
710 N. Pine, Melvern, KS 66510
www.melvernks.com
Email: melverncity@hotmail.com
Located on the north edge of Melvern along the Marais des Cygnes River, this natural setting, Melvern Riverfront Park and Trail, consists of 40 acres of unusually diverse terrain and plant species. Located within the park are native grasses and plants, woodlands, river bottom ground and wetlands. Most of the trails are interpretive with plant species identified. The park is available as an outdoor classroom, focusing on nature and environment, water quality and Native American history. Ten trails of varying lengths are available, totaling over 4 miles.
Park use is limited to foot and bike traffic, except for motorized wheelchairs. Fishing is allowed along the river with state license requirements. The park is located only 4 miles from beautiful Melvern Lake. Restrooms are located at the trail head, and a shelter house, which can be reserved for events, is available in the picnic area.

121 SE Blake St., Melvern, KS 66510
www.melvernks.com
Email: melverncity@hotmail.com
Located on the southern edge of Melvern, the Melvern Railroad Park features views of a rare Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Pratt Truss Bridge. The bridge was built in 1909 to carry vehicular traffic over the railroad’s hand-dug rail bed. It is one of the few left in the United States that spans an existing railroad line. Numerous photo and railroad buffs travel to Melvern every year to take the opportunity to catch this experience on film. The bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
A platform located on the 0.3 mile trail allows a great view of the trains which frequently roll over the tracks far below, and a retired railroad caboose is parked nearby. Across the trail, visitors can see an historic stone schoolhouse which was in operation at the time the rail bed was hand dug in the 1880’s. The restored structure is now a private home. (Note: This home is not a part of the Railroad Park and is on private property.) An additional short walk from the trail allows visitors to walk on the Pratt Truss Bridge for another view of approaching trains which frequent the tracks. (The bridge is closed to vehicular traffic.)

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