Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Newton, Kansas

The seat of Harvey County in south-central Kansas occupies a distinctive position in Kansas history. Once regarded as a modest settlement in the Old West, it later transformed with the arrival of the railroads, facilitating a significant influx of Mennonite immigrants from the former Kingdom of Prussia and the Russian Empire.

The Mennonite migrants introduced Turkey Red hard winter wheat, a resilient and high-yield variety, which played a crucial role in establishing Kansas as the breadbasket of America.

History enthusiasts can delve into this heritage at the Kauffman Museum located on the Bethel College campus in North Newton, as well as the meticulously preserved Warkentin House (1886).

1. Kauffman Museum

To gain insight into the region’s history, one must take a brief trip to North Newton, home to the picturesque Bethel College campus, featuring a magnificent Administration Building (1887) listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Affiliated with the Mennonite Church, the award-winning Kauffman Museum provides an in-depth exploration of Mennonite history in Kansas.

The primary permanent exhibit, “Of Land & People: Mennonites of the Central Plains,” chronicles the experiences of immigrants adapting to the prairie in the 1870s.

Additionally, “Mennonite Immigrant Furniture” showcases a collection of exquisite furniture transported to Kansas from Prussia and the Russian Empire during the 1870s and 1880s, or crafted by their first-generation descendants.

The museum grounds also feature a 1.5-acre tallgrass prairie restoration as well as a historical farmstead constructed between 1875 and 1886, relocated to this site.

2. Harvey County Historical Society Museum

This complimentary local history museum resides in the former Carnegie Library building, which dates back to 1903 and is located south of the railroad tracks on Main Street downtown.

The Harvey County Historical Society was established around this period and moved into this building after the public library relocated in 1973. The museum boasts a variety of exhibits, beginning with the Harvey County Hall.

This space recounts the county’s history from the days of nomadic Native Americans through the Old West, covering the railroad’s arrival from Emporia in 1871, the Chisholm Trail from Texas, and the significant history of the Harvey County Courthouse, which was demolished in 1966.

Visitors can also explore the grounds, which include the 1873 Kellas School, a restored one-room schoolhouse.

3. Warkentin House Museum

A key figure in Newton’s late 19th century development was Bernhard Warkentin (1847-1908), born in the Molotschna colony in what is now southeastern Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Oblast and part of the wave of Mennonite immigration.

A miller by profession, Warkentin encouraged fellow immigrants to introduce Turkey Red hard winter wheat and played a pivotal role in founding both Bethel College and the Kansas State Bank.

His elegant Late Victorian residence, constructed in 1886, has been preserved as a historic house museum, retaining over three-quarters of its opulent original decor and furnishings. Tours are available on weekends from April through December, and on Fridays from June through August.

4. Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra (NMKSO)

Harvey County features a renowned community orchestra, with a history dating back to 1956.

The NMKSO serves as an excellent platform for local musicians, presenting a season rich with Fall and Winter Classics concerts, summer chamber music, special events, and educational outreach.

This ensemble is composed of professional and amateur musicians, as well as educators and gifted students from local educational institutions.

Concerts take place across various venues, including Bethel College’s Memorial Hall and the Richert Auditorium at Tabor College in nearby Hillsboro.

5. Blue Sky Sculpture

Take a moment to admire this captivating piece of public art situated at the main entrance of Centennial Park.

The Blue Sky sculpture, created in 2008 by Phil Epp (b. 1946), a Bethel College alumnus with Mennonite roots, has been recognized as one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas Art by the Kansas Sampler Foundation. On clear days, the cobalt-glazed tile backdrop blends beautifully with the Kansas sky, inviting meditation on the natural movement of the sky.

This interactive artwork features a bench in the parking area and a staircase leading up to the sculpture.

6. Carriage Factory Art Gallery

Located downtown, this charming two-story building, originally a factory from 1883, has evolved into an art center for Newton and its surrounding area. Visitors can find temporary exhibitions featuring regional artists as well as a sales gallery showcasing local artwork across various media.

The Carriage Factory Art Gallery also maintains a collection by Impressionist and later Abstract painter Albert H. Krehbiel (1873-1945), with several pieces available for purchase.

This vibrant hub of creativity encourages collaboration among artists, musicians, and community members, hosting numerous workshops throughout the year to foster various skills.

7. The Breadbasket

A downtown establishment to consider is this Mennonite-influenced restaurant, operating for nearly four decades. The Breadbasket was designed as a convivial space where friends and neighbors could enjoy a meal together.

Offering a breakfast buffet, a lunch menu that features eight different soups and eleven varieties of sandwiches, it also offers hearty Sunday meals including familiar favorites like roast turkey and fried chicken.

On Fridays and Saturdays, diners can partake in the German Buffet, showcasing Mennonite culinary classics such as sausage, sauerkraut, borscht, baked ham, and Bohne Beroggi, a traditional Swiss Mennonite dessert.

