Junction City, Kansas – Interesting Facts About the City
Junction City is the county seat of Geary County, Kansas. The city has a population of 22,932 as of the 2020 census. It is home to Fort Riley, a major U.S. Army post. It is also a thriving industrial center. The city also has a vibrant arts scene and many interesting attractions.
Milford Lake
Junction City is the county seat of Geary County, Kansas. As of the 2020 census, its population was 22,932. The city is home to Fort Riley, a major U.S. Army post. The city has a diverse economy with many different types of businesses and industries. It is also home to Milford Lake, a man-made lake that provides recreation and fishing for locals and visitors.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Milford Lake is an ideal getaway. Its 16,000-acre surface area and sixteen-plus miles of shoreline make it a favorite for fishermen and nature lovers. It also features a swimming beach and numerous boat ramps. There are also picnic shelters and interpretive exhibits to learn about the water. The park features five campgrounds with 120 electric/water utility sites, with 30 having sewer hookups.
C.L. Hoover Opera House
The C.L. Hoover Opera House in Junction City was built in 1914. Its auditorium section began showing movies in 1919. It served as the city’s municipal offices as well. In 1937, the interior was renovated to become a modern movie theater. The building’s design features elements of Romanesque Revival and Victorian Italianate styles.
Located in the heart of Junction City, the C.L. Hoover Opera House is one of the city’s most historic and beautiful buildings. The building first opened in 1882 and served as a theater, concert hall, fire department, and movie theater. It closed in 1982, but the citizens of Junction City raised enough funds to restore it. They reopened the theater nine months later. The theater was renovated to showcase the local performing arts, and the city now has a beautiful, historic theater.
Geary State Fishing Lake
Geary State Fishing Lake is located near Junction City, Kansas. This popular lake is home to many varieties of fish, including largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and crappie. Anglers who visit the lake can try baitcasting or spinning fishing to catch their catch. The state park offers a variety of activities for the entire family to enjoy.
Geary Lake Falls is a waterfall located in the state park on the west side of the lake. During the spring and after heavy rain, it is only partially active. Getting there is easy via the State Lake Road just south of Junction City. The unimproved road leads to the lake, and the waterfall is accessible from both sides.
Railroads
Junction City grew as the railroad came through and brought commerce to the area. By the mid-1870s, the population of Junction City had reached over 600 people, and it grew as more stores, churches, mills, warehouses, and other businesses were built. The city also developed an important railroad yard. It became a trading center for lumber and agricultural products brought down from the coast range.
The railroad has long been a part of the town, and the town has seen its share of accidents. But now, with increased traffic and longer trains carrying more products, train accidents have become a growing concern. One recent accident occurred in Junction City, injuring two people on their porch, although the train’s driver was not hurt in the wreck.
Farmers’ market
During the growing season, you can stop by the Farmers’ Market in Junction City for fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Located in the JC Naz Church parking lot, the market is open from 4-7 p.m., and is family-friendly. The market is open to the public and offers several payment options.
This market is held on Thursday evenings and features local farm vendors. They sell fresh produce, meat, eggs, milk, and other agricultural products. They also sell local crafts. Customers can also obtain free fruits and vegetables if they are on food assistance.
