comment.