By: The Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation (PCEDC) | 6.18.25
Community and Culture Thrive in St Marys
The thriving community of St. Marys is located just 30 minutes from both Manhattan and Topeka along U.S. Highway 24 in the heart of the Kaw Valley. It is the fastest-growing incorporated town in Pottawatomie County. St. Marys is home to two of the largest employers in the county, both of which are locally owned businesses: The Onyx Collection and Custom Wood Products. With its rapidly growing economic footprint, the town is quickly becoming a regional destination for new businesses. St. Marys has a rich history as part of the Oregon Road Trail and is known for its gorgeous Catholic architecture, making it a truly charming small town.
The town of St. Marys is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. A community values tradition, unity, and kindness, it calls itself “The Heart of the Kaw Valley.”
St. Marys is rapidly becoming a regional hub for new businesses, propelled by its remarkable growth and economic progress. The town’s growing economic footprint is largely due to the presence of innovative, locally-owned enterprises such as The Onyx Collection and Custom Wood Products, which are two of the largest employers in the county. They not only bolster the town’s economic vitality but also play a pivotal role in creating employment opportunities and fostering growth for local residents. As a whole, the residents and business owners in St. Marys are a truly enterprising community who mixes their small-town work ethic with cutting edge innovative ventures. As the city continues to increase its economic power, its growth and location make it the ideal location for additional start-ups, business expansions, and relocations.
Unique Attractions Set St Marys Apart
Flint Hills Shakespeare Festival
The Flint Hills Shakespeare Festival in St. Marys is a community-driven event dedicated to presenting classical outdoor theater and a village festival experience. Each autumn, you can watch as volunteers transform Sir William’s Hollow, a woodland area on the outskirts of town, into an outdoor Shakespearean amphitheater. Established in 2010, the festival has grown significantly, attracting over 7,000 local and regional patrons across two weekends. You can attend nightly performances of full-length Shakespearean plays and experience complemented by more than fifty booths offering food, games, and artisanal crafts.
The Immaculata Church
The Immaculata Church, located in St. Marys, is a significant landmark, not just in Kansas but globally. As the largest Catholic church in Kansas and the world for the Society of St. Pius X, it stands an impressive 12 stories tall, visible from miles around. The church draws visitors of all faiths from across the globe to St. Marys.
In 1978, tragedy struck when a fire destroyed the church. The church community immediately initiated plans and fundraising efforts to rebuild. After 45 years the $42 million Immaculata restoration was completed. The completion of the project was a momentous occasion, celebrated by the entire community, many of whom had devoted their lives to seeing the church restored.
The Immaculata Church, located in the small community of St. Marys, is the largest Catholic church in Kansas and the largest church in the world for the Society of St. Pius X, based in Switzerland.
Performing Masses only in Latin, the Immaculata Church brings Catholic and non-Catholic visitors to St. Marys from all over the world. It stands 12 stories high and can be seen from miles away.
In 1978, the church was destroyed by an electrical fire while it was undergoing renovations. Church parishioners and community members immediately began planning to rebuild and began working on plans and fundraising for its restoration.
The $42 million restoration was completed in 2023, 45 years after the fire. The entire community celebrated its completion, many of them having spent the majority of their lives with the church working towards this goal.
The Oregon Trail Road
St. Marys’ history is tied to the Oregon Trail Road. Remnants of the trail can still be seen throughout the town, a reminder of St. Marys’ pioneer roots and its enduring spirit of exploration. You can live the history of St. Marys by visiting the Oregon Trail Nature Park, the Louis Vieux Historical Site, and the St. Marys Indian Pay Station Museum Complex, where artifacts and exhibits bring the past to life.
When you visit St. Marys you will notice that it sets itself apart with its strong sense of community. Neighbors support each other, businesses promote each other, and local festivals and events bring everyone together to celebrate and enjoy life in their close-knit community.
Living Here
St. Marys offers small-town charm with a strong sense of community and a focus on family-friendly living. Known for its faith-based institutions, excellent schools, and safe neighborhoods, St. Marys is a place where people greet each other by name and kids still walk or bike to school and the park. The town features well-kept ballfields, a vibrant main street with local businesses, and community events that bring everyone together. Conveniently located on Highway 24, St. Marys is just 25 minutes from Manhattan and about 35 minutes from Topeka, making it easy to enjoy rural living with access to city amenities.
Learn more about living in St Marys.
Want your business or event to be featured in the St Marys Community Spotlight? Contact Shanna Goodman at Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation (PCEDC) at shanna@ecodevo.com.
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