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Butler County History Center & Kansas Oil Museum
383 E. Central, 316.321.9333
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 49' 5.5" W 96 ° 50' 44.4"
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
Oct. 1 - Apr. 30 - Tue - Fri. 9am - 5pm, Sat. Noon - 5pm
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Coutts Memorial Museum of Art
110 N. Main, 316.321.1212
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 49' 6.0" W 96 ° 51' 1.5"
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
Historic McDonald Stadium
210 N. Griffith, 316.322.7400
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 49' 10.6" W 96 ° 50' 52.5"
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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WWII History Center
119 W. Central, 316.322.8753
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 49' 5.6" W 96 ° 51' 2.8"
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.Dedicated to the history of the World War II era, this new museum consists of a World War II Tribute Gallery, research library, exhibit area and gift shop.
Open Saturdays, 11:00am to 5:00pm except holidays.
(May be opened on other days by appointment)
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Commerce Bank Atrium
112 E. Central, 316.321.1250
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 49' 5.5" W 96 ° 51' 0.9"
Indulge yourself in many fine examples of original art depicting the Flint Hills, highlighted by journalist Rolla Clymer's quotations enshrine the grace of these beautiful hills.
Enter through Commerce Bank main lobby. |
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Erman B. White Gallery
Butler Community College
901 S. Haverhill Rd., 316.322.3329
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 49' 5.5" W 96 ° 51' 0.9"
 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.EVENTS |
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Butler Community College Music and Theater
901 S. Haverhill Rd., 316.322.3262
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 49' 5.5" W 96 ° 51' 0.9"
 Butler Community College boasts award-winning music and theater programs. Vocal, music and dance departments offer 9 concerts yearly and the theater performs 4 productions yearly.
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Private Galleries
A visit to any of El Dorado's independent galleries will be time well spent. Original art by reputable area artists is featured in each.
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El Dorado Main Street Sculpture Program/Sculpture Alley
El Dorado Main Street
Downtown El Dorado
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 MAP, the El Dorado Convention & Visitors Bureau, 201 E. Central MAP, 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
El Dorado Municipal Building
220 E. 1st St., 316.321.9100
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 49' 10.3" W 96 ° 50' 56.2"
 "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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Butler County Courthouse
205 W. Central, 316.322.4300
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 49' 5.6" W 96 ° 51' 7.1"
Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002 and 100 years old in 2009, 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 and massive proportions 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
205 W. Central, 316.321.3150
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 49' 5.6" W 96 ° 51' 7.1"
 Located on the lawn of the historic Butler County Courthouse, this brick path memorial honors over 900 veterans, current members of U.S. Armed Forces and those who served on the home front. 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. |
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Missouri Pacific Railroad Depot
430 N. Main, 316.321.9100
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 49' 19.4" W 96 ° 51' 2.3"
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. 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. 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
North on Oil Hill Rd. from 6th St., approximately 2.5 miles following the signs
 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
101 S. Star
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 49' 5.6" W 96 ° 51' 11.5"
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
210 N. Griffith, 316.322.7400
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 49' 10.6" W 96 ° 50' 52.5"
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
Graham Park, 1600 Edgemoor
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 48' 44.0" W 96 ° 52' 16.7"
 In June of 2008, members of the El Dorado Rotary Club dedicated a memorial to the 13 victims who lost their lives in the tornado. The memorial features 13 pillars and an Aeolian harp, capturing the wind's soft melody. The harp, designed by artist Ross Barrable, represents the community whose spirit was bent but not broken that day. |
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El Dorado YMCA
300 N. Main, 316.320.9622
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 49' 13.9" W 96 ° 51' 2.2"
 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)
- Recreation Center - 401 McCollum Rd., 316.322.7400
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 50' 48.7" W 96 ° 50' 49.1"
City sponsored facility consisting of three basketball/volleyball courts. Open daily. Attached to El dorado High School.
- Adult softball fields - East Twelfth St. and NE Boulder Bluff Road
Two regulation size softball fields
- Soccer fields - East Twelfth St. and NE Boulder Bluff Road
Six regulation size soccer fields
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Central Cinema 6
300 E. Central, 316.321.7469
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 49' 5.9" W 96 ° 50' 52.1"
 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
307 S. Haverhill Rd., 316.321.2695
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 48' 58.2" W 96 ° 52' 51.6"
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 Skating Rink
2100 W. Central
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 49' 4.8" W 96 ° 52' 41.4"
The skating rink has been the scene for old-fashioned fun for over 50 years. Skate rental and sales; snack bar.
