Discover The Longest Tunnel in Kansas

Kansas might be known for its tornados that can pick up farmhouses, young girls, and their little dogs, too, but the state has some pretty impressive natural beauty and architecture as well. Tunnels in Kansas won’t lead to Oz, but they do have an incredible history that you can learn about right on-site. One of the most interesting tunnels in Kansas is the Ellinwood Tunnels system.

There aren’t a lot of long tunnels in Kansas. The longest tunnel associated with Kansas is actually in the neighboring state of Missouri. The Vale Tunnel runs underneath Kansas City, Missouri. The city spans the border between Missouri and Kansas.

However, the majority of the city, as well as the Vale Tunnel, lies in Missouri. The tunnel used to be a railway tunnel and is 441 feet long. You can learn more about the history of the Vale Tunnel as well as how you can explore it today as part of the Rock Island Rail Trail.

The Tunnel System During Prohibition

When considering tunnels that are just in Kansas, the Ellinwood Tunnel system is the longest and most impressive. Rather than one long, continuous tunnel, these tunnels connected various parts of Ellinwood during the late 1800s. As prohibition made smuggling alcohol more profitable, these underground tunnels allowed bootleggers and store owners to move the prohibited goods around undetected.

Legal goods were also transported via underground tunnels. This was common at the time and made moving things around easier and less bothersome to the paying patrons in the shops above. The tunnels in Ellinwood were also home to a barbershop, a bathhouse, and a harness shop.

These businesses were mostly limited to men, other than a few disreputable ladies. According to the Ellinwood Chamber of Commerce, the women who catered to men in the tunnel system were called “soiled doves.”

Other cities in Kansas have similar tunnel systems. These cities include Caldwell, Ellsworth, Lincoln, Leavenworth, Douglass, and Fort Scott. The system in Ellinwood is one of the best preserved and most fun to visit.

Preservation of the Ellinwood Tunnels

As street traffic increased and trucking became the primary method of transporting goods and supplies, the tunnels became infrequently used. Eventually, all shipping was done as we know it today, using trucks and delivery bays. In 1979, Adrianna Dierolf inherited property in downtown Ellinwood and discovered the tunnel system. Some tunnels had been filled in with sand but the ones that remained fascinated Adrianna.

Adrianna preserved a section of tunnels below the Dick Building downtown. She also kept a few of the businesses so that people could see what life was like when the tunnels were in frequent use. These steps help preserve a little-known aspect of Ellinwood’s history and remain a popular attraction for visitors to Kansas town.

Where are the Ellinwood Tunnels?

Ellinwood, Kansas is a small town of just over 2,000 people. But for such a small town, it is remarkably preserved and has numerous historic buildings. The tunnel system is one of the main attractions of the town. Other notable places include the Historic Wolf Hotel and Events Center, which was built in 1894. The tunnels run right underneath that area and were used by the hotel to move goods. There were even underground restaurants, pool halls, and other interesting places that catered to the hotel’s guests.

Ellinwood is located in the middle of Kansas. It is roughly 250 miles from Kansas City and easy to get to on Interstate 70 Westbound. It is just under 200 miles from the Kansas state capital of Topeka.

Animals in Kansas

Kansas is home to many animals, including native species and agricultural animals. Farming is a major industry in Kansas. Wheat and soybeans are two common crops, although sheep farming is also present in the state.

Much of the natural landscape is made of prairie. Animals such as prairie dogs, coyotes, foxes, rabbits, raccoons, and beavers all make their homes in parts of Kansas. Birds like red-tailed hawks and bald eagles are common sightings, especially in the more rural areas. The bison is the state animal of Kansas. It is also the national mammal of the United States.

Tallgrass Prairie Natural Preserve and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge are two natural areas perfect for viewing wildlife within a day’s drive from Ellinwood. For more local interest, you can look for underground animals like spiders and snakes as you explore the tunnels. Just be careful, since Kansas is home to rattlesnakes and black widow spiders.

Prairie rattlesnakes and copperheads also live in Kansas. Most spiders and snakes that you see are harmless, however. It is always a good idea to try not to disturb wildlife and leave it alone. Most animals that you’ll come across in the Ellinwood tunnels are small creatures that live underground or in damp, dark spaces.

You’ll need to venture above ground to see birds and other above-ground wildlife in person.

Where is the Ellinwood Tunnel System Located on a Map?

The Ellinwood Tunnel System is located in Ellinwood, Kanas. Located in the southeast corner of Barton County, Kansas, United States, Ellinwood is a very small, but charming city. According to the 2020 census, the population of the city stood at 2,011 residents.

Here is Ellinwood Tunnel System on a map:

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Author Unknown (Real photo postcard) / Public Domain – License / Original