8. Sand Creek Station Golf Course

Newton is home to what many consider the finest public golf course in the state. Opened in 2006, Sand Creek Station Golf Course has garnered national acclaim, in part due to its use of native grasses.

Designed by acclaimed architect Jeff Brauer, this spectacular links-style course features significant design elements, including a unique aspect where the Amtrak railway line traverses the course adjacent to Sand Creek.

The watercourse winds through four holes, complemented by eleven ponds strategically integrated throughout the course.

Highlights include the challenging par five 4th hole with its undulating green and the notable 640-yard 10th hole, referred to as “The Beast,” which is crossed by the creek.

9. Sand Creek Bike Path

A delightful way to explore Newton and the Bethel College campus is by traversing the trail that follows the path of Sand Creek through the city.

The northern trailhead is located at the college’s Memorial Grove, where the woodchip path connects with paved sections at Chisholm Park and The Trail of Two Cities. This serene path navigates along the riverbank through Newton’s center, ultimately reaching Sand Creek Dam by Athletic Park.

Traveling along this route provides a tranquil opportunity to enjoy a lush riparian corridor, characterized by ample tree cover and convenient amenities such as a boat dock, pet drinking fountains, and benches for relaxation.

A loop around the college campus to the north offers opportunities for birdwatching, as Bethel College has compiled a checklist of bird species to observe in different seasons.

10. Athletic Park

As a significant local historical site, Athletic Park has served as a recreational hub for Newton since 1897. This expansive 40-acre area is home to several notable landmarks.

One prominent feature is the Fischer Field Stadium (1936), a venue for community events and the home field for Newton High School’s football team.

This stadium, with a seating capacity of up to 5,000, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflecting its historical significance from the New Deal era.

Another highlight is the Mennonite Settler statue (1942), which honors the introduction of Turkey Red hard winter wheat by Mennonite farmers in the 1870s. Funded collaboratively by the community and the Works Progress Administration (WPA), this sculpture, carved from native limestone by Topeka artist Max Nixon, stands at 17 feet tall, emerging as a city symbol.

11. Centennial Park

Located near the Bethel College campus in the northern part of Newton, Centennial Park is a spacious community park filled with a variety of amenities. Established in 1971, it features several baseball and softball fields catering to local high school and Babe Ruth teams.

The Sand Creek Bike Path runs close by to the north and west, and visitors can also appreciate the Blue Sky Sculpture situated on the park’s west side.

Facilities include a disc golf course, an off-leash dog park, flag football field, soccer field, sledding hill during winter, open shelters, grills, summer concession stands, and a playground for family enjoyment.

12. Harvey County East Park Lake

A sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts, this 314-acre lake is managed by the Harvey County Parks Department.

East Park Lake is located just beyond the airport, a little over ten minutes east of downtown Newton, and is enveloped by a 1,300-acre park.

Notable amenities include three swimming beaches, primitive and electric campsites, multiple shelters available for rent, and trails suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

For fishing aficionados, the lake is home to species such as largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, and saugeye, with a bait shop situated at the park’s northeast corner.

13. Chisholm Trail 8 Theatres (CT8)

Primarily based in the Great Plains region, Mitchell Theatres provides a modern first-run movie experience supplemented with a warm small-town ambiance and competitive pricing.

Acquired by the chain in 2006, this multiplex was originally constructed by Warren Theatres and has since been outfitted with the latest technology across its eight auditoriums.

Patrons can enjoy high-back rocker seats, generous legroom, stadium seating, digital projection, digital surround sound, and 3D capabilities. Tickets for matinee showings previously started at just $4.75, with regular screenings available for $4.

14. Taste of Newton

The Newton Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its largest annual event, a food festival attracting thousands of attendees to downtown Newton.

The festival’s origins date back to 1987, coinciding with celebrations at Bethel College marking the school’s centenary. Its success led the chamber of commerce to incorporate it into their events calendar the following year.

Occurring on a Thursday evening in late September or October, Taste of Newton features more than 50 food trucks, primarily from the local area, presenting a diverse array of culinary options.

The event also includes vendors representing local organizations aiming to raise funds, allowing participants to support significant non-profits.

15. Harvey County Fair

A vibrant atmosphere envelops Newton during late July and early August as the five-day Harvey County Fair unfolds in the southwestern part of the city.

For those interested in local agriculture, the fair showcases 4-H projects across a wide range of categories.

On Saturday, a bustling market features dozens of vendors offering unique arts, crafts, and specialty foods.

Across the five-day period, numerous contests take place, including mud volleyball and cornholing, in addition to major events like rodeos, demo derbies, and parades. A carnival also draws crowds with thrilling rides, games, and the ever-popular fair food.