Lyons is a city in Rice County, Kansas, United States. The population was 3,732 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Rice County. Although Coronado's exact route across the plains is uncertain and has been widely disputed, he and his men are thought to have camped near the present location of Lyons on their quest for Quivira, a place said to be fabulously wealthy in gold. West of Lyons is a cross commemorating Juan de Padilla, a member of Coronado's expedition who is considered the first Christian martyr in North America. Lyons' Main Street sits on the former location of the Santa Fe Trail.