Allen: History, Trails and River Landscapes

Rolling plains, waterways, trails and historic sites give Allen County many sides to explore. As you plan your trip, you can organize culture, nature and seasonal events around the focus of your stay. Iola and Humboldt each offer their own historical attractions; throughout the county, rivers, ponds and fields also provide opportunities for outdoor activities.

Landscapes and Water Activities

Allen County is in the Osage Cuestas, a region of gently rolling plains. The Neosho River offers opportunities for boating, camping, picnicking and fishing in the county. Fields and waterways also provide habitat for quail, prairie chickens, doves, ducks, geese and deer. Catfish, pike, crappie and bass can be caught in ponds, streams and rivers.

Trails between Iola and Humboldt

Between Humboldt and Iola, the Prairie Spirit Trail connects to the Southwind Rail Trail. The 6.5-mile Southwind Rail Trail links the two towns and follows a former route of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. It is free and open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset, and is wheelchair accessible; parking is available at both ends. Check access conditions again before your trip.

There are no camping or reservable sites at the Iola Rest Area on the Prairie Spirit Trail in Cofachique Park. Check the facility information again before your trip. In Iola, the Lehigh Portland Trails cross the site of a former cement plant and quarry on the banks of Elm Creek. The Missouri Pacific Recreational Trail, also called the Mo-Pac Trail, is an approximately half-mile-long multi-use trail along the former Missouri Pacific Railway route. It connects the Prairie Spirit Trail with Iola's middle school, high school and downtown.

Historic Homes and Museums

The General Funston Boyhood Home displays furnishings from Frederick Funston's youth, along with items related to his expeditions and military career. The house has been restored in a Victorian style typical of the 1880s and 1890s. It is open Tuesday through Saturday: from May 1 to September 30, 12:30–4:30 p.m., and from October 1 to April 30, 2–4 p.m. Check visiting hours before you arrive.

At the Old Allen County Jail, visitors can see the solitary confinement cell and the 1891 cell cage, as well as read graffiti on the walls. Tours are available by appointment or Tuesday through Saturday starting at 1:30 p.m. The Allen County Jail is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Humboldt Historical Society Museum grounds include a one-room schoolhouse, a replica of Fairview School, which originally stood east of Humboldt. The main exhibit is a completely original turn-of-the-century house, 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 by Lewis Howland. Humboldt's self-guided Civil War tour includes twelve stops related to the 1861 Confederate raid and burning of the town.

Culture and Events in Iola

The Bowlus Fine Arts Center opened in the fall of 1964 and became a regionally significant venue for guest artists. It presents performances by artists from the local area as well as national and international performers. The Mary L. Martin Gallery offers free, public exhibitions Monday through Friday during regular office hours, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., and one hour before Bowlus events. Check gallery hours before your visit.

The Iola Municipal Band has given free summer concerts since 1871, performing on Thursday evenings in June and July. Check the schedule and for any cancellations for your travel year. Farm City Days takes place on the second weekend in October. The program includes a carnival, parade, car show, quilt show, artist event, arts and crafts, food, craft demonstrations and musical entertainment; dates and programming may vary from year to year. The Allen County Fair is also a tradition spanning more than a century. Its activities include concerts, talent contests, 4-H activities, livestock shows, rodeo, demolition derby, and tractor and horse pulls. The program changes annually.

Iola's Downtown and Local Markets

Iola's downtown spans eight city blocks lined with historic buildings and offers shops, restaurants and historic attractions. Its central, well-kept lawn is a place to picnic and relax. The tree-lined streets feature numerous historic homes and churches, with architectural elements ranging from Victorian to Craftsman. Iola's Civil War Statue is one of only four Civil War statues made of white bronze, or zinc, in Kansas.

The Allen County Farmers' Market is an open-air market with two locations in Iola. Vendors sell locally grown fruit and vegetables, baked goods and crafts. Since seasonal market locations and schedules may change, and the mix of vendors also varies by season, check current market information before visiting.

When choosing a hotel stay in Allen, you can start by deciding what brings you to the area: historic sites and culture, events, trails or water activities each offer a different focus. If you are planning to visit on specific dates, take seasonal opening hours and programs for your travel year into account.

Discover more destinations: Iola, Atchison, Labette, Sedgwick, Stanton County, Nemaha County, Phillips County, Saline County.

For the broader travel overview: Kansas.