Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Great Bend, Kansas

Founded in 1871, Great Bend emerged as a pivotal location along the Santa Fe Trail, where the Arkansas River notably shifts from a northeast to an eastward direction.

In its early years, buffalo hunting served as a crucial livelihood, and following the city’s connection to the railroad in 1872, it transformed into a lively cowtown emblematic of Kansas settlements in the 1870s, ultimately attaining a degree of tranquility as the cattle trade migrated westward.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the history of those early years at the distinguished Barton County Historical Society Museum and the well-preserved site of Fort Zarah, located just east of the city.

Today, Great Bend serves as a gateway to expansive wetlands, featuring the Cheyenne wildlife area and the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.

During spring and fall, millions of migrating shorebirds utilize these marshes for rest, creating a memorable spectacle for all who witness it.

1. Cheyenne Bottoms

The largest wetlands in the central United States can be found just northeast of Great Bend. Covering approximately 41,000 acres, this Ramsar site is situated within a marshy natural basin bordered by natural bluffs reaching heights of up to 100 feet.

Spring and fall mark a particularly vibrant time at Cheyenne Bottoms, as around 600,000 shorebirds from approximately 40 different species, including terns and piping plovers, arrive to feed at these mudflats.

This locality presents a unique opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to observe a stunning variety of birdlife in a single location. For the best experience, consider visiting between April and mid-May, when there is a notably high concentration of shorebirds exhibiting vivid breeding plumage.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks provides various guides for birdwatching and other activities on their website.

2. Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway

Cheyenne Bottoms is located along a winding 77-mile scenic byway that connects this wildlife area with the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, situated not far southeast of Great Bend.

Quivira also holds the distinction of being one of the 29 Ramsar-designated sites in the United States and, together with Cheyenne Bottoms, constitutes one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas.

This byway ventures through over 60,000 acres of wetlands, offering visitors the captivating opportunity to witness millions of migrating birds.

During the fall, a significant migration of geese and ducks can be observed as they head toward the Gulf Coast and Mexico, alongside rare sightings of endangered whooping cranes.

As the wetlands interlace with the familiar wheat fields characterizing central Kansas, the byway also follows a portion of the Santa Fe Trail and passes through six welcoming communities, including Great Bend.

3. Great Bend Zoo at Brit Spaugh Park

Great Bend’s primary park is located in the northern section of the city along Main Street, featuring a charming zoo that has been open since 1953. With free admission, the Great Bend Zoo is accessible 362 days a year and continues to make enhancements.

This attraction operates a raptor rehabilitation initiative, and at the Raptor Center, visitors can observe various birds of prey, including eagles, owls, and kites, while gaining insights into their habitats, diets, and conservation efforts through modern exhibits.

The zoo is home to over 60 species, including bison, capybaras, alligators, grizzly bears, African lions, a variety of parrots, and ring-tailed lemurs. A standout exhibit is the walk-through butterfly house, which is particularly delightful in the summer.

4. Kansas Wetlands Education Center

To gain a deeper understanding of the remarkable natural beauty found in Great Bend’s vicinity, a visit to this education center at Cheyenne Bottoms is highly recommended.

The migration seasons represent prime opportunities to visit, as expert insights are available regarding the breathtaking spectacles occurring outside.

This attraction is managed by Fort Hays State University as an extension of the notable Sternberg Museum, featuring 2,000 square feet of state-of-the-art exhibits.

These exhibits detail the formation of Cheyenne Bottoms during the Ice Age and address some of the future challenges facing the site. Visitors can fully appreciate the wonder of these wetlands and the various wild species that frequent or reside here throughout the year.

A variety of habitats can be explored via a half-mile accessible trail, and live exhibits showcase distinctive local species, including grasshopper mice and spiny soft-shell turtles.

5. Barton County Historical Society Museum and Village

This exemplary museum is situated on a five-acre campus just south of Great Bend. Alongside the modern museum structure, there exists a collection of captivating historical buildings, including a native stone house (1873), a church (1898), a railroad depot (1910), a schoolhouse (1915), and a post office, all furnished authentically to their respective periods.

The primary exhibition offers a multifaceted view of the county’s intriguing history, with a particular focus on the history of the Santa Fe Trail in this region of Kansas.

An impressive assortment of artifacts is available for exploration, ranging from antique automobiles to tractors, dolls, textiles, costumes, paleontological specimens, Native American archaeology, lacework, and furnishings from historic local businesses such as a dentist’s office, barbershop, and general store.

6. Great Bend Hike & Bike Trail

The Great Bend Hike & Bike Trail extends approximately six miles along the floodplain of the Arkansas River.

This trail was developed in multiple phases as part of the Great Bend Flood Control Project and is conveniently accessible on the southeast side of downtown at the Front Door Community Center.

If you are starting from the western section of the city, a trailhead and parking area can be found at 308 W Barton County Rd.

The trail features a combination of paved and dirt paths, offering particularly scenic views in its southernmost sections, where it traverses through a wooded riparian corridor and wetlands rich in birdlife.

