Great Bend, Kansas Visitor Guide

VISITOR GUIDE• Great Bend • Hoisington • Ellinwood• Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway

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It’s in our nature...

to inspire.

The great Midwestern prairie, dotted with wheat fields and sunflowers, rolls through this part of Kansas like a golden haze, inspiring its visitors through its vast natural landscapes. History buffs, bird watchers, drag racers, hunters, and tourists of all types looking for inspiration will find a unique destination here on the Great Plains. The view through a car window or from a high flying airplane seems flat and uniform. But the prairie has its secrets, and Great Bend and the natural wonders that surround it is one of the best surprises the heart of Kansas holds.

Visitors will find rural charm, amazing natural resources, and true Midwestern hospitality combined with all the amenities travelers need and expect. Great Bend is a travel discovery that will delight all ages, interests, and activity levels. There are vast plains, enormous wetlands (Cheyenne Bottoms & Quivira National Wildlife Refuge), scenic bluffs, and the Arkansas River to explore.

Great Bend is on the Santa Fe Trail, it’s the birthplace of organized drag racing, the boyhood home of a Nobel Prize winner, and boasts many examples of a mid-century marvel – the Lustron Home. Tourists of all types will find something unique here.

We invite you to come to the heart of Kansas – the heart of America – and hear the heart beating strong and beautiful.

We Welcome You Here’s another surprise Great Bend holds—it’s the perfect place for groups. There are plenty of comfortable hotel rooms, a full-service convention center, and many unique meeting places and group activities. Plan to bring your class or family reunion, meeting, convention, or tour group to Great Bend. Your group will thank you and the Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau can help you with meeting planning, services, planning guides, and suggestions perfect for your group or event.

Great Bend Facts Great Bend has a population of around 15,500. It’s the county seat of Barton County (population 30,000.) Great Bend is the retail, service, and medical center for surrounding Kansas communities and counties. At an altitude of 1,849 feet above sea level, the climate here is surprisingly temperate. There is an average of 20 inches of snow each year and an average of 25 inches of other precipitation. High temperatures average 81 degrees Fahrenheit, low temperatures average 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The city was named by its founders for its location at the big bend in the Arkansas River.

Discover Great BendBe inspired and surprised by Great Bend. This guide will help you make your own discoveries and plan a wonderful visit, but if you need more help or want more information please contact the Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau. We’ll be happy to share our secret.

CVB President: Cris CollierAddress: 3007 10th St. • Great Bend, KS 67530Phone: 620.792.2750E-mail: [email protected]: www.visitgreatbend.com

Photography: Mike Klepper, Marion Lightfoot, Megan Williams, Karen Neuforth, Wendell Hinkson, Karole Erikson, Eric Giesing, Jon Blumb, Great Bend Tribune, Dan Witt, Michael Pearce, Katie Nicolet, & Stafford County Museum

Advertising Sales: Carol Scheutze • Empire Advertising, Inc. • Garden City, Kansas 67846

Layout and Graphic Design: Andy Stanton • D&A Communications • Hays, Kansas 67601

The GBCVB has made every effort to insure the accuracy of material presented in this guide. However, the Bureau assumes no responsibility or liability for errors, changes, or omissions in this guide. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. © 2012 Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau

Index

Agri-tourism ......................................................................29

Arts ....................................................................................... 17

Community Information ................. Front Fold Out-1

Community Map .....................................Front Fold Out

Dining ...........................................................................32-33

Downtown ....................................................................... 5-7

Ellinwood ..................................................................... 40-41

Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo & Wetlands Aquatic Center ......................................... 11

Great Bend Convention Center ..................................36

Great Bend Pullout w/Itinerary ................................. 21

Hoisington ..................................................................42-43

Holiday Trail of Lights ....................................................27

Hunting ........................................................................ 30-31

Lodging/RV Camping .............................................34-35

Meeting/Group Tour Information ...........................37

Museums and Memorials ............................................... 9

Parks ..................................................................................... 13

Raptor Center ..................................................................... 3

Recreational Resources .................................................. 15

Sports Complex ................................................................ 14

Tours onTankful .........................................................38-39

Wetlands & Wildlife Map ..................... Rear Fold Out

Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway Pullout with Itinerary ................................................. 19

www.facebook.com/greatbendks

www.twitter.com/greatbendks

www.youtube.com/visitgreatbendCONVENT ION & V IS ITORS BUREAU

877.427.9299 1

Phone. Internet. Wireless.Simply Awesome.

3705 10th Street • 1810 Broadway620.792.3908 • www.nex-tech.com

2 Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau

to 7 ½ years later. One encouraging report is the four endangered Peregrine Hawks who were released and have since had two clutches of offspring.

Located just a few miles away from Cheyenne Bottoms (a magnet for thousands of birds migrating along the Central Flyway,) bird watchers should make the Raptor Center an essential stop. Equipped with an e-Bird station, birders will be able to record sightings and find locations of other recent sightings.

There is also a gift shop available where you can find visitor information, cold drinks, event schedules, and souvenirs. The Raptor Center is the entrance to the Brit Spaugh Zoo, so after visiting the Center venture into the zoo where you can find many bird

species fly free on the grounds.

Admission is always free. Raptor Center hours are from 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

For more information call 620.793.4226.

3877.427.9299

Birds have always intrigued our minds with wonder and have been the inspiration for our own aviation, with the way they defy gravity and fly free in the sky.

Great Bend’s Raptor Center is dedicated to preserving that sense of wonder for future generations. Step through the doors and begin a fascinating journey into the natural world. Prepare yourself for an unexpected and pleasant experience. Right away you will be astonished by a vibrant gallery featuring

state-of-the-art exhibits, displays, interactive learning stations, and a colorful mural featuring birds of prey. Among the exhibits and displays you will find a depiction of an eagle’s nest, a raptor’s eye view of the zoo, and a wing span chart to see where you measure up to various raptors.

The Center’s main goal is the medical rehabilitation of birds of all types, while specializing in eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, and vultures. Viewing windows look into the surgery facility of the center and present the opportunity for visitors to observe raptors being examined, x-rayed, and treated.

RAPToR CENTER

The Center is a temporary sanctuary for injured raptors and other birds.

Some problems the birds have encountered are highline wire injuries, gunshot wounds, poisonings, bacterial infections, and mammal-trap injuries. The goal is to return these “patients” to the wild after rehabilitation, medical treatment,

recovery and preparation.

Healed birds have been banded and some radio-tagged in the past. Birds that have been helped in raptor projects have been tracked after release and many are doing well up

It’s in our nature...to educate!

DoWNToWN

877.427.9299 5

A History of Trading in DowntownIn 1821, Missouri trader William Becknell reached Santa Fe with a mule train of trade goods, successfully launching what would become known as the Santa Fe Trail. The trail cut through the heart of what is now Great Bend. Incorporated in 1872, the two square blocks that make up the home of the Barton County Courthouse became the epicenter of the town’s life.

By 1876, brick and stone buildings had begun to replace the wooden structures that had sprung seemingly overnight to provide goods and services to cow punchers, farmers, and town folk alike. Through the almost 140 years of its development, Great Bend has grown to boast an eclectic mix of architectural styles that include Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, Federal, and Neo-Classic.

Plan to stop by the Great Bend Visitors Center located at 3007 10th Street to pick up a copy of the historic walking tour of the downtown area.

Take time to indulge yourself after enjoying all the historic and artistic attractions downtown. The stores in the downtown area provide a mixture of various shopping opportunities within walking distance.

Feel the need for pampering?Make an appointment with one of our fine establishments that offer relaxing massages, facials, hairstyling, and/or manicures/pedicures.

Unique Boutiques!Shop our popular clothing and shoe stores where you can find the trendiest fashions for the seasons. There are also gift shops that provide the perfect accessories for that new outfit.

Plan a Home Makeover Visit our home décor stores to discover new trends and purchase those perfect home accents.

Take a Break!After shopping, nestle down in one of our fine coffee shops or restaurants and treat yourself to a tasty snack and a quenching beverage.

Birdhouse Tour Walk along Great Bend’s downtown sidewalks and you may notice a diversity of decorated birdhouses nestled in front of various local businesses. The birdhouses vary in size from 3, 4, and 5 feet tall. The decorated birdhouses are not only located in the downtown area, but also spread out across the city at various businesses. This project is designed to bring art and nature together in a community that values both. A guided brochure of the birdhouses is available at the Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau 620.792.2750 or e-mail [email protected].

shop!

DoWNToWN

7877.427.9299

Barton County CourthouseIn 1872, a special election called for the erection of a courthouse and jail in the new county seat in Great Bend. In the early days the Courthouse was the center of the community, serving as town hall, church services, dance hall, lodge room, and opera house. In 1917 the Courthouse was reconstructed into the Moderne (Classical) Eclecticism style. During this time period it was also said to be one of the largest county buildings in the state. The Courthouse is surrounded by a large park and is located on the Santa Fe Trail.

“The Rifleman”: Civil War SoldierA monument located on the north side of the courthouse square by the Songbird Habitat.

Historic WPA Project Moses Memorial Band ShellThis historic WPA project is

located on the south side of the courthouse square. The band shell is in continuous use for summer band concerts and other special events throughout the year.

