Phillips County: Art, History and Nature

Art collections, railroad memorabilia, historic buildings, and nature shape ideas for visiting Phillips County. The places and facilities offer different highlights: at Agra Lake, water and camping take center stage, while museums offer insights into art and history. A golf course and an aquatic center are also among the listed recreational options.

By the Water and at the Aquatic Center

West of Agra, Agra Lake lies among the trees. There is a fishing pier, and primitive camping is allowed. The lake thus combines a specific fishing facility with the option of camping by the water.

The Phillipsburg Aquatic Center includes a large outdoor pool and an indoor therapy and exercise pool. Both pools have access via a zero-entry entrance, ramps, or steps. The facility therefore brings together an outdoor pool and an indoor pool with therapy and exercise options.

Art and Railroad History

The Dane G. Hansen Museum has a permanent art collection and presents changing exhibitions from the Smithsonian Institution. Admission is free. If you are interested in art, the combination of a permanent collection and changing exhibitions offers two different ways to experience a museum visit.

The C&R Railroad Museum brings together a collection of railroad memorabilia and a miniature railroad by Bill Clarke. The museum also displays 94 locomotives.

Historic Places and Their Stories

The buildings of the Fort Bissell Museum originally came from Phillips County. Almost all of the museum's objects were donated or loaned by county residents. This local provenance makes the connection between the buildings and collection items and the area an important part of the museum visit.

Fort Bissell was built by settlers for protection from Indigenous groups; it was not a federal military post. Old Fort Bissell is located in Phillipsburg City Park and offers visitors a glimpse of a frontier settlement. The Fort Bissell Museum and Old Fort Bissell thus offer different ways to explore the area's history.

The Fort Bissell Museum is open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend: Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It is worth checking visiting hours in advance when planning your trip.

The Phillipsburg Community Building is also significant architecturally and socially. It is a Late Gothic Revival-style building. Its significance encompasses architecture, social history, entertainment and recreation, as well as politics and government. Since 2000, the Majestic Theatre has been owned by the community. The Gallery in Phillipsburg showcases collections by local artists.

Landscape and Activities at Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge

Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge lies in gently rolling landscapes and the narrow valley of the North Fork of the Solomon River. At Crappie Point, a 0.5-mile paved wildflower trail runs along the shore. At Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge itself, driving, hiking, biking, fishing, and hunting are also possible recreational activities. The designated trail offers a specific hiking option; the other activities listed range from biking to fishing.

Golf and Recreation in Phillipsburg

The Phillipsburg Golf Club has a 9-hole course. The club includes The Sand Trap, a casual tavern with bar games and live entertainment. These offerings may change, so check what is currently planned before visiting.

Phillipsburg is located at the junction of U.S. Highways 36 and 183. This intersection is a helpful landmark when planning your trip. When looking for a hotel, consider which of the different themes you want to focus on: art, railroad history, a visit to the water, or outdoor activities.

Discover more destinations: Glade, Barber County, Ellis County, Riley County, Morris County, Harper County, Thomas County, Montgomery.

For the broader travel overview: Kansas.