Cities and Towns in Chase County, Kansas
Founded in 1859, Chase County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Chase County was formed from Butler and Wise counties. The city of Cottonwood Falls is the county seat. With FIPS code of 17, Chase County has a population of 2,598 and area of 776 square miles (2,010 km²).
List of all cities in Chase County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Cassoday, KS | 66862 | 620 |
| Cedar Point, KS | 66843 | 620 |
| Clements, KS | 66843 | 620 |
| Cottonwd Falls, KS | 66845 | 620 |
| Cottonwood Falls, KS | 66845 | 620 |
| Elmdale, KS | 66850 | 620 |
| Matfield Green, KS | 66862 | 620 |
| Matfield Grn, KS | 66862 | 620 |
| Strong City, KS | 66869 | 620 |
Major Cities and Towns in Chase County, Kansas
Cottonwood Falls
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.70 square miles
- Population: 851 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 66845
- Latitude: 38.3725° N
- Longitude: 96.5414° W
Location and History
Cottonwood Falls, the county seat of Chase County, is located in the heart of the Flint Hills in central Kansas, alongside the Cottonwood River. Established in 1859, it is one of the oldest towns in the area. Cottonwood Falls became a vital trading and administrative center for early settlers due to its strategic location along key stagecoach routes. The construction of the Chase County Courthouse in 1873, which still stands today as the oldest courthouse still in use in Kansas, solidified its role as a central hub for the region. Cottonwood Falls has retained its historical charm, with much of the town preserving 19th-century architecture, offering visitors a glimpse into its pioneer past. The town also serves as the gateway to the scenic Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cottonwood Falls is served by Chase County USD 284, with Chase County Junior/Senior High School located in nearby Strong City. The town’s most notable landmark is the Chase County Courthouse, an iconic limestone structure that is a symbol of Kansas’s pioneer era. The courthouse is a popular tourist attraction due to its architectural significance. Other key landmarks include the Roniger Memorial Museum, which houses Native American artifacts, and the Cottonwood River Bridge, known for its scenic beauty. The surrounding Flint Hills region, with its rolling grasslands and wildlife, provides outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the natural landscape.
Strong City
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.67 square miles
- Population: 485 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 66869
- Latitude: 38.3969° N
- Longitude: 96.5381° W
Location and History
Strong City is located just north of Cottonwood Falls, along the BNSF Railway line and U.S. Route 50. Founded in 1871 as a railroad town, it was originally named Cottonwood Station but was later renamed in honor of William Barstow Strong, a key figure in the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway. The railroad’s arrival transformed Strong City into a vital cattle-shipping point and fueled its growth during the late 19th century. While Strong City’s growth slowed after the decline of rail-based commerce, it remains a small yet historically significant town in Chase County, serving as the western gateway to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Strong City is part of the Chase County USD 284 school district, with Chase County Junior/Senior High School located within the town. The historic depot, a remnant of the town’s railroad past, is one of its major landmarks, now serving as a visitor center for the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. Another notable landmark is the Strong City Opera House, which was built in 1900 and has since been restored as a venue for community events and performances. Strong City is also known for hosting the annual Flint Hills Rodeo, one of the oldest rodeos in the state, drawing visitors from across the region.
Cedar Point
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.26 square miles
- Population: 28 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 66843
- Latitude: 38.2620° N
- Longitude: 96.8228° W
Location and History
Cedar Point is located in the western part of Chase County, along the Cottonwood River. The town was established in the 1860s, with its growth tied to the construction of a water-powered flour mill, which became the focal point of the local economy. The town was named Cedar Point due to the abundance of cedar trees in the area, and the river provided the necessary power to run the mill, which became a hub for local farmers. Although the town experienced limited growth, it has a deep historical connection to the early pioneer days and retains many of its original buildings, offering a glimpse into rural life in Kansas during the 19th century.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cedar Point is part of the Chase County USD 284 school district, with students attending schools in Cottonwood Falls and Strong City. The Cedar Point Mill, a historic landmark, remains the centerpiece of the town. Built in 1867, this limestone structure is one of the few remaining 19th-century gristmills in Kansas. Efforts to restore the mill are ongoing, and it is a popular destination for history enthusiasts. The town is also located near the scenic Flint Hills, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and exploring the nearby Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.
