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201 E. Central, P.O. Box 350
El Dorado, KS 67042
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| MUSEUMS | A CITY OF THE ARTS | HISTORIC SITES | FAMILY FUN | EVENING | SEASONAL | CITY PARKS | |||
Butler County History Center & Kansas Oil Museum
This outstanding museum presents the fascinating history which makes El Dorado unique. The permanent exhibit, "Glory of the Hills", should be the first stop on any tour through The Hills. The display depicts the Flint Hills as a land of possibilities. Historic photographs and artifacts explore the lives of early inhabitants, settlers and farmers and ranchers who established the county's agricultural identity and grazed their huge cattle herds on the rich bluestem grasses. Farming and ranching were essential to the economy, but it was oil that brought national attention to El Dorado. Located on ten acres, this modern museum also offers the visitor the opportunity to walk the street of a 1920's oil boom town and view full-size oil field equipment of the early boom days in El Dorado. The museum hosts a lively schedule of special events throughout the year, an interesting gift shop of Kansas gifts and history books, and a 4,000 volume research and genealogy library. Hours: May 1 to Sept. 30 - Mon. - Sat. 9am - 5pm |
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Coutts Memorial Museum of Art
Established by Warren Hall Coutts, Jr., as a memorial to his late son, the Coutts Museum is an unexpected delight. The fine art gallery features works by such artists as Thomas Hart Benton, Frederic Remington, the Prairie Printmakers (including Birger Sandzen)...even Renoir! Beyond the classic columns and heavy doors is a warm, personal atmosphere in which to explore the surprising collection of original paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings. Special exhibits change monthly. Brown Bag Luncheons featuring informative talks and/or entertainment take place on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at noon. Hours: Mon. - Fri. 1pm to 5pm; Tue., Thu., 9am to 5pm; Sat., Noon to 4pm |
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El Dorado Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
Honoring El Dorado baseball standout teams and individuals from El Dorado High School, Butler Community College, the American Legion, El Dorado Broncos and the City of El Dorado through the years. Photographs and memorabilia tell individual stories. the museum is located on the grounds of historic McDonald Stadium, built as a WPA project in 1940. By appointment. |
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| A CITY OF THE ARTS | |||
Commerce Bank Atrium
It's worth the time to step inside this contemplative space. Indulge yourself in many fine examples of original art depicting the Flint Hills, highlighted by journalist Rolla Clymer's quotations describing the grace of these beautiful hills. Enter through Commerce Bank main lobby. |
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Erman B. White Gallery
This sophisticated gallery is host to professional and student art exhibits from September through May. Traveling exhibits of all mediums are changed monthly and a student art sale is held each May. |
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Private Galleries
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El Dorado Main Street Sculpture Program/Sculpture Alley
An amazing collection of 16 sculptures placed by individual investors throughout the downtown area. Obtain a map of the walking tour at the El Dorado Main Street office, 430 N. Main or the Convention & Visitors Bureau, 201 E. Central, or, simply click here for the virtual tour. Located on the north side of the Coutts Museum, Sculpture Alley features the work of renowned local and regional artists, including a 10 X 20 foot Flint Hills mural by Phil Epp and Terry Corbett, as well as a quiet place to sit and reflect. A respite from the hubbub of daily living. |
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Tribute Memorial
"In gratitude to those who serve from the Citizens of El Dorado" is the inscription on this ceramic relief by artist Norma Lynn Nicks. The mural recognizes all those who have served the City of El Dorado and was created and installed through private contributions. |
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| HISTORIC SITES | |||
Butler County Courthouse
Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002, this 1909 Richardsonian Romanesque-style courthouse was built at a cost of $100,000. George P. Washburn, one of the best known 19th Century Kansas architects, designed this structure to be the most dominant building in the community. The building's solid rusticated stonework, massive proportions, pointed dormers, round arches, towers and turrets and statue of the Goddess of Justice on top, provide the ideal design for Butler County's Courthouse. The building has operated continuously as a county government facility and courthouse since it was built. |
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Freedom Memorial
Located on the lawn of the historic Butler County Courthouse, this is a brick path memorial honoring over 900 veterans, current members of U.S. Armed Forces and those who served on the home front. The centerpiece of the memorial, a six and one-half foot bronze eagle, "Sovereign Wings", rests majestically on top of a large limestone and brick base. A second memorial walk features the Statue of Liberty and our nation's flag. |
