Events

Discover and taste unique whiskeys and bourbon from around the world in an underground speakeasy. This 1877 building was part of an underground network of tunnels. In July of 2012 this underground space opened its doors to a mafia themed restaurant influenced by the notorious gangster and bank robber Pretty Boy Floyd. Sample and learn about seven different whiskeys and bourbons at a handcrafted bar. Reservations are recommended, but not required by calling . Enter in the alley behind 210 N. Douglas, Ellsworth. Cost $35 (must be 21 years old). Seatings every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour. Thu-Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 12-5pm

Spring is calf branding season for many ranches across Ellsworth County and central Kansas. Come see the cowboys in action! Calves born in February - April of 2024 will be gathered by real life cowboys. The calves will be hot branded for ranch identification and given vaccinations to prevent disease. You will get to see the cowboys rope cattle while horseback, learn about how they take care of their livestock, and ask questions about beef cattle production. In case of rain, event will be cancelled. Directions: From Hwy 156 and Hwy 14 intersection, travel 6 miles south on Hwy 14 to Ave Q. At Ave Q turn right. Travel 1 mile west on Ave Q. At the intersection of Avenue Q and 15th Road turn left. Travel 1.5 miles south on 15th Road until you reach the ranch. 15th Road is a dead end that ends at the ranch. (Mapping and event location address do not match due to Google inconsistencies. Address and directions have been confirmed with the event hosts.)

The museum complex is on the two-block site of the original commercial district. It features the 1878 Victorian Hodgden House and the 1886 livery stable—both constructed with Dakota sandstone. Come in and look around for no charge during this open house. (NRHP)

Learn about the history behind Ellsworth the Cow Town! Scavenger hunt answers will all be within walking distance in downtown Ellsworth. Pick up your info sheet at Refine Design, Inc., 119 N. Douglas, 10am-6pm on Thursday and Friday and 9am-3pm on Saturday. Scavenger Hunt will take approximately 45 minutes to complete. Return your form for a free prize.

UPDATE: As of April 5, an additional presentation time has been added. Mildred will speak two times on Thursday. The first at 9am as originally planned and a second presentation at 3:30pm. As a teenager, Mildred Schindler Janzen escaped both Nazi Germany and the invading Russian troops. She has told her story in her memoir, "Surviving Hitler, Evading Stalin". This documentary is a brief version of her story. The 20-minute documentary will be shown and Mildred will be available to answer questions afterward about her book. Event will take place at the Ellsworth Library basement.

"May the 4th Be With You" is the theme for this year's annual event hosted by the local American Legion Post #174. Lots of craft and food vendors, kids games, music and more at this day long festival. A hog roast dinner starts at 5pm. Check the Facebook page for more information closer to the event.

Participants will have a map with designated businesses where they can find a longhorn. Once they find the longhorn they need a business owner mark their map. After finding the designated amount participants will turn their map into the library to have their name put into a drawing for prizes. Thu-Fri 10am - 6pm; Sat 10am - 2pm

Take a tour of a steel fabrication facility that specializes in Traffic Infrastructure structures and large open span buildings primarily utilized in sports facilities. MaiCo Industries was recently given a 2023 Statewide Business Award from the State of Kansas for excellence in manufacturing and distribution. MaiCo is also one of the first Kansas based businesses to receive certification as "Made In Kansas." Tour will last approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

The unique stone structures of the Mushroom Rock State Park will be viewed alongside the archeological descriptions provided by Wendy Bowles, Ranger for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. This is a great photo op. Located on the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway northwest of Marquette about 5 miles north of Kanopolis Reservoir and State Park, 3 miles west of K-141 on Avenue K, a county road or south of K-140 from Carneiro on 25th Road. Mushroom Rock State Park is one of the top 8 Wonders of Kansas - Geography.

