Labette: Art, Railroad History and Nature

A 13-foot-tall head made from limestone blocks weighing a total of 45 tons: the sculpture “Ancient Man” stands out for its sheer size. “Turtle Island,” a rock sculpture measuring 32 feet long and 14 feet wide, makes a different impression. It refers to an Indigenous legend in which a giant turtle shell carries America. The height, length and width give the two works very different forms; the legend adds a narrative dimension to the way visitors see “Turtle Island.”

Railroad and History in Parsons

The grounds of the Iron Horse Museum display an MK&T locomotive, a covered freight car, a flatcar, a track crane, a caboose and working signals. The museum itself has a collection of railroad memorabilia displayed in a replica of a Katy line depot from around 1900. Rolling stock and other railroad artifacts are thus presented alongside a depiction of the depot setting.

The Parsons Historical Museum traces Parsons’ development from its beginnings to the present day. Its extensive photo collection covers people and places as well as the MKT Railroad and events from the city’s past. Visitors exploring Parsons’ history will find both the city’s development and images of its people, places and railroad as part of the museum’s focus.

The Carnegie Arts Center promotes the visual arts and, in the former Carnegie Library building, houses the Parsons Arts and Humanities Council and hosts a range of community events. The building is the only one in Parsons listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its connection to the former library and the Arts Center’s current role offer two distinct points of interest for culture enthusiasts.

Downtown and Local Products

Downtown Parsons offers shops and several dining options. There are also two coffeehouses, an old-fashioned soda fountain and an arcade. The Parsons Farmers Market sells locally grown fruits and vegetables as well as nuts and honey. This selection gives a sense of what downtown and the market each contribute to a visit: places to eat and shop, along with agricultural products from the surrounding area.

Walking Trails, Lakes and Outdoor Activities

Tolen Creek Park has more than 1.5 miles of natural walking trails. A Stone House dating to around 1895 is also located in the park. On a larger scale, Labette County has ten recreational trails totaling 87 miles. These figures offer different scales to consider when planning: a specific trail length within the park and a network of recreational trails across the county. Labette County also has developed bridle trails for horseback riding.

Native pine trees at the north end of Lake Parsons provide habitat for deer and other wildlife. The lake has developed RV campsites as well as conventional tent sites, with stays permitted for up to twelve days. Big Hill Lake offers beaches and opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking and camping. The lakes therefore offer different focuses: camping at Lake Parsons and a wider range of recreational activities at Big Hill Lake.

Getting Around During Your Stay

Class LTD provides general public transportation in the Parsons area. Rides within the city require 24 hours’ advance notice. Tri-City Airport is 13 miles west of Parsons and about one mile from the US 169/US 400 interchange. When planning your stay, these details can help you consider transportation service and the airport as separate aspects of getting around.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Parsons, Neosho County, Stevens County, Lane County, Morris County, Johnson, Miami, Sedgwick.

For the broader travel overview: Kansas.