Ghost TownUSA

Ghost Town · Kansas

Winterset

A ghost town of unknown status in Russell County, Kansas.

By the Ghost Town USA research team Last reviewed September 2026

You don't stumble onto Winterset by accident. That's rather the point. Winterset may refer to: Winterset (play), a play by Maxwell Anderson Winterset (film), a 1936 film adaptation of the play Winterset, Iowa, a city in Madison County, Iowa Winterset City Park, a public, city-owned park in

Russell County holds 11 documented ghost towns, including Blue Stem, East Wolf, Fay — Winterset keeps them company on the map.

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The story of Winterset

Kansas ghost towns are what happens when the railroad changes its mind and the wheat stops paying.

Winterset may refer to: Winterset (play), a play by Maxwell Anderson Winterset (film), a 1936 film adaptation of the play Winterset, Iowa, a city in Madison County, Iowa Winterset City Park, a public, city-owned park in Winterset, Iowa Winterset Township, Russell County, Kansas Winterset Award, a Newfoundland and Labrador literary award

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What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Winterset is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

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Getting there

Here's the honest truth: access to Winterset is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

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Good to know

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.

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Survey Map

Approximate position — verify access locally before visiting

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Winterset FAQs

01Where is Winterset located?
Winterset is in Russell County, Kansas. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
02What county is Winterset in?
Winterset sits in Russell County, Kansas. See our full guide to ghost towns in Russell County for its neighbors.
03What is the history of Winterset?
Winterset may refer to: Winterset (play), a play by Maxwell Anderson Winterset (film), a 1936 film adaptation of the play Winterset, Iowa, a city in Madison County, Iowa Winterset City Park, a public, city-owned park in Winterset, Iowa Winterset Township, Russ
04What remains at Winterset today?
The on-the-ground condition of Winterset is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
05Can you visit Winterset?
Here's the honest truth: access to Winterset is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Sources: account based on Wikipedia (“Winterset”), CC BY-SA.

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More in Russell County

All 11 ghost towns in Russell County →