Enjoy a celestial celebration at the Nuclear Missile Silo. Revel in the glow of the bonfire, sway to the beats of great music, and sip on adult beverages. $50 per person, includes Missile Silo Coffee Mug and unlimited beers, wines, sodas, and waters. Bring your own snacks and food. From Ellsworth go east for 10 miles on J Road (becomes K-140) and turn north on either 23rd Road or 25th Road. Follow the signs. Located in Ellsworth County, but has a Brookville address. Overnight Camping Available http://www.themissilesiloranch.com/stay

Rural Fire Departments depend upon cooperation and volunteers to cover a wide territory. Visit with some of the 18 volunteers and chief of 35+ years, Mark Breford. See 11 of the 13 vehicles up close and hear the stories of how our communities work together when danger looms. (Photo: Frank Wegloski)

Try your luck winning a prize at the American Legion’s come-and-go bingo game from 3-5pm. Beverages available for purchase during the games. Enjoy a sandwich supper (free will donation) hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary from 5-6:30pm. Bingo cards 50 cents/game, play as many as you like! Event located at the American Legion Post #200 Community Center.

Join in the fun at the historic Holyrood Depot’s freight dock for an outdoor acoustic folk music jam circle featuring area musicians. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy a piece of pie while listening…and if you are a picker, you're encouraged to bring an instrument and play along! Freewill donations welcome.

Enjoy an exhibit of modern and antique quilts, some for sale, by local quiltmakers and shop locally made handicrafts. Cash, checks and credit cards accepted. Event held at St. Peter Lutheran Church Parish Hall. Accessible entrances and restrooms. Thu 1-5pm; Fri-Sat 9am-5pm

After the late-1800s school burned down, the beautiful stone Progress School was built in 1902. It’s now being converted into a home by Ted and Carrie Schmid. They'll use solar and wind energy and have fish ponds to provide fertilizer for an in-ground greenhouse; produce their own milk, eggs, poultry and more; and utilize wildlife conservation practices more. Stop by for conversation, see historical pictures, take a tour (if you have time). Coffee and refreshments. From Hwy 156 and 5th Rd, (just east of Holyrood) go 6 miles north on 5th Rd. Near intersection of 5th Rd and Avenue N.

Meet the fifth-generation operator of a Farm Bureau and Salina Diocese-designated Century Farm, Ernie Jezek. See a cattle/grain operation up close and learn about the functions of various farm implements. Off-road parking available. From Holyrood, Hwy 156 and Ave T, about one mile west on Ave T, turn right (north) on 4th Rd for 3 1/2 miles. Farm is on the left (west side). Click on address to see Google Map location.

#19 on the Kanopolis Lake Legacy Trail tour. From downtown Kanopolis, 1/2 mile west on Ohio (becomes L), then 1 mile south on 18th. Fort Ellsworth was a primitive post originally of earthen dugouts dug into the bank of the Smoky Hill River. Depressions are visible as well as a remnant of the Smoky Hill Trail, used by the Butterfield's Overland Despatch stage company. A peace conference with the Cheyenne was held here in August of 1866. The post was renamed Fort Harker in November 1866 and moved to the new site in 1867. TOUR INFORMATION: Historian, Jim Gray will be on site, Friday and Saturday from 12-3pm. The tour involves a 10-minute walk and the general tour will last around 30 minutes. Come and go as you please.

Guests who arrive when the Open House starts will be split into groups. All guests can tour the Commanding Officers' Quarters, the Junior Officers' Quarters, the Kanopolis Depot (displays include Independent Salt, the Acme Brick Plant and Kanopolis High School) as well as the Fort Harker Guardhouse. The Guardhouse tour will include historical information (at least 30 minutes) relating to the Civil War and the trails westward. The Open House is free.

Visit an encampment of soldiers from the Forts that defended the way West in the 1860-1880s. The soldiers will share stories of their way of life, the tools of their trade, and their adventures on the Plains. Wander through the camp, which is located on the grounds of the Fort Harker Commanding Officers Quarters in Kanopolis.