Open Friday and Saturday, 6 to 10 p.m.
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Butler Community College Sports
901 S. Haverhill Rd., 316.321.2222
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 48' 39.1" W 96 ° 52' 51.3"
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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El Dorado Broncos Baseball
Mc Donald Stadium
210 N. Griffith
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 49' 10.6" W 96 ° 50' 52.5"
 Bringing the best in summer college baseball to El Dorado every June and July! |
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True Lies
607 N. Oil Hill Rd., 316.320.9255
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 49' 26.6" W 96 ° 52' 39.2"
 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
315 S. Main (behind Circle Gallery), 316.321.2105
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 48' 59.1" W 96 ° 51' 1.5"
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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Walters' Pumpkin Patch
10001 NW Highway 77, 316.320.4150
MAP GPS N/A
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".
An outdoor covered pavillion which seats up to 200 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
409 NW 60th, 316.377.0272
MAP GPS N/A
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
PO Box 1076, El Dorado, KS 67042
316.321.6300
wagontrainks@earthlink.net
Since 1978 people have spent the night like real pioneers in the scenic Flint Hills. Take this participatory covered wagon trip. Enjoy trails on the Tallgrass Prairie. Enjoy the music and cowboy poetry after a long day's ride and learn the history of the cowboy. Eat a chuckwagon-style dinner and sing around the campfire.
2010 Weekend Trips:
- June 19-20
- July 17-18
- August 7-8
- September 18-19
- October 2-3
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Walnut Valley Sailing Club
Sailing Lessons
El Dorado Lake & State Park, 316.636.2091 or 316.686.8823
MAP
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
1010 S. Haverhill Rd., 316.321.2444
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 48' 33.3" W 96 ° 52' 51.3"
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 of El Dorado
Parks & Recreation Department
401 McCollum Rd., 316.322.7400
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 50' 48.7" W 96 ° 50' 49.1"
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
Griffith and East Central
MAP
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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Dog Park
500 E. Locust
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 48' 53.2" W 96 ° 50' 44.0"
This 18,000 square foot park provides a fully fenced area for owners to exercise and play with their dogs. Click here for a list of rules governing the park. For more information, call 316-322-7400.
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East Park
East Central and Woodland
MAP
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
900 N. Taylor
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 49' 41.6" W 96 ° 51' 23.1"
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
300 S. Gordy
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 48' 59.5" W 96 ° 51' 6.9"
Playground equipment and picnic facilities. Open air gazebo is the center feature.
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Graham Park
1600 Edgemoor
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 48' 44.0" W 96 ° 52' 16.7"
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
611 S. Washington
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 48' 49.4" W 96 ° 51' 16.2"
Outdoor Basketball court, playground equipment. Adjacent to Bradford Memorial Piblic Library.
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McCollum Park
800 E. McCollum
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 50' 48.5" W 96 ° 50' 30.5"
Playground equipment
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North Main Park
1000 N. Main
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 49' 44.9" W 96 ° 50' 59.7"
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
100 Random Rd.
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 50' 13.3" W 96 ° 51' 2.1"
Playground equipment, picnic facilities, restrooms.
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Rio Park
900 Osage
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 49' 39.8" W 96 ° 50' 46.0"
Tennis/basketball court, playground equipment.
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Riverview Park
900 E. Central
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 49' 1.9" W 96 ° 50' 7.3"
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
500 S. Summit
MAP GPS N/A
Playground equipment.
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Summit Park - Everyone Plays at the Summit
200 N. Summit
MAP GPS N/A
Home of state-of-the-art handicapped accessible playground where everyone can play. Baseball practice fields, picnic facilities.
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Recreation Center
401 McCollum Rd.
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 50' 48.7" W 96 ° 50' 49.1"
Open daily; volleyball, basketball |
Walnut River Complex
1384 NE Shady Creek Access
MAP GPS N/A
6 Soccer Fields, 2 softball diamonds |
Central Park
210 N. Griffith
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 49' 10.6" W 96 ° 50' 52.5"
4 baseball fields |
McDonald Stadium
210 N. Griffith
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 49' 10.6" W 96 ° 50' 52.5"
Baseball Stadium |
Galen Blackmore Stadium, USD 490
1216 W. 3rd
MAP GPS: N 37 ° 49' 17.8" W 96 ° 51' 59.3" |
East Park Softball Diamonds
Woodland & Locust
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