Updates from Kansas State Fair General Manager, Bryan K. Schulz, IFMG, CFE
Generally Speaking:
The Count Down is On!! The Fair is less than 100 days away!
Preserving a Kansas State Fair Treasure: Ye Old Mill Renovations and Renewal
For more than a century, generations of Kansans have made memories aboard the historic Ye Old Mill at the Kansas State Fair. From first dates and childhood adventures to family traditions passed from one generation to the next, Ye Old Mill has become far more than an amusement ride — it is a living iconic piece of Kansas history.
Built during the golden age of amusement parks, Ye Old Mill traces its roots back to the early 1900’s when Philadelphia theater owner John H. Keenan envisioned a new attraction for Fairs across the Midwest and southern United States. His son, John Jr., designed a dark water ride that carried passengers through enclosed tunnels filled with scenic displays of farms, forests, and countryside landscapes illuminated by soft electric lighting. Boats drifted along channels powered by a mill wheel, giving rise to the beloved name “Ye Old Mill.”
The new ride was a completely enclosed tunnel that whisked boatloads of patrons through the dark past enticing scenes from nature. Constructed of railroad ties and tar-lined channels to hold the water and covered with shiplap, the attraction featured oil paintings of farms, forests, and winter scenery placed in lighted niches to entertain, but not frighten, families and young children.
The first Old Mills were constructed between 1911 and 1912 in Little Rock, Arkansas and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Soon after, similar attractions appeared in Des Moines, Iowa; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Shreveport, Louisiana; and Hutchinson, Kansas. Today, only three original Old Mills are believed to remain, including the one at the Kansas State Fairgrounds, Iowa State Fair and the Minnesota State Fair.
Interestingly, the Hutchinson attraction appears to have been the only Old Mill not originally built on a state Fairground, likely because Kansas had not yet officially designated a permanent state Fair site.
Originally located at Riverside Park on the South end of Main Street in Hutchinson, the Ye Old Mill was part of what many once called “Kansas’ Answer to Coney Island.” The River Park Association was formed in 1908 to develop the amusement park along the Arkansas River, which soon became one of the region’s premier entertainment destinations.
The amusement park featured roller coasters, vaudeville entertainment, musical performances, and a miniature steam train that circled the grounds past a scenic waterfowl lagoon. Ye Old Mill quickly became one of Riverside Park’s featured attractions.
As automobiles became more common and travelers sought entertainment farther from home, Riverside Park slowly faded as a destination. In 1915, however, Ye Old Mill was given a second life.
The ride was carefully relocated from Riverside Park to the growing Kansas State Fairgrounds, where it opened on September 17, 1915, during the third annual Kansas State Fair. Fairgoers were promised an unforgettable experience through “gloomy caves in gleesome gladness” with beautiful scenery lit by electric light. The ride immediately became one of the Fair’s signature attractions.
The attraction featured nearly 1,000 feet of water channels carrying riders through winding tunnels and illuminated scenery. The ramp system and mill wheel were moved from Riverside Park to the Fairgrounds, making Ye Old Mill the only surviving structure from the once-famous amusement park.
Over the decades, Ye Old Mill has evolved while maintaining its nostalgic charm. The original wooden tunnel walls and canvas roof were replaced in 1923 with rusticated cast concrete walls and a framed wooden roof. In 1935, modern steel boats replaced the originals, helping accommodate growing crowds.
Historical reports from the 1930s documented nearly 25,000 riders during a single Fair season — a remarkable number for the era. A 1936 story published in the State Fair Journal reported that 25,000 Fairgoers rode Ye Old Mill, a figure nearly identical to statistics recorded during its early years at the Fair.
Decorative enhancements, updated scenery, and improved lighting effects were added throughout the years to further elevate the guest experience while preserving the attraction’s unique charm.
Despite changing times, the attraction has remained a cherished rite of passage for Fair visitors. Stories from long-time Fairgoers reflect the unique blend of wonder and mystery that made Ye Old Mill unforgettable.
In a 2015 story published in Hutchinson Magazine, Dr. Carter File recalled riding the attraction as a young child from Beloit, Kansas.
“One of my first visits to the Fair, I boarded Ye Old Mill for my one and only ride,” File said. “Soon, everything became dark and there were things that came out of the ceiling to touch me. Let’s just say it scared the dickens out of me.”