“The Gift” Jack Kilby Memorial PlazaLocated on the west side of the Courthouse Square, the Plaza honors this Nobel Prize winner and Great Bend native.

Kansas Quilt WalkLocated on the sidewalks surrounding the Courthouse Square, this quilt walk tells the story of early settlers in a very interesting and unique way- through quilt patterns.

Songbird HabitatThe birds have been using the songbird habitat on Great Bend’s courthouse square as a sanctuary. Through plantings and feeders the habitat is designed to provide shelter and food sources for a variety of songbirds right in the middle of downtown Great Bend. This site is perfect for watching birds and other wildlife that will be appreciated by its visitors while also providing a peaceful environment for both humans and birds.

Barton County Arts Center/The Back Room The BCAC and back room are located at the corner of Forest & Main, in the oldest surviving stone and brick building in Great Bend.

Crest TheatreLocated just south of the courthouse square. As one of the most distinctive buildings in town, it is listed on the Kansas Historic Register.

Golden Belt Cinema 6The new state-of-the-art movie theater in downtown Great Bend at the corner of Lakin and Kansas is slated to open in Spring 2013.

Solid-Wood Furniture - Lowest Prices!Tables, chairs, dressers, desks, chests, cabinets and other furniture pieces are available. Choose from a dozen stains to match any décor.

Your Purchase MattersAll furniture pieces are pre-cut by the factory, then sanded, stained, varnished and assembled by Rosewood Services clients under expert guidance and care that includes a seasoned furni-ture restorer. Your purchase helps support employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.

New at the Gallery Custom Horsehair Pottery.

Decorative pieces made with real horse hair. Guaranteed

no two pieces are alike.

Rosewood Furniture Gallery

Rosewood Furniture Gallery1607 Main Street, Great BendOpen Monday-Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m

CreationsCreations From The Heart


CELEBRATING oUR HISToRY

The Big BendWhen settlers came to this beautiful setting beside the Arkansas River, they immediately knew what to name their settlement. They nestled their little town in the big bend of the river and called it Great Bend. Before settlers came with their railroad, schools, and settlement, the big bend of the Arkansas River was home to a melting pot of Native American tribes who settled, camped or roamed through the area. The fabled Santa Fe Trail, first of America’s great trade routes, ran right through Great Bend’s present day Courthouse Square.

Kansas Quilt WalkQuilts have traditionally allowed American women to express themselves through needlework and patterns. Great Bend’s Kansas Quilt Walk, located in Downtown Great Bend on the sidewalks surrounding the Courthouse Square, is a tribute to those creations. A self-guided walking tour and free quilt patterns are available from the Great Bend Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.

Self-Guided ToursCemeteries tell the stories of our past. They are the stories of our people, art, and culture. Wander into almost any Kansas cemetery or historical site and the tombstones and structures tell us the stories of how generations before us lived and died. To receive a self-guided Great Bend area cemetery tour, post-civil war African American Exoduster tour, or historic downtown walking tour call the Great Bend Convention & Visitor’s Bureau at 620.792.2750.

Barton County Historical VillageThe museum preserves the history of Barton County which includes its Native American roots, location on the Santa Fe Trail, tribute to the Post-Civil War Exodusters, World War II, and beyond. Group tours are available. Admission is charged. Call or visit www.bartoncountymuseum.org. 85 S. Highway 281 • 620.793.5125

Kansas oil and Gas MuseumLearn the history of oil and gas production, geology, and products made from oil. Open by appointment only. 5944 W. 10th St. • 620.786.5666

The GiftThe memorial appropriately named “The Gift” symbolizes the transmission of knowledge from one generation to the next and how that transmission has been affected by the microchip, invented by Great Bend native, Jack Kilby. Located on the Courthouse Square in Downtown Great Bend.

B-29 MemorialThis memorial is located at the Great Bend City Airport and pays tribute to the B-29 bomber training base located in Great Bend during World War II.

Breaking the Prairie Sod MemorialLocated at the intersection of US 56 and K 96 Hwy, this memorial is a tribute to the early pioneer families who endured sparse accommodations and nature’s harsh challenges.

9877.427.9299

MUSEUMS AND MEMoRIALS


Kansas Gas Service delivers safe, clean and reliable naturalgas to more than 630,000 homes and businesses in Kansas.

Natural Gas…the Cleaner, Greener Choice.

www.kansasgasservice.com

Saint Francis serves nearly 4,000 children, youths, and families across Kansas through the following services:

To learn how you can help call:1-800-423-1342

or visit us at st-francis.org

• Family Preservation• Foster Care Reintegration• Foster Care Homes• Adoption• Assisted Living• Psychiatric Residential Treatment• Community Outreach• Alcohol and Drug Counseling• Outpatient Mental Health Services


Zoo AND WATERPARK

Great Bend Brit Spaugh ZooWhen you step foot in the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo you will find yourself embarking on a journey through wildlife in Africa, Asia, Australia, North America, and South America. There’s even a special GPS scavenger hunt of the zoo available from the Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau located at 3007 10th Street.

Founded in 1952, the zoo is one of Great Bend’s favorites. It is home to over 100 mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. From elegant tigers to regal lions, the zoo shelters animals and gives visitors a chance to observe and learn about the natural world. Other zoo residents include lemurs, peacocks, and a jaguar. You will be amazed by the roar of the lion which can be heard from five miles away, in the wild this is used to claim territory and warn off any intruders. You will be pleasantly entertained when you see the black bear splashing in its pool throwing a ball around for fun and play. Want to feed the fish and ducks? No problem! Get a fish food bag from the Raptor Center and head out to the pond where colossal catfish, turtles, geese, swans, and other pond critters dwell.

Before ending your journey through the Zoo, don’t forget to gaze upon the wondrous murals that were designed and painted by children and teens from the Great Bend area. There’s the Lions Mural, the North American Mural, and the Tiger Murals.

The WetlandsWhen you’re done with your Zoo tour why not just head over to the Wetlands at Great Bend Aquatic Facility? It’s located at 2030 Main Street, right next to the Zoo in Brit Spaugh Park.

The Wetlands is the perfect place to spend a hot summer day. The water feature has zero depth entry so it’s easy to get in and out for everyone. Those who dare (or those who are too hot to care) can stand under the 300 gallon tipping bucket for a good drenching. A little less intense, but just as much fun are the spray features. The swimming pool is big and inviting with a deep end divided from a shallow end complete with floatables.

It’s easy to spend the day floating and soaking at The Wetlands. There are even family nights and special events

scheduled through the summer. This is a great place to make summer memories with your friends and family. Admission is charged.

11877.427.9299


to be wild!


American State Bank & Trust Company

Member FDIC Great Bend • Larned • Macksville • St. John • Garden City

www.americanstatebankna.com

620-793-5900 Your number one commercial and ag bank with

6 locations including 2 in Great Bend!


PARKS

13877.427.9299

GREAT BEND PARKS

Brit Spaugh Park ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■N. on Main St.

Veteran’s Park ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■N. on McKinley St.

Stone Lake ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Railroad Ave.

By-Pass Park ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■281 Bypass & Broadway

Eisenhower Park ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Lakin and Garfield

Harms Ballfield ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■281 By Pass

Heizer Park ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■8th at Heizer

Lafayette Park ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Main and Forest

K-96 Park ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■10th & K-96

Santa Fe Trail Park ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■10th & Frey

Sports Complex ■ ■ ■ ■ ■41 S. McKinley

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Great Bend is well-known for playing and hosting baseball games and tournaments. We have developed the Great Bend Sports Complex to improve and enhance the baseball game experience.

The complex contains five fields which provide gaming for Little League, Amateur Softball, High School, and College-level play. The fields are also lit using “Constant Light Level” methodology with Musco lighting

on all fields. All ball fields are available for rent by individuals, groups, organizations, or for private tournaments.

The complex provides plenty of parking space, playgrounds, batting cages, full concessions and restrooms. It is located within easy distance to all Great Bend amenities including, lodging and dining.

For information about the Sports Complex or to inquire about tournaments or Complex usage, please contact the Great Bend Recreation Commission at 620.793.3755.

The Great Bend Sports Complex contains five baseball/softball fields: Field #1: Grass infield with lights. Bases at 90 feet. 385 feet home plate to center, 350 feet left and right fence line. Permanent mound.

Field #2: Skinned infield with lights. Base plugs at 60, 70 and 80 feet. 225 feet home plate to center, 225 feet left and right fence line. Portable mounds available.

Field #3: Skinned infield with lights. Base plugs at 60, 70, and 80 feet. 300 feet home plate to center, 300 feet left and right fence line. Portable mounds available.



Fencing: All outfield and complex perimeter fencing is 8 feet high. 4 feet high chain link with 30 feet mesh backstops. The fields were laid out per the Little League Association (baseball) and per the Amateur Softball Association (softball).

Lighting: The lighting is designed to meet Little League Standards utilizing the “Constant Light Level” Methodology and provides a minimum of 50 foot candles (infield) and 30 foot candles (outfield). Musco lighting on all fields.

Shaded Area: Approximately 11,430 sq.ft. (combined) of shaded area at the bleacher areas around all fields, picnic porticos and dugouts.

SPoRTS CoMPLEX to play!

