l eldorado
el dorado, kansas l official visitors guide
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316.321.1485 toll free: 877.858.5600 360eldorado.com
Community information City of El Dorado
220 E. First El Dorado, KS 67042
(316) 321-9100
El Dorado Chamber of Commerce
201 E. Central El Dorado, KS 67042
(316) 321-3150
El Dorado Inc. El Dorado Convention and Visitors Bureau
201 E. Central El Dorado, KS 67042
(316)-321-1485
El Dorado Main Street
430 N. Main El Dorado, KS 67042
(316)-321-3088
Bradford Memorial Library
611 S. Washington
(316) 321-3363
Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital
720 W. Central
(316) 321-3300
muniCipal ServiCeS El Dorado Fire and Police
220 E. First
Emergency/Ambulance
911 or (316) 321-9100 911
ChurCheS For a complete listing, pick up a church directory from the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce or visit: www.360eldorado.com
airportS El Dorado Municipal Airport
1485 SE 30th (316) 321-1327 Two and one half miles south on Highway 77, one mile east of El Dorado. General aviation, longest runway 4200 feet, lighted landing strip, private aircraft storage and maintenance Wichita Mid-Continent
25 miles from El Dorado
(316) 946-4700
Car rental Easy Car Rental
216 W. Central
(316) 322-8633
pharmaCieS and GroCerieS El Dorado TrueCare
(316)-321-5330
205 N.Vine Dillon’s Stores
(316)-321-0332 (316)-321-0318
Walgreen’s
(316)-321-6700
Wal-Mart Supercenter
(316)-322-8100 (316)-322-8901
Pharmacy 700 N. Main
119 W. Sixth
Pharmacy 301 S.Village Rd.
What’s InsIde
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SomeWhere natural, quiet, exhilarating The Kansas Flint Hills surrounding El Dorado are the perfect canvas for your original adventures
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Someplace fascinating, engaging, captivating El Dorado’s local history holds its place in the mosaic of our country’s history
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Somehow inspiring, uplifting, refreshing Designated “A City of the Arts” in 2006, El Dorado has a surprising foundation in the arts
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Something entertaining, fun and wild El Dorado has its own brand of unique, first class happenings
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accommodations/meeting facilities
travel planner Shopping and dining el dorado lake and City maps ten things you’ll love
Gateway to the scenic beauty of the Flint Hills, El Dorado will delight you. Relive the Kansas oil boom and encounter the Flint Hills at the Butler County History Center. Fine art galleries, sculptures and exhibits, upscale niche shops, delicious dining and 8,000 acres of liquid fun at El Dorado Lake await you! Enjoy your stay! Whether it’s for a weekend or a lifetime, El Dorado’s friendly residents offer you a golden experience you will likely never forget.
For all things El Dorado visit
For more information contact El Dorado Convention and Visitors Bureau 201 E. Central El Dorado, KS 67042 316-321-1485 877-858-5600 www.360ElDorado.com
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The Kansas Flint Hills surrounding El Dorado are the perfect canvas for your original adventures Picture yourself exiting the traffic, hustle, bustle for a different kind of excitement- that of sitting under the stars beside a crackling fire, watching the sunset on the water, and enjoying your favorite glass of wine. Then again, you could leave the heat of the concrete for the cool breeze coming off the water as the wind fills the sails of your catamaran.
For those seeking the thrill of riding the wind, the Walnut Valley Sailing Club and marina provide opportunities for sailing lessons, as well as a full racing schedule each year. Beauty of the Hills. Because El Dorado is situated on the western edge of the Flint Hills, a visit here offers nature lovers the opportunity to become infused with the indigenous beauty of the ten thousand-year-old tallgrass prairie, one of the last remaining ecosystems of this type.
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City Parks
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The ultimate playground. For the outdoor sportsman, the ultimate playground lies just north and east of the city. With 1100 campsites, 10 boat ramps, and Shady Creek Marina, El Dorado State Park boasts 8,000 acres of liquid fun. It is a place where campgrounds become communities and campfires beckon neighbors to come “sit a spell;” where renting a cabin can be rustic or not, romantic or
rambunctious; and, where abundant water surface gives opportunities for one’s favorite activity, from wide open long pulls for skiers, quiet coves for fishing, and sheltered inlets for stringing together party boats!
