Things to do in Alton, Kansas
From Bull City to Alton – with PRIDE
Things to do
Go back in time to the Independence Day Celebration with homemade ice cream and pie, and children and adult baseball games followed by fireworks. Compete in a mud volleyball and corn hole tournament at the annual Alton Summer Jubilee held on the fourth Saturday in August. All summer long catch cowgirls and cowboys competing at the Bull City Roughriders Arena. Tour the renovated Bohemian Hall, while enjoying a cold drink and local hospitality at the Front Porch Event Center & Bakery. The ever-changing Fall time colors are spectacular as is the wildlife in the area. Sporting enthusiasts will find everything they need at the Bull City Gun & Archery Shop. Chocolate lovers treat yourself to the annual Chocolate Festival held on the first Saturday of December to honor the community's claim to native son Russell Stover who was born 11 miles south of Alton in 1888. For a full list of events, check out Alton’s community calendar: https://sites.google.com/view/osbornecountycalendar/home.
History
Osborne County's first established town, Bull City, was named after its co-founder, General Hiram C. Bull, who was known throughout the country for his charismatic leadership abilities. Bull, never one to know fear, was gored to death by his pet elk after entering the enraged animal's pen on October 12, 1879. Six years later during the height of the Temperance Movement in Kansas, the town's name was changed to Alton when a few leading citizens deemed that the original name was too vulgar. Regardless of the name, Alton is a town full of pride waiting to greet you!
About Alton
Flanked by a meandering river and compelling limestone bluffs to the south and Highway 24 on the north, Alton is securely anchored in the heart of the fertile South Solomon River Valley. Alton is known for its quintessential, all-American, small-town feel and festivals. A tradition more than 70 years old, illuminated only by a full moon and a 30-ft lit cross at the top of the bluffs south of town, dozens of spectators gather in the lea below for the Easter Sunrise Pageant brought to life with costumes, narration, and music. Join us in June for the Hwy 24 Garage Sale – showcasing Alton’s history of vintage and antique items. Or if you’re a true scavenger, check out Alton’s Geocache.