SPoRTS CoMPLEX DETAILS


1515877.427.9299

AUTo RACINGS.R.C.A. Drag Strip Expo Complex • 620.792.5079

BALL FIELDSSee pages 13-14 for details

*BIKINGOff-RoadArkansas River S. Washington • 620.793.4111Cheyenne Bottoms 56 NE 40 Rd. • 620.793.3066Lake Barton 673 N. Hwy 281 • 620.653.4255PavedRiver Hike & Bike Trail S. Hwy 281, & W. Hwy 56 620.793.4111Bike Routes around Great Bend & the Byway Map available at 3007 10th St. 620.792.2750

BoWLINGWalnut Bowl 3101 N. Washington • 620.793.9400

DoG PARKVeteran’s Park 17th St. Terrace • 620.793.4111

FISHINGStone Lake S. Washington & Railroad Ave. 620.793.4111Veteran’s Lake 17th & McKinley • 620.793.4111

GALLERIESBarton County Arts Council Forest & Main • 620.792.4221Great Bend Public Library 1409 Williams St. • 620.792.2409Shafer Art Gallery BCC Campus 245 NE 30 Rd. 620.792.9342

GoLFLake Barton Golf Course 673 N Hwy 281 • 620.653.4255The Club at StoneRidge 1438 24th St.• 620.792.4303Walnut Mini-Golf 3101 N. Washington • 620.792.6545

*Brochures including maps are available at the Great Bend Visitor Center: 3007 10th St. Brochure rack available 24/7.

RECREATIoN RESoURCES*HIKING

Arkansas River S. Washington • 620.793.4111Cheyenne Bottoms 56 NE 40 Rd.• 620.793.3066Lake Barton 673 N. Hwy 281 • 620.653.4255River Hike & Bike Trail S. Hwy 281, & W. Hwy 56 • 620.793.4111

*PADDLINGArkansas River S. Washington • 620.793.4111Cheyenne Bottoms 56 NE 40 Rd. • 620.793.3066Stone Lake S. Washington & Railroad Ave. 620.793.4111Veteran’s Lake 17th & McKinley • 620.793.4111

SKATINGIceless Skating Rink (seasonal) Courthouse Square • 620.793.4111

SWIMMINGClub 1 Fitness (indoor) 3806 Broadway • 620.792.1366Club West (outdoor) 5201 Timbercreek • 620.793.8721The Club at StoneRidge (outdoor) 1438 24th St. • 620.792.4303The Wetlands Aquatic Park (outdoor) 2303 Main St. • 620.792.1516

TENNIS CoURTSClub 1 Fitness (outdoor/indoor) 3806 Broadway • 620.792.1366Veteran’s Park (outdoor) 17th St. Terrace • 620.793.4111

THEATERSGreat Bend Community Theatre (live) 1905 Lakin 620.792.4228 • 620.786.5572Village Cinemas (movies) 4805 10th St. • 620.792.5769

AIR TRANSPoRTATIoNGreat Bend Municipal Airport 9047 Sixth St. • 620.793.4168Centerline Aviation (Charter) 9047 Sixth St. • 620.796.2130

ANIMAL HoSPITAL/BoARDINGAnimal Care Hospital 3400 10th St. • 620.792.7373Animal Medical Center 622 McKinley, • 620.792.1265 Ark Valley 1205 Patton Rd. • 620.793.5457Countryside Veterinary Associates 2900 Main St. • 620.792.2551

GRoUND TRANSPoRTATIoNEnterprise 4217 10th St. • 620.793.9992The Cab & Mini-Bus Service 2005 Kansas Ave. • 620.792.3859

MEDICAL FACILITIESGreat Bend Regional Hospital 514 Cleveland St. • 620.792.8833St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center (Urgent Care) 3515 Broadway Ave. • 620.792.2511Heartland Cancer Center 204 Cleveland St. • 620.792.5511

LIBRARYGreat Bend Public Library 1409 Williams St. • 620.792.2409

WI-FI HoTSPoTSCourthouse Square 1400 Main St.Best Western Angus Inn 2920 10th St.Comfort Inn 911 Grant St.Days Inn 4701 10th St.Great Bend Coffee Company 2015 Lakin Ave.Great Bend CVB 3007 10th St.Great Bend Expo Complex West Barton County Rd.Great Bend Public Library 1409 Williams St.Great Bend Regional Hospital 514 Cleveland St.Highland Hotel 3017 10th St.Kansas Wetlands Education Center 592 NE K-156 Hwy.McDonalds 3307 10th St.Perkins Family Restaurant 2920 10th St.Raptor Center 2123 Main St.Treader’s Deli 1309 Main St.S.R.C.A. Dragstrip West Barton County Rd.

VISIToR RESoURCES


VISIToR RESoURCES

Great Bend Community Theatre (Crest Theatre)The renovated Moderne-style Crest Theatre was built in 1950 and features live entertainment ranging from plays to concerts to special events. The theatre is also available for tours and rentals for any occasion, including the balcony, for an upcoming performance. An active and talented resident theatre group plans a full season of theatrical performances each year. Call 620.786.5572 to find out about upcoming performances.

Shafer Art GalleryKnown as the “Gem of the Campus,” this architect-designed gallery features bronze sculptures created by its namesake, artist Gus Shafer. The gallery boasts an outstanding permanent collection and hosts traveling exhibits and artists’ receptions throughout the year. It also demonstrates the perseverance of a dream and a strong commitment to culture and the arts. Located at Barton Community College. Call 620.792.9342 to learn about new exhibits.

Area ArtistsGreat Bend proudly confides to our visitors that the artwork in town is mostly that of local artists. Some examples of the local artwork you will find are the Jack Kilby Memorial statue, the Breaking the Prairie Sod Memorial, B-29 Memorial as well as the outstanding Birdhouses art tour displayed throughout the community. You can find out more about our local artists by visiting our website at www.visitgreatbend.com.

17877.427.9299

The arts are thriving in Great Bend. It’s one more surprise for visitors who want to uncover some cultural gems. For more information on arts and culture events and activities, contact the Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau. 620.792.2750 • [email protected]

Birdhouse ProjectAs part of a community-wide tourism campaign capitalizing on the community’s theme of birds and wildlife, numerous decorative bird houses now adorn the sidewalks of Great Bend. The themed art tour of birdhouses will help visitors “migrate” through our community as they seek to view and discover this delightful collection of over 50 birdhouses, ranging in size from 3 feet to 5 feet. Birdhouse tour brochure and map are available at the Great Bend Visitor Center located at 3007 10th or by calling the CVB office at 620.792.2750.

Barton County Arts Center & GalleryThis historic building will be easy to spot on Main Street. Just look for the three whimsically painted birdhouses in front of the building. The Gallery is a great place to buy a little gift or some serious art. But the Back Room at the Gallery is

a the real discovery. This tiny venue hosts well-known and emerging artists who are passing through town. It’s a regular stop for blue grass superstars, folk singers and Irish bands. Call 620.792.4221 to see who’s in town.

ARTS

to create!It’s in our nature...

Heartland Center for Spirituality • www.heartlandspirituality.org3600 Broadway, Great Bend • 620.792.1232

Heartland Farm • www.heartlandfarm-ks.org1049 County Rd 390, Pawnee Rock • 620.923.4585

Heartland Center for Wholistic Health • www.hcwh.net1005 Williams St, Great Bend • 620.793.9067

Heartland Ministries

www.oppeace.org

Great Bend Motherhouse3600 Broadway • Great Bend620.792.1232

877-243-9268wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu

WETLANDS VAN TOURS Located at Cheyenne Bottoms: 10 miles NE of Great Bend along K-156

admission is free

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Hudson. Tour the Stafford County Flour Mill and eat at the local favorite, Wheatland Cafe.

St. John. Walk the town square and begin a journey into the past with a tour of the post-civil war Exodusters at the historic African American Martin Cemetery located just south of town.

Stafford. Enjoy the architecture of six buildings on the National Historic Register and visit the Stafford County Historical Museum and Genealogical

Society Library where you will find the story of Exodusters in central Kansas as told through an exhibit featuring 29,000 glass negative photos.

The Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway takes visitors through Barton, Stafford, and Reno counties in central Kansas. The road moves through radiant wetlands exploding with wildlife; prairie vistas with immense blue skies; and seven rural communities shaped by nature and the entrepreneurial spirit. The marshes that anchor this drive, Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, are international treasures nestled in the heart of America and the Central Flyway.

Motion and ChangeAlong the byway, you’ll encounter landscapes and communities shaped by the powerful forces of motion and change. You’re entering a region formed by ancient and ongoing geological movement, a land of stunning bird migrations, of wild winds and weather, and of richly layered human history. Everywhere you look, you’ll see evidence of motion and change – from rippling wheat fields to the grand spectacle of a hundred thousand shorebirds alighting in the Byway wetlands.

Wetlands That Anchor the BywayCheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area , The Nature Conservancy Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve , and Quiviria National Wildlife Refuge provide the anchors at the north and south ends of the byway. They showcase the diversity of prairie marsh habitat with one being a fresh water marsh and the other a salt water marsh.

Everywhere you look, you see evidence of motion and change!

Communities Along the Byway: Hoisington. Stroll Main Street and view 62 award-winning, locally-crafted metal art pole banners depicting wildlife and history of the area and appreciate work of depression era craftsmen featured in the Post Office Mural and High School Sundial.

Claflin. Visit the six WPA Post Rock Bridges on the National Historic Register while standing in the geographic center of Kansas.

Ellinwood. Tour the Ellinwood Underground Tunnels and shop the seven antique stores located on Main Street. You will find vintage furniture, jewelry, gifts, collectibles, toys, artwork, and quilts at these stores.

Great Bend. Take a GPS Video Tour of Cheyenne Bottoms & the Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway, watch treatment of an injured raptor at the Raptor Center, and visit the historic downtown area for coffee or lunch and unique shopping.

www.kansasbyway.com

A Natural SpotCheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area is one of three major wetlands in the state that have been designated as “Wetlands of International Importance”. The other two are The Nature Conservancy Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve, and Quivira National Wildlife Area. These wetlands anchor the Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway in central Kansas. Cheyenne Bottoms is a 41,000-acre lowland area that hosts over 330 species of birds, 23 species of mammals, 19 species of reptiles and 9 species of amphibians.

The Nature Conservancy Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve is a 7,700-acre portion of the Cheyenne Bottoms basin. TNC’s management goal for this land is to protect its native wildlife diversity by restoring and protecting the natural marshes, mud flats, and adjoining grasslands.

It’s impossible to overstate the ecological importance of Cheyenne Bottoms. The country’s largest interior marsh, Cheyenne Bottoms is the top shorebird staging area in the continental United States, a resting and refueling area for more than half of all shorebirds that migrate east of the Rockies.

Lifeline for Migratory Birds In the late 1800s there were twelve large marshes in Kansas. Three remain today, and two are here along the Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway. Cheyenne Bottoms and Quiviria National Wildlife Refuge are critical stopover sites for migratory birds. Many arrive with little fat for continuing migration. Once here, they may double their body weight. These wetlands, and others along the Central Flyway migration corridor, are like stepping stones across a stream, allowing birds to complete their long migration journey.

Kansas Wetlands Education CenterThe Kansas Wetlands Education Center is located on the Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway at the eastern edge of Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area and The Nature Conservancy Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve. Strolling through the Center’s exhibits will tell you the story of Cheyenne Bottoms from its geological formation to the management challenges of the future. Discover the magnificence of these wetlands and the animals and plants living here through interpretive learning stations. The perfect education program or event is available for all ages, whether you are looking for a fun and educational activity to do as a family, or a group seeking to discover the magnificence of the bottoms. Tours and programs are provided daily. There is a gift shop, traveler information and nature trails. Admission is always free.

WETLANDS

SpringGreat Bend explodes with spring bulbs all across town and hosts special events that celebrate the beauty of nature in the spring. Every other year, Great Bend showcases its world-class birding with the Wings & Wetlands Weekend. New and experienced birders spend a spring weekend bird-watching in two of the hottest birding spots in the world, Cheyenne Bottoms & Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. There are also various celebrations that feature parades, amazing food, dancing, singing, traditional crafts, and games to Main Street in the Downtown area.

There are definitely four seasons in Kansas, and Great Bend celebrates each of them with special events and community traditions.

SummerSummer in Great Bend brings crystal blue skies and clear starry nights that are perfect for star-gazing. You can spend your weekend listening to the roar of dragsters at the S.R.C.A. Drag Strip or indulge in real small-town treats, such as the annual Sidewalk Sale, the Barton County Fair, the K-96 June Jaunt and the free 4th of July fireworks extravaganza. Summer glows here with friends at green golf courses, a Water Park full of splashing kids, and cheering crowds at the Great Bend Sports Complex and ball fields all over town.

FallGreat Bend’s natural gifts are on display during this beautiful season. With the fall migration, brings an abundance of beautiful and rare birds for bird watching and perfect waterfowl for hunting. Birders will get the rare opportunity to see the lifestyle of a Whooping Crane. Everyone enjoys warm days and cool nights in this surprising community. The Brit Spaugh Zoo gets scary with its Zoo Boo the weekend before Halloween.

WinterCome home to Great Bend for the Holidays. The Trail of Lights is an award-winning combination of lighted displays, life-sized Santas Around the World, an “iceless” ice skating rink, parade,

special events, a multitude of shopping, and attractions that will make for an unforgettable holiday memory. From the Twelve Days of Christmas light display at Vet’s Park to the Wild Lights at the Brit Spaugh Park & Zoo, Great Bend is the place to celebrate Midwestern holiday. Winter in Great Bend also brings opportunities for nature lovers too. The wetlands are alive and compelling with Eagles often appearing in an icy blue sky over Cheyenne Bottoms.

All YearThere’s always something going on in Great Bend, regardless of the time of year. The Shafer Art Gallery brings traveling shows to its beautiful galleries. The Barton County Arts Center features guest artists and a flow of surprising art from local artists. Both galleries highlight their shows with artists’ receptions open to the public. The BCAC hosts frequent concerts in the Back Room, the Community Theatre presents a well-rounded season of plays, and the Community Concert association brings professional musicians to Great Bend.

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If your inspiration comes from biking, hiking, paddling, outdoor photography or birding . . . then Great Bend is your natural wonderland.Fashioned from whole Kansas cloth and deeply-held Midwestern values and motivated by perseverance and resolve, Great Bend is a blend of 19th century pioneer spirit and 21st century vision. It is a city that has made peace with,

and thrives by the environment in which they live, while embracing their role as the guardian of one of nature’s

most inspiring habitats. You will find rural charm, amazing natural resources, and true Midwestern hospitality combined with all the amenities travelers need and expect for an “inspiring” visitor experience.

Biking opportunities There are plenty of biking trails around Great Bend that offer great scenic views and accommodate

for different ages. Off-Road biking trails include the Cheyenne Bottoms, Lake Barton Mountain Bike Trail, and the Arkansas River. Several paved bike routes follow county roads through flat and gently rolling terrain. These are two lane roads with low traffic flow. Trail maps available at the Great Bend CVB.

Hiking opportunities Breathe in that fresh air and get your body moving on one of our delightful hiking trails that offer something for everyone. Locations include: Cheyenne Bottoms and the Nature Conservancy Arkansas River Lake Barton

Birding opportunities Our location on the Central Flyway brings a diversity of birds that make this region the major “stop-over” on their migrations. Bird watching locations include: Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area The Nature Conservancy Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve Quivira National Wildlife Refuge Arkansas River Nature Trail (entrance at Stone Lake) Hike/Bike Trail at Stone Lake Dominican Sisters Convent Brit Spaugh Park & Zoo Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway

Photography opportunities Capture beautiful scenic shots from the abundance of the amazing and attractive wildlife environment surrounding the area including: Arkansas River Paved Hike/Bike Trail Arkansas River Unpaved Hike/Bike Trail The Raptor Center in Great Bend Brit Spaugh Park and Zoo Courthouse Square Songbird Habitat Veteran’s Memorial Park Dominican Sisters Convent Great Bend Cemetery

Contact the Central Kansas Photography Club at [email protected].

Paddling opportunities Take a paddling adventure along the river and discover the sights of the riparian woodlands, wildlife, and marshy areas and enjoy city locations including: Arkansas River Cheyenne Bottoms Stone Lake Veteran’s Lake

For more information or to receive a copy of the biking, hiking, birding, photography, and/or paddling brochures (includes a map of routes and tips) call the Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau at 620.792.2750 or download them electronically at www.visitgreatbend.com. You can also come by our 24/7 brochure rack at 3007 10th St.

Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau

FoR NATURE LoVERS

Get Ready For a Journey...Not sure what to do first in Great Bend? We’ve put together an itinerary to get you started!

In this tour you’ll migrate through the area just like the thousands of birds that visit our area every year. Fly by huge cottonwood trees (and a Lustron home) at the Historical Village & Museum, hike or bike a paved trail on the Arkansas River, check out the Santas Around the World, see vintage neon at the Crest Theatre & the Eagles Lodge, walk along the Santa Fe Trail in the historic downtown & courthouse square (Jack Kilby Memorial, Song Bird Habitat, Birdhouse Art Tour). Your migration will end at Great Bend’s little jewel, the Great Bend Raptor Center and Brit Spaugh Zoo.

1. Barton County Historical Village & Museum. The Museum (a Santa Fe Trail interpretive site) sits among rescued and restored buildings from the past, including a post World War II prefab Lustron home, an 1898 church, and a 1915 one-room school house. (Insider’s tip: Pick up a self-guided tour of Lustron homes in Great Bend at the Museum.)

2. Arkansas River Hike & Bike Trail. Access to this wide, paved trail is located next to the Historical Village & the Arkansas River bridge. On foot or by bicycle, this is an outstanding river/nature/exercise experience.

3. Crest Theatre & Eagles Lodge. The moderne-style Crest Theatre has been renovated and is the home for performances of all types. The lighted marquee is one of the best in the state. Around the block on Main Street you’ll find an iconic neon eagle on the mid-century Eagles Lodge. (Insider’s tip: Call ahead for a Crest tour & they’ll turn on the marquee lights!)

4. Santa World. These 23 life-size Santas are handcrafted by a local artist. Each Santa has his (or her) own unique story and elaborate costume. Italy’s ethereal female Santa, La Befana, carries a hand bell and wears a sparkling blue gown. The Irish Santa has emerald robes and holds a birds nest. Open year-round by appointment.

