Ellis County: Churches, Railroad History, and Prairie

Ellis County offers many different ways to explore its history: Romanesque limestone architecture, railroad heritage, Volga German culture, and prairie trails each have their own distinctive character. In Ellis, you can find reminders of the railroad and the Chrysler family; in Victoria, the Basilica of St. Fidelis is a landmark of church architecture. Museums, galleries, nature viewing, and recurring festivals add to the range of options. To plan your trip, it helps to first decide which themes and visits matter most to you.

Churches, Architecture, and Cultural Heritage

The Basilica of St. Fidelis in Victoria is a Romanesque structure built from local limestone in 1911. The Cathedral of the Plains is among the recipients of the “8 Wonders of Kansas” award. St. Fidelis Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 14, 1971, for its architectural significance. A church known as “The Cross in the Valley” stands out for its 165-foot-high main tower, crowned by a golden cross.

One way to explore the region’s history is through Volga German culture. The Bukovina Society Headquarters-Museum is housed in a historic church. It preserves artifacts belonging to Bukovinian emigrants, as well as a small library of books. At the Volga German Haus, you can see a reconstruction, true to the size and style of a house built by early Volga German settlers; the house is furnished with authentic household items from their era. Various cemeteries in Ellis County feature between 13 and more than 100 iron grave crosses. Local Volga German blacksmiths crafted the ornate crosses from steel and iron.

Railroad History and Museums

The Ellis Railroad Museum preserves the history of the Union Pacific Railroad in Ellis. Notable exhibits include a working model train layout covering more than 5,000 square feet. Visitors can also ride the General Motors Aero Streamliner, a miniature passenger train, along a 0.75-mile track. The museum offers both a look at the broader history of railroads and a hands-on experience.

The Chrysler family’s history is also present in Ellis. The family lived in what is now the Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home from 1889 to 1908. Personal belongings of Walter P. Chrysler are on display in a building behind the house, constructed in 1994. The Ellis County Historical Society Museum is another place to visit: its main gallery is open. To tour the outbuildings, including the Harness Shop, Volga German Haus, and Firehouse Museum, you can make an appointment by phone.

Fort Hays State Historic Site is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.; it is closed on state holidays. Guided tours are offered there through four original buildings that have been preserved: the blockhouse, guardhouse, and two officers’ quarters. Check current opening hours before your visit.

Prairie, Trails, and Wildlife Viewing

The Dr. Howard Reynolds Nature Trails include 2.0 miles of gravel paths through upland prairie and along a riparian corridor. Along the trails, you can watch wildlife at the pond and stream, as well as birds and butterflies. The trail length gives you a concrete reference point for planning, and the landscape combines open prairie with a riparian area. North of the city of Ellis, the prairie leads to the Arien Hills.

The Hays Bison Pens offer a pull-off area where you can stop to view a herd of bison. At Walter P. Chrysler Park in Ellis, there is access to fishing on Big Creek. The Sternberg Museum features a rattlesnake exhibit with live animals. Since live-animal presentations may change, check the current status before your visit.

Festivals, Galleries, and Practical Information

Cultural offerings are not limited to museums. Bukovinafest is celebrated in Ellis every three years. Volga German Oktoberfest is an annual festival celebrating the German Russians of Ellis County; German food is part of the offerings. Dates and programs may vary from year to year, so it’s worth checking the information for your planned travel dates. The Hays Arts Center Gallery hosts numerous new exhibitions throughout the year. The Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art regularly features exhibitions by students and faculty, as well as traveling exhibitions.

For orientation, the Hays Welcome Center provides maps, directions, and brochures about attractions, events, and accommodations. Hays Regional Airport offers daily flights to Denver, with connections to United Airlines’ larger route network. Since flight schedules are subject to change, check flights before booking. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, plan around the places, exhibitions, or events you actually want to visit.

Discover more destinations: Hays, Ellis, Meade County, Mcpherson County, Cowley County, Norton County, Butler, Clark County

For the broader travel overview: Kansas.