Woodson County Travel Guide & Directory: 2023-2025 edition

Woodson County residents have access to the following amenities and services:

• Health and Medical Facilities

• Wellness and Fitness Centers

• Dental and Orthodontic Care

• Local Pharmacy

• Historic Town Square and Courthouse

• Shopping and Dining

• Banking, Insurance, and Investment Services

• Carnegie Public Library

• Newly Renovated Public Swimming Pool

Pre-School, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School

• Daycare

• Nearby Recreational Opportunities

• Public Hunting and Fishing Grounds

State Parks, Trails and Wildlife Areas

Special Thanks to...

K-State Extension Resources and Programs

• Event Venues

• Business Start-Up Incentives

• Tax Rebates for Residence Improvements, Commercial Development, and New Home Construction

Trevor Hoag, Jonathan Adams Photography, Kayla Blaes Photography, Mark Degraffenreid, Jessie Hoag, Keila Sherman Photography, Clara Sorenson, Kenzie Alizabeth Photography, Taylor Hunt, John Atkin IV, Kim Henderson, Wes Koschke, Dusti Fansler, Cherie Kane, Get Piqua, Robert Arnett, Melissa Stiffler, Connie Schmidt, Tiffany Stockebrand, Neta Cahill and Jason Shepard for use of photos for this publication.

The Chamber thanks all of our Member businesses and organizations, community members, business owners, and organizations who choose to put time and resources back into our communities through financial contributions, small business ownership, volunteering, interacting with social media posts, helping with annual events, and assisting when neighbors need a hand. You make Woodson County an amazing place to enjoy life and the company of friends and neighbors, as well as a great place for visitors to find new adventures, new friends and new favorite places to come back to.

We would like to extend our thanks to the following individuals for financially supporting the Woodson County Chamber of Commerce and continuing to be involved community members and advocates for Woodson County and all we have to offer: Dr. John and Pat Atkin, Ed and Brenda Stratman, Gwen and Pete Martin, and Laymon Oil II, LLC. To our past, present and future Chamber Board of Directors - a huge thank you for giving your time to the Chamber and Woodson County by serving on our board. We cannot thank you enough for your support and dedication!

Community members like you help Woodson County thrive and we strive to utilize your funds, time and commitment to uplift our county, its residents, and our local businesses. Thank you again for your support!

Everything you need to enjoy small town living at its finest. Scan here to view our online business directory!

Woodson County, Kansas

Marketing and Design: Violeta Rodriguez Stauffer

Cover

Published by:

Editors: Susan Lynn and Tim Stauffer

Graphic Design: Kristi Kranker

photo: Kayaking on Woodson County Fishing Lake by Jessie Hoag

How to use this guide

In this guide, you will find information and travel ideas for all of Woodson County, covering the Yates Center and Chautauqua Hills Area, Toronto & Flint Hills Area, and Piqua & Neosho Falls Area.

Each section features Woodson County Chamber member businesses and organizations, along with articles, photos and simple area maps to help you plan your visit to Woodson County.

• If you’re looking for travel ideas and points of interest, use the Table of Contents in the front of this guide.

• If you’re looking for a specific business or type of business, use the Chamber Member Business Index in the back of this guide.

Feeling adventurous? Dive in and see

what you find! It is our hope that this guide be a useful tool for visitors and community members alike. If you would like more information about something you see in this guide, send us an email at director@woodsoncountychamber.org or give us a call at (620) 625-3235. Follow Woodson Chamber on Facebook and find us on Google to find current information and updates. You can also stop in and see us at the office Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. –just be sure to call ahead if you’re making a special trip, as we’re sometimes out and about at trainings, community events, ribbon cuttings, etc.

We’re so glad that you’ve decided to learn more about what we have to offer through our Travel Guide & Directory, and we wish you the most wonderful of adventures in Woodson County!

Santa and the Grinch sit atop the Shepard Farm and Construction float after an afternoon taking photos with those attending the annual Festival of Lights and Lighted Christmas Parade on the Historic Yates Center Town Square.

- Jason Shepard

Yates Center’s annual Hay Fest brings visitors to Yates Center’s Historic Town Square—and inspires locals to get creative. - Chari Bauman and Tiffany Stockebrand

Toronto Days attendees participate in the annual Mud Volleyball Tournament.

- Keila Sherman Photography

Woodson Co. History

Woodson County came into being in 1855, with the Osage Nation having called this area home prior to the arrival of settlers. Our county has long been a beautiful meeting place of different ecological zones - from the Chautauqua Hills in the southwest to the rolling Flint Hills in the northwest and prairieland in between, you’ll now find agricultural plots, pastures, and manmade lakes wound throughout the natural landscape.

Along with a plethora of native and migratory bird species and abundant wildlife, you’ll also see the fossils left behind from a time when our part of Kansas was a shallow sea, sporting oceanic creatures and rolling waves of seawater rather than the rolling waves of amber grain and bright fields of sunflowers you might come across today. Of particular ecological and geological interest is Cross Timbers State Park near Toronto, where you’ll find interesting geological formations and such attractions as the Ancient Trees Trail. You may also want to explore the public land that makes up the Toronto Wildlife Area and Woodson State

Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area, featuring further interesting geological features to explore and flora and fauna to observe.