Dog Park 400 E. Locust
18,000 sq ft, fully fenced
East Park E. Central & Woodland
Davis Landing Pond, restroom, shelter
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Forest Park 900 N. Taylor
Municipal Pool, Band Shell, skate park, shelter
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Gordy Park 300 S. Gordy
outdoor basketball court, gazebo
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Graham Park 1600 Edgemoor Dr.
spray park, 1958 Tornado Memorial, shelter
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Library Park 600 S. Taylor
adjacent to Bradford Memorial Library
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McCollum Park 800 E. McCollum North Main Park 1000 N. Main
x horseshoe pits, restroom, gazebos
Rice Park 100 Random Rd
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Rio Park 900 Osage
tennis/basketball court
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Riverview Park 900 E. Central
Walnut River spillway fishing
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South Summit Park 500 S. Summit
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Summit Park 200 N. Summit
handicapped accessible playground, restroom
Water Works Tennis Courts 380 E. Central
4 tennis courts, adjacent to East Park & Butler County Fairgrounds
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For all things El Dorado visit
Sports Facilities
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Central Park 200 N. Griffith
4 baseball fields
Nature Trails
East Park Softball Diamonds 100 S. Woodland
3 softball fields
El Dorado Bike/Walking Path ADA accesible
Galen Blackmore Stadium 1216 W. 3rd Ave
football & track track complex, complex,Home Homeof ofBCC BCCGrizzlies, Grizzlies, Wildcats EHS EHS Wildcats & EMS & EMS
McDonald Stadium 210 200 N. Griffith
baseball stadium, stadium Baseball Hall of Fame
Walnut Ridge Hiking* N37 50.448 W96 49.650
Municipal Pool 900 N. Taylor
olympic-size 8 lane pool, diving well
Cross Country Course* N37 53.411 W96 48.552
Recreation Center McCollum 401 McCollum RoadRoad Walnut River Complex 1384 NE Shady Creek Access
401 open daily: volleyball, basketball 6 soccer fields, 2 softball diamonds
Tallgrass Prairie Trail* N37 50.374 W96 45.008 Teter Nature Trail* N37 49.980 W96 48.255
Boulder Bluff Horse Trail* N37 53.362 W96 48.55
Double Black Diamond* N37 50.460 W96 49.646 Walnut River Trail* N37 50.433 W96 49.613
*Trails within El Dorado State Park, vehicle perm
The perfect place to start your tour is the Butler County History Center in El Dorado. The museum’s permanent exhibit, Glory of the Hills, depicts the Flint Hills as a land full of possibilities. Historic photographs and artifacts explore the lives of early inhabitants, settlers and farmer/ranchers who grazed their huge cattle herds on the rich bluestem grasses. Traveling north and east on Highway 177 from El Dorado to Cassoday, and then continuing north toward Strong City will take you on a designated National Scenic Byway, one of the most enjoyable tours of the Flint Hills region. A mid-spring drive on I-35 between El Dorado and Emporia, after the pastures have been burned and new growth has emerged, reveals breathtaking vistas of the new green velvet which carpets the hills as far as the eye can see. Par for the course. For those who think the perfect way to make contact with nature is on the golf course, Prairie Trails Golf and Dining at 1100 Country Club Lane is ready to accommodate. The beautiful 18-hole municipal course will challenge all levels of skill, and the full service dining facility is a great refueling spot.
Up close and
personal with naturehike, bike or ride Over 25 miles of trails at El Dorado State Park are available to visitors and residents within minutes of downtown. The City’s Bike Path, a 6.3 mile concrete path begins at East Park in downtown El Dorado and ends in the Walnut River camping area just below the El Dorado Lake dam. Once there, hikers and bikers can head out to a variety of trails around the park. Nature lovers will gravitate to the Teter Nature Trail, a three-quarter mile trek through the Flint Hills down into a bottomland forest containing a stand of paw-paw trees.
Miles 6 0.5 0.75 0.75 1
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Main Enjoyable Enjoyableand for the for the entire entire family. family. CityCity Parks Parks withwith access access points: points: EastEast Park, Park, North North Main ParkPark Trail Trailpast pastaamarsh marshand andsmall smallstream streamamong amongthe thewildflowers wildflowersof ofthe theFlint FlintHills. Hills. forest AAdiverse diversenature naturetrail trailwinding windingthrough throughthe theFlint FlintHills Hillsdown downinto intoaabottomland bottomlandhardwood hardwood forestand AAscenic scenictrail trailaccessed accessedfrom fromthe thecampground campgroundthat thatfollows followsthe theWalnut WalnutRiver. River. AAmeandering meanderingtrail trailin inthe theFlint FlintHills, Hills,used usedfor forcross crosscountry countryand andwalk/run walk/runcompetitions. competitions. welcome. Refreshing Refreshingstroll strollthrough throughthe theFlint FlintHills Hillsalong alongthe thelake’s lake’sshoreline. shoreline. Horses, Horses,mtn. mtn.bikes bikes welcome. AAchallenging challengingbike biketrail trailthrough throughthe thetimber timberof ofthe theWalnut WalnutRiver. River. Description Description
2.5 AAsemi semihardened hardenedtrail trailthat thattours toursthe thescenic scenicWalnut WalnutRiver Rivercampground. campground. Bikes Bikesallowed. allowed. ADA ADA
mits apply.
A popular place for equestrian groups is the newly completed equestrian campground which features individual horse paddocks. The twelve- mile Boulder Bluff Trail nearby is a scenic stroll through the Flint Hills and along the shoreline of El Dorado Lake.
