In Allen, historic discoveries meet paths through the landscape. A former railway corridor connects Iola and Humboldt, while museums and historic buildings bring very different chapters of the region to life. There are also long-standing events and opportunities to explore rivers, ponds and wildlife.
History in Homes, Museums and on Tours
At the General Funston Boyhood Home, furnishings from Frederick Funston’s youth are displayed alongside objects related to his research expeditions and military career. The home has been restored in the style of Victorian interiors from the 1880s and 1890s. It is open Tuesday through Saturday; visiting hours vary by season: from May 1 through September 30, visits are possible from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., and from October 1 through April 30, from 2 to 4 p.m. Check the hours before your visit.
At the Old Allen County Jail, visitors can see the solitary confinement cell and the 1891 cell cage, and read graffiti on the walls. Tours are available by appointment or Tuesday through Saturday from 1:30 p.m. The Allen County Jail is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Humboldt also offers several ways to explore history: the Humboldt Historical Society Museum includes a replica of Fairview School, a one-room schoolhouse originally located east of Humboldt. Its main exhibit is a completely original house from the turn of the century, built between 1867 and 1875. The Humboldt Historical Museum complex also includes an early jail, a pioneer home, antique farm equipment, a cannon and hand-carved depictions of horse-drawn wagons and circus wagons. Humboldt’s self-guided Civil War tour takes visitors to twelve sites related to the Confederate raid and burning of the town in 1861.
In Iola, a Civil War Statue commemorates the history of the Civil War: it is one of only four Civil War statues made of white bronze, or zinc, in Kansas. In downtown Iola, historic buildings shape an eight-block city center with shops, restaurants and attractions. Tree-lined streets feature homes and churches with architectural elements ranging from Victorian to Craftsman styles. You can picnic and relax on the central lawn.
Cultural Programs and Living Traditions
The Bowlus Fine Arts Center opened in fall 1964 and became a regionally significant venue for guest artists. Its program includes performances by artists from the region as well as national and international performers. The Mary L. Martin Gallery offers free exhibitions open to the public: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and one hour before Bowlus events. Check current visiting hours in advance.
The Iola Municipal Band has performed free summer concerts since 1871. Concerts take place on Thursday evenings in June and July; check dates and possible cancellations before your visit. Another recurring event is Farm City Days, held on the second weekend in October. The program includes, among other things, a fair, parade, car show, quilt show, arts and crafts, food, craft demonstrations and music. Dates and programming may change from year to year. The Allen County Fair has been a tradition for more than a hundred years. Concerts, talent contests, 4-H activities, livestock shows, a rodeo, demolition derby, and tractor and horse pulls are among the listed events; the annual program varies.
For a taste of local offerings, the Allen County Farmers’ Market has two locations in Iola. Vendors sell locally grown fruit and vegetables, baked goods and crafts. The market is seasonal; locations and offerings may change, so check the latest information.
Trails, Water and Nature
The 6.5-mile Southwind Rail Trail follows a former Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway route and connects Iola with Humboldt. It is open to the public daily, free of charge, from sunrise to sunset, and is wheelchair accessible; parking is available at both ends. As access conditions can change, check them before your trip. Between Humboldt and Iola, the Prairie Spirit Trail connects with the Southwind Rail Trail. The Prairie Spirit Trail also runs along the east side of Riverside Park, near its entrance. At the Iola Rest Area on the trail in Cofachique Park, there are no camping or reservable sites.
Another trail in Iola is the Missouri Pacific Recreational Trail, also called the Mo-Pac Trail. This roughly half-mile multi-use trail follows the former Missouri Pacific Railway route and connects the Prairie Spirit Trail with the middle school, high school and downtown. The Lehigh Portland Trails are located on the site of a former cement plant and quarry along the banks of Elm Creek. Fishing is permitted in Elm Creek and Quarry Lake at Lehigh Portland State Park; check current conditions for water access.
Rivers, ponds and fields also shape outdoor experiences in Allen County. The Neosho River offers opportunities for boating, camping, picnicking and fishing. Catfish, pike, crappie and bass can be caught in ponds, streams and rivers. The fields and waters provide habitat for quail, prairie chickens, doves, ducks, geese and deer. In Humboldt, Franklin Street Park Pond is a 1.5-acre fishing spot with no boat access.
For RVs, Camp Hunter offers sites with 17 electrical hookups, a shower house and free Wi-Fi. Amenities may change; confirm the details before your trip.
Explore more destinations: Iola, Pawnee, Reno County, Johnson, Grant, Lyon, Gray County, Scott County.
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