Discover Nemaha County

In Seneca, the range of attractions extends from Pony Express history and historic buildings to recreational activities. If you’re looking for hotels in Nemaha County, these themes can help guide your plans for your stay. The places and activities offer different points of focus: some tell the region’s history, while others provide opportunities for a walk or a recreational activity.

Historic Buildings in Seneca

The Seneca Downtown Historic District includes the Seneca Theater, dating to around 1927, the A. J. Felt Block from 1880, and the Seneca Universalist Church from 1867. The dates span the period from the mid-19th century to the era of early cinema. Exploring the district offers a chance to appreciate the different periods in which its buildings were constructed.

Another historic landmark is the Seneca Masonic Temple. It was built in 1917 and dedicated on January 1, 1918. All branches of the armed forces are represented in the Temple of Honor. The Hand Dug Well in Seneca, meanwhile, is notable for its dimensions: it is 65 feet deep and 34 feet wide.

The Seneca Post Office also offers a tangible connection to the town’s history. It is home to the mural “Men and Wheat,” which is part of a thematic nomination of Kansas post offices from 1936 to 1942. At the county level, several properties are listed in both the National Register of Historic Places and the Register of Historic Kansas Places.

Pony Express History and Walks

The Smith Hotel in Seneca was the first Pony Express home station west of St. Joseph, Missouri. The Pony Express Museum interprets the route’s history through numerous artifacts from the original Smith Hotel. This presents the hotel’s historic role and the route’s modern-day interpretation in different contexts.

You can also explore Pony Express history on foot: visitors can follow the original route on a walk along Main Street in Seneca. The Mainstreet Walking Tour is another way to get to know Seneca on foot; it passes 13 historically significant stops. The two options differ in their stated focus: one follows the Pony Express route, while the other is a tour with 13 stops.

Another place of historic significance is the former Nemaha County Jail and sheriff’s former residence, which now houses the Nemaha County Historical Society. The building has served as the Nemaha County Jail since it was built in 1879. The Historical Society’s facilities are listed as open on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Before visiting, check whether access is available at that time.

Recreational Activities and Practical Planning

Seneca offers a range of recreational activities. The Seneca Aquatic Center has two large elevated slides. If you plan to visit, check the current operating hours in advance. Spring Creek Golf Course is an 18-hole golf course in Seneca; check current operating details before adding it to your plans.

The Seneca Gun Club offers public trap shooting every Thursday from 7 to 10 p.m. Since the schedule may be important to your travel plans, it’s a good idea to check the weekly schedule before you arrive. This is especially useful if you’d like to plan a specific activity in advance.

Seneca Airport is a public airport with a well-maintained grass runway. Visitors must sign a liability waiver to gain access and pay a refundable $20 deposit for a key. Check the access procedure before you arrive. This will help you factor these requirements into your plans without confusing them with the visiting hours of historic sites or the schedules of recreational activities.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Sabetha, Bern, Meade County, Finney, Sedgwick, Chase County, Cowley County, Harper County.

For the main travel overview: Kansas.