For all things El Dorado visit
Sunday bikers will enjoy the wide paved thoroughfare of the City Bike path and ADA Trail through the Walnut River Campground. The two-mile Double Black Diamond Trail is made for mountain bikers and winds through a wooded area following the Walnut River.
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El Dorado’s local history holds its place in the mosaic of our country’s history Ever since Captain J. Cracklin exclaimed “El Dorado!” as he took in the golden reflection of the setting sun on the Walnut River in 1857, El Dorado’s history has marched in step right along with that of our country. Eureka! The discovery of oil at the Stapleton #1 oil well on October 6, 1915 brought big changes to
El Dorado and changed its history forever. At the Butler County History Center/Kansas Oil Museum, 383 E. Central in El Dorado, one may step back in time and relive this extraordinary period of oil exploration in Butler County through the meticulous research and excellent exhibits. A visitor can tour an actual pump house and two styles of operational drilling rigs, an actual shotgun style house from company town Oil Hill, and view a wealth of artifacts and equipment from the early days of oil discovery. The museum boasts of housing the best collection of vintage operational oilfield equipment in the nation. Walking the street of a 1920’s historic oil boom town, recreated on the museum’s 10 acre grounds, will export the visitor back to that formative time. Sentinels of time. El Dorado has its share of those brick and mortar markers of history, each telling their story to those patient enough to listen.
For all things El Dorado visit
Perhaps the most iconic of El Dorado’s historic architecture is the Butler County Courthouse, designed by George P. Washburn, one of the best known 19th century Kansas architects, to be the most dominant building in
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the community. The structure was built in 1909 at a cost of $100,000, and ended the feud between towns competing for the county seat once and for all. On the grounds in front of the courthouse is the majestic Freedom Memorial, built through the efforts of community volunteers. The brick path linking the 6.5 foot bronze eagle, “Sovereign Wings” to the Statue of Liberty replica, honors over 900 U.S. military veterans.
Black Gold
Another silent observer of history is the Missouri Pacific Railroad Depot, renovated through the efforts of community volunteers, and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. Built in 1918 by the chief engineer for MoPac, this depot has hosted President Theodore Roosevelt on a visit to El Dorado. Today visitors can enjoy the park-like depot grounds adorned by beautiful sculptures.
Baseball enthusiasts can travel through recent history at the historic McDonald Stadium, a 1940 WPA project, and El Dorado Baseball Hall of Fame, an on-site museum featuring memorabilia of our local “boys of summer” heroes. President Obama Kansas Heritage. Did you know that the 44th President of the United States has strong ties to El Dorado and Kansas? To learn more, visit www.obamakansasheritage.org, now under development.
The El Dorado Field is a story of men and events that helped Kansas and the nation emerge from the drafthorse and kerosene-lamp years into the gasoline age. Few events in oil history had such lasting effects on petroleum technology, on the course of world history and on the general local, state, and national economy, as that of the El Dorado Field. Oil was discovered on October 6, 1915 on the Stapleton #1 lease at a depth of 2,497 feet. By 1918 the El Dorado Oil Field was the largest producer among single fields in the U.S. This production level during a crucial time of America’s involvement in World War I, led to statements that El Dorado “floated” the country to victory on a “sea of oil”. It would later make a substantial contribution to World War II as well. In 1910 the population of Butler County was 23,000, but nearly doubled to 43,000 in 1920, much of which was located in the “oil company towns” of Midian and Oil Hill, just west and north of El Dorado. The town of El Dorado thrived with all this activity. The historic oil strike brought the refining business to El Dorado. Men such as Archibald Derby, John Vickers and William Skelly were drawn to the El Dorado oil field, and established successful oil producing and refining companies as well as service station chains. Today, the former Skelly Refinery, which became part of Getty, then Texaco, is now in operation as Frontier Oil and Refining. It is the largest refinery in Kansas and the only one of the eight original area refineries still in operation.
For all things El Dorado visit
More recent history has been immortalized by the 1958 El Dorado Tornado Victim’s Memorial. Members of the El Dorado Rotary Club raised the funds, built and dedicated this memorial to the thirteen victims of the tornado which tore through El Dorado in 1958. Designed by local architects, the memorial features thirteen pillars and an Aeolian harp which captures the wind’s soft melody and represents the community whose spirit was bent, but not broken, that day.
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Designated “A City of the Arts” in 2006, El Dorado has a surprising foundation in the arts For a town the size of El Dorado, visitors will be pleasantly surprised by the treasures to be found here. The crown jewel of the treasure is the Coutts Memorial Museum of Art. Established by Warren Hall Coutts, Jr. as a memorial to his late son, the museum is an unexpected delight. Over 1,000 works are housed behind the classic columns and heavy doors, including a fine collection of Prairie Printmakers’ prints, works by Thomas Hart Benton, Frederic James, and a number of fine regional painters collected by Mr. Coutts. The Coutts Museum hosts a brown bag luncheon every third Tuesday at noon, which features programs highlighting the arts- from live instrumental and vocal music to art demonstrations to flower arranging. The programs are sponsored by El Dorado Main Street and the Kansas Arts Commission, and are free and open to the public.