Neosho Falls was one of the earliest communities in Woodson County and was expected to grow into a large riverside city, much like Wichita, though flooding led to the demise of such a future. You’ll now find a very small community steeped in local history and intrigue as well as natural beauty. Abandoned Kansas fans will delight in the abandoned structures tucked away in town and those wishing to explore the Neosho River can marvel at the noisy history of the town while basking in its current state of relative quietude.

Nearby, you can explore the life of Buster Keaton at the Buster Keaton Memorial Museum in Piqua. Born in Piqua, Keaton made quite a name for himself during the Silent Film Era. While in the area, the St. Martin’s Catholic Church Oratory and grounds can be explored by travelers - take in the ornate architecture, church graveyard, and statues and monuments in an easy-to-access

Many historic buildings in Woodson County remain in place, such as these on the Yates Center Historic Town Square.

location right across Highway 54 from the Buster Keaton Museum (located within the Piqua Rural Water District #1 building).

Yates Center’s Historic Town Square and Courthouse are unique in how they were formed: Our county seat was chosen when the town was not yet in existence thanks to the generosity and drive of Abner Yates, who is buried at the Yates Center Cemetery - one of many beautiful local cemeteries to explore. The town itself is currently in a state of rebirth - you’ll find sweet and savory eats, coffee, and shopping opportunities as you make your way around our quaint brick streets to view the historic Woodson County Courthouse, Hotel Woodson (where Buffalo Bill once stayed), Light Hardware Building and Carnegie Library, among many other historic buildings.

If you are interested in Civil War and Native American history, stop by our office during regular business hours to obtain the pamphlet “Tracing Trails of Blood on Ice: Opothleyahola’s Great Escape!” - a four-county guided tour of Indian Territory into Free-State Kansas through Wilson, Woodson, Coffey and Allen Counties. You

can also call ahead to schedule a visit to the Woodson County Historical Museum and perhaps even a guided tour of historical sites that interest you!

Opothle Yoholo A Creek chief - colored at I.T. Bowen’s Lithographic Establishment, No. 94 Walnut St. - Library of Congress

Daniel Family Cabin at Woodson County Historical Museum - Trevor Hoag

“A quaint, historic community with small town charm and a relaxed pace of living surrounded by beautiful landscapes and boundless opportunities for adventure ”

Hotel Woodson - Chari Bauman

Yates Center & Chautauqua Hills

Yates Center is a quaint, historic community with small town charm and a relaxed pace of living. If you seek fascinating architecture, brick streets and an escape from fast-paced city living, Yates Center is the place to be!

Our small community offers many amenities that might surprise you - we have everything a person needs to live comfortably. From dentistry to health clinics, pharmacies to general stores, schools to wellness facilities - we have it all. Looking for a safe place to raise your family or just get away from it all? We may be just what you’re looking for.

There are boundless recreational activities around Yates Center, as well as many historical sites, architectural styles and cemeteries to view and explore.

Activities & Attractions

Yates Center offers experiences to meet

the needs of history buffs, outdoors enthusiasts, and those looking for a small-town shopping, dining and exploration experience. We offer a wonderful escape into the quietude and charm of a small town, which can offer a welcome space to those seeking to nurture their souls and find inspiration.

Historical Attractions & Town Square:

The Woodson County Historical Museum offers visitors a look into our past via vintage clothing, Civil War artifacts, Native American artifacts, farm machinery, and military uniforms and memorabilia, along with a log cabin and country church/ schoolhouse. It is typically open throughout the summer months and into the fall. Contact the Woodson County Historical Society at (620) 625-5233 or wocohistoricalsoc@gmail.com to learn more or schedule a visit.

The Yates Center Historic Town Square fea-

Light Hardware Building + Woodson County Historical Society - Jason Shepard and Trevor Hoag

Carriage rides on the Yates Center town square offer a view of the handsome and historic Woodson County Courthouse. - Chari Bauman

tures beautiful red brick streets and plenty of historic buildings and architecture. The Woodson County Courthouse, built from 1899-1900, sits proudly in the middle of a pristine courthouse lawn, around which local events such as Yates Center Days, the Woodson Chamber Easter Egg Hunt, RevitalizeYC’s Hay Fest and the Friends for Life Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, the Woodson Chamber Halloween Parade & Trunk or Treat, and the Festival of Lights and Lighted Christmas Parade are held each year.

Around the square, you’ll find many businesses, including options for coffee and fresh baked goods, ice cream, handmade and locally crafted candles and soaps, antiques and local artisans’ wares, and a quilting and fabric shop. See the SHOP & EAT section beginning on page 27 for details!

Don’t miss a look at the historic and beautifully restored Hotel Woodson (1887), where the well-known showman Buffalo Bill Cody and company once had quite the lively stay - you can read more on the RevitalizeYC website under the “Tourism” tab.

Equally impressive is the locally beloved Light Hardware Building (1904). Designed by George P. Washburn, the architect responsible for many of Kansas’ most beautiful courthouses and erected by Grant Naylor, the building was constructed primarily from locally quarried sandstone and brick manufactured just south of Yates Center at the Buffalo, KS brick works. Upon completion in 1904, the Stockebrands and Kemmerer Department Store was one of the most comprehensive and well-appointed stores of its type in the southeast Kansas area. Now, you’ll find that stunning, over six-foot-tall crystal chandeliers once more grace the beautifully renovated Dr. John & Patricia Atkin Grand Ballroom, which boasts a full-service, all-inclusive event venue for large events and weddings. Locals and visitors can again enjoy the magnificent building that holds so much of Yates Center’s history along with promise for our future.

