MELVERN
Located on K-31 highway four miles north of I-35 (exit 160) and three miles east of US 75 bordered by the Marais des Cygnes River. The surrounding rural countryside is made up of creeks, native timber, crop and pasture land. Two branches of the BNSF railroad come together here. We have close access to several federal reservoirs with Melvern Lake being located only four miles west of town. The community is very active and committed to maintaining the friendly rural values while moving into the future.
THINGS TO DO
City Park and Fairgrounds
This beautiful park along the main street has been maintained by the city for many generations. The park includes Pickleball, Basketball, Shuffleboard, Bocce Ball, and Fire Pit area. The modern playground was constructed in 2004 and has new additions coming by this summer 2025. Learn more.
Eisenhower State Park
Named after 34th President Dwight D. Eisenhower, this 1,785-acre park features 1,000 acres of tall grass prairie. The park is popular with equestrians due to its expansive area for riding and facilities that accommodate visitors traveling with their horses. Learn more.
Melvern Fall Festival & Sunflower Days
Annually each summer, for over 100 years, the park comes to life during Melvern Sunflower Days. Two days packed with laughter, music, and small-town magic. Each October, vendors from all over will be selling handmade crafts, homemade treats, and anything you can imagine at the Fall Festival. Learn more.
Melvern Lake
A US Army Corps of Engineers reservoir built in the 1970’s to provide flood control for the lower Marais des Cygnes river. It is located at the junction of highways US 75 & K-31, 4 miles west of Melvern. Know as the "Gateway to the Lakes," Melvern Lake is situated in the Tallgrass Prairie region of Kansas and offers a variety of recreational activities. Learn more.
Lap the Lake at Melvern Lake
Lap the Lake is an inspiring annual gravel bike/run/walk event, where participants tackle a scenic course around Melvern Lake, fueling community activities and projects.
Rail Road Park and Overlook
If you have a train enthusiast in your life, Melvern, Kansas, is the place to be. The caboose is located in Melvern Railroad Park, where you’ll also find the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Pratt Truss Bridge, which was built in 1909 to carry vehicular traffic over the hand dug cut. The Highland One Room Schoolhouse is also located in the park and it a great cite to see! Learn more.
Riverfront Park and Trails
Melvern Riverfront Park and Trails are located on 40 city-owned acres on the north side of town along the Marais des Cygnes River. The area has diverse terrain and plant species and is used as an outdoor classroom. The park abounds with outdoor recreational activities including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and picnicking. Learn more.
PLACES TO WORSHIP
Church of God
133 NW Mayes St (785) 549-3362
Mt. Pleasant Community Church
26075 S. Berryton Rd. (785)-828-3441
Melvern United Methodist Church
620 NW Emporia St (785) 549-3464
PLACES TO SHOP
HISTORY
The first settlers arrived in the immediate area in the 1860’s. Originally the town was located a half mile northeast of the present location. It was laid on a hill overlooking the river and was known at the time as Junction Hills. In the middle of 1870 it was determined that it was not a good location for town expansion because of the threat of floods on the river. The new location was platted in 1870 and was incorporated in 1884. The town was named after one of the founder’s parents birthplace, the Malvern Hills of Scotland. However when the charter was returned, the name was misspelled and changed to Melvern.
MORE INFO
-
xx (wedding & event venue)
-
xx (pumpkin patch, sunflower field, and more)
-
xx (baseball and softball)
-
xx (Available for rent, hosts community events, and monthly BUNCO)