For all things El Dorado visit
Another glittering gem in this prairie treasure is the El Dorado Main Street Sculpture Program. Sixteen sculptures, placed by private investors, adorn the downtown area. Sculpture Alley, north of the Coutts Museum, provides a place to rest while contemplating the 10 by 25 foot Flint Hills mural by artists Phil Epp and Terry Corbett. A walking tour of the program is an enjoyable way to become familiar with El Dorado’s core area. Maps are available at the Main Street and CVB offices, or online at eldoradomainstreet.org/sculpmap.htm.
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Butler Community College hosts an active and progressive arts program on their main campus on the west edge of the city.Vocal, instrumental and dance concerts are open to the public and are very much worth attending, especially those of the Headliners Show Choir. The college holds four high quality theater productions each year, also open to the public. The Erman B. White Gallery on campus is host to professional and student art September through May, rotating monthly. Also on the BCC main campus is the Art Without Walls sculpture program, located in the outdoor sculpture plaza. For the true treasure hunter, the best find will be the small local galleries that populate El Dorado’s downtown area. Instead of jewels and doubloons, the treasures are original one-of-a-kind items from area artists and artisans, each a unique reminder of one’s visit to El Dorado.
Private
galleries each offer something different
• Art Room 114, 114 N. Main– Brenda Yarnall
owns and operates Art Room 114, which also houses her studio. Brenda taught art lessons to adults and children for the past 15 years and is an accomplished painter in oils and watercolor. The gallery space is an elegant venue for featured artists to exhibit their work for sale. The gallery will also host adult and youth workshops. http://gallery.artroom114.com 316-321-3223
• Bill Walton Studio and Art Gallery, 135 1/2
N. Main– Bill Walton’s fascination with the professional athlete and the Old West, combined with his artistic skills, has evolved into a full-time profession as an artist. Bill depicts western scenes in various mediums that tell a story, and his passion for sports translates onto paper. http://billwaltonart.com 316-621-0902
• Circle Gallery and Frame Shop, 315 S. Main–
Owners Jeanne and Don Parscal offer an eclectic mix of fine art and quality craftware from regional artists including Peter Johnson, Amboo Ploy, and Gene and Peggy Maggard. Anyone can enjoy shopping here. The gallery is the front door to the Iron Horse Concert Hall. http://360eldorado.com/Shopping/Art/ CircleGalleryAndFrameShop.html 316-321-2105
is proud to be the home of nationally recognized western oil painter Jim Clements. Jim specializes in western themed scenes and portraits, as well as figurative and portrait paintings. His work has won numerous awards and been featured in local and national publications. http://jimclementsart.com 316-655-1248
For all things El Dorado visit
• Jim Clements Studio, 112 1/2 N. Main– El Dorado
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El Dorado has its own brand of unique, first class happenings Every small town hosts their own unique events, each reflecting the personalities and history of that particular locale. El Dorado’s collage of events is an interesting mix of prairie, art, and entertaining/fun/wild events. During the summer and fall in the Flint Hills, take the opportunity to absorb yourself in the essence of the prairie! Summer brings the Frontier Western Celebration, organized and produced by the El Dorado Main Street Organization. For four days in August, festival goers may hearken back to the days when cowboys ruled the prairie and roping and riding were life skills. Contests in bull riding, barrel racing, shooting, and even cooking barbeque determine who the best modern day cowboys are. Live country music concerts headline Friday and Saturday nights, and one may atone for any misdeeds on Sunday morning at Cowboy Church.
For all things El Dorado visit
The first crisp fall breeze means that the pumpkins at Walters’ Pumpkin Patch, 10 miles north of El Dorado, are ready for picking! Bundle the family into the car, get out into the Kansas countryside where you can walk the
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pumpkin fields and choose your own potential jack-olanterns. That chore done, reward yourself with a sloppy joe from the pumpkin pantry, and then a turn on the paddle boats, a bounce on the jumping pillow and a journey through the corn maze. There is so much to do that one hardly ever has to wait in line, even though 25,000 people find their way to Walters’ every fall. Entertaining, fun, and a bit wild every day from the third weekend in September through Halloween. Experiences do not get more authentic than those at the Iron Horse Concert Hall behind Circle Gallery on South Main in El Dorado. Each Saturday from the fourth Saturday in September to the first Saturday in May, proprietor Don Koke offers an interesting schedule of diverse musicians playing live folk, blues, country and Celtic music in a very intimate setting. From the painted guitars hanging on the exposed brick walls to the original artwork on display in Circle Gallery to the fresh popcorn and beer, the Iron Horse is uniquely El Dorado. An overview of El Dorado events would be incomplete without mentioning that El Dorado is host to two national championship sports programs. The Butler Community College Grizzlies football team has won six national championships, five of them between 1998 and 2008. The list of Butler players going on to Division I schools and then to professional teams is long and impressive. Big time football in a small town. Another El Dorado team with national championship history is the El Dorado Broncos baseball team, a college summer team. The Broncos have won the National Baseball Congress World Series five times between 1989 and 2009. Their list of players to make it to the pros is also impressive, so if you attend their games, you may be watching a future pro.