Another beautiful and interesting structure that still functions as an important part of our town to this day is the Yates Center Public Library, a Carnegie library built in 1912. You’ll enjoy the eclectic 20th century design style and the beauty of such a nicely kept local gem and community resource. Venture inside for a cozy atmosphere and a great selection of books, along with

computers for public use and a wonderfully whimsical kids’ section on the lower level. When you’ve found the right book, venture outside to enjoy the shade and quiet of their wooden gazebo.

Do you enjoy a good mural? Yates Center is home to several murals that brighten up the town and showcase local talent. Visit RevitalizeYC.com for a soon-to-be released Mural Guide featuring photos, directions and more! Yates Center and Woodson County also have plenty of Barn Quilts on display for those interested in the US Barn Quilt Trail - take a walk or drive around town and keep your eye out to find many barn quilts hiding in plain sight!

If you plan your visit during the fall months, you may be lucky enough to experience the fun of RevitalizeYC’s Hay Fest! Travel around the county in the weeks before and following Hay Fest (event held early to mid-October) to spy the whimsical hay bale art that graces roadsides, yards and businesses throughout the county. Visit the Historic

Town Square to view the spooky Halloween decorations that grace our light poles, and visit the day of the event for a variety of fall-themed activities. You can also join the Friends for Life breast cancer awareness and support organization for their annual Benefit Auction and Celebration Walk held the morning of Hay Fest.

Visit in December to experience the magic of our town square during Christmas time! You’ll find lighted displays and a dazzlingly lit town square, allowing you the opportunity to step right into a classic Christmas scene as might be featured in a Norman Rockwell painting or Hallmark movie. If you visit on the second weekend of December, you’ll be lucky enough to join in the fun at the Festival of Lights & Lighted Christmas Parade, our most magical event of the year.

Visit us over Memorial Day Weekend to experience Yates Center Days, a huge event featuring a variety of activities that often spans the entire weekend. The Town Square will be filled with people, music, and activity.

A mural in the kids’ section of the Yates Center Public Library inspires creativity. - Chari Bauman

Yates Center Days - Chari Bauman

Festival of Lights - Jason Shepard

A stunning mural on the east side of the Townsman Motel greets vistors. - Chari Bauman

If your stay is in June, you may be able to take part in Birdies & Bluegrass, an event that benefits our local cancer support group Friends for Life through a day of golf and bluegrass music at Lakeside Golf Course, including a stunning fireworks display and plenty of fun.

Indoor Activities

Looking for something to do indoors? We’ve got you covered!

The Lanes at Light Hardware offers 8 lanes for bowling along with food and drink options and a fully stocked cocktail bar! They have bumpers and shoe rental available in a fun and newly renovated space right off the Yates Center Historic Town Square.

Vaquero’s Mexican Restaurant has a billiards table for those looking to play a bit of pool, along with food options and a bar in a newly renovated space located on the Yates Center Historic Town Square.

Adventures for Outdoor Enthusiasts

If you enjoy the great outdoors, you won’t be disappointed with our offerings!

The newly renovated Yates Center Public Swimming Pool offers a great place to cool off in a safe environment monitored by lifeguards and features a splash pad. It sits directly across from the Yates Center City Park so kids can enjoy playground equipment and cooling off at the pool all in one place!

Near Yates Center is South Owl Lake. Nestled among the blackjack trees, the lake and its surroundings offer a beautiful setting for an exciting fishing experience or family picnic. South Owl Lake has a boat ramp and fishing piers as well as an RV campground. You can contact the City of Yates Center at 620-625-2118 or email cityhall@cityofyatescenter.com with questions.

Lakeside Golf Course, a sand greens course guaranteed to add novelty to the sport for those who haven’t tried sand greens before, sits next to the lake. There is a selfpay station outside the clubhouse, with the clubhouse being accessible to Lakeside Golf Course Members.

Also near town is Still Waters Edge Retreat, a new facility (est. 2021) located along the scenic Kanza road. Still Waters Edge Retreat offers nightly rental cabins and RV hookups, facilitation of private events, a lake and

Yates Center Swimming Pool - Courtesy photo

The Lanes at Light Hardware provides classic family fun in an impressively remodeled space. - Chari Bauman

pond with beach area, zip line, and water trampoline, and plenty of spaces to hang out and relax, such as an outdoor kitchen and bar and a playground for the kids. It’s extremely kid-friendly and a fantastic destination for groups and those who love the water. The facility includes kayaks, canoes, a zipline, pedal boats and paddle boards, beach area, life jackets, playground equipment and a water bouncer. Owners Todd & Melissa Stiffler are always adding new activities and structures to the retreat, allowing visitors to enjoy even more options with every stay! Visit their website stillwatersedgeretreat.com and follow them on Facebook to stay up-to-date.

A bit farther from town you’ll find the Yates Center Reservoir. Yates Center Reservoir has 212 acres of surface water, with 500 acres of land surrounding the lake. The entire area offers: fishing, boating, water skiing, hiking, hunting and rough camping. Aggressive management includes fish stocking, supplemental feeding, restrictive length and creel limits, and fish habitat development. Regulations are a key component of the management plan and may be adjusted in the future based on sampling results. To maintain quality fishing, regulations are strictly enforced. Yates Center Reservoir has a boat ramp, fishing piers, and a shelter house.

