Tourism and History
​...throughout Mitchell County & the Solomon Valley

Rich in local history, Mitchell County, Kansas, offers several tourist attractions that include museums, architecture, renovations and recreation, plus Waconda Lake and the world's largest ball of twine, making the Solomon Valley a great place to visit and explore.

Though Mitchell County's largest tourist draw is Waconda Lake and Glen Elder State park, the Solomon Valley likewise offers a wide selection of historical and other attractions.

​Looking for something new to do?  Want to learn about local Solomon Valley history and heritage? Take some time and discover Mitchell County. You'll be glad you did! 

Attractions Throughout the County

​Beloit       

• Mitchell County Courthouse - Main & Hersey (NHR) 
• St. John's Catholic Church - 701 E Court (NHR) 
• Mitchell County Museum - 1915 N. Independence
  
• Little Red Schoolhouse - Hwy 24 (NHR) 
• General Store Antiques & Museum 
• Trojan Stadium - WPA work project 
• Chautauqua Park
• Isle of Lights - Chautauqua Park during Christmas season
• 2 historical homes & Victorian homes (no tours)
• Learn More About Beloit Attractions

 
Glen Elder   

• Statue of Liberty in downtown square 
• The Castle Service Station - downtown (NHR) 
• Waconda Lake & Glen Elder Dam
  
  

Glen Elder State Park

• Waconda Visitors & Education Center - East Entrance
• Waconda Heritage Village - Hopewell Church 
• Waconda Springs Replica - Just south of Park office
• Fishing, hunting, swimming, camping, marina, boating 
• Learn More About Glen Elder Area Attractions

Cawker City

• World Famous Ball of Twine 
• Hesperian Library / Museum
• Historical Marker Waconda Springs
• Waconda Lake
• Wisconsin Street National Historic District (NHR) 
• United Methodist Church Organ
• Learn More About Cawker City Attractions

Tipton

• Catholic Church
• Heritage Museum
  

Visit The Mitchell County Kansas Tourism Website!

Mitchell County, Kansas, the heart of the Solomon Valley (the river basin of the Solomon River), is situated in the north central part of the state.  Settled after the Civil War, the county gained official status by the State of Kansas in 1871. The county name was given in honor of Capt. William D. Mitchell, who enlisted in the Union army as a private soldier in the second Kansas cavalry. After being promoted to the rank of captain, he was killed at Monroe’s cross-roads, N. C., in 1865.
 
A region of rich, dark soil, highly suitable for farming, agriculture has always been the major economic foundation for Mitchel County and the Solomon Valley. Crops included wheat, corn, sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers, alfalfa, grass and other.  In turn agriculture strongly supports the lively hood of the county’s eight communities.
 
Mitchell County is also considered the Land of the Kansas Post Rock. The term reflects the many miles of limestone rock, remnant from sediment left from an ancient sea that once covered the region, cut from many local quarries. The chalky stone was used for fence posts and other construction during the turn of the 19th century and early 20th century to erect what are now our oldest remaining houses and buildings, many of which are still in use, standing proud today. These buildings are evidence of our pioneer heritage and spirit and the determination it took to settle our county. 

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Hunter

• Historical bank building

Asherville 

• Grain elevator 
• Rock schoolhouse on old highway 24 between Asherville & Beloit

​Simpson      

• Historical bank building

​Scottsville

• Info forthcoming