But there are many other places worth visiting in county

by Oliver Good

Staff writer

With verdant banks and welcoming waters, Marion Reservoir and Marion County Park and Lake are arguably the top two jewels of the area.

Both offer ample space and opportunities for camping, swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking, biking, partying, and other outdoor family fun.

The reservoir is north of US-56 between Marion and Hillsboro. The lake is three miles southeast of Marion, west of US-77.

Families seeking good clean fun may also visit city pools in Hillsboro, Marion, and Peabody.

Hillsboro’s outdoor pool at 600 W. D St. on the town’s west side has several water slides and diving boards as well as children’s’ and adults’ swimming areas.

Come rain or too much shine, Marion’s indoor pool at 104 N. Thorp St. on the town’s east side is another option for swimmers. It has several diving boards, a water basketball goal, and a large indoor slide, as well as a children’s’ area and pool outdoors.

Marion, Hillsboro, and Peabody also have public parks for family picnics and gatherings. Kids can burn excess energy on playground equipment, while adults enjoy nature.

Marion’s Central Park is in the center of town on Main St., Hillsboro’s Memorial Park is on S. Ash St. in the west part of town, and Peabody City Park is in the southwest part of town, near the city pool.

Basketball, sand volleyball, and horseshoe facilities can be found in parks in the county.

Some towns have bowling alleys and golf courses located within or just outside city limits.

History buffs will find a rich variety of attractions in the county to suit their interests.

St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Pilsen is celebrating its 100th anniversary in September. The town is also the birthplace of famed Korean War Chaplain Father Emil Kapaun.

The Diocese of Wichita and the Vatican have begun formal proceedings that could lead to Father Kapaun’s designation as a saint. 

The church, eight miles north of US-56 on Remington Rd., has a museum dedicated to Kapaun. Tours led by volunteers are available.

Other county museums include Marion Historical Museum, Burns Community Museum, Harvey House in Florence, Mennonite Heritage and Agricultural Museum near Goessel, the Schaeffler House and Peter Paul Loewen House in Hillsboro, and Peabody Printing Museum and Morgan House in Peabody.

More information on Marion County is available at http://www.marioncountybusinessdevelopment.com.