Woodson County State Fishing Lake - Jessie Hoag

Still Waters Edge Retreat - Melissa Stiffler

TOWNSMAN MOTEL

RESERVATIONS (620) 625-2131

609 W. MARY HWYS. 54 & 75 YATES CENTER, KS 66783

OPEN HEARTS, OPEN MINDS, OPEN DOORS

The United Methodist Church

Neosho Falls UMC | Yates Center UMC

Pastor Jimmy Yoo

307 S. Grove St. Yates Center, KS 66783 ycumcks@sbcglobal.net

Kayla Blaes Photography

Mockingbird Baskets

Natural Pathways

Pop Culture Hair Salon

Red Sock Studio

Robin's Massage Therapy

Town Hall Teas

Hairbenders

DeLana Je ery ~ 620-625-3321

Sprouts

Learning House

410 S. State St

Yates Center, KS

620-405-0055

CAMPBELL FUNERAL HOME

Professional Funeral & Cremation Services

Lane Jones • Cindy Jones

620-625-2301

204 N Fry St, Yates Center

Sylvanya Engdahl

310 W. Rutledge St., Yates Center, KS 66783

620-625-2211

campbellfuneralyatescenter@gmail.com

jonescampbellfuneralhome.com

The term "lodge" itself comes from the structures which the stonemasons built against the sides of the cathedrals during construction. In winter, when building had to stop, they

But a Masonic lodge is more than a building; it is a living, breathing organization made up of and sustained by the members themselves. It is a tight-knit group of men who make solemn vows to one another and become comrades in Masonry and life.

Above all, a Masonic lodge represents open arms, a helping hand, and brotherly love to every Mason, anywhere, at any time.

Each year, Gilead Lodge #144 does the following:

• A Memorial Day Pancake Feed on Yates Center Days weekend

• A Halloween Hot Dog Giveaway at Woodson Chamber’s Trunk or Treat and Halloween Parade

• The Hunter’s Unlimited Banquet in December

• Sponsors gifts for children in need through the local Adopt-a-Child for Christmas program

• O ers scholarships to local youth at Yates Center High School

• Participates in many other local fundraisers and events

Gilead Lodge #144

116 E. Butler St., Yates Center

Camping is permitted in a designated spot by the parking lot. The lake has a vault restroom, but no other camping hook-ups are presently available. You can contact City of Yates Center at 620-625-2118 or email cityhall@cityofyatescenter.com with questions.

And last but definitely not least, you won’t want to miss the beautiful Woodson State Fishing Lake & Wildlife Areas that are situated within the Chautauqua Hills. You won’t run out of opportunities to explore, hunt, fish, camp and enjoy native Kansas wildlife in a spectacular setting with 2,885 acres of wildlife area with public hunting and fishing. As this lake does not allow recreational water activities, it’s a prime location to enjoy nature and wildlife in an undisturbed setting. Watch for waterfalls after rain and view a variety of birdlife, as a multitude of species make their way through our area during spring and fall migrations along with the many species that call Woodson County home throughout the year. Visit ksbirdingtrail.com for more information. You can pick up your hunting and fishing licenses at the Woodson County Courthouse in Yates Center or Lizard Lips Grill & Deli at Country Junction at the intersection of Highway 54 and Highway 105 near Toronto.

Don’t miss learning about other recreational opportunities in the county in the Toronto & Flint Hills Section (begins on page 46) and Piqua & Neosho Falls section (begins on page 62).

Eat

You won’t want to miss Yates Center’s restaurants, including: Vaquero’s Mexican Restaurant, Cornerstone Bakery & Coffee, The Lanes at Light Hardware, antiques.boutiques.&sweets, Hys Filling Station, and Pizza Hut. Pick up groceries at G&W Foods and grab a snack at Pete’s Convenience. Pete’s

Glass House Floral + Vaquero’s Mexican Restaurant + HYS Filling Station - Chari Bauman and courtesy photos

Cornerstone Bakery & Coffee + antiques.boutiques. & sweets provide cozy spaces and delicious treats.

- Chari Bauman

and SEK COOP both offer gas and diesel if you’re in need of a fill-up.

Around the square, you’ll find the hidden gem Cornerstone Bakery, which offers a quirky and relaxed atmosphere along with lunch specials, homemade baked goods, and the best coffee and tea selection in town. You’ll also find our local Mexican restaurant Vaquero’s, where you can sit at the bar or a booth or table, enjoy good food and drink, and enjoy TVs and a game of billiards in their newly renovated facility. The unique antiques. boutiques. & sweets. opened in the summer of 2022 to offer locals and visitors an old-time ice cream parlor experience complete with old-time candies, bottled soda, antique furniture and collectibles, local artisans’ wares to browse, hand scooped ice cream, and food options depending on the day of your visit. The Lanes at Light Hardware always has snacks on hand and serves food specials on certain days of the week.

Off the square you’ll find Hys, a small town diner with limited space and big personality, where you can enjoy home cookin’ just like mama’s. Find them right off of Highway 54 as you’re headed west out of town. Pizza Hut is located on S. Fry (Highway 75) and offers all of your favorite Hut Classics. Pete’s Convenience offers gas station-style options while G&W offers convenient, ready-made food options near their meat counter.

Find our local restaurants and shops online to stay up-to-date on their current offerings!

