You Won't Believe This Town Is In Kansas

Kansas is a landlocked state in the Midwestern United States known as the Sunflower State. The nickname is a testament to the state’s frontier days, with winding trails and endless prairies that stand out. While most may consider Kansas an arid and flat region, with towns like Great Bend and Dodge City opening up access to expanses of dry land, there are also some outliers. Specifically, Elk Falls, as the name suggests, showcases a unique side of the state with a waterfall and plenty of greenery. The landscape is so different that many don’t believe it exists in the prairies of Kansas. Add interesting features like its title as the “World’s Largest Living Ghost Town” and oddly popular outhouse tours, and you've got a fascinating town full of quirks and charm.

Elk Falls Storied Past

The aquatic environment of Elk Falls is what makes it stand out today, and it is also what helped the community grow. The tale of Elk Falls starts in 1870, when the first European-American house was built here. Set up by R.H. Nichols and a few other businessmen, they began laying out the town. Following this, a post office, general store, and drug store were set up, and the community began to grow around a waterfall on the Elk River. The town’s name also comes from the same waterfall, which became a focal point in the community. Soon after, in 1875, a grist and flour mill was set up on the river, using a turbine wheel to grind wheat and generate power.

By the 1880s, the town was thriving, with hundreds of residents and even a Baptist Church. In 1893, the Iron Truss Bridge was set up with an iron and wood structure, allowing the U.S. 160 to cross the Elk River. This bridge was built downstream from the falls and improved connectivity in the region. While life maintained for a few decades, things began to slow down by the 1900s, with the grist mill closing down and the population dropping to around 250 residents. The town’s image shifted from a scenic falls town to a “living ghost town” where people from all over came to see the historic environment along the flowing river. Even today, it maintains its allure as a tourist hotspot with around 100 residents, as people come to visit for the waterfall, the annual outhouse tour, and other unique sights.

The Unique Scenery Of Elk Falls

While its history is full of interesting facets, what truly stands out is the landscape of Elk Falls. Unlike most of Kansas, which abounds with dry prairie landscape, Elk Falls is the opposite. Resting along the Elk River, this town is a verdant sight, with flowing water that is relatively rare in the arid state. Down the river, the main attraction is the waterfall, Elk Falls, which drops nearly six feet over a sandstone ledge. Formed from deposited sand around 300 million years ago, one can even spot the remains of the old grist and flour mill.

While the rest of Kansas is often defined by rolling plains and farmland, Elk Falls feels almost like a hidden oasis. The combination of sandstone bluffs, shaded riverbanks, and the constant rush of the Elk River sets it apart in an otherwise dry landscape. In autumn, the surrounding woods turn fiery with color, creating a dramatic backdrop that makes the small waterfall feel even more striking.

Things To See/Do In Elk Falls

There is more to see and do beyond the falls, however. From natural draws like walking along the Elk River to learning about the past of the iron truss bridge, there is something for all types of tourists. Depending on your interests, these are some of the most popular things that one can see and do in Elk Falls.

Iron Truss Bridge

Elk Falls Pratt Truss Bridge is a prime landmark for history enthusiasts. Built in 1893, this bridge marked a major shift in local transportation, connecting the town along US 160. People could cross the Elk River, take in the scenery, and spend some time in the town. The iron and wood structure held strong for many years, but it was severely damaged in 1976 by a flood. Due to this, vehicles were banned from using the bridge, and it is now open only for foot traffic. Tourists from all over can cross along the river, and many spend time fishing, hiking, and relaxing here. In 2001, the wood deck was replaced with new lumber, creating a fresh look and enhancing safety.

Prudence Crandall Historical Marker

Prudence Crandall, remembered as a pioneering educator and activist, is honored in Elk Falls with a historical marker that highlights her remarkable life. Born in Rhode Island, she gained fame in Connecticut during the 1830s for establishing the first school in the United States dedicated to educating young African-American girls. This courageous act sparked fierce opposition at the time. The marker in Elk Falls ties her legacy to Kansas, where she later moved with her brother and continued to champion equality and education. Today, visitors can pause at the site, reflect on her role in the early struggle for civil rights, and appreciate how her story adds another layer of depth to this small waterfall town’s heritage.

Outhouse Tour

One of the quirkiest traditions in Elk Falls is the annual Outhouse Tour, held every November. It takes place on the Friday and Saturday before Thanksgiving, and the tradition is so popular it gave Elk Falls the nickname, "Outhouse Capital of Kansas." What started as a lighthearted idea has grown into a local favorite, where residents decorate old outhouses with humor, creativity, and plenty of small-town charm. Each one has its own theme, from whimsical designs to tongue-in-cheek jokes, and visitors can stroll through town voting for their favorites. In recent years, the event has seen unique designs like "The Tomb of King Toot," depicting Egyptian work, and an enlarged version of a chicken coop.

Elk River

If the landscape is the standout feature of Elk Falls, then Elk River is the reason for this. A tributary of the Verdigris River in Kansas, this body of water is 95 miles (153 km) long and formed by various streams. It has plenty of waterside landmarks and hiking areas, like Elk Falls and the historic grist mill. Moreover, following along the river leads to other hubs such as Longton and Elk City, each with its own tourist opportunities. With its shaded banks, fishing spots, and peaceful trails, the river remains the lifeline that gives Elk Falls its character.

The Waterfall Town In Kansas That Stands Out

Elk Falls is proof that even in a state known for endless prairies and flat horizons, surprises still exist. The town’s waterfall, sandstone cliffs, and leafy surroundings make it feel worlds away from the typical Kansas landscape, while its ghost town charm and quirky traditions only add to the appeal. Whether you come for the falls, the iron truss bridge, or simply to step into a pocket of history and greenery, Elk Falls stands out as one of the most unexpected gems in the Sunflower State.