Home
Our Final Destination
(By Diane Dowell) For the past few months, we buckled up and rolled down our windows and embarked on a wild road trip through the quaint corners of Saline County and visited the small communities that are Beyond the City Limits of Salina.
Picture this: cruising along winding country roads flanked by endless fields of wheat, corn, soybeans or pastures with herds of cattle grazing, or old-fashioned diners and quirky antique shops beckoning from a few of the town's main streets. Our journey began in the charming community of New Cambria, followed up with stops in: Bavaria, Gypsum, Assaria, Brookville, Smolan, Falun, Mentor, Kipp, Hedville/Glendale and finally Salemsburg/Bridgeport. In these small communities, time seemed to slow down, and everyone found pleasure in the simplicity in life.
We uncovered the hidden gems of our county's small towns. Now let's take a look at a place where many people call HOME.
Stop #12, our final destination:
SALINA, KS
Curtis Hylton completed this mural in October 2024 during the Salina Kanvas Project. Many other murals have been added around the city by various artists.
Salina, Kansas, is a vibrant city located in the heart of the state. With a population of approximately 47,000 people, Salina is the largest city in Saline County and serves as a regional hub for commerce, education, and agriculture.
The housing development located at the southeast edge of Salina butts up to E Schilling Rd and Ohio St. More houses are being built on the south side of this intersection as well. Other new housing developments are found within the city too.
Its central location at the intersection of Interstates 70 and 135 makes it a key transportation center, facilitating ease of access to other major cities in Kansas and beyond. The city's history dates back to 1858 when it was founded by a group of settlers led by William A. Phillips, and it has since grown into a dynamic community with a rich cultural heritage.
Railway system has many lines running through the northern part of Salina.
Big Boy 4014 stopped in Salina during Oct. 2024. People traveled in from afar to see and witness this steam locomotive built in 1941. It is said to be the largest operational steam locomotive in the world!
The owner of the Ambassador Hotel, 1616 W. Crawford, missed the deadline to make the hotel safe and secure. Having been closed since 2020, the hotel is getting demolished, which began in November 2024. It originally opened in 1986 as the Holiday Inn Holidome.
The economy of Salina is diverse and robust, supported by a mix of manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and education sectors. Major employers in the area include Salina Regional Health Center, Schwan's Company, and Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus.
St. John's Hospital opened in 1914 and closed 2011 and still sits empty. For more information visit: abandonedks.com/salina-hospital/
The city has a strong agricultural base, with wheat, corn, and soybeans being prominent crops.
Additionally, Salina hosts a variety of annual events and festivals, such as the Smoky Hill River Festival, which draws visitors from across the region and showcases local art, music, and food.
Education plays a significant role in the community, with several institutions providing opportunities for learning and professional development. Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus offers specialized programs in aviation, engineering, and technology, contributing to the city's reputation as a center for innovation.
Salina also boasts a well-regarded public school system, private schools, and higher education institutions like Salina Area Technical College and Kansas Wesleyan University.
Kansas Wesleyan University
Salina Central High School
St. Francis Ministries
Sacred Heart Jr/Sr High School
Salina South High School
These educational resources are essential in fostering a skilled workforce and promoting lifelong learning among residents.
The current mayor of Salina, Kansas, is Bill Longbine. He assumed office in January 2024. Prior to his mayoral role, Longbine served as a city commissioner. The Salina City Commission selected him as mayor during their annual reorganization meeting.
Cultural and recreational amenities abound in Salina, enhancing the quality of life for its residents. The city is home to numerous parks, trails, and sports facilities, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
new baseball facility being built
Lakewood Park and Indian Rock Park
The Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts and the Salina Art Center are key cultural venues, hosting a variety of performances, exhibitions, and community events.
The Smoky Hill Museum offers insights into the region's history, while downtown Salina features a mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere for both residents and visitors.
The two building are converted into apartments
Sheriff Roger Soldan was sworn in as the Sheriff in 2017. His time in law enforcement spands back to 1988, when he initially began his employment with Saline Co.
Police Chief CJ Wise began his career in law enforcement in July 1997. On January 31, 2025, he will have been with SPD for 2 years.
Marymount College once occupied these buildings. KHP and private residential housing is located on the grounds.
Salina is fortunate to have several fire stations. Shown is Fire Station #1, located at Elm and Seventh St.
Chief Shane Pearson has worked for the Salina Fire Department for a total of 23 years. Prior to his Deputy Chief role, he was the EMS Chief for almost 10 years and previously served as Firefighter/EMT and Firefighter/Paramedic.
I invited fellow Salina311 photographers to share their unique perspective on Salina, encouraging them to capture the spirit, beauty, and essence of our community through their lenses. Each image reflects a personal vision, creating a collective portrait that celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of Salina. Below, Jo Hurst and Lisa Morris have shared their perspective and help us celebrate the diverse place we call HOME.
Grab a cup of coffee as we take a look around our city.
In the quiet embrace of the towns in Beyond the City Limits, we found that Home wasn't defined by the size or the skyline, but by the stories, the people, and the unshakable sense of belonging. We discovered that these communities were not just a place to live, but a place to truly call home.
Thank you everyone for the kind words throughout this journey and may you all have a safe and prosperous New Year! ~Diane