Start Your Adventure Here!

Emporia was founded by intrepid explorers, including Preston B. Plumb and G.W. Brown. Located in the heart of the beautiful Flint Hills tallgrass prairie, Emporia took its name from the ancient Carthage, a place historically known as a prosperous center for commerce. 

In February 1857, the Kansas Territory was embroiled in a bloody battle over slavery. Settlers–mostly “free-staters”–streamed into the eastern part of what would become the state of Kansas. Many of the best town sites had already been settled, but the enterprising young Brown knew of one prime location that was not yet taken. It had been described to him by a friend a few months earlier as “the loveliest site in the world for a town.” The Town of Emporia was founded on February 20, 1857. Plumb, a newspaper publisher, was the only one of the original founders who made Emporia his permanent home, rising to prominence as a U.S. Senator. 

The spirit of exploration lives on to this day in Emporia, offering visitors of all ages the freedom to find the adventure that suits them best. Hiking, biking, jeeping, fishing, and hunting are all ways to explore all the area has to offer. Check out all these FREE opportunities that will spark your sense of adventure!
The self-guided Freedom and Fried Chicken Trail invites you to explore the food and patriotism of the Southeast Kansas region. The Olpe Chicken House, 10 miles south of Emporia, is a featured restaurant on the trail along with many of Emporia’s veterans memorials. The trail extends approximately 150 miles from Emporia to Pittsburgh, Kansas, with several small communities in between. In addition to the best fried chicken, the trail features monuments and museums honoring veterans and other leaders whose courage and sacrifice have shaped our way of life. Whether you’re planning a multi-day road trip or a visit to a few places at a time, you’ll enjoy this slice of classic Americana.  

Madison County’s got nothing on us! Do you love history, photography, or just a good country cruise? Lyon County has some interesting and photogenic bridges. Pack some snacks, grab your camera, and take a scenic drive with the family or your favorite pooch. We’ve put together 2 routes, one shorter and one longer, for you to explore. Check out the Lyon County Self-Guided Historic Bridge Driving Tour – sure to be a hit with your backseat explorers, too!

Running from Council Grove to Cassoday, the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway offers incredible views of the native grasses and flowers of the tallgrass prairie – one of the last remaining such landscapes left in America. Much of the land along the Byway looks as it did thousands of years ago when the Kaw, Osage and other native tribes lived there. Follow along the routes taken by both Indigenous Peoples and the adventuresome explorers and settlers who came later.

Explore some of the rural communities in the area on the Flint Hills Quilt Trail and see traditional stars and various quilt patterns displayed on barns, homes, sheds and buildings throughout the Flint Hills. Visit www.ksflinthillsquilttrail.com to enjoy photos of barn blocks on the Quilt Trail, as well as to map your quilt exploration through the Flint Hills! The Kansas Flint Hills Quilt Trail is linked to The American Quilt Trail at www.barnquiltinfo.com.

If you’re not a local Jeep explorer already, it can be difficult to know where to start exploring the vast area of the Flint Hills, especially when some of the best views are on remote, scenic backroads waiting to be discovered. The most stunning views lie off the beaten path, where only a capable vehicle can take you.  We’ve collaborated with local jeeping enthusiasts to create curated Self-Guided Jeep & SUV Routes, specifically designed for Jeeps and SUVs. These self-guided routes let you explore the Flint Hills at your own pace, in your own vehicle. Along the way, you’ll experience the true beauty and history of Kansas.

Here in Emporia, we value the freedom to explore our beautiful surroundings–both out in nature as well as right downtown! You’ll love exploring the colorful murals all over town (use our interactive public art map and find them for yourself!) and discovering Emporia’s unique shopping experiences, performing arts, and vibrant music scene. How about some FREE things to explore as we enter the warmer months? 

Everybody loves the Emporia First Friday Art Walk, which takes place in Downtown Emporia on the first Friday of every month from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Explore and enjoy Downtown Emporia while supporting local artists and businesses. Pick up a passport at any participating venue and collect stamps for a chance to win a prize.

Explore a whole different culture with Emporia’s Cinco de Mayo Festival, held this year on May 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., in the 700 and 800 blocks of Commercial St. Join Hispanics of Today and Tomorrow for food, drinks, music, and fun for the whole family.

Experience a blast from the past at the Emporia Flatland Cruisers 31st Annual Car Show May 17, from 9:00 a.m., to 3:00 p.m., in downtown Emporia. Stroll down Commercial street and enjoy all makes, models, and years of great cars! There will also be food, and music, raffle items, silent auction, 50/50 pot and Hot Wheels races at 1:00 p.m.

Join us for the World’s Premier Gravel Cycling Event, right here in Emporia, Kansas – the Life Time Unbound Gravel races and events. From May 29 through June 1, our town teems with gravel cyclists vying for the gold as they compete in a grueling 200-mile ride through the scenic Flint Hills.

Maybe you’d like to explore the world of the cowboy and cowgirl this summer? We’ve got just the event for you! The Christian Youth Rodeo Association Rodeo will be held June 7th and 8th and June 28th and 29th, at the Lyon County Fairgrounds, 2700 W. US Hwy 50, in Emporia. Saturday’s the rodeo starts at 10:00 a.m. and Sunday the start time is 9:00 a.m.

Calendar of events

Visit Emporia is the official Visitor Information Center for Emporia offering brochures and maps of Emporia, surrounding areas, and the state of Kansas. Drop in to visit us at 719 Commercial St. in downtown Emporia. We’re open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. See the Visit Emporia website for more information or check us out on Facebook and Instagram more activities and events.