Discover Garnett: Prairie Spirit Trail, Lake Garnett, and Historic Homes

A trip to Garnett can be explored through three themes: the Prairie Spirit Trail, Lake Garnett, and historic architecture. If you’re planning a hotel stay, you can consider whether outdoor activity, homes from different building periods, or the Lake Garnett Grand Prix Revival will shape your stay.

The Prairie Spirit Trail through Garnett

The Prairie Spirit Trail State Park is open to pedestrians and cyclists. Garnett lies halfway along the 51-mile Prairie Spirit Trail between Iola and Ottawa. The trail has moderate grades, making it easy for hikers and cyclists to get around. It is paved as it passes through Garnett. The landscape also changes along the Prairie Spirit Trail: the route passes through tallgrass prairie and riverfront areas, as well as agricultural land and communities. The trail therefore encompasses natural and cultural landscapes, not just open nature.

North Lake Park and Lake Garnett

North Lake Park is within Garnett city limits and covers about 300 acres. It includes the man-made Lake Garnett, which covers 48 acres.

Historic homes and their architectural history

The Shelley-Tipton House was built in 1871 as a two-story, wood-frame building in the Italianate style. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

The Sennett and Bertha Mellen Kirk House was built in 1913 and is considered a very well-preserved example of Colonial Revival architecture. It is located one block west of the square at the Anderson County Courthouse and Garnett’s central business district.

The Harris House was built in 1888 by Peter Barndt and his son, Peter Jr. Its carriage house contains, among other things, a Conestoga wagon belonging to the Manners family, dating from 1860. The wagon dates from a period 28 years before the house was built.

Seasonal museum and October event

The Anderson County Historical Society Museum is open from May 1 through September 30. Regular hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturdays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Check the hours before your trip if you plan to visit.

The Lake Garnett Grand Prix Revival takes place every year in October in Garnett. The program includes an exhibition of historic race cars, a parade, and a group cruise. This gives the event a different focus from the trail, park, and historic homes. If the Revival is a deciding factor for your trip, check the specific event dates in advance, as they may change. The museum season and the Revival fall in different time periods: the regular season ends on September 30, while the annual event takes place in October.

For the broader travel overview: Anderson.