Shop

Stop by American Gallery for beautiful antiques, furniture, and custom framing services, then head over to Tradewinds Flea Market to make your next flea market discovery. The Town Hall is the business incubator, nonprofit organization, art gallery, and event venue next door with a variety of local businesses located in its business wing (entrance on the west side

4 Golden Stitches, with new and vintage fabrics and longarm quilting services, and The Diamond Bunker, a rugged and ritzy boutique, are lovely retail options in town. - Connie Schmidt and Chari Bauman

Still Waters Edge Retreat, located northwest of Yates Center, offers RV sites and attractive cabins. - Melissa Stiffler

of the building). They host various events throughout the year and are housed in a historic church.

Check out our local quilting, sewing, and fabric shop, 4 Golden Stitches Fabric & Quilting, next to the Woodson County Chamber of Commerce office - they offer a great variety of quilting fabrics and supplies along with long arm quilting services. Don’t miss the opportunity to stop by Yates Center’s newest attractions! antiques. boutiques. & sweets. is an old-timey shop offering an ice cream parlor, old-time candies and bottled soda, antique furniture and collectibles, local artisan’s wares and food options located on the Historic Town Square. Also on the square is The Diamond Bunker, a boutique for him and her offering homemade, locally crafted candles and soaps, outdoor and sporting gear, men’s and women’s apparel, and a kids’ corner. Two more local businesses that share a building are situated right along

Highway 54 (Mary St) - Glass House Floral can help you out with all of your floral and gifting needs (they have houseplants and a greenhouse, too!), while Market 54+75 offers a curated collection of clothing, gift items, home decor and unique finds that is regularly updated to reflect the latest trends and seasonal items.

Looking for bait? Stop by G&C Baits and The Bait Stop for all of your bait and tackle needs! Need something for a DIY project? Head on over to Superior Building Supply for your home-improvement needs, also home to K.D.’s Guns, where you’ll find in stock guns and ammo, as well as the ability to conduct FFL transfers and special order guns, ammo, optics and more. Looking for the perfect farm toy for a child in your life?

SEK COOP has some great options for you. Yates Center Elevator also has a variety of goods, including Muck boots and a great selection of gloves.

Take a ride through the impressive Seven Sisters formation. Located south of Yates Center, it’s a popular destination for cyclists. - Jason Shepard

There’s plenty to discover in Yates Center. Shoppers will enjoy exploring local options such as K.D.’s Guns, Market 54+75, Tradewinds Flea Market and American Gallery, featured above. - Courtesy photos

Stay With Us

Along with camping at South Owl Lake, Yates Center Reservoir, Woodson State Fishing Lake and Still Waters Edge Retreat, you’ll find adorable cabins for rent at Still Waters Edge outside of town and a full historic and artfully furnished home for rent at the beautiful Songbird Victorian Airbnb on the red brick streets of Yates Center.

If you’re looking for a motel, we have a wonderful, locally owned establishment called the Townsman Motel that will welcome you with clean, updated rooms and friendly staff.

Can’t find a place to stay in or around Yates Center? Check out other options by visiting the Piqua & Neosho Falls and Toronto & Flint Hills sections of this guide!

The Townsman Motel and Songbird Victorian Airbnb provide convenient options for visitors to town. Modern amenities and friendly service will put guests at ease. - Woodson Chamber and Neta Cahill

RevitalizeYC

Our mission is to facilitate, promote, and support the revitalization of Yates Center and Woodson County by fostering economic development, preserving community heritage, and enhancing civic pride.

Charly Cummings, Sales Associate & Auctioneer

Quaint, historical, and rural church and church community offering events such as a Spring Easter Egg Hunt, Summer Ice Cream Social, and Fall Oktoberfest with kids' games, activities, hay rack rides, and fireside chit-chat. Shelter house with outdoor fireplace and fellowship hall available for rent.

• All-inclusive pricing

• Professional design and decorating

• Catering & bar service

• Day-of coordination

• In-house AV & multimedia production

Beau fully restored Victorian home available for travelers and ar sts looking for a crea vi -boos ng respite in a quaint, historic town.

• 5 Star Rating

• Book through Airbnb

~ 8 guests

~ 5 bedrooms

~ 5 beds

~ 2 baths

• Neta is a Superhost

Step back in time in this elegantly tranquil 1887 getaway on a quiet, charming brick street 3 blocks from historic Yates Center Main Square, a Carnegie library, & stately Woodson County Courthouse. A perfect, peaceful, private escape!

“A quirky, tight-knit community surrounded by natural beautya haven for bicyclists, lake enthusiasts, nature lovers and those seeking an ‘off the beaten path’ experience ”

Sunset at Toronto Lake - Jason Shepard

Toronto & Flint Hills

Situated along the Verdigris River, Toronto is as quirky and wonderful as its name suggests. From a rich history to the now quiet Main Street and Cross Timbers State Park and Toronto Lake just outside of town, this little community is a haven for bicyclists, artists, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who loves a tiny town with a very big heart. Toronto is situated on the very edge of the Kansas Flint Hills and Chautauqua Hills regions and offers quite a lot to locals and tourists. You’ll find restaurants, shopping, community meeting spaces, and plenty of outdoor recreational activities in and around Toronto, especially during “lake season” and “bicycle season” in the summer months.

Activities & Attractions

Historical Attractions:

Toronto and surrounding areas are rich in Native American history, as Osage Nation peoples hunted and lived here. You will find references to this history as you explore the trails within Cross Timbers State Park. Explore the Ancient Trees Trail for historical information regarding ancient trees in the

park, along with interesting geological formations.

