Settlers ariving at the Ellis depot. (Copy)

Settlers ariving at the Ellis depot.

The Nicodemus re-enactors gather at the Ellis Depot to portray the arrival of the settlers in 1877. Phil Martin portrays W.R. Hill standing next to Victor Williams, portraying Rev. Roundtree, leaders of the group.

The Waltz Farm (Copy)

The Waltz Farm

A satisfying waypoint along the trail where the wary travelers could quench their thirst at the well on the Waltz farm. Leroy and cousin, Al Longstaff describe the worn path across the property in a historic photo.

Wagon ruts still visible on the Nicodemus wagon trail. (Copy)

Wagon ruts still visible on the Nicodemus wagon trail.

One mile west of Leroy Walz’s farm wagon ruts can be easily seen on the old ‘Nicodemus Wagon Trail’ - 390th Rd. in Graham County.

Re-enactors: Berrie Tompkins and Roger Clark (Copy)

Re-enactors: Berrie Tompkins and Roger Clark

Buffalo Soldiers, Roger Clark and Barrie Tompkins portray soldiers from Fort Hays patrolling along the Saline River during the Ellis Trail Tour..

Re-enactors: Steven Jones and Tom Wellington. (Copy)

Re-enactors: Steven Jones and Tom Wellington.

Re-enactors Steve Jones and Tom Wellington portray partners Hall and McCabe discussing their arrival at Happy Hollow where they and other settlers spent the night in route to Nicodemus.

Ellis Trail Tour

Our annual Ellis Trail Tour, usually held in June, provides participants an opportunity to see and travel along the trail where settlers traveled in route to Nicodemus from their arrival at Ellis. The trail is comprised of a walking trail and one mile to the west, a wagon trail. The trail was taken by Nicodemus settlers and others traveling to and from Ellis, from Graham, Rooks, and Trego counties. Wagon ruts can still be seen today located in a pasture west of Leroy Walz farmstead. This tour starts at Ellis and follows the trail north to Nicodemus, with various historical stops and re-enactors along the way. Mid way lunch is provided, usually in the town of Palco. During the meal guests are treated with a historical characterization of Emma Williams who was pregnant at the time of her travels to Nicodemus in 1877.

If you are interested in taking the tour please contact us and reserve your seat.

Christmas Tree Trimming

Spring Chautauqua

Pioneer Day