Lyon County, Kansas
Lyon County is located in east-central Kansas, with Emporia serving as the main city. It’s home to Emporia State University, a good-sized college that adds some energy to the area. The Flint Hills are nearby, offering beautiful rolling prairie.
The area has good opportunities for fishing and hunting. Beef cattle are also a major part of the county’s economy. Emporia has a decent downtown with a variety of shops and restaurants.
The county hosts a large disc golf tournament every year if that’s your thing. U.S. Highway 50 and Interstate 35 run through the area, making it an important link between Kansas City and Wichita.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Lyon County |
| County Seat | Emporia |
| Etymology | Named in honor of Nathaniel Lyon, first Union general to be killed in the Civil War |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Emporia, Americus, Olpe, Neosho Rapids, and several smaller communities |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 35, U.S. Highway 50, Kansas State Highway 99 |
| FIPS Code | 20-111 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,233 square miles (land: 1,228 sq mi, water: 5 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Wabaunsee County (North), Osage County (Northeast), Coffey County (Southeast), Greenwood County (South), Chase County (West), Morris County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| Population | 34,500 |
| State | Kansas |
| Coordinates | 38.41°N, 96.19°W |
| Major Landmarks | Emporia State University, Lyon County Historical Society Museum, William Allen White House |