UPDATED 4/25: Petroglyphs will not be visible on this tour. The site has been closed to the public. Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism Ranger, Wendy Bowles, will meet interested guests at the Kanopolis Lake office (GPS location: 200 Horsethief Road) and all will travel to Horse Thief Canyon. Visitors will enjoy a walk on the trail to observe native plants, wildlife, and the geology of the canyon. The .95 mile (one way) trail follows Bison Creek, which once watered buffalo and the wild horses.

Join locals on the patio at The Historic Midland Railroad Hotel with an experience for the entire family! View the classic film of "Paper Moon" projected on the limestone of the hotel! Free popcorn will be provided.

Reserve a one-hour tour to go down 176 feet into this decommissioned Atlas F Missile Base to learn about the Atlas ICBM Program, the Cold War, and better understand the property and the structures that were built for the U.S. Air Force. Hear about future plans for this missile silo which includes becoming an AirBnB. This site is currently operating as an adventure resort open for camping, RV’s, VanLife with hiking trails, campfires and stargazing. Call the phone number listed to book a tour. Admission per person is $20. Tour times are Thu-Sun 8:30am, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm, 6:30pm. For more information about the site click on Read More below.

Join us to view the great work of the late Betty Kepka featuring original artwork and hand painted Czech Eggs. Local artist, Christine Slechta will demonstrate the process of hand painting Czech Eggs!

Kick back with a fun evening at The Historic Midland Railroad Hotel with Big Band music and swing dancing. Event will take place on the patio!

“Czech” out our Czech dancers by the big egg! The Wilson Czech dancers consist of youth ages 3-18 along with dance instructor, Paula Gray Svaty. The group was established to help promote and continue the Czech culture through music and dance. In the event of rain, the dancers will perform at the Wilson American Legion Post 262, 419 27th St.

Pick up a “Czech Quest” brochure at the Wilson Kiosk next to the Wilson Visitor Center. Take a tour of Wilson and see places of history and highlights of the community. Information on where to return the completed form will be included on the brochure.

DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Smoky Hill Chapter members will have their annual bake sale to raise money for local scholarships. Home baked breads, pastries, and other sweets will be available to sell to help jump start your morning as you begin your day with the fun activities in our area.

View the new addition to Wilson! 2711 Co Working is operated by Wilson Tourism Hub Inc. and features a Native American artifacts gallery.

Meet the Kansas artists, craftsmen, food producers and authors who belong to the Post Rock Opportunities Foundation. Have fun learning about and seeing their products when you visit Kansas Originals store near Wilson. Free food samples to try and kolaches will be for sale.

View the work of a Wilson local artist Kevin Lundy and meet this exceptional artist at the Midland Mercantile and Art Gallery.

Walk through the historic 100-year-old Lang Memorial Library and explore available resources on Wilson's local families, schools, businesses, churches, and the Czech influence in this region.

The Wilson Senior Center invites you to enjoy coffee and breakfast pastries during their weekly morning social on Friday from 8:30-10:00 am. Free will donations are accepted.

This historic native sandstone building, built in 1886 as the Bohemian State Bank, will be open for tours lasting 15 minutes on Friday and Saturday. The bank was featured in scenes for the movies, "Paper Moon" and "Pretty Boy Floyd." An interesting tidbit about the bank is a sharpshooter perch that was used to defer bank robbers. You'll also learn about the "cool factor" in how the building has been repurposed to house the summer lunch program.

Did you know that Nex-Tech has a train available for your community events and festivals? Neither did we! Take a short ride on the train to explore all of the local Czech eggs downtown along with the Statute of Liberty. Event sponsored by Feeding the Children of Central Kansas.

Listen to local historian, Cherilee Ward, tell the real stories from the grave with free will donations going towards buying a small stone for the disgraced city marshal, Jesse Tillman. Tour starts at 5pm and lasts 30 minutes. (Link takes you to an article about Jesse Tillman clipped from the Sylvan Grove Newspaper, January 26, 1905.)

The Immanuel Lutheran Church displays their wheat weaving each year during harvest and will be on display during the BKRT. Stop by and visit with parishioners and enjoy some refreshments.