Gateway to the Flint Hills, Emporia is blessed with beauty, charged with activity, and steeped in history. Veteran's Day, a national salute to American soldiers past and present, originated here ? in a town proud of its patriotism.
There's shops and restaurants to keep everyone happy with a variety of styles and tastes. Attractions are abundant, and recreational pleasures are plentiful.
A myriad of museums exist featuring everything from astronomy and geology to natural history. No one should miss the Veteran's Memorials. But, other museums are also interesting, including: Howe House & Welsh Farmstead, Richard H. Schmidt Museum of Natural History at Emporia State University, and the William Allen White House State Historic Site.
Emporia State University has a profound influence on the culture here. Whether it's dramatic productions, musical concerts or art exhibits, the University always seems to have something in store to keep the arts alive.
The Emporia Arts Center and the Department of Art at ESU house excellent displays of artistic mastery. The Emporia Arts Center also hosts many well-known artists in their performing arts series.
An active town, Emporia is home to 18 parks ? some large, some tiny. Tennis courts are found at Hammond, Jones, and Peter Pan parks. Fishing is allowed at Soden's Grove, Peter Pan, and Jones Parks. C of E Park has a walking trail and S.W. Sante Fe Park has a skateboard park.
The town boasts a total of 15 recreational facilities. The newest is the Jones Aquatic Center with its lazy river, slides and Olympic-sized lap pool. There's also an 18-hole municipal golf course and numerous ball fields. The University has a number of excellent sports facilities such as the TRYSA Soccer Complex and the Welch track and field stadium. ESU's Trusler Softball and Baseball Complex is also quite popular among sports enthusiasts.
Nearby lakes offer a plethora of water activities as well, ranging from fishing and swimming to motor boating and water skiing.
Nothing's missing here. Emporia, the heartbeat of America, is located mid-way between Kansas City and Wichita on Interstate-35.