“First best,
second largest community college in Kansas”
July
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Open o d a r o El D uck and r T , r a C ow Bike Sh
For a complete calendar of events visit 360ElDorado.com.
Aug
ust
Fron Wes tier Cele tern brat ion
Novem
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Celebra tion of Freedom
• Grizzly Sports– Get in on the excitement of watching the 6-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! http://grizzlies.butlercc.edu • Erman B. White Gallery, 901 S. Haverhill Rd.– This sophisticated gallery, located in the Fine Arts building on the El Dorado campus, is host to professional and student art from September through May. Traveling exhibits of all mediums are changed monthly. A student art sale is held each May. http://finearts.butlercc.edu/gallery.cfm • Performance Arts– Butler Community College’s award winning music and theater productions make for an evening of high quality entertainment. Butler’s vocal, instrumental and dance departments give nine concerts yearly, and the theater department performs four productions yearly. http://finearts.butlercc.edu • Art Without Walls, 901 S. Haverhill Rd.– A total of seven sculptures adorn the outdoor El Dorado campus as a result of generous private funding and gifts from the Kemper Foundation and Commerce Bancshares. • Hubbard Welcome Center, 901 S. Haverhill Rd.Situated at the forefront of the El Dorado campus, the Welcome Center, which opened in June of 2010, provides a powerful first impression to college visitors. The center is home to Butler administrative and Foundation offices as well as conference rooms and largest public gathering space in Butler County.
For all things El Dorado visit
Butler Community College offers enrichment to many
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Meeting Room
Pets Allowed
Cont. Breakfast
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High Speed Internet
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Handicap
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# of Rooms
300
Phone Phone Website Website 316-321-6900 www.bestwestern.com
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wireless
El Dorado Motel 1111 E Central
316-321-3610
34
wireless
Heritage Inn 2515 W Central
316-321-6800
32
wireless
316-322-7275 www.hiexpress.com/eldoradoks
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Stardust Motel 1127 N Main
316-321-3535
26
Sunset Inn 1901 W Central
316-321-9172 / 800-233-6355
36
x
wireless
x
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Super 8 2530 W Central
316-321-4888 www.super8.com
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x
wireless
x
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Accommodations Accommodations
www.360ElDorado.com/Hotels Best Western Red Coach 2525 W Central
Holiday Inn Express & Suites 3100 W. El Dorado Ave
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wireless & wired
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Other Accommodations Other Accommodations Deer Grove RV Park 2873 SE Hwy 54
316-321-6272 www.deergrovervpark.com
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wireless
80
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316-321-7180 www.360ElDorado.com/ AttractionsandEntertainment
El Dorado State Park El Dorado State Park 618 NE Bluestem Road 618 NE Bluestem Road Cabins At El Dorado Lake
316-321-7180
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Kansas Kabins Sunflower Motel 210 W Kansas
316-321-9881
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Meeting Facilities Bradford Memorial Memorial Library Library Bradford
611 S Washington
Butler Community Community College: College: Hubbard Welcome Center Butler Butler Community Community College: College: Kansas Room Butler Butler County County Community Community /4-H /4-H Bldg. Bldg. Butler
901 S. Haverhill
901 S. Haverhill
206 Griffith
Butler County County History History Center/Kansas Center Butler Oil Museum El Dorado Dorado Civic Civic Center Center El
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383 E. Central
201 E. Central
El Dorado Dorado Senior Senior Center Center El
201 E. Second
Missouri Pacific Pacific Railroad Railroad Depot Depot Missouri Walters’ Pumpkin Pumpkin Patch Patch Walters’
430 N. Main
10001 NW Highway 77, Burns, KS
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Phone
Occupancy
316-321-3363
100
316-322-3298
800
316-322-3298
100
316-321-9660
300
316-321-9333
56
316-321-3150
345
316-321-0142
200
316-321-9100
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316-320-4150
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El Dorado Civic Center 201 E. Central 316-321-3150 www.360ElDorado.com/ EventPlanningandCatering The El Dorado Civic Center is an ideal venue for large or small events. The facility offers 9,000 square feet of rentable space. The large assembly room is 5,000 square feet and will accommodate 345 people. The smaller breakout rooms total 600 square feet and have a small kitchen area. Also available is the larger caterer’s prep kitchen. Spacious men’s and women’s restrooms easily serve large groups. Round or banquet tables and chairs are included in the rental fee, as well as set up and cleaning. The Civic Center is equipped with a built-in sound system. A permanent dance floor will accommodate weddings and other celebratory events. Door side parking is plentiful and free. Other equipment includes three portable podiums, a portable stage with steps, drop down big screen and an overhead projector. In addition there is a TV/VCR with utility carts. For more information contact the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce at 316-321-3150, or visit the office housed inside the Civic Center.
