A friend described Emporia, Kansas's beautiful prairie to young Lawrence, Kansas newspaperman G.W. Brown, who decided it would be the perfect place for a planned community. He decided to share his idea with some co-workers - Preston B. Plumb, Lawrence resident General G.W. Deitzler, and Lawrence merchants Lyman Allen and Columbus Hornsby. Together, they formed the Emporia Town Company. Soon, Plumb moved to the area and started the Kansas News to advertise the new community. The men were so sure that their idea would work that they named the community Emporia after a city-state in Northern Africa that was extremely powerful.
The Town Company paid to have over 1,500 copies of their advertising distributed across the eastern United States. The advertising asked school teachers and merchants to consider moving to this newly started prairie paradise. The promotion worked, and over 2,000 people moved to the area during the first year. An important factor in encouraging people to move to the area was the 1857 vote to make Kansas a free or a slave state, and the Kansas News ran numerous editorials on why Kansas should be a free state. In about 1862, Emporia had its place in history cemented in place when it became the county seat. You will want to see the current courthouse, which is the second on the site.
Learn more about this city of 24,000 people by exploring the Lyon County Historical Museum. An essential part of the town's growth was establishing the State Normal School in 1863, which is now Emporia State University. You can find many delicious restaurants nearby, including Do-Bs, El Torito Grill Mexican Restaurant y Cantina, and Bobby D's Merchant Street BBQ.
Lyon County Fair – This weeklong event includes livestock and art shows, food vendors, music and tractor pulls at the Lyons County Fairgrounds.
Ranch Rodeo – Watch local participants compete in your favorite rodeo events during this early August festival at the Lyons County Fairgrounds.
The Orchard's Fall Harvest Festival – Play miniature golf and participate in craft activities at this September festival at The Orchard.
Freedom Fest – Take part in the foot and bike races and attend the candlelight memorial service during this Veteran's Day festival in downtown Emporia.
Great American Market – Shop for clothes, collectibles, antiques, unique items, and food during this September festival in downtown Emporia.
Cross Timbers State Park was once a favorite hunting ground for Osage Native Americans. White crappie, white bass, channel catfish, and flathead catfish fishing are usually superb at this location. This park has many trails connecting to the adjacent 4,600-acre Toronto Wildlife Area, where you may see white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, quail, squirrels, rabbits, dove, and raccoons.
Clinton State Park is a year-round favorite of many people. In the winter, people come here to cross-country ski while traveling to this location the rest of the year to bike and hike along the park's 25 miles of well-maintained trails. Mountain bikers especially love testing their skills on the mountain bike course. The swimming beach is a favorite place to escape rising temperatures in the summer.
Anglers can fish the 41,000-acre reservoir at Hillsdale State Park from a boat or choose to fish from 51 miles of shoreline. This park can be a fantastic place to go birdwatching, especially for bald eagles in the springtime. The park contains over 7,000 acres that are open for seasonal hunting.
Emporia is in Lyon County, and it is easy to take a quick tour through this county's history by visiting the Prairie Passage Stone Sculpture Garden, where eight limestone markers illustrate the area's history. Each marker stands between 10 and 15 feet tall and weighs up to nine tons. You can see a depiction of Nathaniel Lyon surrounded by air, water, and animals and of William Allen White, who was instrumental in bringing the railroad to Emporia.
There are fantastic campgrounds in and near Topeka, Kansas. The centrally located Deer Creek Valley RV Park offers a playground and dog run and is very near Interstate 70. You will love camping under the tall sycamore trees at Sycamore Acres RV Park. Forbes Landing RV Park is near the Heartland Park Racetrack and the Mars Candy Company.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Emporia, KS, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Emporia?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Emporia from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Emporia?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