5. Courthouse Square/Santa Fe Trail. When you walk the Santa Fe Trail here on the square, quilt patterns embedded in the sidewalks tie you to Kansas history & the square is dominated by a beautiful and historic courthouse. A Civil War statue commemorates the soldiers (both black & white) who defended the Union. He looks south to safeguard the town.

6. Jack Kilby Memorial. Nobel Laureate Jack Kilby (inventor of the integrated circuit) graduated from Great Bend High School and is honored by this plaza where his bronze likeness stands. Kilby’s 1958 invention is now hailed as the “birth of the digital age.”

PLAN A GREAT BEND MIGRATIoN

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7. Song Bird Habitat & Birdhouses. The north side of the courthouse square is home to a songbird habitat. You can sit on a bench and enjoy the square and the birds! Stroll Main Street to see 5-feet-tall, artist-decorated birdhouses outside many businesses.

8. Downtown Great Bend. Downtown is full of great shops, local restaurants & coffee shops. Note the Barton Arts Gallery featuring local art for sale and see live music featuring nationally-known folk & blue grass artists in the Back Room at least once a month. (Insider’s Tip: The CVB has a self-guided walking tour of Downtown’s historic buildings.)

9. Raptor Center & Zoo. The Raptor Center is the entrance to the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo. The Center specializes in the medical rehabilitation of eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, and vultures. Visitors can observe medical procedures and enjoy the interpretive and educational displays.

Founded in 1952, the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo is home to over 100 mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. From elegant tigers to regal lions, the zoo shelters animals and gives visitors a chance to observe and learn about the natural world. (Insider’s tip: The Raptor Center is also an interpretive center for the Byway to prepare you for a day of Byway exploration.)

10. Enjoy dinner at The Page or one of the local Mexican restaurants, then get some sleep at your comfortable Great Bend hotel. Full day tomorrow!

Migrate More!Great Bend is full of charming opportunities to rest & refuel. These are a few of our favorites:

RETREAT WITH THE ALPACASHeartland Farms offers handmade gifts, free trade chocolate, lodging, a labyrinth, massages & Alpacas!

CoFFEE & HISToRY DoWNToWNPerks in the Historic Zarah HotelGreat Bend Coffee - Masonic Lodge

BBQ oN THE SANTA FE TRAILJohnsons Smokehouse & BBQ

LUSTRoN HoMES & GRAVESToNESSelf-guided tour of mid-century Lustron Homes & Great Bend Cemetery.

THE ART oF SHoPPING Barton Arts Gallery, Cornerstone and The Gallery (Santa Artist)

MIGRATE THE HIGH TECH WAYGet a GPS tour of Cheyenne Bottoms & the Byway at your hotel or the Great Bend CVB.

PAMPERING oN THE SQUARERenue Salon & Hollywood Nails offer welcome retreats downtown for pedicures, facials and massages.

GREAT BEND MIGRATIoN (PAGE 2)




3007 10th St. • Great Bend, KS 67530620.792.2750 • [email protected]

Scan this QR code with your smart phone for the latest Calendar of Events!

877.427.9299www.kansasbyway.com

Hidden Treasure in the Heartland. Tour the Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway and discover something unexpected. The byway reveals a surprise hidden in the flat plains of Kansas. Cheyenne Bottoms & Quivira National Wildlife Refuge are international treasures nestled in the heart of America and the communities that line the byway are charming, hospitable and iconically Midwestern. What you discover here will change your view of Kansas.

1. Early Bird. Arrive early so you will have time to truly explore Great Bend. Take in the birdhouse art tour, vibrant downtown area, Raptor Center and Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo. Get a copy of the Great Bend itinerary to help you plan your day. After your stay in Great Bend overnight, get up early for a spectacular morning at Cheyenne Bottoms. Grab breakfast & some great coffee at Perks or Great Bend Coffee Company in downtown Great Bend on your way to the Kansas Wetlands Education Center at Cheyenne Bottoms. (Insider’s Tip: Great Bend Coffee is inside a historic Masonic Lodge. Look for the gargoyle heads.)

2. Kansas Wetlands Education Center/Cheyenne Bottoms. The crescent-shaped museum building curves around the marsh, offering great wildlife viewing. Guided tours of Cheyenne Bottoms are available.

3. Hoisington, Kansas. Stroll Main Street, where award-winning, locally crafted metal art banners hang from streetlight poles. Stop at the Post Office for the WPA era mural inside, and the WPA constructed city auditorium with its

impressive Sun Dial. Hoisington sits in the Cheyenne Bottoms Basin and The Nature Conservancy’s Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve is only minutes away (buffalo wallows are still visible here). (Insider’s Tip: Pick up lunch at Town & Country Market. Great fried chicken. Next door pick up a Dairy Queen treat. Both businesses were destroyed by a 2001 tornado and are now rebuilt.)

4. Cheyenne Bottoms Scenic overlook. Stop here for the best view of Cheyenne Bottoms. From this vantage point it’s easy to see that Cheyenne Bottoms is a giant 64 square mile depression in the prairie. (Insider’s Tip: Before you leave Great Bend, pick up a GPS tour and an audio tour CD. They will entertain and educate as you travel the byway.)

5. Ellinwood, Kansas. A tour of Ellinwood’s Tunnels is a must. Built under the town’s buildings, sidewalks and streets, the tunnels were home to a barber shop, a brewery, soiled doves, cowboys & gamblers. After the tour, shop in seven downtown antique shops and then enjoy supper at the American Legion in the town’s Santa Fe Railroad station. Head to Great Bend or Hoisington for a hotel room. (Insider’s Tip: Dozier’s Vineyard & Winery, near Ellinwood, has a beautiful picnic area and nature walk along with wine tasting & a retail store in a historic and possibly haunted depot.)

www.KansasByway.comFacebook.com/KansasByway Twitter.com/KansasByway

This Kansas Byway connects two of the world's mostsignificant wetlands — Cheyenne Bottoms & QuiviraNational Wildlife Refuge. The wetlands host millions ofmigrating birds each year, including eagles & whoopingcranes. The Byway offers more than wetlands & wildlife.You'll see native stone buildings, underground tunnels,WPA art & bridges, a flour mill, part of the Santa Fe Trail,& more. Travel the Byway & discover the unexpected.

Barton CountyProud Supporter of the BywayBarton CountyProud Supporter of the Byway

www.KansasByway.comFacebook.com/KansasByway Twitter.com/KansasByway

The Wetlands & Wildlife National ScenicByway will reshape your image of theSunflower State

DAY 2 6. Back on the Byway. Today you will travel south on the byway through prairie grass, shelter belts, and cultivated farm land. Keep an eye out for hawks perching on fenceposts and wild turkeys in the fields. The byway GPS Tour & Audio CD will keep you company and explain some of the crops and sights you will see on the road.

7. Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. Stop at the Visitors Center to get your bearings and find out what’s on the marsh. The Big Salt Marsh Loop Drive is a perfect way to do some wildlife watching from your car and the Migrants Mile and Birdhouse Boulevard trails will get you out of your vehicle and into the wetlands.

8. St. John, Kansas. The town square is a real retreat and the perfect place for a picnic lunch .A 100-year old fountain, miniature Statue of Liberty and beautiful buildings (including a striking Courthouse) make this an interesting stop. Plan to stop at the historic Martin Cemetery south of town and prepare to learn about the history of Exodusters in the area.

9. Stafford, Kansas. Plan for some late afternoon birding at Quivira (just 12 minutes away) or a visit to downtown’s Antique Mall, coffee at The Gathering Place and a tour of the Stafford County Historical Society & Museums to see their outstanding collection of glass negatives and learn more about the post civil war African American Exodusters.. Consider an additional overnight in Stafford, Great Bend, or Hoisington for some extra time to explore the region.

[email protected]

www.kansasbyway.com


DISCoVER MoREThe Byway will continue to surprise you!START YoUR DAY RIGHT

Great Bend’s Granny’s Kitchen serves breakfast & lunch.UNIQUE SHoPPING IN HoISINGToN

Kindscher’s Mule Barn farm & home storeSToNE BRIDGES

Beautiful WPA-built stone bridges near ClaflinSUNDAY BUFFET IN HUDSoN

The Wheatland Restaurant is a Sunday tradition.GoT FLoUR?

Tour the Stafford County Flour Mill in HudsonVINTAGE NEoN

Curtis Cafe in Stafford has a great sign & great pie!PLAY A RoUND

Ellinwood, Great Bend & Stafford have unique golf courses


Hit the Trail!Start your Trail of Lights adventure at the Twelve Days of Christmas display, a lighted love letter brought to life in Veteran’s Park. The park also features Santa and his elves, and lots of landscape lighting magically reflected in the lake. Free, drive-through display. Then make your way to the astounding Wild Lights where you can see dinosaurs roaming and elephants splashing in the water at the Brit Spaugh Park. Be sure to head to the downtown area to the Lafayette Lights display, where you can visit shops, local restaurants, and Christmas attractions like Santa’s House and an “iceless” skating rink.

More Lights! Don’t miss the lighted Nativity and take a drive through Great Bend’s residential area – the private displays will amaze you. For a real treat, drive south on Main Street and look to your right as you cross the Arkansas River Bridge. You’ll see a little old-fashioned village lighted for Christmas – the Barton County Historical Village (private group tours are available).

