Saline County

Saline County is an administrative region in central Kansas covering approximately 1,900 square kilometers of farmland, small towns, and the city of Salina as its main hub. The county spreads across flat terrain crossed by the Smoky Hill River and its tributaries, with scattered communities and manufacturing centers.

The county was established in 1860 as settlers moved westward and built communities along the Smoky Hill Trail trading route. Growth followed with ranching and farming becoming dominant, later supplemented by manufacturing and grain processing industries.

The Saline County State Lake serves as a gathering place where locals spend weekends fishing, picnicking, and enjoying water activities with family and friends. The parks throughout the area reflect how residents use their free time and connect with each other in outdoor spaces.

The county sits at the crossroads of Interstate 70 and Interstate 135, making it easy to navigate and access from major highways. Salina offers most services and accommodations, while smaller towns provide quieter alternatives for those seeking a slower pace.

The county name comes from the Saline River, which holds natural salt deposits that attracted early settlers and shaped where they built their first communities. These geological features once provided an economic advantage for the region's pioneers.

Location: Kansas

Inception: February 15, 1860

Capital city: Salina

Shares border with: Ottawa County, McPherson County, Dickinson County, Marion County, Lincoln County, Ellsworth County

Website: http://Saline.org

GPS coordinates: 38.78330,-97.66670

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:43