Quite a few of the once numerous historic buildings on Toronto’s Main Street still stand, allowing you to view those that have withstood the test of time and visit the local businesses that now operate out of several such buildings. Sandstone Market and Deli offers a look into Toronto’s past via large historical photos of the town paired with write-ups about each photo. You may also be able to gain some historical knowledge from the local Degraffenreid brothers who own and operate the market.

Nearby cemeteries include the Toronto Cemetery, offering large, shady cedar trees and beautiful tombstones, and the much smaller Carlisle Cemetery situated within Cross Timbers State Park.

Adventures for Outdoor Enthusiasts:

Highway 105 is not only a designated route for bicyclists, but will also lead you to Toronto Lake and Cross Timbers State Park. The name “Cross Timbers” refers to the unique ecological zone in which the park

Preparing for a ride at Toronto Lake - Jonathan Adams Photography

sits - the Chautauqua Hills region, with its Blackjack Oaks and rugged hills, meets the lush and highly unique Flint Hills Tallgrass Prairie Region, featuring large, grass and limestone-covered hills which transform from warm tones in the fall and winter months to brilliant green after spring’s burning season. With this intersection of ecological zones comes a mixing of flora and fauna as well - Cross Timbers is an excellent area to enjoy the many wildlife and plant species that call both regions home.

The park offers several trails, all of which are open to both hiking and mountain biking except for the Ancient Trees Trail, which is open only to hikers. Shaded primitive camping sites and full RV hookups are available to park-goers, with backcountry camping allowed with a special permit at select locations on the Chautauqua Hills Trail. Bathhouses are available to campers in the summer months, as well as a small convenience center with laundry facilities and other necessities and free kayak rentals operated by the local Friends of Cross Timbers group (find them on Facebook to stay up-to-date). You’ll find that the paved roadways within the park are excellent for leisurely walks if you prefer them to the more rugged trail systems, and a basketball court and playground offer recreational activities for all age ranges.

Toronto Lake and the connected Verdigris

Toronto Days Parade begins - Keila Sherman Photography

Hiking in Cross Timbers State Park - Clara Sorenson

River offer excellent fishing of white bass, white crappie, channel and flat-head catfish, black bass, sunfish and bluegill. The lake also allows for recreational boating and swimming activities. The 4,600 acre Toronto Wildlife Area is host to a wide range of habitats and wildlife, including many songbird and waterfowl species that may be difficult to find in other areas of Kansas.

Friends of Cross Timbers offers several events at the park throughout the year, including an Easter Egg Hunt, Bobber Drop, and Summer Concert Series. Visit Toronto Lake over the first weekend in July to enjoy a lively fireworks show provided by Toronto Booster Club and sponsored by Woodson County Chamber of Commerce and the Woodson County Tourism Board.

If you’d like to visit Cross Timber State Park but do not yet have a State Park Pass, you can use the self-pay station on the north side of the lake (or gate workers are present on Fridays and Saturdays), or visit the Park Office on the south side of the lake during regular business hours.

Beyond the park, gravel-cyclists will enjoy miles and miles of gravel roads featuring the scenery, varying terrain, and local landmarks that make a cycling trip the adventure it’s meant to be.

If you’re looking for a unique hunting experience, you’ll want to check out Lone Pine Hunting Preserve nestled north of Toronto in the foothills to the Flint Hills. Lone Pine Hunting Preserve offers some of the finest upland pheasant hunting and guided whitetail deer hunts on its Controlled Shooting Area. They offer European Hunts, as well as Package Hunts, Guided Hunts, and Field Hunts and can accommodate

Whitetail Deer - Cherie Kane

Upland pheasant present a welcome challenge and unique hunting experience. - Dusti Fansler

Scenic Woodson County barns often color rural landscapes. - Jason Shepard

110th Road in the Flint Hills - Chari Bauman

up to five hunting parties at a time across miles of hunting grounds. There is no bag limit when you hunt with Lone Pine and they offer hunts from September through March every year with some of the finest Brittanys in the country. No memberships required and simple pricing makes things easy for visitors.

Ready to head inside for a bit? Stop by Getty’s Bar to grab a bite to eat and wet your whistle, play some billiards and darts, and test your skills on the Dragon Quest arcade game! Catch them on select nights to enjoy live music performances, performed indoors or outside on the patio depending on the weather. Getty’s is located right on Toronto’s historic Main Street, along with other great businesses offering shopping and dining. - Wes Koschke

Visit Toronto over the first weekend in July to take part in Toronto Days - a multi-day event that typically includes live music, food options, a parade, mud volleyball, cornhole, and a huge fireworks display that won’t disappoint!

Shop & Eat

For such a tiny town, Toronto has a lot to offer visitors! Be sure to stop by Lizard Lips Grill & Deli at Country Junction on your way to town at the junction of 54 and 105 highways for deli options, pizza, wings, drinks, snacks, bait and tackle, camping supplies, gas, diesel and more! Once you’ve made it to town, you’ll want to check out Cross Eyed Catfish Trading Co. & Bait Shop for a variety of bait, tackle, equipment, and convenience items, as well as Toronto Lake Life & Gifts, offering a wide range of water equipment, lake decor, and outdoor supplies - including a great selection of kayaks and accessories. Toronto Lumber Company, a local lumber yard with friendly staff and everything you might need for a DIY project or repair is a great place to stop

The Toronto Days Parade is a celebration of the town’s past, present and future.