Matfield Green
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.10 square miles
- Population: 43 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 66862
- Latitude: 38.1614° N
- Longitude: 96.5583° W
Location and History
Matfield Green is situated in the southern part of Chase County, along the scenic Flint Hills Scenic Byway (K-177). Established in the late 1800s, the town was named after Matfield in England, reflecting the European roots of many early settlers. Matfield Green was historically a ranching community, with much of the surrounding area devoted to cattle grazing. While its population has remained small, the town is a key part of the Flint Hills region, celebrated for its natural beauty and cultural significance. The Flint Hills, which surround the town, are among the last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems in the world, making Matfield Green a center for nature conservation efforts.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Matfield Green is part of the Chase County USD 284 school district, with students attending schools in Cottonwood Falls and Strong City. A key landmark in the town is the Pioneer Bluffs Ranch, which operates as a living history museum and educational center, showcasing the ranching heritage of the Flint Hills. The Flint Hills Scenic Byway, which passes through the town, offers breathtaking views of the prairie landscape, attracting tourists, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts. Matfield Green is also known for its artist residency programs, where contemporary artists come to draw inspiration from the natural surroundings and create works connected to the landscape.
Elmdale
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.18 square miles
- Population: 50 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 66850
- Latitude: 38.3725° N
- Longitude: 96.6419° W
Location and History
Elmdale is a small town located along U.S. Route 50 in the northern part of Chase County. Established in 1871, Elmdale grew alongside the construction of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, which provided critical access for agricultural shipments. The town was named after the abundant elm trees that lined the nearby Cottonwood River. Elmdale flourished briefly as a farming community, but like many small towns in Kansas, its population declined with changes in transportation and the consolidation of farms. Despite its small size, Elmdale’s location near the Flint Hills ensures its place within the natural beauty of the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Elmdale is part of the Chase County USD 284 school district, with students traveling to Cottonwood Falls and Strong City for schooling. The town’s main historical landmark is the Elmdale Community Church, a structure that dates back to the early 20th century and continues to serve as a gathering place for residents. The town’s rural surroundings offer a peaceful environment, with the nearby Cottonwood River providing recreational opportunities such as fishing and camping. Elmdale’s proximity to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve also makes it an ideal stop for nature lovers exploring the Flint Hills.
Bazaar
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Unincorporated
- Population: Approximately 10
- Zip Codes: 66801
- Latitude: 38.2506° N
- Longitude: 96.5528° W
Location and History
Bazaar is an unincorporated community located in the southern part of Chase County, along the Flint Hills Scenic Byway (K-177). Bazaar was founded in the late 1800s as a ranching community, and it remains deeply connected to the cattle ranching industry. The name “Bazaar” is believed to have come from a trade fair that early settlers held to exchange goods. Despite its small size, Bazaar has a place in Kansas history, most notably for the tragic crash of a B-47 bomber near the town in 1966, an event that is still remembered locally. The surrounding Flint Hills remain largely untouched by development, preserving the area’s natural beauty and ranching heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bazaar is part of the Chase County USD 284 school district, with students attending schools in Cottonwood Falls and Strong City. One of the town’s most iconic landmarks is the Bazaar Cattle Pens, a historic site where cattle were loaded onto trains during the town’s peak ranching years. The nearby Z Bar Ranch, part of the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, is another major landmark, offering visitors a look at the traditional ranching lifestyle. The Flint Hills Scenic Byway provides breathtaking views of the surrounding prairie, making Bazaar a popular spot for those interested in Kansas’s natural landscape and history.
