Cities and Towns in Rush County, Kansas
Founded in 1867, Rush County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Rush County was formed from unorganized area. The city of La Crosse is the county seat. With FIPS code of 165, Rush County has a population of 2,953 and area of 718 square miles (1,860 km²).
List of all cities in Rush County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Alexander, KS | 67513 | 785 |
| Bison, KS | 67520 | 785 |
| Galatia, KS | 67565 | 785 |
| La Crosse, KS | 67548 | 785 |
| 67553 | 785 | |
| Liebenthal, KS | 67553 | 785 |
| Mc Cracken, KS | 67556 | 785 |
| Nekoma, KS | 67559 | 785 |
| Otis, KS | 67565 | 785 |
| Rush Center, KS | 67575 | 785 |
| Timken, KS | 67575 | 785 |
Major Cities and Towns in Rush County, Kansas
La Crosse
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.95 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,250 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67548
- Latitude: 38.5314° N
- Longitude: 99.3087° W
Location and History
La Crosse, the county seat of Rush County, is located in the heart of central Kansas, along U.S. Highway 183. Established in 1876, La Crosse grew rapidly as settlers were drawn to the area for its fertile land, ideal for farming and cattle ranching. The town was named after La Crosse, Wisconsin, by early settlers. As an agricultural hub, La Crosse became the central point of trade and transportation for the surrounding farmlands, especially with the development of the railroad. The town is known as the “Barbed Wire Capital of the World” due to its historical significance in the manufacturing and use of barbed wire, an essential tool for ranchers and farmers in the region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Major Schools and Landmarks
La Crosse is served by USD 395, which includes La Crosse High School and La Crosse Elementary School. The town is home to several unique landmarks, including the Barbed Wire Museum, which highlights the history and significance of barbed wire in the development of the American West. Another notable landmark is the Post Rock Museum, showcasing the unique limestone post rocks that early settlers used for fencing when timber was scarce. La Crosse also hosts the annual Barbed Wire Festival, drawing visitors from across the country to celebrate this important part of local history. The town’s location near the Smoky Hill River offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as fishing and hiking.
Bison
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.15 square miles
- Population: Approximately 200 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67520
- Latitude: 38.5183° N
- Longitude: 99.1984° W
Location and History
Bison, located in the northeastern part of Rush County, was established in 1888 and named after the American bison that once roamed the plains. The town grew as a small agricultural community, with settlers drawn by the area’s fertile soil, perfect for wheat and corn farming. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century helped Bison develop into a modest trading center for local farmers. Although its population has remained small, Bison has maintained its strong agricultural roots, serving as a close-knit rural community that thrives on farming and cattle ranching.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bison is part of the La Crosse USD 395 school district, and students typically attend schools in nearby La Crosse. The town’s key landmarks include the Bison Community Center, which hosts local events and social gatherings, and the Bison Lutheran Church, a historical building that has served the spiritual needs of the community for over a century. Each year, Bison hosts a small community fair that celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage with local vendors, games, and family-friendly events. The quiet, rural atmosphere of Bison, combined with its strong sense of community, makes it a charming place for residents and visitors alike.
Otis
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.22 square miles
- Population: Approximately 250 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67565
- Latitude: 38.5345° N
- Longitude: 99.0517° W
Location and History
Otis is a small town located in the northeastern part of Rush County, about 15 miles northeast of La Crosse. Founded in 1886, Otis was named after Otis, Massachusetts, reflecting the New England roots of some of its early settlers. Like many towns in central Kansas, Otis grew as an agricultural community, relying on wheat and cattle farming. The town’s development was closely tied to the arrival of the railroad, which provided transportation for local goods. Over the years, Otis has remained a small but active community, with a strong focus on its agricultural roots and rural traditions.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Otis is part of the Otis-Bison USD 403 school district, with Otis-Bison High School and Otis-Bison Elementary School serving students from the town and surrounding areas. A major landmark in Otis is the Otis Elevator Museum, which preserves the town’s historical connection to farming and grain storage. Another important site is the Otis City Park, a central gathering place for community events and outdoor activities. The town celebrates its rural heritage with the annual Otis Fall Festival, featuring a parade, live music, and local food vendors. Otis’s small-town charm and agricultural traditions make it an appealing destination for those looking to experience rural Kansas life.
Alexander
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.13 square miles
- Population: Approximately 65 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67513
- Latitude: 38.4708° N
- Longitude: 99.5517° W
Location and History
Alexander, located in the western part of Rush County along U.S. Highway 183, was founded in 1869 and named after an early settler, Alexander Harvey. As one of the oldest towns in Rush County, Alexander initially served as a trading post and stopover for travelers moving westward. The town grew modestly as a farming community, with wheat and corn being the primary crops. Despite its small size, Alexander played an important role in the county’s early development, serving as a local hub for agriculture and trade. Over time, the town’s population declined as larger nearby towns grew, but Alexander remains a symbol of the region’s pioneer history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Alexander is part of the La Crosse USD 395 school district, with students attending schools in La Crosse. The town’s most notable landmark is the historic Alexander Methodist Church, which has been a focal point for the community for over a century. The surrounding rural landscape offers opportunities for outdoor activities, including birdwatching and nature walks. Although small, Alexander celebrates its rich history with annual community events, where residents gather to share stories of the town’s past and celebrate its enduring spirit. The town’s proximity to other attractions in Rush County, such as the Barbed Wire Museum in La Crosse, makes it a peaceful stop for visitors interested in Kansas history.
McCracken
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.26 square miles
- Population: Approximately 175 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67556
- Latitude: 38.5864° N
- Longitude: 99.5687° W
Location and History
McCracken is a small town located in northwestern Rush County, along U.S. Highway 4. The town was founded in 1886 and named after J. K. McCracken, a local businessman who played a key role in its establishment. McCracken grew as an agricultural community, with wheat and cattle farming driving the local economy. The arrival of the railroad helped McCracken develop as a local trading center, allowing farmers to transport their goods to larger markets. Although the town’s population has decreased over the years, McCracken has retained its rural charm and close-knit community atmosphere, making it a quintessential Kansas farming town.
Major Schools and Landmarks
McCracken is part of the La Crosse USD 395 school district, with students attending schools in nearby La Crosse. One of the town’s key landmarks is the McCracken Historical Society Museum, which houses artifacts and exhibits detailing the town’s history and its role in the development of Rush County. The McCracken City Park offers a peaceful space for outdoor activities and community events. Each year, McCracken hosts the annual Labor Day Celebration, which includes a parade, local food vendors, and games for families. The town’s historic buildings and rural setting provide a glimpse into the agricultural heritage of Kansas.
