The National Orphan Train Complex invites the public to participate in a free community scavenger hunt on Friday, June 12, as part of its Annual Celebration.
The event will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Whole Wall lot in downtown Concordia. Participants will receive a list of questions that can be answered by visiting orphan train rider statues located throughout Concordia. The scavenger hunt is designed to be a fun and educational way for residents and visitors alike to learn more about the children whose stories are commemorated through Concordia's unique collection of orphan train statues.
“There’s no better way to learn about the orphan train riders than by exploring the community where their stories are remembered,” said Aaron Morgan, curator of the National Orphan Train Complex. “The scavenger hunt is a great opportunity for families and visitors to discover downtown Concordia while connecting with an important part of American history.”
There is no charge to participate.
The hunt will conclude at 10:45 a.m. on the steps of the Brown Grand Theatre, where completed entries must be submitted. Prize drawings will take place at 11:00 a.m.
Each winner will receive 2 free tickets to our Teddy Roosevelt speaker at 7:00 PM in the Cloud County Community College Cook Theater. In addition to the tickets, there will be a grand prize of $50 in Chamber Bucks and a runner up of $25. Chamber Bucks can be used in place of cash at many local businesses and restaurants. The scavenger hunt is one of several activities planned during the National Orphan Train Complex Annual Celebration, which runs June 11–13, and carries the theme “Honoring the Founders.”
Nationally recognized living history presenter Adam Lindquist will bring Theodore Roosevelt to life in an acclaimed one-man performance at the Cloud County Community College Cook Theater.
Admission to the Roosevelt program is $10 for adults, $5 for students, and free for children ages 6 and under. Tickets will be available at the door and may also be purchased in advance at the National Orphan Train Complex and at Cloud County Tourism, 130 E. 6th Street.
Additional Annual Celebration activities are planned throughout the weekend. The 2026 Celebration of Orphan Train Riders is made possible through underwriting provided by: Cloud County Tourism, Reliable Heating & Air Conditioning, The Dragastin Insurance Agency, Malone Financial Services, Elk State Bank, Thummel Real Estate Auction, Amber Lambertz Agency, Republican Valley Landscape, F&A Food Sales, Central National Bank, Prairie Land Electric, and Cloud County Community College.
The National Orphan Train Complex encourages families, visitors, and community members to join in the scavenger hunt and discover the stories behind the children who helped shape the history of Concordia and communities across America.
For additional information about the Annual Celebration, contact the National Orphan Train Complex.