Santas Around the WorldTwenty-two life-sized Santas handcrafted by a local artist are featured year-round. Each Santa has his (or her) own unique story and elaborate costume. Specially-decorated trees, flowers, and accessories complement each Santa. Here is just a sampling of the Santa representation:

• France’s Pere Noel left gifts in wooden shoes left out by good children. His little companion, Pere Fouchette, left switches used for whipping the bad children.

• Brazil’s Vovo Indo (Grandpapa Indian) comes from the rain forest and is the traditional bearer of gifts.

• China’s Christmas Old Man, Dun Che Loa Ren, comes during the Holy Birth Festival (Shen Dan Jeh). He fills stockings with gifts from his wicker basket.

Visitors are also offered iPods for an around the world tour of Santa World. Admission is charged.

877.427.9299 27

HoLIDAY TRAIL oF LIGHTS

Visitors will find lots to celebrate during the holiday season in Great Bend; concerts, open houses, holiday planetarium shows, art gallery and museum receptions. A variety of hotels, motels, restaurants and shops make Great Bend the perfect holiday destination. Christmas has been done right for over twenty years. The Trail of Lights began as a small local attraction in our zoo, and has now expanded through the community as a national attraction.

Families from all over come to enjoy what the city has to offer, everyone, from toddlers to seniors, will have a fascinating time. Visitors will find easy parking, charming shopping, reasonable prices, and a festive, small-town atmosphere. Call or e-mail the Great Bend CVB for an information packet (including a map of lights, attractions, and a holiday calendar.) 620.792.2750 [email protected]

It’s in our nature...to celebrate!

THE RURAL LIFE

877.427.9299

Where would we be without agriculture? Some folks say we’d be naked and hungry! Visitors can enjoy and be a part of some of the wonderful heartland traditions of our agricultural heritage. For details about agri-tourism experiences, call the Great Bend Convention and Visitor’s Bureau at 620.792.2750.

Heartland Farm The Dominican Sisters of Heartland Farm provide 80 acres that will welcome you, nurture you, and introduce you to the peace and abundance of country life. The farm offers many workshops and is home to a herd of beautiful, inquisitive alpacas. Some of their earth-friendly projects include renovation of old farm buildings, gray water system, rainwater catchment, solar oven, solar greenhouse, solar shower, straw bale dwellings, and organically grown crops.

Visitors can explore the straw bale buildings, the acoustically perfect silo, learn about organic farming methods while participating in gardening activities, take a peaceful stroll through a labyrinth, and discover much more. 620.923.4585


Farmers’ MarketDuring the spring, summer, and fall, you’ll find delicious, locally grown foods and homemade treats at the Great Bend’s farmers’ market, held on Saturday mornings in the Downtown area. 620.793.4111

Rosewood Ranch and WineryLocated just eight miles west of Great Bend, the ranch covers 750 acres of rolling plains and operates a World-Champion Stallion Service. Newly opened the summer of 2012, the Rosewood Winery is nestled in the heart of the Ranch. There are more than a dozen types of Rosewood Wines; all of them are made from the highest quality grapes. 620.786.1693

Barton County FairA slice of good ol’ Americana, the Barton County Fair, retains the small-town feel with the displays of prize-winning local crops, baked goods, and rural projects. 620.797.3247

to grow.

Farm & Ranch ExpoThe year 2012 begins a new era for Great Bend. The community is hosting its own annual farm show called the “Great Bend Farm and Ranch Expo” slated to be the largest farm expo in central Kansas. Shows will be held the second week of April each year at the Great Bend Expo complex just west of the city. The complex had previously been the site of a biannual farm show. Farmers, ranchers, and producers come to learn about the newest farm equipment, technology, research, and techniques. 620.792.2401

29


Imagine rising before dawn to bag waterfowl on one of the largest inland marshes in the United States and then spending the afternoon walking a Kansas field in search of upland game. Great Bend, Kansas has been called a Hunter’s Paradise. Wetlands and multiple grain crops offer ideal conditions for wildlife. Hunters find pheasant, quail, duck, geese, turkey and deer in the area. Great hunting and great hunting resources make Great Bend the perfect place to base a hunting adventure. When you arrive, you’ll find hunter-friendly lodging and a variety of savory restaurants, ranging from home-cooked meals to spicy ethnic food.

Public & Walk-In Hunting There are over 60,000 acres of public hunting areas within 60 miles of Great Bend (13,000 of those acres are only 7 miles away at Cheyenne Bottoms.) In addition, Kansas Wildlife, Parks, & Tourism leases about 50,000 acres of private land within 60 miles of Great Bend specifically for walk-in hunting. Hunting on land leased by the state of Kansas does not require landowner permission. However, if you want to hunt on other private lands, you must receive the permission of the landowner.

HUNTING

Abundant Hunting in the Heart of Kansas

To receive a copy of the Kansas Walk-In Hunting Area Atlas, contact the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism at 620.672.5911 or go to their website at www.kdwpt.state.ks.us.




31877.427.9299

Plan Your Hunting Trip Contact the Great Bend Convention & Visitor’s Bureau for a special hunting publication which includes refuge maps, hunting resources and lodging information. We can also provide information about licenses and answer any questions you have about hunting in Central Kansas. 620.792.2750 • [email protected]

Public Hunting Areas There are seven public hunting areas within a one-hour drive of Great Bend.

Wildlife Area Acres Distance from Great Bend

Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area 13,416 5 miles North, 2 miles East

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge 8,000 25 miles Southeast

Kanopolis Reservoir 13,000 45 miles Northeast

Texas Lake Wildlife Area 560 53 miles Southwest

Wilson Wildlife Area 8,039 57 miles Northeast

Pratt Sandhills Wildlife Area 4,757 59 miles Southwest

Hodgeman SFL & Wildlife Area 254 66 miles West

DININGRestaurant Address Phone Seats Buffet Take Out Cater Bar Credit Cards

Applebee’s Bar & Grill 3209 10th 620-792-8800 152 Y Yes

Arby’s 3414 10th 620-792-7229 90 Y Yes

Braum’s 4209 10th 620-792-4596 83 Y Yes

Burger King 3929 10th 620-793-9741 70 Y Yes

Chosen Wok 3908 10th 620-796-2888 100 Yes

Classic Inn-Chinese South Patton Rd. 620-792-3100 200 Y Y Y Yes

Corner Bistro 407 McKinley 620-282-1602 20 Y Y Yes

Delgados Mexican Restaurant 2210 10th 620-793-3786 84 Y Y No

Diane’s Diner 807 10th 620-792-6045 100 Y Y Y Yes

Ernie’s Bar and Grill 319 Main 620-792-2619 165 Y Y Yes

EaZy Street 54 NE 20 Rd 620-793-6966 100 Y No

Gambino’s 2232 10th St. 620.603.6272 0 Y Y Yes

Granny’s Kitchen 925 10th 620-793-7441 42 Y No

Great Wall Chinese Buffet 4705 10th 620-792-2898 125 Y Y Yes

Great Bend Coffee (1) 2015 Lakin 620-603-6465 49 Y Yes

Great Bend Coffee (2) 3515 Broadway 620-786-6465 49 Y Yes

Great Bend Taco 3106 10th 620.793.5211 70 Y Yes

Highland Hotel 3017 10th 620-792-2431 98 Y Y Yes

Johnsons Smokehouse BBQ 1624 10th 620.792.4700 20 Y Y Yes

Kentucky Fried Chicken 2917 10th 620-793-8226 45 Y Y Yes

Kiowa Kitchen Mexican Restaurant 214 E 10th 620-793-9855 110 Y Y Y Yes

La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant 3212 10th 620-796-2032 100 Y Yes

Leann’s Diner 2520 10th 620-793-6491 50 Y Y Yes


Restaurant is unique to Great Bend

Los Dos Potrillos 2020 Forest 620-793-7585 50 Y Yes

Long John Silver’s 3800 10th 620-792-2950 100 Y Yes

Lumpy’s Bar & Grill 2017 Forest 620-793-6420 70 Y No

Mary’s Burritos 2424 10th 620-792-2912 20 Y No

McDonalds 3307 10th 620-792-1406 75 Y Yes

Montana Mike’s Steakhouse 906 McKinley 620-792-5930 268 Y Yes

Mr Burger E 10th/Hwy 281 620-793-3635 50 Y Yes

Papa Murphy’s Take’n’Bake Pizza 3809 10th 620-792-7222 0 Y Yes

Perkins Family Restaurant 2920 10th 620-792-4386 180 Y Yes

Perks Coffee Shoppe 1216 Main 620-786-2334 25 Y Yes

Pizza Hut (1) 2006 Main 620-792-7161 135 Y Y Y Yes

Pizza Hut (2) 4101 10th 620-792-8228 135 Y Y Y Yes

Playa Azul Mexican Restaurant 4909 10th 620-793-6788 145 Y Yes

Sonic Drive-In 3909 10th 620-792-2962 0 Y Yes

Subway Deli (1) 2723 10th 620-792-2255 40 Y Y Yes

Subway Deli (2) 3503 10th 620-793-9550 40 Y Y Yes

Taco Bell 3706 10th 620-792-7449 100 Y Yes

The Page 2920 10th 620-792-8700 95 Y Y Yes

The Rack Billiard Café 3220 Railroad 620-792-5851 255 Y Y Yes

Treader’s Deli 1309 Main 620-786-2337 75 Y Yes

Wendy’s 3519 10th 620-793-5868 60 Y Yes

Woodies Smokehouse BBQ 700 10th 620-792-3333 40 Y Y Yes

Restaurant Address Phone Seats Buffet Take Out Cater Bar Credit Cards

DINING

877.427.9299 33




Cottonwood Grove2800 N. Main620.792.4558Full hookups & cable. No showers.