7. Fort Zarah State Park

Located three miles east of Great Bend is the site of a fort originally established by the U.S. Government in 1863, nearly a decade prior to Great Bend’s official founding.

Fort Zarah was part of a series of forts established between Fort Leavenworth and Fort Dodge to safeguard commerce along the Santa Fe Trail amid fraught relations with local Native American tribes.

The original fort was abandoned in 1866; it was subsequently relocated approximately half a mile northwest to the site of the state park, from which it was eventually abandoned permanently in 1869.

While the buildings constructed from Dokota sandstone quarried from nearby bluffs have long since vanished, the earthworks remain distinctly visible, allowing for a moment of reflection on this turbulent chapter in history.

8. The Wetlands at Great Bend Aquatic Facility

Adjacent to the Great Bend Zoo is a vibrant summer water park that pays homage to the expansive marshlands located east of the city.

The Wetlands Waterpark is considered one of the finest facilities of its kind in Kansas. It features eight slides, a substantial main pool with a divided shallow end, alongside a remarkable splash pool that boasts zero-depth entry and a massive, 300-gallon tipping bucket.

This pool has been a part of the community since the 1930s, originally developed as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project.

The entire facility underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2005, introducing new attractions and enhancing bathhouse and concession areas.

9. SRCA Dragstrip

Located adjacent to Great Bend Municipal Airport, the dragstrip holds a significant place in drag racing history, having hosted the inaugural National Hot Rod Racing U.S. Nationals in 1955.

By the late 1950s, the event had transitioned to Oklahoma City before ultimately relocating to its current venue in Indianapolis.

From May through October, the facility boasts a packed schedule of bracket racing across various categories, including super pro, pro, street legal, sportsman, motorcycle, high school, and junior dragster.

This well-maintained facility thrives due to the dedication and efforts of a committed team of volunteers.

10. Veterans Memorial Park

On the west side of Great Bend, Veterans Memorial Park offers a space to unwind or engage in activities across its 78-acre expanse, which includes a 12-acre lake.

This lake is a haven for waterfowl, featuring an accessible fishing dock and numerous quiet shaded areas ideal for fishing.

The park contains a walking trail with a floating bridge, an exercise trail equipped with fitness tools, multiple picnic shelters with grills, and a playground.

Sports facilities include a baseball/softball complex with four fields located across the tracks to the west, in addition to tennis courts and sand volleyball courts.

11. Barton County Courthouse

A notable landmark of Great Bend, the Barton County Courthouse serves as a testament to the town’s role as Barton County’s administrative hub.

This structure deserves a closer inspection if you’re passing by. Completed in 1918, it represents the second county courthouse, having replaced an earlier brick building from 1873.

Architecturally, the building showcases an Eclecticist style, merging Neoclassical and Modern elements, characterized by six massive Ionic columns flanking each side from the second story to the cornice. The construction primarily utilized concrete, and the main entrance is framed with black stone.

12. Heartland Farm

Situated on the prairie west of Great Bend lies Heartland Farm, an idyllic 80-acre property managed by the Christian community of the Dominican Sisters of Peace.

Heartland Farm serves as an agritourism site, featuring a herd of alpacas, vegetable gardens, a flock of laying hens, a wooded creek, an art center, an outdoor pavilion, and expansive pastures.

Visitors can arrange various activities, such as engaging with the alpacas, walking along the scenic wooded trails, observing birds, meditating, picnicking, or participating in numerous workshops.

13. Great Bend Sports Complex

The leading sports facility in the region can be found in the southwest area of Great Bend. Recently inaugurated, the Great Bend Sports Complex focuses on baseball and softball, featuring five fields, each equipped with Musco lighting, perimeter fencing, and over 11,000 square feet of shaded areas throughout the facility.

For those who appreciate America’s favored pastime and wish to witness emerging talent, the complex hosts the 2A-1A KSHSAA State Baseball Tournament, in addition to KCAC Championships and Recreational Commission Leagues.

14. Kansas Oil & Gas Hall of Fame and Museum

As of the current date, this museum dedicated to Great Bend’s fossil fuel industries is undergoing renovations and is only available by appointment.

The museum was established in 1990 to document the oil and gas sectors that significantly impacted the local economy from 1930 to 1960.

In addition to chronicling that prosperous era, the museum explains the processes involved in oil and gas production, encompassing geological surveys, drilling, and product fabrication.

The Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have devoted their lives and careers to this industry, and visitors can explore portraits and biographies of over 50 inductees from the local and state levels.

15. Barton County Fair

Supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, the Barton County Fair is a beloved community event spanning five days in July.

This fair serves as a remarkable showcase for local agriculture, livestock, and traditional crafts, with a notable emphasis on quality within the diverse array of 4-H and open-class exhibits.

The fair is complemented by an abundance of entertainment, featuring contests of various kinds, a tractor pull, “mutton bustin’,” a pedal tractor pull for both children and adults, and a lineup of exceptional live music performances.

Saturday is traditionally dedicated to children’s activities, culminating on Sunday with the Sale of Champions at Aarons’ Repair Arena.