Restoration Updates Ignite Excitement for Ellinwood Underground City Project

Haley Ruble
Dec 11
3 min read

Excitement is growing beneath the streets of Ellinwood as the Ellinwood Underground City Foundation (EUCF) advances its restoration efforts in the historic tunnels. This week, Foundation President Rick Casagrande shared significant updates that bring the community closer to unveiling a revitalized underground experience for visitors. The progress reflects a strong community spirit and a shared commitment to preserving one of Kansas’ most unique attractions.

Community Support Drives Progress

The recent fundraising success has been remarkable. The Foundation met the matching-fund requirements for the Kansas Tourism Attraction Development Grant thanks to overwhelming community support. Casagrande highlighted that every fundraiser, donation, and volunteer hour contributed to reaching this milestone. This collective effort shows how much the people of Ellinwood value their heritage and want to share it with visitors.

The matching funds will finance the next phase of the project, focusing on an enhanced entrance and orientation area. This space will welcome guests and set the tone for the tunnel tours, combining visual appeal with rich historical storytelling.

Creating a Memorable Visitor Experience

The Foundation aims to make the start of the tour as captivating as the tunnels themselves. To achieve this, several upgrades are underway:

Improved lighting to highlight architectural features and create an inviting atmosphere.
Fresh interpretive displays that tell the story of Ellinwood’s underground district, once home to shops, saloons, and barbershops serving early settlers.
An updated welcome space designed to immerse visitors in local history from the moment they arrive.

These enhancements will help visitors feel a sense of wonder and connection to the past right away.

Fundraising Events Bring the Community Together

The Foundation’s recent events have drawn strong turnout and enthusiasm. Themed dinners, a haunted house, and specialty tours have not only raised funds but also strengthened community pride. Attendees expressed excitement about preserving the underground district’s heritage and sharing its story with future generations.

These events have helped build momentum and keep the project visible in the region. They also provide opportunities for residents and visitors to engage directly with the history and ongoing restoration work.

The Importance of Community Involvement

Casagrande emphasized that community involvement remains the driving force behind the project’s momentum. Volunteers contribute countless hours, and local businesses support fundraising efforts. This collaboration ensures the project reflects the community’s values and vision.

The restoration of the Ellinwood Underground City is more than a preservation effort; it is a way to celebrate the town’s unique history and create a destination that attracts visitors and supports local businesses.

What’s Next for the Project

With the matching funds secured, the Foundation will complete the entrance and orientation upgrades. After that, work will continue on other parts of the tunnels to improve safety, accessibility, and interpretive elements. The goal is to open the fully restored underground city to the public with an experience that is both educational and engaging.

Visitors can look forward to: