"When it matters..." has become the adopted slogan of one of the Midwest’s most progressive communities... McPherson, Kansas. McPherson has certainly lived up to its reputation, consistently ranked among author Norman Crampton’s “100 Best Small Towns in America.” McPherson is proud of its heritage, old world traditions, famous Midwest work ethic, and high moral values.

McPherson is located near the geographic center of Kansas and of the contiguous United States. Interstate 135 intersects U.S. Highway 56 at McPherson; and Interstate 70 is just 35 miles north via I-135. Almost 14,000 residents enjoy living with the convenience of large city amenities less than an hour away.

Attractive residential areas with carefully groomed yards and tree-lined streets are evidence of the pride that exudes from McPherson citizenry. From antiques to art to apparel, McPherson downtown has something for everyone with over 50 specialty shops. Twelve magnificently maintained public parks are scattered throughout the city. A Country Club, two public golf courses, a municipal water park, and a host of recreational and athletic sites provide activities for all ages. Facilities to keep the family active include batting cages, baseball, softball, t-ball, soccer fields, bowling lanes, 3 fitness centers, and several tennis courts.

Due to the small town feel and low crime rate, McPherson is a place where children actually walk to school. McPherson has a K-12 public school district, parochial K-8 school, and 2 private 4-year colleges. There is a total of 7, 4-year colleges, 1 state university, and 3 junior/community colleges within 60 miles of McPherson. Students from the superb public and private school systems consistently rank much higher than both state and national academic averages.

Amazing architecture is preserved throughout McPherson. The McPherson museum is housed in a 1920’s Tudor Revival Mansion. The McPherson Opera House seats 500 and was built in the late 19th century. The courthouse was constructed in 1894 and refurbished in 1980. Both the Opera House and Court House are on the National Register of Historic Places.

The citizens of McPherson know how to have fun! Named one of the top 100 events in North America by the American Bus Association is the McPherson Scottish Festival. From music and dance to athletic competitions and a wealth of fun and games for children, it is a weekend full of traditional Scottish activities. McPherson County All Schools Day is a week-long celebration with a parade downtown, carnival, Marathon, bull riding and more. Visitors can ride in a stagecoach or watch the Native American and pioneer demonstrations on Prairie Day at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge. Plays and musical performances are scheduled throughout the year by groups from McPherson College, Central Christian College, Unified School District 418 and McPherson Arts Council affiliate organizations. Taste buds are tempted and appetites satisfied at the “When Pigs Fly” State Barbeque Contest at the airport, and the downtown “Burnin’ Down Main” Chili Cook off and Salsa Contest that is complete with live entertainment.

Several nearby sites are for those who love the outdoors. McPherson Valley Wetlands are a series of wetlands that are primarily for waterfowl and other hunting during the season and wildlife and bird viewing the rest of the year. To see the prairie, wildlife, bird life, buffalo and elk “up close and personal,” the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge is home to 200 head of bison and 50 head of elk and offers tram tours on weekends from May – October. There are two nearby lakes and reservoirs that offer swimming, boating, water skiing, fishing, and camping-- Marion Reservoir and Kanopolis State Park. McPherson state fishing lake is just 17 miles from McPherson with camping, fishing, and nature trails.

Set in the middle of one of the most fertile and productive agricultural regions of the United States, McPherson County is known for strong agricultural production. In addition, McPherson had the foresight to develop an industrial base developing McPherson into one of the most industrialized small communities in the nation. There are no fewer than fifty-five industries. Diversified manufacturers include pharmaceuticals, fiberglass insulation, plastics injection and extrusion molding, and others.



To learn more about health care career opportunities in rural Kansas, contact the Kansas Recruitment Center, Rural Health Education and Services, at 888-503-4221.


Memorial Hospital in McPherson is a progressive 49 bed full service health care center in the heart of Kansas. Patients enjoy the feel of a small town with big city services. The mission of Memorial Hospital is to meet the community's needs by providing superior health care and exceptional service for each person, every time. Memorial Hospital provides high quality care to meet the primary, acute and emergency health care needs of area residents.

It boasts one of the most advanced intensive care units in the area, and a totally redesigned OB/nursery unit which offers expectant families a variety of birthing options, including a surgical suite for Caesarian sections and other procedures.


Memorial's radiology department is equipped with new mammography and CT scanning equipment, hosts regularly scheduled M.R.I. services, and is equipped for ultrasound, bone density scans, fluoroscopy, and nuclear medicine. Memorial Hospital’s Ambulatory Surgery Center increases continuity of care and prevents unnecessary delays for outpatients by providing dedicated staff to assist with pre-operative and post-operative care and patient education.

The surgical department maintains three operating suites and a procedures room to handle a comprehensive range of general, otolaryngology and other surgical procedures including general and laparoscopic. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists provide anesthesia to patients and specially certified registered nurses and scrub technicians assist in surgical care. The staff is on call 24 hours a day to assist with emergent procedures as needed.

The Emergency Room at Memorial Hospital was newly renovated in 2003 and the facility is equipped with nine exam rooms to handle any emergency ranging from trauma and cardiac events to broken bones and serious illness. The department is staffed with either a board certified or board eligible physician on-site at all times, along with highly trained and skilled registered nurses. Ancillary services such as lab and radiology are also standing by 24 hours a day to assist in diagnosis and treatment of patients. And the Emergency Medical Services team provides advanced life support with a staff of highly trained paramedics and emergency medical technicians and the use of modern technology to administer to the community’s emergency medical needs.

Additionally offered are a variety of outpatient services, physical and occupational therapy, oncology, a fitness center and several routinely scheduled visiting physician specialty clinics. Other services offered include cardiac rehabilitation, corporate health, laboratory, neuroscience services, nursing services, and nutrition services.

Memorial Hospital is a progressive organization with a vision to be their community’s first choice for health care.