- Keila Sherman Photography

A Lizard Lips Grill & Deli Special - Courtesy photo

Inside Out Grilled Cheese at Arnett’s - Robert Arnett

Sassy Sisters’ Marketplace Salad - Chari Bauman

Eggs Benedict at Sandstone Market & Deli

- Mark Degraffenreid

Toronto Lake Life & Gifts has everything you need for an outdoor adventure. - Courtesy photo

for recommendations from locals. Sassy Sisters’ Marketplace offers a large selection of antiques, collectibles, furniture, and decor along with an excellent lunch menu - you’re sure to find something that sparks your interest! Sandstone Market and Deli offers counter-service dining and plenty of seating along with freshly baked breads and grocery items in a bright space filled with Toronto’s history, while Arnett’s Place: Diner by the Lake offers a traditional diner experience with hearty, home-cooked meals.

Find

Cross Eyed Catfish Trading Co. will get you ready to land the big one. - Courtesy photo

Stay With Us

If you’re looking for rustic-but-updated lodging featuring hunting lodge decor and plenty of amenities and space to stretch out and relax, Snag Hollow Vacation Rentals in Toronto is just the place for you! With a fullsize shop complete with “Man Cave” and RV hookup, as well as a full two-bedroom historic farmhouse (1900) and a spacious yard, this location is a great base-camp for all kinds of adventures in Woodson County

and beyond.

Another historic option within Toronto is Sassy Sisters Inn (1834), a lovingly restored historic church-turned modern day inn and event venue.

If you’re looking for a more lake-centered stay, check out the campgrounds, RV hookups and cabins available for rent at Cross Timbers State Park.

Shopping at Sassy Sisters’ Marketplace promises plenty of hidden treasures, as well as a convenient and delicious lunch option. - Courtesy photo

Cozy Living Space at Snag Hollow Vacation Rental - Mark Degraffenreid

Sassy Sisters’

MARKETPLACE

Darling, Dashing, Daring & Beautiful Unique Gifts, Furniture & Home Decor!

Exciting menu items such as the Hawaiian Burger, Big Mac Salad, Fish & Shrimp Tacos & more. Ask us about hosting your next event!

Open Tues. - Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. April - October

(620) 875-2162

106 W. Main St., Toronto, KS

Hugh's Tel Com provides high quality wireless internet service in the Yates Center and Virgil areas with additional towers planned for Bu alo, Toronto and Fredonia in 2022.

We also o er: Phone

(620)

hrunyan@hughstelcom.com • hughstelcom.com

Visit

WOODSON COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Established 2017

Find us on Facebook!

Short-term rental for hunters, shermen, cyclists and adventurers looking for a place to rest and relax in Toronto, Kansas. Built in 1900, this two bedroom, whole-home rental features high ceilings, original hardwood oors and a large shop with RV hookups. Enjoy close proximity to Cross Timbers State Park and Woodson State Fishing Lake & Wildlife Area.

(620) 288-2658

404 S. Jackson St. • Toronto, KS mark@snaghollow.com • www.snaghollow.com

@snaghollow

us for Toronto Days, held annually on the rst weekend in July for vendors, a parade, great food, live entertainment, mud volleyball, cornhole tournament and more - and don’t miss the Toronto Days Fireworks at Cross Timbers State Park!

“Two tiny towns with big personalities surrounded by natural beautya great area to base your explorations of Woodson County, especially for those seeking abandoned structures and niche historic attractions in a quiet environment ”

The Neosho River at Neosho Falls - Jonathan Adams Photography

Piqua & Neosho Falls

Neosho Falls and Piqua are two tiny towns with much to offer history buffs and those seeking off-the-beaten path experiences. Both towns are located in the northeast section of our county, making them perfect stops on a day trip through the area or a great starting point for your adventures.

Activities & attractions

Piqua, located just off of Highway 54 before entering Allen County, is quite easily spotted thanks to the Piqua Farmers Co-op and its landmark grain bins and elevators, as well as the St. Martin’s Catholic Church which stands tall to the south of Highway 54. Piqua not only sports the Co-op, a hub for local farmers, but also a hidden gem of a bar and grill called Silverado’s and the Buster Keaton Museum. Neosho Falls is located along the Neosho River and offers a community center, city park with camping options, river access and abandoned, historic buildings to view.

Though St. Martin’s Catholic Church at Piqua is now an oratory and is used only for special masses, it is a beautiful building featuring ornate architecture on the interior and exterior and is open 24/7 for travelers and visitors (no public restroom available). Nearby sits a beautiful churchyard cemetery where the loved ones of many locals reside, as well as towering trees and

St. Martin’s Catholic Church’s ornate architecture and beauty make it one of the region’s most impressive buildings. - Jonathan Adams Photography

St. Martin’s Catholic Church interior - Jonathan Adams Photography

a few stately statues.

The Buster Keaton Museum is situated within the same building as the Rural Water District office and offers visitors a glimpse into the life of well-known film actor, writer, and director Buster Keaton. Hours for the museum are 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, but be sure to call first if you’re stopping in over the lunch hour (12-1 p.m.), as the office may not be staffed at that time. For more information or to schedule a visit, call (620) 468-2385.

Visit Woodson County in the beautiful fall season to enjoy not only nature’s autumnal sights and sounds, but also the Lampe Heritage Farm Pumpkin Patch! Pick a few

Saint Isador, the Patron Saint of Farmers, stands by the church’s courtyard and cemetery.

