McPherson Schools

McPherson Unified School District 418

Recognized as one of the leading school districts in Kansas, the district operates an early education center, four elementary schools, a middle school, a high school, an alternative high school program and is also the sponsoring district of the McPherson County Special Education Cooperative. Enrollment (K-12) in the McPherson schools is approximately 2400.

St. Joseph Catholic School

St. Josephs offers grades K-6 and also has a pre-school “Angel Depot” for three and four year old children. The school employs an administrator and eight classroom teachers making average class sizes of 15. It offers a comprehensive program consisting of library services, vocal and instrumental music, computer instruction and special education services offered through the McPherson County Special Education Cooperative.

Central Christian College

Central, a four-year college, is affiliated with the Free Methodist Church of North America. While accepting and supporting the doctrines of the Free Methodist Church, Central opens its door and solicits students, regardless of handicap, religious preference, race, color, economic status or geographic location. The college character and lifestyle are communicated to each prospective student. Central has an enrollment of approximately 330 students.

McPherson College

McPherson College has redefined the traditional liberal arts education by engaging students in a career-oriented curriculum that incorporates real-life experiences to supplement and complement classroom learning. Through internships, international travel and interdisciplinary studies, athletics and special interest groups, our students experience an educational setting unlike any other. Approximately 620 Students from 33 states and 6 foreign countries are enrolled at McPherson College, providing a diverse and welcoming community.

(Source- City of McPherson-www.mcphersonks.org)

McPherson Lifestyle

McPherson is conveniently located at the intersection of I-135 Interstate and US 56 Highway, just about the center of the beautiful state of Kansas. A seemingly quiet, modest community, McPherson is bursting with activity – thriving businesses, excellent schools and an outstanding quality of life for everyone.

We like to think of McPherson as the hometown you’ve always wanted. Friendly people, personal service and unique shopping, dining and events make McPherson a memorable place to visit and a great place to live.

(Source- City of McPherson-www.mcphersonks.org)

McPherson Transportation

Interstate I-135 is to the east and highway US-56 runs though McPherson. Salina and Hutchinson are both under 40 minutes away and Wichita is under an hour from McPherson.

McPherson Local Attractions/Activities

McPherson offers a variety of local and national restaurants, parks, museums and attractions.

Rolling Hills Zoo

Here you can get face-to-face with a rare white camel, an Indian rhino, a curious orangutan, an ornery aardvark or many of the other animals of the 100+ species of wildlife at home in the zoo. Great care has been taken to provide the animals spacious and naturalistic environments throughout 60 acres of beautifully landscaped park. 

(Source- Rolling Hills Zoo-www.rollinghillswildlife.com)

McPherson Water Park

You can select from an assortment of activities; cruise the 500 foot lazy river, a giant water slide, deep diving area, 8 lane 50 meter pool and a children’s spray recreation area. The McPherson Water Park offers fun for all ages!

(Source- McPherson Water Park-www.mcphersonwaterpark.com)

Maxwell Wildlife Refuge

Known as Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, this unique area located six miles north of Canton possesses one of the finest herds of buffalo in the United States, along with elk and other wild game, birds and wildflowers.

The Maxwell Game Preserve which opened to the public in 1951 was established because of a provision in the will of the late Henry Irving Maxwell dictating that the bulk of his estate be used for the benefit of the public.  He instructed the handler of his property to buy not less than three nor more than six sections of land, suitably improve it and stock it with buffalo, antelope, deer, prairie chicken and quail.  Mr. Maxwell's will also stipulated that the proposed game preserve be under the control of the government; therefore, it is under the jurisdiction of the Fish and Game Commission of the State of Kansas.

(Source- City of Canton-www.cantonks.org)

McPherson Opera House

Originally built in 1888 and opened in 1889, the McPherson Opera House opened to an audience of 900. After many years as a movie theater and apartment building, the Opera House was facing certain destruction. Supporters began renovation of the building in 1986 and it finally reopened in 2010. The Opera House has a full slate of entertainment scheduled with a variety of performers. From live bands to movies to the local community theater, the Opera House offers something for every taste.

(Source- City of McPherson-www.visitmcpherson.com)

McPherson Museum

McPherson Museum and Arts Foundation offers many services to the public. The Museum houses a variety of artifacts: historical artifacts from the McPherson area; natural history artifacts such as meteorites, Ice Age fossils and regional fossils; ethnic artifacts from China, Africa, and of Native Americans; and fine art, including an extensive collection of Birger Sandzen lithographs and original art pieces. In addition, there is information about the city and county namesake, General McPherson; about the first man-made diamond large enough to be visible, created in McPherson; items from the McPherson Globe Refiners basketball team, the first team ever to win an Olympic gold medal; and an original MGM mascot lion skin, formerly belonging to a McPherson resident.

Museum events, such as an annual lecture series, educational programs and social events which both educate and entertain, are mainstays.

(Source- City of McPherson-www.visitmcpherson.com)