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Blue Rapids
located in the
southwest quadrant of
the county
Travel Guide:
Printable Map and
Legend
Complete information on
the Southwest Quadrant
of Marshall County
The only
Blue Rapids in America is located at the junction of the Big
Blue and Little Blue Rivers. In an effort to avoid the
common "straight arrow" street grid, the town founders
platted a circle in the center, giving Blue Rapids the only
round town square in Kansas. Located on the square are
some fine limestone buildings, including the State Bank of Blue Rapids and the Library. High quality
gypsum rock has been mined in the Blue Rapids area since the
1870's.
9. ‘Round Town Square,’ once featured in Ripley’s “Believe It or
Not.”
 Library (1874), the oldest library in continuous use in the same location west
of the Mississippi. On National Register of Historic Places. Northeast corner of
the square. 785-363-7709.
Holm log cabin (ca. 1876). Built by a Swedish family, typical of log cabins used
by early settlers. Moved to the southwest corner of the square in 1996.
1906 jail cells, War Memorial (WWI, WWII, Korea and Viet Nam). In center of square.
Murals on several business buildings are by local artist Kenny Winkenwader.
10. Fairgrounds and Riverside Park. County Fair held here since 1916. Octagonal
“Floral Hall.” Silhouettes near the highway at the west end of the fairgrounds
commemorate a 1913 Chicago White Sox/New York Giants ball game played here.
Highway 77 between Park and Gypsum Streets.
12. Marshall County Railroad Historical Society display including MoPac caboose, touring cars and old depot. On 11th
Street near co-op elevator.
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