Travel Planner For all things El Dorado visit
Outdoors
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Phone & Website
Description
El Dorado Bike/Walking Path access points: East Park, North Main Park
316-322-7400 www.360eldorado.com
Begins at East Park in downtown El Dorado and ends below the dam at El Dorado Lake. Concrete path is safe and enjoyable for the entire family. Parking available at both ends.
El Dorado State Park 618 NE Bluestem Rd
316-321-7180 www.360eldorado.com
Four separate park areas offer campsites, cabins, group shelters, full service marina, laundry facilities and nature trails.
Flint Hills Overland Wagon Train Shady Creek Marina 1000 NE Marina Rd The Flint Hills Walters’ Pumpkin Patch 10001 NW Highway 77, Burns KS
316-321-6300 www.wagontrainkansas.com 316-321-0943 www.shadycreek.com See pages 2 & 3 316-320-4150 www.walterspumpkinpatch.com
Enjoy the simplicity of frontier life for a weekend. Providing authentic covered wagon trips throughout the scenic Kansas Flint Hills. Relive experiences of the original pioneers. Bait, fuel, convenience items; weekend grill open in summer; boat repair and sales. El Dorado is fortunate to be located within the continent’s largest remaining tract of tall grass. Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in these beautiful surroundings. A fun family day in the country. Best pumpkin patch experience in the area. Pumpkin picking, corn maze, Haunted Cannery, jumping pillow, gift shop and more. Opens third week in Sept.
Arts/Culture El Dorado Main Street Artscape Sculpture Walk Butler Community College Peforming Arts 901 S Haverhill
Phone & Website
Description
316-321-3088 16 works of public sculpture throughout downtown area. Artists featured are Phil Epp, Frank Jensen, www.eldoradomainstreet.org/sculpmap Gene V. Williams, Jim Brothers, Reed Jensen, Mark Hopkins, Gary Kahle, Jan DeDecker, Ann Zerger. 316-322-3262 http://finearts.butlercc.edu
Award winning music and theater departments give nine concerts and four theater productions yearly.
316-321-1212 www.couttsmuseum.org
Over 1,000 original works in this regionalist collection. Special exhibits monthly, brown bag programs on the third Tuesday.
Erman B. White Gallery 901 S Haverhill Rd
316-322-3329
Sophisticated gallery is host to professional and student art September through May. On the El Dorado campus of Butler Community College.
Iron Horse Concert Hall 315 S Main
316-321-2105 www.shorock.com/ironhorse
Live folk, Celtic, blues or country music in an intimate setting, September to May. Located in the rear of Circle Gallery and Frame Shop.
Coutts Memorial Museum of Art 110 N Main
Ceramic mural by artist Norma Nicks in the lobby of the El Dorado Municipal Building which recognizes all those who have served the city.
Tribute Mural 220 E 1st Private Galleries
See page 7
History Monument to thirteen community members who lost their lives in the historic 1958 “Wrong Way” tornado. Located in Graham Park.
1958 Tornado Victims’ Memorial 1600 Edgemoor Dr Butler County Courthouse 205 W Central Butler County History Center/Kansas Oil Museum 383 E Central
316-322-4300 316-321-9333 www.kansasoilmuseum.org
Outstanding museum presenting the fascinating history which makes El Dorado unique. Glory of the Hills and oil exhibits are complimented by a gift shop and 4000 volume research library. The first public library in El Dorado built in 1912 through a grant from Andrew Carnegie. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. One of 63 Carnegie libraries in Kansas. It is a private business today.
Carnegie Library 101 S Star El Dorado Baseball Hall of Fame 210 N Griffith
Historic Richardsonian Romanesque courthouse was built in 1909,placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. Open weekdays for self guided tours.
322-7400 www.eldoradobaseballhof.org
Honoring El Dorado baseball stand-out teams and individuals. Photographs and memorabilia. Located on the grounds of McDonald Stadium. By appointment.
Freedom Memorial 205 W Central
A six foot bronze eagle is the centerpiece of this monument honoring over 900 members of the U.S. armed forces, located on the lawn of the County Courthouse.
McDonald Stadium 210 N Griffith
WPA project named after local teacher James McDonald. Recently renovated and is the home of the El Dorado Baseball Hall of Fame. Home to El Dorado Broncos, ButlerCC and El Dorado High School baseball teams.
Missouri Pacific Railroad Depot 430 N Main
Built in 1918, placed on National Register of Historic Places in 1994. Today visitors enjoy park-like grounds, adorned by sculpture. Public meeting facilities and El Dorado Main Street office are now housed here.
Stapleton #1 Historic Well Site 1000 N Oil Rd, then west
Site of the October 6, 1915 discovery oil well which brought big changes to El Dorado. Oil Hill boomtown, the largest company owned town in the world was built here. Over 1800 producing wells on 25,000 acres made the El Dorado oil field the world’s storybook field at the time.
