FAMILY FUN
KID APPROVED Outdoor Adventure
Nestled at the south end of town on the Cottonwood River are two of Emporia’s best hidden gems, DAVID TRAYLOR ZOO (75 Soden Rd) and the SERTOMA MINI TRAIN (S Commercial & Soden Rd). Emporia’s beautiful zoo is free to the public and includes a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles, as well as lush botanical gardens and a small play area. With it’s compact size, the zoo is an easy stroll for little ones. Be sure to stop and watch the prairie dogs – their antics will give you a good laugh. During the summer, look for the Sertoma Mini Train just south of the zoo in Soden’s Grove Park. For just 50 cents, the kiddos can hop on and enjoy a ride around the park on a 1/3 mile track. Directly across the highway from the zoo and train, check out the old arched bridge over the Cottonwood River. Near the river dam, you’ll find the entrance to the COTTONWOOD RIVER TRAIL. If you hike the full 1-mile length, you’ll come out at another hidden gem, PETER PAN PARK (515 S Congress St). With a dash of whimsy and over 50 acres to explore, Peter Pan Park will bring joy to anyone who doesn’t want to grow up. The park features two play grounds, a splash pad, 18-hole disc golf course, and several historic limestone structures. For more outdoor adventure, head five miles east of Emporia to CAMP ALEXANDER (1785 Rd P5). Here you’ll enjoy nearly five miles of hiking and biking trails through the woods and meadows with plenty of twists and turns. At 96 years old, Peter Pan Park has an interesting past. Hear the story of its ties to William Allen White and learn why the locals keep referring to a stone structure as “Monkey Island.”
Photo by Corky Heller
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