Finer Mobile Park5501 9th St. #40620.792.5803Storm Shelter, full hookups

Kiowa Kamp Grounds517 Kiowa Rd.620.793.3160Full hookups. No cable.

All Seasons Mobile Home & RV Park4 NW 30 Rd.620.793.9601Full hook ups, showers, cable & Wi-Fi, storm shelter, private patios.


RV PARKING

America’s Best Value Inn 3500 10th St. • 620.793.8486 42 Rooms • Rate: $45 - $60 Hot breakfast, in-room coffee makers, microwaves, refrigerators, non-smoking rooms, handicap accessible rooms available, cable TV, wireless internet, indoor swimming pool, bus/truck parking, pets allowed.

Baltzell Motel 705 10th St. • 620.792.4395 18 Rooms • Rate: $30 - $45 In-room coffee makers, microwaves, refrigerators, non-smoking rooms, handicap accessible rooms, tempur-pedic beds, cable TV, wireless internet, bus/truck parking, pets allowed.

Best Western Angus Inn 2920 10th St. • 620.792.3541 90 Rooms (suites available) Rate: $60+ In-room coffee makers, microwaves, refrigerators, non-smoking rooms, handicap accessible rooms, airport transportation, cable TV, valet/laundry, wireless internet, indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, exercise room, cocktail lounge, restaurant on-site, meeting/banquet rooms, bus/truck parking, pets allowed.

Comfort Inn 911 Grant St. • 620.793.9000 45 Rooms (suites available) Rate: $60+ Free continental breakfast, in-room coffee, microwaves, refrigerators, non-smoking rooms, handicap accessible rooms, cable TV, wireless internet, indoor pool, exercise room, bus/truck parking.

Days Inn 4701 10th St. • 620.792.8235 43 Rooms • Rate: $45 - $60Free continental breakfast, in-room coffee makers, microwaves, refrigerators, non-smoking rooms, handicap accessible rooms, cable TV, wireless internet, bus/truck parking, pets allowed.

Highland Hotel 3017 10th St. • 620.792.2431 172 Rooms (suites available) Rate: $60+In-room coffee makers, microwaves, refrigerators, non-smoking rooms, handicap accessible rooms, airport transportation, cable TV, valet/laundry, wireless internet, indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, exercise room, cocktail lounge, restaurant on-site, meeting/banquet rooms, bus/truck parking, pets allowed.

Traveler’s Budget Inn 4200 10th St. • 620.793.5448 27 Rooms • Rate: $30 - $45In-room coffee makers, microwaves, refrigerators, non-smoking room, airport transportation, cable TV, bus/truck parking, pets allowed.

Travelodge 3200 10th St. • 620.792.7219 47 Rooms • Rate: $30 - $45Free continental breakfast, In-room coffee makers, microwaves, refrigerators, non-smoking rooms, handicap accessible rooms, cable TV, wireless internet, pets allowed.

35877.427.9299

LoDGING


Meeting Rooms Room Size Theatre Classroom Style Banquet Sq. Ft.Convention East 68x76 600 300 500 5,168Convention West 92x86 700 400 600 7,921Conference A 22x23 40 24 30 506Conference B 16x13 20 12 12 208Conference C 22x39 80 40 70 585

CoNVENTIoN CENTER


Owned and operated by the City of Great Bend, the Convention Center boasts over 14,000 square feet of meeting space. Located in the heart of Kansas and known to be a major contender in the state as a site for conventions/conferences, the Center can accommodate up to 1,200 people for the ultimate in banquet dining. It is also ideal for auctions, exhibits, and dances.

The main hall can be divided into two inter-connecting rooms. Rest assured that the Convention Center can accommodate every size of event.

For additional meeting spaces, the Highland Hotel and Best Western Angus Inn have a variety of meeting areas, some with poolside dining.

Our community is able to accommodate meetings of all sizes. Whether you are planning a corporate board meeting or large trade show, Great Bend has a wide array of options designed to fit your needs. We know that planning a meeting or convention requires a high level of professionalism and attention toward the smallest details - we can help! Let the CVB assist in planning your meeting with our exceptional sales and service staff. For more information contact the GBCVB at 620.792.2750.

Great Bend has 480+ hotel rooms, with more than 300 within walking distance of the convention center.

Plan your next meeting, convention, banquet, or special event at the Great Bend Convention Center




to gather.

37877.427.9299

Why Great Bend? Centrally located in the heart of Kansas, Great Bend offers rural charm, amazing natural resources, and true Midwestern hospitality combined with all the amenities travelers need and expect. Great Bend is a discovery that will delight all ages, interests and activity levels. Great Bend is a Prairie Surprise!

Cities Miles to Great Bend Drive Time

Garden City 126 2.5 hours

Goodland 204 4 hours

Kansas City 251 4.5 hours

Pittsburg 271 5 hours

Salina 76 1.5 hours

Topeka 188 3.5 hours

Wichita 114 2 hours

MEETING/ToURISM PRoFESSIoNALS

Great Bend has a life unto itself, one that beckons to be shared.Our Tourism Division is ready to assist: Travel Agents, Tour Operators & Wholesalers, Group Leaders, Receptive Operators, Other Travel and Event Planners. The CVB tourism division is active in organizing promotions and programs to increase awareness of Great Bend as a leisure travel destination:

ToURISM PRoFESSIoNALS

Discover the lingering cornerstones of great American History as you explore the Santa Fe Trail, take in the walking tour of the historic downtown area, and visit the Barton County Historical Village.

Migrate to the Kansas Wetlands Education Center and Cheyenne Bottoms to embrace the spectacle of the largest inland marsh in the United States, that was designated a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention.

Watch in wonder as birds defy gravity at the Raptor Center located at the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo. The Center specializes in the medical rehabilitation of eagles, hawks, owls, falcons and vultures. Find yourself by taking a GPS tour of the Byway, Cheyenne Bottoms, and the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo.

Discover Heartland Farm’s solar greenhouses and Alpacas. Enjoy a Birdhouse Walking Art Tour to view the combination of art and nature. Identify inspirational eras of art at the Shafer Gallery and Barton Art Center.

to experience.

ToURS oN A TANKFUL


Great Bend is the perfect place to start your central Kansas adventure. You’ll find special places to explore and sights to see within an easy drive from Great Bend. The Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau publishes a magazine full of Great Bend-based itineraries called Tours on a Tankful. These adventures begin and end in Great Bend where you’ll find comfortable, affordable hotel rooms, unique restaurants, traveler’s services, and a charming shopping district.

The tours provide travelers with one-day itineraries that include visits to the Santa Fe Trail historic sites, the intriguing Mushroom State Park, many small communities, beautiful rural landscapes, and opportunities for authentic experiences that fill the Heart of Kansas.

These are short tours, but you should take your time. Stop for coffee and take a historic walking tour of downtown Great Bend. Or, get out your binoculars and do some bird watching at Cheyenne Bottoms. Take pictures of your children at the Garden of Eden in Lucas. Pick up a picnic lunch at a small-town grocery store and enjoy it at a little roadside park. Roll down your windows as you drive into the Nature Conservancy’s Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve and listen to the sounds of the wetlands. Listen carefully wherever you go. You’ll hear America’s heart beating strong right here in Kansas!

Here’s just a taste of the Tours. For more information or to request a copy of the complete Tours on a Tankful, contact the Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau.

620.792.2750 • [email protected].

It’s in our nature...to explore.

A Taste of the Tours

Tour 1- WestBegin your tour at Heartland Farm. Be sure to take time to pet the alpacas. Then, get a glimpse of the Santa Fe Trail, visiting Pawnee Rock National Historic Site and Ft. Larned before venturing in to Post Rock Country.

Tour 2- NorthStart your tour in Hoisington with a self-guided tour of the 62 handcrafted metal art banners. More amazing grassroots art can be found at the Garden of Eden in Lucas. Connect with nature at Wilson Lake and the Kansas Wetlands Education Center.

39877.427.9299

Tour 3- EastBegin with an Ellinwood Underground World tour. Learn about the Quivira Indian culture with a stop at the Coronado-Quivira Museum in Lyons. Immerse yourself in nature with stops at Kanopolis Reservoir, Mushroom State Park, and Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area.

Tour 4- SouthStart at the Barton County Historical Village for a bit of area history. Learn about the Post-Civil War African American “Exoduster” story of the region with visits to the historic African American “Martin Cemetery” in St. John and viewing their history through a collection of glass negatives at the Stafford County Museum in Stafford. Embrace nature with a peaceful drive through Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.



