Why go there

Baldwin City has a wealth of events to attend throughout the year, plus an assortment of year-around attractions to make the trip worthwhile. The granddaddy event is Maple Leaf Festival, which annually attracts around 30,000 people to celebrate autumn on the third full weekend of October. This year, that’s Oct. 16-17. As for year-around attractions, the Midland Railway offers an old-fashioned train ride almost every weekend. The big attraction every year is the appearance of Thomas the Tank Engine for two weekends, which brings 40,000 people to town every year. This year, Thomas will visit Baldwin City June 4-6 and June 11-13. Baldwin City is also home to Baker University, the oldest university in the state. It offers a variety of events throughout the year, such as the Artists and Lecture Series, and high-level college athletics.

What to do there

Ride the train, see historic sites — such as the Battle of Black Jack historic site, where the first armed skirmish of the Civil War occurred — and visit historic downtown Baldwin City, including the newly refurbished Lumberyard Arts Center.

Must see

Baker University’s pristine campus, including Clarice Osborne Memorial Chapel, which was moved in the 1990s from England.

For the kids

A train ride anytime is great, but Thomas the Tank Engine is the best. The Maple Leaf Festival also provides plenty for the youngsters, including a petting zoo and carnival.

Pocketbook friendly

Baker University has several historic areas to see, including the Old Castle Museum, all at no cost.

Online/Twitter/Facebook

Web sites include: baldwincity.com, baldwincitychamber.com, baldwincity.org, midland-ry.org, bakeru.edu.

Save the dates

June 4-6 and 11-13: Day Out With Thomas the Tank Engine June 5: Battle of Black Jack anniversary Aug. 12-14: 103rd annual Vinland Fair Oct. 16-17: 53rd annual Maple Leaf Festival

Did you know

There is a Baldwin in every state of the union. This is the only Baldwin City.

How to get there

Baldwin City is on U.S. Highway 56, about 15 miles southwest of Lawrence and about 30 miles southeast of Kansas City.

Also near

Lawrence and Kansas University, Clinton Lake, Pomona Lake, Douglas County State Fishing Lake.