- Get Piqua

pumpkins for the road and enjoy various activities such as hay rides and scavenger hunts while experiencing life on a working Kansas farm! You won’t want to miss their fresh produce and jams and jellies, and stay tuned via their Facebook page for other events and product offerings throughout the year. If you want the true country living

experience, book the historic farmhouse for a peaceful stay in the charming Kansas countryside. Pair this with a stay during or before RevitalizeYC’s Hay Fest in October to witness the amazing hay bale creations that grace our county during the fall season!

The cemetery at St. Martin’s provides a peaceful place of respite. - Jonathan Adams Photography

Neosho Falls offers viewing of several abandoned buildings and sites, one of which is the former Neosho Falls High School. As a once-booming town and Woodson County’s most prosperous throughout our early history, the ghosts of past success are still evident in places like this one. Had the great flood of 1951 not decimated the town, perhaps it would have grown to its once-anticipated potential size and continued to thrive as other riverside cities have managed to do. As things went, the flood stifled the town’s growth and left a strong band of residents who continue to work together to take care of their community and host such events as “Ol’ Settlers Day,” a nod to the once huge celebrations, parades and even presidential visits that once graced its city streets featuring live music and plenty of activities for the whole family.

The nearby Lehigh Portland Trails and Lehigh Portland State Park offer outdoor enthusiasts over 14 miles of trail systems to enjoy, all beautifully maintained, while the Southwind Rail Trail allows walkers and bicyclists to travel from Iola to Humboldt, another quaint community that was recently featured in the New York Times list of places to visit in 2022. Make a full day’s trip by visiting the spirited and history-filled Neosho Falls, then stopping by Piqua for a look at

Spectactors and participants enjoy a good ol’ game of tug of war under the plentiful shade trees at Ol’ Settlers Day in Neosho Falls.

- Kim Henderson

Lampe Heritage Farm & Pumpkin Patch

- Courtesy photo

Buster Keaton Museum photos offer an intimate perspective of the movie star. - Get Piqua

Neosho Falls High School - Kenzie Alizabeth Photography

Rockler Home - Jonathan Adams Photography

Neosho Falls High School

the Buster Keaton Museum and St. Martin’s Catholic Church and grabbing a bite to eat at Silverado’s Bar and Grill. Finish up your day with a jaunt on one of Allen County’s trail systems, a walk around the Iola Town Square - the country’s largest town square filled with local businesses and shops to explore - or a visit to the now-famous, eccentric and artsy community of Humboldt to enjoy the unique shops and dining experiences that make it a place worth visiting. With planning, you could visit most or all of

- Jonathan Adams Photography

Buster Keaton Museum - Get Piqua

Riverside Park of Neosho Falls hosted an agricultural fair in 1879, with President Hayes among the attendees. It is now the home of the annual Ol’ Settlers Day celebration. - Trevor Hoag

these destinations in one day, or spread your visit out over two or three days for a more leisurely experience.

Shop & Eat

Stop by Silverado’s Bar & Grill in Piqua to enjoy their amazing homestyle cooking and maybe even enjoy one of their specials. Need something while you’re in town? Piqua Farmers Co-op has a fully stocked hardware store! Once you’ve visited Piqua and Neosho Falls, you may enjoy a trip to Iola and Humboldt to enjoy the many local shops- or head back to Yates Center and Toronto to continue your Woodson County exploration and enjoy more local businesses and restaurants.

Stay With Us

Lampe Heritage Farm & Pumpkin Patch offers a quaint and historic country farmhouse stay including fresh eggs and homemade jam, an entire property to explore, dirt roads for bike rides and leisurely walks, a fishing pond, a fully-furnished kitchen, and outdoor seating and a fire pit for cozy fireside chats. Just outside of Piqua, you’ll have access to all Woodson County has to offer, as well as other unique day trips into Allen and surrounding counties.

Lampe Heritage Farm Airbnb - Kayla Blaes Photography

Grabbing supper at Silverado’s - Courtesy photo

2023 2024

June 10, 2023 • Color Walk

Come get colored. Food and fun for everyone! Proceeds will be donated to a local charity.

August 26, 2023 • Ol’Settlers Day

Come enjoy family fun, games, craft and food vendors, DJ with Undertaker Tunes with Rev. Carl Madl o ciating, evening Shelter House dance with live band featuring Jake Marlin & The Reckless.

October 28, 2023 • Fall into Halloween

Come dressed for a chance to win best Halloween costume. Fun games for the kids, hot cocoa and apple cider with a hay ride.

February 24, 2024 • Chingo

Chili, bingo and prizes.

Follow us on Facebook for more details and information on other smaller events.

Original Ol’Settlers of Neosho Falls Kansas

Swimming in the Neosho River - Jonathan Adams Photography

Tri-Valley empowers people with disabilities to realize their potential as full citizens in the community, through supporting them in working and living in the place they call home. We help them belong.

Chamber Member Business Index

Top left: Frolicking in the Mud Volleyball Pit at Toronto Days - Keila Sherman Photography

Bottom left: Even the horses glow at the Lighted Christmas Parade during Festival of Lights on the Historic Yates Center Town Square - Jason Shepard

Top right: Topeka Drumline performs on the Historic Town Square at Yates Center Days - Chari Bauman

Center: A Community Dance is held in The Grand Ballroom at Light Hardware in Yates Center - John Atkin IV

Bottom right: Woodson County Courthouse with a fresh layer of snow. - Jason Shepard