Marquette, Kansas: A Small Town with a Big Heart

Marquette, Kansas, is a community that radiates warmth and charisma, offering a slice of picturesque Midwest life. While tiny in size, this town overflows with rich experiences and welcoming locals who greet visitors and new residents like long-lost friends. Known for its strong sense of community and vibrant history, Marquette has a unique charm that lingers long after you leave.

The streets of Marquette are lined with historic sandstone and brick buildings that tell tales of the past while housing charming shops, cafes, and eateries. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of the nearby Smoky Hills, where outdoor enthusiasts delight in endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring scenic vistas. Marquette’s thriving network of parks and trails, including the popular Marquette Pioneer Trail, provides a natural retreat for families and nature lovers alike.

Community spirit shines brightest during the town’s beloved annual events, such as the Swedish supper and the National Barbership Singers convention, which bring everyone together in joyous celebration. Marquette empowers its locals with a sense of belonging and pride, making it an idyllic place to call home for those who cherish close-knit community values and the serene beauty of rural life.

Workforce & Industrial Development

Located in central Kansas, Marquette offers a strategic position for businesses seeking access to major Midwest markets. The city sits near U.S. Highway 81 and Kansas Highway 4, providing direct routes to Salina, Wichita, and the broader Kansas City region. This connectivity is a significant advantage for logistics, light manufacturing, and agricultural processing firms.

Industrial real estate in Marquette and McPherson County remains competitively priced, with available sites suitable for both new construction and adaptive reuse. The region has seen steady interest from companies looking for affordable expansion opportunities without sacrificing access to skilled labor or transportation networks.

Kansas offers a suite of business incentives, including the Promoting Employment Across Kansas (PEAK) program and the High Performance Incentive Program (HPIP), both designed to support new and expanding employers. Locally, the McPherson County Economic Development Company provides site selection assistance and helps businesses navigate available tax abatements and workforce training resources.

Workforce development is supported through partnerships with nearby technical colleges and workforce centers, ensuring that employers can tap into training programs tailored to advanced manufacturing, logistics, and agribusiness needs. Marquette’s collaborative approach with state and county partners makes it an attractive option for industrial growth in central Kansas.