Kansas state historic sites are now free to visit

20 April 2023

TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNT) – Exploring the state of Kansas’ history just became easier.

The Kansas Historical Society (KSHS) recently announced via social media that every Kansas State Historic Site, with the exception of one, will now be free for those who want to visit starting April 19, 2023.

“We want Kansas history to be accessible to everyone,” said Patrick Zollner, executive director of the KSHS. “We are offering free admission for Kansas families to enjoy trips to state historic sites and discover the interesting people and history they represent.”

Bobbie Athom with the KSHS told KSNT News that all Kansas State Historic Sites are now free except for Shawnee Indian Mission in Fairway. The free admission offer will be in place for the foreseeable future to help encourage more participation at the sites.


What counties have the most historic sites in Kansas?

Kansas State Historic Sites include:

Constitution Hall

319 Elmore St., Lecompton

Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Closed for state holidays

First Territorial Capital

693 Huebner Rd., Fort Riley

Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Closed for state holidays and Easter

Fort Hays

1472 U.S. Highway 183 Alt, Hays

Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Closed for state holidays

Grinter Place

1420 S. 78 St., Kansas City

Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday

Closed for state holidays

Hollenberg Pony Express Station

2889 23rd Rd., Hanover

Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday

Closed for state holidays

Last Chance Store

516 Main St., Council Grove

Currently closed for reinterpretation. Opening set for late 2023.

Mine Creek Civil War Battlefield

20485 KS-52, Pleasanton

Open year-round

Closed for state holidays

Pawnee Indian Museum

480 Pawnee Trail, Republic

Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday

Closed for state holidays

Red Rocks

927 Exchange St., Emporia

Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday

Closed for state holidays

Cottonwood Ranch

14432 U.S.-24, Studley

Exterior open from dawn to dusk

Interior guided tours available April 13 – Oct. 13, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday – Saturday, closed noon to 1 p.m.

Closed for holidays

Goodnow House

Pioneer Park, 2301 Claflin Rd., Manhattan

Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday – Friday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday – Sunday

Closed for holidays

John Brown Museum

1000 Main St., Osawatomie

Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday

Closed for holidays

Marai des Cygnes Massacre

26426 E. 1700th Rd., Pleasanton

Open dawn to dusk daily

Closed for state holidays

Pawnee Rock

631 N. Centre St., Pawnee Rock

Dawn to dusk daily

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