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Missouri Pacific Railroad Depot
Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994, this 1918 Mission/Spanish Revival-style depot was designed by E.M. Tucker, Chief Engineer for the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company. It began as a wooden structure in 1883 in a town of less than 2,000 people. It served as a center of activity and development for the community with the news being brought in by train and transferred by the telegraph located at the depot. President Theodore Roosevelt stopped at this depot during his visit to El Dorado. Today, visitors can enjoy the park-like depot grounds adorned by beautiful sculptures, a Statue of Liberty and an American Legion Monument. The office of El Dorado Main Street and public meeting facilities are now housed inside the depot. To reserve, call the City of El Dorado at 316.321.9100. |
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Stapleton #1 Historic Well Site
Site of the October 6, 1915 Stapleton #1 discovery oil well which brought big changes to El Dorado and Kansas. The boomtown of Oil Hill was built here and, by 1919 was reported as the largest company-owned town in the world. Butler County had over 1,800 producing oil wells on 25,000 acres, making the El Dorado Oil Field the world's storybook oil field at the time. |
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Carnegie Library
On December 2, 1912, as a result of a $10,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie, the first public library building in El Dorado opened its doors. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, this Classic Revival-style library was designed by architect John F. Stanton. The El Dorado Carnegie is one of 63 Carnegie-funded libraries in Kansas. The building served as a library to the community until 1959, when Bradford Memorial Library was built. Today it is a private business. Drive by, only. |
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McDonald Baseball Stadium
This 1940 historic stadium was a WPA (Works Progress Administration) project, originally named The Baseball Plant, and later renamed McDonald Baseball Stadium after popular recreational director and teacher James McDonald. It has been recently renovated and is the home of the El Dorado Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. The stadium hosts the El Dorado Broncos SUMMER college baseball as well as the American Legion, high school and Butler Community College teams each season. |
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1958 Tornado Memorial
Memorial sculpture, featuring an aeolian wind harp, built as a memorial to the 13 El Dorado residents who died in what came to be known as the "Backward Tornado". Dedication took place on June 10, 2008, the 50-year anniversary of the event. |
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| FAMILY FUN | |||
El Dorado YMCA
43,000 square foot facility built in 2002 offers the entire family fitness opportunities. Features an indoor pool, gymnasium, racquetball courts, dance studios, weight room, fitness machines and Kid Zone. Guest fees are available. |
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CITY OF EL DORADO RECREATIONAL FACILITIES (In addition to city parks)
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Central Cinema 6
A first class six-plex movie theater showing first-run movies. Theater amenities include full service consessions, a game room and party room. |
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Prairie Bowl Open seven days a week. Cosmic Bowling on Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm to 1am. Sixteen lanes; snack bar. Call ahead for lane availability. |
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El Dorado Skate Center The skating rink has been the scene for old-fashioned fun for over 50 years. Skate rental and sales; snack bar. |
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Butler Community College Sports
Get in on the excitement of watching the 5-time National Champion Butler Grizzlies football team! Experience the intensity of the Power Plant atmosphere during men's and women's basketball games. Check the Butler website for a full schedule of men's and women's sports and become a fan! |
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| EVENING | |||
True Lies
Where folks gather for an evening out on the town. Serving Kansas beef steaks, burgers and other favorites while you enjoy live western bands on Friday and Saturday nights; Texas Hol 'Em and pool tournaments during the week. Their kitchen is open seven days a week, starting at 5:30am with breakfast. Delivery is available upon request. |
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Iron Horse Concert Hall
Proprietor Don Koke offers a dazzling array of diverse musicians and live music from folk, blues, celtic and others - every Saturday evening from the fourth Saturday in September to the First Saturday in May. All concerts start at 7:30pm and admission is $10 per head. |
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Butler Community College Music and Theater
If it's a more cultured evening you are seeking, Butler Community College's award-winning music and theater departments can fill the bill. Butler's vocal, instrumental and dance departments give nine concerts yearly and the theater performs 4 productions yearly. For a calendar, check their website. |