Dr. Carter File, Hutchinson Magazine 2015
The late Harland Priddle, who grew up on a farm near Haven, Kansas also fondly remembered visiting the attraction during the 1930s.
“I was very young and it was exciting to ride one of the Fair’s top rides,” Priddle said. “As the ride started, we wondered when those scary things would drop down in our face.”
The attraction has also benefited from ongoing preservation efforts. In 2006, with assistance from the Hutchinson Correctional Facility, Ye Old Mill underwent extensive renovations to help maintain the historic structure for future generations.
Now, another major preservation effort is underway.
In April 2026, the Kansas State Fair received a $99,000 Attraction Development Grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce to support the preservation and renewal of Ye Old Mill. The funding will assist with critical upgrades as part of a larger campaign to raise more than $1 million for improvements to the historic attraction, including replacement boats, waterway enhancements, building protection, and infrastructure upgrades.
Few attractions at the Kansas State Fair carry the emotional connection and historic significance of Ye Old Mill. It is the only surviving structure relocated from Riverside Park and one of the last remaining three original Old Mills still operating in the United States. For more than 111 years, it has continued to welcome visitors with the same sense of mystery, nostalgia, and tradition that first captivated riders in 1915.
As the Kansas State Fair continues to evolve, Ye Old Mill stands as a reminder that some traditions are worth preserving — not only because of their history, but because of the memories they continue to create every year.
The Ye Old Mill Preservation & Renewal Campaign focuses on protecting the ride’s historic character while ensuring it remains safe, functional, and enjoyable for future generations of Fairgoers. Supporters interested in learning more or contributing to the campaign can visit the Ye Old Mill Preservation & Renewal Campaign link.
A special thank you to Kansas State Fair Ambassador and Historian Richard Shank for information and historical materials included in this article.
Kansas Star Casino Grandstand Concert Series showcases an amazing lineup!
2026 Kansas Star Casino Grandstand Entertainment Lineup Announced
The Kansas State Fair is excited to unveil an incredible lineup of entertainment for the 2026 Kansas Star Casino Grandstand. From country favorites and chart-topping artists to family entertainment, comedy, Christian music, rock legends, and fan-favorite special events, there will be something for everyone during the 2026 Fair.
Fairgoers are encouraged to purchase tickets early to secure the best seats for this exciting lineup of performances and events.
All concerts and performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. The Demo Derby on Monday, September 14 will begin at 7:00 p.m.
2026 Kansas Star Casino Grandstand Schedule
Friday, September 11, 2026 – 7:30 p.m.
- Trace Adkins with Phil Vandel & Delisa Dawn
Saturday, September 12, 2026 – 7:30 p.m.
- BIGXTHAPLUG AND Stella Lefty
Sunday, September 13, 2026 – 7:30 p.m.
- Jo Dee Messina with Adam Doleac
Monday, September 14, 2026 – 7:00 p.m.
- Demo Derby
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 – 7:30 p.m.
- Hairball
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 – 7:30 p.m.
- Danny Gokey and Colton Dixon with WallerCo.
Thursday, September 17, 2026 – 7:30 p.m.
- Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias
Friday, September 18, 2026 – 7:30 p.m.
- Russell Dickerson with ATLUS
Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 7:30 p.m.
- From Ashes to New with Saliva and Saving Abel
Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 7:30 p.m.
- DCOM: Live! A Night of Disney Channel Hits
The 2026 Kansas State Fair promises unforgettable nights of entertainment, family fun, and memories made under the lights of the Kansas Star Casino Grandstand. Stay tuned for ticket information, future on-sale dates, and additional Fair announcements in the coming months.
For updates and ticket details, visit Kansas State Fair Official Website.
Stay tuned for more Great Insider Information from the Kansas State Fair in coming updates of Generally Speaking!
Bryan K. Schulz, IFMG, CFE
General Manager
Kansas State Fair
About the Kansas State Fair
The 2025 Kansas State Fair will be held September 5-14 in Hutchinson, Kansas. Proudly the largest gathering of Kansans each year, the Fair celebrates all the things beloved about the state: agriculture, education, entertainment, and more. For more information, and to learn about 2025 Fair offerings, visit KansasStateFair.com.