WWII History Center 119 W Central
316-322-8753 www.wwiihistorycenter.org
Dedicated to the history of the World War II era; consists of tribute gallery, research library, exhibits and gift shop.
316-321-2222 http://grizzlies.butlercc.edu
Get in on the excitement of watching the 6-time National Champion Butler Grizzlies football team! Experience the intensity of the Power Plant atmosphere during men’s and women’s basketball.
Butler Community College Sporting Events Central Cinema 6 300 E Central El Dorado Broncos 210 N Griffith El Dorado Skating Rink 2100 W Central
316-321-7469 www.bbtheatres.com/locations.asp
A first class six-plex movie theater showing first run movies. Amenities include a full service concession, game room and party room.
316-621-1255 www.360eldorado.com
College summer baseball at its finest! Five-time winner of the National Baseball Congress World Series. Collegiate players live with host families for the summer.
316-322-7800
Open Friday and Saturday nights, 7 to 10 p.m. Call for birthday party information.
El Dorado YMCA 300 N Main
316-320-9622 www.ymcawichita.org
43,000 square foot family fitness facility with indoor pool, gymnasiums, weight and fitness machines, Kid Zone, exercise studios. Full program schedule is available.
Prairie Bowl 307 S Haverhill
316-321-2695 www.prairiebowl.com
Open seven days a week. Cosmic bowling on Friday and Saturday nights. Sixteen lanes, snack bar. Call ahead for lane availability.
Prairie Trails Golf 1100 Country Club
316-321-4114 www.prairietrails.com
Beautiful 18-hole, par 71 public course. Cart rental available. Full service dining available Tuesday through Sunday.
www.wvsailing.com
Offering youth and adult sailing training using the STEP program for beginning, intermediate, and advanced sailors.
Walnut Valley Sailing Club
For all things El Dorado visit
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Great customer service and local personalities make the difference Visitors looking for an experience that can’t be found at a shopping mall will find El Dorado interesting. Local merchants can be found at their place of business each day and impart a sense of individualism in their shops. Making their customers happy is essential to doing business and personal service is an important part of each sale. Try shopping and dining in El Dorado… you’ll like it!
Robin’s Women’s Apparel
113 W. Central, 316-321-3280 You have to get dressed...do it well. Robin’s is the shopping destination for the well dressed female with selections for all ages in casual to dressy attire, shoes and accessories. Personal service is a premium here.
Walter’s Flowers and Interiors
For all things El Dorado visit
124 N. Main, 317-321-1740 Take time to explore 9,000 square feet of unique gifts, interior decorating ideas, floral arrangements and gourmet gift items. This award winning floral and interiors shop is recognized nationally for their designs. Christmas time is particularly enchanting.
District 142
142 N. Main A uniquely renovated historic building with retail and office spaces. A great place to spend an enjoyable afternoon. l Beyond Napa Private Cellars 316-321-2345 l Satchel Creek Steaks 316-320-1937 l Scooters Coffee House 316-322-0211 l Salon Knotty and Day Spa 316-452-5455 l Sweet 120 Chocolate Shop 316-621-0585 316-322-8558 l Security 1st Title Company 316-322-8164
Oklahoma Boys BBQ
626 N. Main 316-452-5535 A finalist in the Regis and Kelly national BBQ contest, Stevie and Terry’s menu will satisfy your craving for real hickory smoked meat. Peruse local sports memorabilia while slurping homemade soups and desserts. 12
Jacob’s Well
139 N. Main, 316-321-1290 A cozy coffee shop atmosphere compliments the homemade sandwiches, soups and salads by day, yummy brick oven pizza by night. Live music every Thursday night. A local favorite.
Unique Dining
Address
Phone
Beijing Beijing
1905 W Central
316-322-8999
Bella BellaCasa Casa
111 E.E.Central 1111 Central
316-321-3610
China SuperStar Buffet Buffet
2350 W Central
316-321-2888 316-321-6688
Double DoubleD’s D’s
1771 W 2529 Lakeland CentralDr.
316-322-7910
Edge Edgeof ofTown Town
1212 E Central
316-321-9063
Fiesta FiestaMexicana Mexicana
127 N Main
316-320-1700
Gizmo’s Gizmo’sFlea FleaMarket MarketSnack SnackBar Bar
107 N Main
316-322-7661
Jacob’s Jacob’sWell Well
139 N Main
316-321-1290
Job JobLunch Lunch
212 E Central
316-321-2840
Louis’ Louis’Café Café
710 S Main
316-321-5511
Oklahoma OklahomaBoys BoysBBQ BBQ
626 N. Main
316-452-5535
Playa PlayaAzul Azul
2521 W Central
316-322-7505
Prairie PrairieTrails TrailsDining Dining
1100 Country Club Lane 316-321-4114
Susie’s Susie’sChili ChiliParlor Parlor
124 S Main
316-321-2242
True TrueLies Lies
607 N Oil Hill Road
316-320-9255
Two TwoBrothers BrothersBBQ BBQ
1701 W. Central
316-452-5522
Willie’s Willie’s
151 N Main
316-452-5546
Book BookGrinder Grinder
2222 W Central
316-321-4484
Mountain MountainMudd Mudd
1824 W Central
Scooters Scooters
142 N. Main
Specialty SpecialtyCoffee Coffee
316-322-0211
Other Unique Shopping
Gizmo’s Flea Market 107 N. Main 316-322-7661 7500 square feet of individual dealers’ booths. A wide variety of collectibles and antiques. Snack bar. Haverhill Antiques 811 S. Haverhill 316-321-3199 Spacious building filled with art, furniture, primitives, dishes, dolls and more. Worth your time. Hudson Gardens 409 NW 60th 316-377-0272 Five miles north of El Dorado on Highway 77. Plant nursery in a beautiful setting offering fresh cut flowers, vegetables and gift items. April though October.