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| SEASONAL | |||
Walters' Pumpkin Patch
Where Fall Begins! Walters' Pumpkin Patch has hours of entertainment for families of all ages. Our new O'Play Barn and Corral, Mountain Boo, the Corn Maze, Pedal Cars and Boats, Trike or Treat Track, the new Jumping Pillow, plus many other attractions will give your family a full day of fun at the farm. Our gift shops hold lots of fall decorating notions and ideas, squashes, pumpkins, gourds, wreaths....just to please the shopper in the family. And don't forget to try our exclusive products made right here at the pumpkin patch: our pumpkin patch salsa, pumpkin butter, cream of pumpkin soup, and pumpkin chili in our own pumpkin-shaped canning jar! It's an original, one of a kind item! At Walters' "WE HARVEST MEMORIES". A Pavillion which seats up to 250 is available for weddings, reunions or corporate gatherings. Events 09/20/2008 through 10/31/2008. Located ten miles north of El Dorado on Highway 77. |
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Hudson Gardens
Hudson Gardens put on the show of the season beginning in April. Pick your own spectacular cut flowers and homegrown vegetables or have them delivered to your door. The season peaks with the annual Mum Festival in September where the mums are the biggest you have ever seen. Very desirable garden items can be found in their gift shop and high quality nursery stock is available throughout the season. Open mid-April through October 31st. Located five miles north of El Dorado on Highway 77. |
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Flint Hills Overland Wagon Train
Since 1978 people have spent the night with us like real pioneers in the scenic Flint Hills. Take this participatory covered wagon trip. Enjoy trails on the Tallgrass Prairie. Feel the musical entertainment move you after a long day ride, and learn the history of the cowboy. Eat a chuckwagon-style dinner and sing around the campfire under the stars. Trips available June to October. By reservation. |
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Walnut Valley Sailing Club sailing lessons
The Walnut Valley Sailing Club offers youth and adult sailing traininng using the STEP Program for beginning, intermediate and advanced sailors. For fees and schedule visit their website. |
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Star-Vu Drive-In Theater One of the rare remaining drive-in theaters in the state, the Star-Vu offers family friendly entertainment seasonally. Do your children know what a drive-in theater is? Bring the family early and experience the evening outdoors before the movies start. Full service consession stand featuring famous Ranch Burgers! |
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| CITY PARKS | |||
City of El Dorado El Dorado is fortunate to have an excellent city park system. Thirteen well maintained parks are located around our community for your enjoyment. Shelters and gazebos in parks may be reserved for special occasions by calling the Parks Department. |
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Central Park Home of McDonald Stadium, the El Dorado Baseball Hall of Fame, youth league baseball fields, tennis courts, public restrooms. Surrounds Central Cinema 6 Movie Theater, the Butler County Community Building and county fairgrounds. |
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East Park Softball diamonds, playground equipment, picnic facilities. Home of Davis Landing pond. Immediately east of the Butler County History Center and Kansas Oil Museum, in the 400 block of East Central. This is the south end of the City Bike Path which connects to El Dorado Lake. |
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Forest Park Outdoor basketball court, horseshoe pits, playground, picnic facilities. Home of El Dorado Municipal Swimming Pool and historic band shell concert area. |
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Gordy Park Playground equipment and picnic facilities. Open air gazebo is the center feature. |
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Graham Park Outdoor basketball court, playground equipment, picnic facilities. Home of the popular spray park - a cool treat on hot summer days and the 1958 Tornado Memorial. |
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Library Park Outdoor Basketball court, playground equipment. Adjacent to Bradford Memorial Piblic Library. |
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McCollum Park Playground equipment |
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North Main Park Bike Path continues through this 11-acre park; excersize trail, horseshoe pits, playground equipment, picnic facilities, three gazebos, rest rooms. |
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Rice Park Playground equipment, picnic facilities, restrooms. |
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Rio Park Tennis/basketball court, playground equipment |
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Riverview Park Playground equipment, picnic facilities, fishing area along the Walnut River spillway and adjacent to the City Bike Path. |
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South Summit Park Playground equipment |
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Summit Park - Everyone Plays at the Summit Home of state-of-the-art handicapped accessible playground where everyone can play. Baseball practice fields, picnic facilities. |
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