Marysville is a center of both culture and black squirrels
Nicknamed the “Black Squirrel Capital of Kansas,” Marysville is rich in character and history. “It’s a quaint town that’s full of history and the arts,” says Wayne Kruse, director of One Marysville. “The arts are most obviously seen in our 51 five-foot-tall fiberglass statues of black squirrels, our mascots. It’s a nod to our humor and to not taking things too seriously.” This former stop on the Oregon Trail and Pony Express is now the seat of Marshall County, a status that comes with an abundance of small businesses, parks and job opportunities. The Union Pacific Railroad continues to be a major employer, while manufacturers like Landoll Shops and Bio-Environmental Modifiers occupy small industrial parks. Nearly 3,500 people share Marysville with a thriving population of rare black squirrels, and the community continues to grow as downtown’s historic buildings transform into brand-new homes.
An older housing stock is complemented by revitalized downtown living
Marysville has a mostly vintage housing stock, and sections of major roads like 10th and 11th Streets were paved with red bricks. The most recently sold homes in Marysville were built from the 1880s to the 1970s and sold for $110,000 to $190,000. However, a 2010-built home recently sold for $340,000, and century-old homes are being remodeled. “People typically move here because we’re just an hour south of Lincoln, Nebraska and an hour north of Manhattan, Kansas, home of Kansas State University,” Kruse says. “If you’re a commuter, we’re in a great location. With more people working from home, we also have fabulous fiber internet services.” The city is also expanding its housing stock through the conversion of 1870s-built historic structures into new apartments. “Housing is certainly an issue for us, so the opening up of 13 apartments in downtown Marysville might attract people who want to downsize and move into downtown living,” Kruse says.
Downtown businesses offer diverse foods and settings
Broadway serves as Marysville’s retail lifeline. This wide, brick road cuts through the heart of downtown, and century-old storefronts now host boutique shops, banks and small eateries. Bite Me Barbecue & Catering is both a popular dine-in venue and a fixture at local events like the Marysville Car Show and Mother’s Day Market. The Korner Bistro & Diner serves traditional diner breakfasts, lunch sandwiches and comfort food dinners like chicken fried steak. Sarge’s Sports Bar offers a laid-back venue for grabbing a beer and catching a Kansas City Chiefs football game on the TV.
Marysville's parks and trails connect residents with Kansas scenery
Several parks are scattered throughout Marysville, giving each part of the city easy access to recreation. Marysville City Park includes six tennis courts, a castle-themed playground, a public pool and the Black Squirrel Disc Golf Course. Throughout the park, five-foot-tall fiberglass squirrel statues commemorate this city’s large black squirrel population. “During a reunion of Union Army soldiers at our city park in 1912, two black squirrels escaped from the carnival,” Kruse says. “60 years later, a city councilor inspired by a visit to the white squirrel capital of Olney, Illinois suggested that Marysville could be the home of the black squirrel and draw in tourists. Today, there are 51 statues of black squirrels around Marysville.”
The Blue River Rail Trail runs for nearly 13 miles, connecting Marysville to the Nebraska border. “Sometimes you’re right next to the Blue River, other times you’re near a pasture,” Kruse says. “You get to see wildlife and some beautiful views of rural Kansas.” Dargatz Park puts a basketball court and two baseball fields at the heart of a residential area. Five blocks to the east, the Lakeview Sports Complex features three baseball fields and hosts yearly events like July’s SkyFest fireworks display. The private Marysville Country Club includes a nine-hole golf course, a pool and summertime live music. The 3-acre Black Squirrel Bark Park offers a venue for canine play, and it’s still growing in amenities. In addition to showing movies, the Astro 3 Theatre also hosts free Super Bowl viewing events and the local chess club.
New residents receive warm community welcomes
Newcomers to Marysville aren’t strangers for long. “There’s a strong downtown area, and - whether you want to be involved through your church, the arts, young professionals club - there are different ways to be involved,” Kruse says. “On Labor Day, every neighborhood has a block party. It might mean just bringing your lunch and hanging out for a few hours, while others grill and play games.”
Marysville's high school emphasizes career prep
Students can start at Marysville Elementary School, which receives a B-minus from Niche. The B-rated Marysville Junior-Senior High School offers eight CTE pathways, from business essentials and robotics to biology and horticulture.
Route 77 connects Marysville to major hubs
Marysville’s location along U.S. Route 77 connects it to Manhattan, Junction City and Lincoln within 75-mile drives. Community Memorial Healthcare serves as Marysville’s hospital.
Written By
Jacob Adelhoch
