Discover Cherryvale

Cherryvale combines local history with places and events that appeal to a range of interests: a Carnegie library and a museum offer insights into history and architecture, while Logan Park and the area around Big Hill Lake provide further options to consider when planning your trip. You can tailor your stay to whether you are more interested in architectural history, museum exhibits, or parks and nature.

Brickwork and the Carnegie Library

The Cherryvale Carnegie Free Library, at 329 E. Main, is a single-story brick building in the Neoclassical style. It was built around 1913 and is still used as a library. The Carnegie Foundation provided funding in 1912 for the permanent building, which was completed in 1913. The Cherryvale Public (Carnegie) Library is also listed in the inventory of Carnegie libraries in Kansas.

Cherryvale’s history of brickmaking extends beyond the library: Most of the streets, sidewalks, and buildings in downtown Cherryvale were built with bricks produced by six brickyards. The same building material shapes both a single building with Neoclassical features and large parts of the cityscape. Visitors interested in architecture can explore two different scales here: the library’s design and the widespread use of brick downtown.

Stories at the Cherryvale Museum

The Cherryvale Museum displays a replica of the Bender house, which is associated with the Bender family murders. The museum also shares the stories of Frank Bellamy, Louise Brooks, and Vivian Vance. These topics offer different perspectives: the replica points to a specific house and a criminal case, while the other three stories focus on individuals. If you are interested in different ways of presenting history, you can explore these subjects side by side during your museum visit.

Logan Park and Annual Events

Logan Park spans four city blocks. Its facilities include a swimming pool, a pavilion, picnic tables, and a large play area. These details help you consider the park as a specific destination for a range of interests, without conflating its different facilities.

Annual events in Cherryvale include the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Cherryvale Youth Fair; both are held in Logan Park. If you want to plan your trip around one of the festivals, check the exact event dates before booking. That way, you can plan around the actual dates.

Lake Tanko and the Area Around Cherryvale

Lake Tanko covers 45 acres and was built in 1870 to supply steam locomotives on the railroad. Its origins connect the lake to the region’s railroad history. This distinguishes it thematically from other nearby nature and recreation spots, where facilities or opportunities to observe wildlife are the main focus.

Big Hill Lake is located near Cherryvale. It has three campgrounds, three horseback riding trailheads, and four public day-use areas. The Ruth Nixon Memorial Trail is also at Big Hill Lake. It is about one mile long and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing. When planning your trip, you can consider the historical connections at Lake Tanko and wildlife viewing along the Ruth Nixon Memorial Trail as options for different interests.

Discover more destinations: Caney, Independence, Coffeyville.

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