ELLINWooD

A Community With Pride A community of over 2,000 people, Ellinwood offers the best of small town living. Ellinwood has award-winning schools and is a safe community for children to play. The EMS and Fire Departments are both award-winning and highly ranked among the National Wide NSO. Ellinwood District Hospital is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital providing inpatient and outpatient service including a 24-hour emergency room. Ellinwood Hospital Clinic is located adjacent to the hospital. Ellinwood boasts its own electrical power supply, water system, state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility, recycling center, and compost site.

Local restaurants provide a wide variety of homemade food items along with daily specials. Take a stroll down our brick lined streets to experience unique antique shops along

with furniture and gift stores. Rejuvenation Day Spa & Boutique offers many services of a big-city business with a friendly staff to meet your needs.


Ellinwood

Ellinwood offers several outdoor sporting choices. Grove Park Golf Course is located along Highways 56/96 and offers a great golfing experience. Wolf Pond, also located on the highway, is a hot fishing spot with RV hook-ups. Ellinwood is also located perfectly between Quivira National Wildlife Refuge and Cheyenne Bottoms. You can cool off in the summer at the city pool or play in the city park.

Year-round activities The Ellinwood Chamber of Commerce hosts many activities throughout the year. If you love a bargain, there are city-wide garage sales in April and September that will knock your socks off! A Ladies Night Out shopping event takes place in March with store specials and prizes. The After Harvest Festival in July is a long-standing community tradition. This three-day festival includes a carnival, barbeque, ice cream social, concerts, shows, reunions, a big parade and much more! A Hometown Christmas celebration wraps up the year.

We think you’ll enjoy Ellinwood as much as those of us who live here. Wherever you’ve come from, welcome to our community!

Go underground in Ellinwood Ellinwood’s most unique attraction is the Ellinwood Underground World. This is a must-see, along with a great history lesson. At one time, the Ellinwood tunnels ran through the entire business district.

Tours are available seven days per week. 620.564.2400

41877.427.9299

Crossroads of KansasHoisington really is the Crossroads of Kansas. Its brick streets and leafy neighborhoods are located in the center of Kansas at the crossroads of Highway 281 & Highway 4. Hoisington began as a railroad terminal for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. Its 3,000 residents offer to share the best of small-town living with visitors.

Art and HistoryA unique display of 62 locally-crafted metal art banners are mounted on light poles along Main Street. They portray birds, wildlife, and the history of Cheyenne Bottoms. After touring the banner art, hop across the street to the U.S. Post Office and admire one of the few remaining examples of Depression mural art. Drive a block south to First and Walnut to view the sundial located on the façade of the modern-style City Auditorium.


www.hoisingtonkansas.com Hoisington Chamber of Commerce123 N. Main, Hoisington, KS 67544620.653.4311

HoISINGToN

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Labor Day CelebrationHoisington welcomes visitors to join its Labor Day Weekend Celebration. For more than 100 years, the community has celebrated Labor Day weekend which draws 25,000 people annually.

Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife AreaFor outdoor and wildlife enthusiasts, Cheyenne Bottoms is located right at Hoisington’s southeastern border. The Bottoms is the largest interior marsh in the United States and offers endless opportunities for bird watchers, nature photographers, hunters, and everyone who loves the outdoors.

After you’ve enjoyed a day in Hoisington, grab a bite to eat at our local restaurants. Lodging is also available. Celebrate with Hoisington and enjoy a crossroads of history, art, amenities, activities, attractions and recreation.

Hoisington High School is one of the few schools nominated by the Kansas Historical Society to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The school, football stadium, and city auditorium were built in the 1930s under the Work Progress Administration project. The beautiful limestone used to construct the football stadium was quarried about five miles north of Hoisington.

Hoisington Activity CenterThis state-of-the-art facility provides year-round recreational activities. It is open to the public and visitors will find a wide variety of things to do there. The center is the perfect place for meetings, conventions, family reunions, and other events. Facilities include conference rooms and a fully-equipped kitchen.

Bi-Centennial ParkBi-Centennial Park in northwest Hoisington provides outdoor activities for all ages. Walk on the walking trail, go for a swim in the city swimming pool, pitch a game of horseshoes or enjoy a round of disc golf on the park’s nine-hole course. The park has a new playground, picnic shelters, and excellent tennis courts and ball fields.

43877.427.9299

Mission StatementThe Great Bend Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development will promote and improve the business climate in the city of Great Bend through its services and partnerships that encourage growth and assist existing and new businesses in reaching their business goals.

Organizational GoalsPartner with organizations to position Great Bend for growth. Maintain fiscal accountability and responsibil-ity. Provide quality services and programs for members. Increase revenues to provide for future longevity.

The Strength

of Our

Business

Community

www.greatbend.org

Through state-of-the-art marketing programs, including a monthly newsletter, weekly email newsletter, social media marketing, networking, and SOON a new web site, the Chamber is working for you! Our referral program keeps our members at the forefront of the business community.

PromotingSmall Business

Great Bend, Kansas1125 williams • 620-792-2401

Informational seminars and ongoing roundtable discussions help develop a cutting edge workforce. Retention programs like the Young Professionals group help keep them engaged in the community. And a free jobs web site, www.central-kansasjobs.com, helps connect them with employers.

Workforce Development

Partnerships with government entities allow the Chamber to facilitate business growth. Legislative coffees offer face-to-face networking with elected officials. Staff members assist entrepre-neurs and existing businesses with business development opportunities.

Government Partnerships

Celebrating 90 Years - Founded 1922

Gallery Hours(The Gallery will be closed during

College observed holidays.)10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday

Closed Saturday, 1 - 4 p.m., Sunday

(620) 792-9342Group tours by appointment

Admission is freegallery.bartonccc.edu

The best kept secret in Central Kansas!

◆ Secluded Atmosphere ◆ Meeting Rooms ◆ Complete Dining Facilities ◆ Lodging Accommodations ◆ Specialized Seminars ◆ Adventure Based Leadership Education

To set up a seminar or leadership education session, call (620) 792-9332 or (866) 813-2462.For facility rental and scheduling, call (620) 792-9340.campaldrich.bartonccc.edu

◆ Gus Shafer Western Bronze Sculpture ◆ National Traveling Exhibitions ◆ Barton Permanent Art Collection ◆ The C.E. Denman Collection ◆ Invitational Shows

Shafer Gallery — Gem of the Campus

The Camp Aldrich Conference Center

Where the Old West Meets the Future!

bartonccc.edu

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800-279-9915620-793-8473 local620-793-5009 [email protected] email

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The Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway takes visitors through Barton, Stafford, & Reno counties in central Kansas. The marshes that anchor this drive, Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, are international treasures nestled in the heart of America and the Central Flyway. The road moves through radiant wetlands exploding with wildlife; prairie vistas with immense blue skies; and seven rural communities shaped by nature and the entrepreneurial spirit.

We invite you to take time to linger among the seven corridor communities and discover each town’s authenticity, from quirky artwork to WPA historic projects. Each community has its own distinctive characteristic that provides unique shopping, dining, and discoveries that everyone will enjoy.

Claflin Visit WPA Post Rock Bridges - National Historic Register Read the Message Barrel - Low-Tech Facebook Perch on a Pew - Limestone Dubuque Church

Ellinwood Tour the Ellinwood Tunnels - Cowboys & Soiled Dove Visit Historic St. Peter & Paul Church Antique Until You Drop! - Six Shops on Main Street

Great Bend Watch treatment of an injured raptor - The Raptor Center at the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo

Drive a GPS Video Tour of Cheyenne Bottoms & the Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway

Zoom Down a Water Slide - The Wetlands Aquatic Center Pet an Alpaca/Walk a Labyrinth - Heartland Farm Stroll Great Bend’s Courthouse Square & Downtown Area - Santa Fe Trail, Jack Kilby Memorial, Songbird Habitat, Kansas Quilt Walk, & Birdhouse Art Tour

Hoisington Stroll Main Street - Metal banners installed on 62 poles Check the time on the sun dial - City Building Appreciate work of Depression-Era craftsmen WPA High School & City Building/Post Office Mural

Hudson Tour Stafford Co. Flour Mill - Hudson Cream Flour Visit an Artist - Rebecca Drach- Painter, Carol Long-Potter

Stafford Watch a movie at the Ritz - Restored 1945 theater Enjoy Historic Architecture - Six buildings on the National Historic Register

Learn the History of the Exodusters through 29,000 Glass Negatives - Stafford County Historical Museum

St. John Stroll Town Square - Opera House/Courthouse Uncover history at the Martin Cemetery

Cheyenne Bottoms Visit the Kansas Wetlands Education Center

Cheyenne Bottoms Nature Conservancy Preserve

Climb the Observation Tower. Take your Binoculars!

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge Look for Eagles & other wildlife

Events After Harvest Festival • Ellinwood (Third week in July) National Wildlife Refuge Week • Quivira (Month of October) Wings ‘n Wetlands Birding Festival • Cheyenne Bottoms & Quivira (Last weekend in April of odd-number years.) Labor Day Celebration • Hoisington (Labor Day Weekend) St. John Jubilee • St. John (Memorial Day Weekend) Octoberfest • Stafford (first week in October) Holiday Trail of Lights/Santa World • Great Bend (November & December)

[email protected]

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Great Bend, Kansas Visitor Guide

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