Silver Hill 116 E. Pine 316-322-8900 Wander from room to room discovering unique home décor and gifts in beautiful settings of European antique furniture. Fresh flowers and custom home décor. Stone Creek Nursery 415 Metcalf Road 316-321-3331 Wonderful greenhouse nursery offering high quality nursery stock, along with complete garden supply and very interesting gift shop. Sugar Bunny Boulevard 201 S. Main 316-321-7799 Fine yarns and spinning supplies.
Pampering
@ Ease Massage and Body work 1419 W. Central 316-322-8680 Styles Unlimited Salon and Spa 145 N. Main 316-321-4229
Farm, Builders, Sportsmen’s Supply El Dorado Ace Hardware 609 N. Main 316-322-7500 Home Lumber and Supply Co. 121 W. Ash 316-321-9717 Orscheln Farm and Home Supply 2354 W. Central 316-321-4004 Sears of El Dorado 130 N. Main 316-321-4000 Sutherland’s Home Improvement and Design Center 2850 W. Central 316-322-7788 Triple S Ranch Supply 2635 SE Highway 54 316-321-7514
For all things El Dorado visit
Book Grinder 2222 W. Central 316-321-4484 Great selection of used books in a cozy atmosphere with a coffee bar to boot.
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El Dorado Lake & State Park
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1. Holiday Inn Express & Suites 3100 W El Dorado Ave 2. Best Western Red Coach 2525 W Central 3. Super 8 2530 W Central 4. Heritage Inn 2515 W Central 5. Sunset Inn 1901 W Central 6. Stardust Motel 1127 N Main 7. El Dorado Motel 1111 E Central 8. Kansas Kabins 210 W Kansas
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City of El Dorado ① El Dorado Civic Center ① El Dorado CVB/Chamber of Commerce ② Central Park & MacDonald Baseball Stadium ③ Coutts Memorial Museum of Art ④ YMCA ⑤ Missouri Pacific RailroadDepot ⑥ Butler County Courthouse ⑦ Carnegie Library
Downtown shopping and dining area Parks
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Butler County History Center/Kansas Oil Museum East Park & beginning of City Bike Path Library Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital Blackmore Stadium ) Butler Community College * Business Park + Industrial Park , Tornado Memorial
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Lodging Locations
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Ten Things You’ll Love About El Dorado 1. Location, location, location Whether you are pursuing an outdoor adventure, small town atmosphere, a “big city” experience, or avoiding the congestion on your way to someplace else, El Dorado’s location is right on the money. 2. 40 miles of trails and paths Where else will you find such an abundance of maintained hiking and biking possibilities within the beautiful Flint Hills? See page 2 and 3. 3. Collection of Prairie Printmakers work at the Coutts Museum A marvelous collection of woodblock, lithograph and etched prints by members of this regional group of artists, done during the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s. See pages 6, 11. 4. Christmas time at Walter’s Flowers The atmosphere is always special at Walter’s, but during the holiday season it is magical! A visit here will cure even the most “Dickensian” humbug. See page 12. 5. The General Store at Butler County History Center’s Oil Boom Town Pretend you are grocery shopping in a 1920s boom town store front, meticulously recreated here. Staffed by historic re-enactors on special days. See pages 4, 11. 6. Treasure hunting at the Book Grinder and Gizmo’s Nothing is more satisfying than finding a treasure for a great price. It happens everyday at the Book Grinder Used Books and Gizmo’s Flea Market. See page 13.
7. Fishing off the bridge and feeding the ducks at Davis Landing Pond in East Park Make some memories and take some great photos with your family. Just what a city park should be. See page 2. 8. Brown bagging in Sculpture Alley Relax and contemplate over your pb&j as you enjoy amazing sculptures, right in the middle of downtown El Dorado. See page 6. 9. An evening at the Iron Horse Performers here are as close as they would be in your own living room. Listening to accomplished musicians in an intimate atmosphere can’t be beat. See pages 8, 11. 10. Pie and coffee at Susie’s Chili Parlor The pie is home made and unsurpassed! Better get there early before they run out of your favorite kind. See page 13.