Summary
Sitting just west of the junction of the Arkansas and Walnut rivers, Arkansas City is located in south-central Kansas a few miles from the border with Oklahoma.
The local population experienced significant growth in the early 1890s in anticipation of the Land Run of 1893, during which six million acres of what is now northern Oklahoma were opened for settlement on a first-arrival basis.
A museum in Arkansas City commemorates this historic event and showcases artifacts from Etzanoa, an important settlement for the Wichita People between the 15th and 18th centuries.
Arkansas City is characterized by its well-preserved downtown area, featuring approximately 60 historic buildings and a vibrant cultural calendar that includes the Arkalalah fall festival, held for more than 90 years.
The state line gives rise to a couple of Native American casinos in close proximity, which will be discussed in this article.
1. Downtown Historic District
At the intersection of Summit St and 5th Ave, downtown Arkansas City is designated as a U.S. Historic District, comprising nearly 60 contributing buildings.
The architectural styles represented range from Classical Revival to Italianate, Queen Anne, and Spanish Revival.
For those interested in a self-guided exploration of the historical layers in downtown Arkansas City, a comprehensive self-guided tour is available on the Story Maps website, offering in-depth insights into each structure.
Current-day Summit Street features a variety of locally owned businesses, including stores that sell jewelry, handmade crafts, home furnishings, musical instruments, antiques, books, and bicycles.
2. Cowley County Waterfall
A short 15-minute drive east along US 166 leads to one of the most picturesque locations in the state. On the west side of Cowley State Fishing Lake, a stunning waterfall cascades 25 feet, nestled within a wooded depression.
This natural wonder is particularly captivating following a rainy period; however, even during drier seasons, it creates a lovely, delicate curtain of water.
Caution is advised when navigating the steep and narrow trail down to the falls. The fishing lake extends over 80 acres, abundant with channel catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, and redear sunfish.
3. Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum
In 1893, the Cherokee Nation consented to cede their title to the United States government for a 60-mile-wide strip of land situated just south of the Oklahoma-Kansas border, commonly referred to as the Cherokee Outlet.
In September 1893, the eastern end of the Cherokee Outlet was settled during the largest land rush in the United States, which is believed to be the most significant event of its kind in history.
Established in 1966, the Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum provides an in-depth look at the land rush, along with other facets of life in southern Kansas and northern Oklahoma.
The museum grounds include a historic schoolhouse, a reconstructed pioneer farm and garden, as well as captivating details regarding the cultures that inhabited these lands centuries ago.
The museum has gained renewed importance with discoveries related to the lost city of Etzanoa, which will be further elaborated below.
4. Chaplin Nature Center
Just a short distance up the Arkansas River from the city lies a 230-acre nature preserve along the floodplain, complete with an interpretive center.
The Chaplin Nature Center, managed by the Wichita Audubon Society, welcomes visitors to explore the trails seven days a week, free of charge, for opportunities in nature observation. The trails meander through prairie, floodplain forest, and along a lengthy sandbar when the river’s water level is low.
Over 225 bird species have been documented within this diverse mosaic of habitats, including wild turkeys, Carolina wrens, cedar waxwings, and Harris’s sparrows. The interpretive displays provide additional information about the preserve’s wildlife, complemented by an elevated bird observation area.
5. Arkalalah
Held on the last full weekend of October, Arkansas City hosts a fall festival that has been celebrated since 1928.
Arkalalah attracts tens of thousands of individuals to the city and features a grand parade on Saturday that spans over two hours, in addition to a carnival, numerous vendors, and an extensive array of activities.
On Friday night, the crowning of Queen Arkalalah takes place, typically awarded to a sophomore attending Cowley Community College.
The festival expanded during the 1930s as a means to uplift spirits throughout the Great Depression, with its name being a fusion of Arkansas City and “alalah,” believed to be a Native American term meaning Good Times.
6. Wilson Park
A few blocks north of downtown, Wilson Park immediately captures attention due to the impressive steam locomotive stationed here.
This is ATSF Locomotive #2542, constructed in Pittsburgh, PA in 1910, originally for the Kansas City, Mexico, and Orient Railway, and eventually moved to Arkansas City in 1955.
An historical marker narrates the story of this engine, detailing its meticulous relocation from the Standard Oil Bulk Station to this park in honor of Arkalalah.
Wilson Park also offers amenities such as tennis/pickleball courts, picnic tables, a children’s playground, restrooms, a shelter, and a rotunda that hosts concerts by the Arkansas Community Band during the summer season.
7. Paris Park
Located just a short stroll from downtown Arkansas City, Paris Park is situated west of the Cowley College Campus and provides a comprehensive day out for families during the summer months.
Facilities available here include playground equipment, a splash pad, a picnic shelter, a skate park, and the Paris Park Pool.
This aquatic facility operates seven days a week throughout the summer, featuring slides, a large shallow area, and ample lounge chairs shaded around the perimeter. In September, Paris Park also showcases the Last Run Car Show.
8. Cowley Community College
Cowley Community College is integrated within the downtown area of Arkansas City. A notable landmark on campus is the Romanesque Revival Ireland Hall, previously serving as the Arkansas City High School Building, constructed in 1890-91.
The college is recognized for its competitive sports programs, specifically in baseball, softball, and both men’s and women’s basketball, tennis, volleyball, and cross country.
Visitors can observe the Cowley County Tigers competing at prominent venues such as the impressive W. S. Scott Auditorium (constructed in 1936), Tiger Ball Park, and the Lady Tigers Softball Field.
Interestingly, Cowley County is among the few junior colleges in the country that operates its own sports television network, broadcasting live coverage of its teams’ events.
9. Burford Theatre
In 2016, this historic movie palace was revitalized to serve as a modern performing arts center, hosting movies, live music, comedy acts, lectures, theatrical performances, special events, weddings, and various celebrations.
As a contributing structure to the downtown historic district, the Burford Theatre dates back to 1924 and was designed by the renowned Boller Brothers.
Initially a Vaudeville stage, it featured performances by a young Ginger Rogers in the mid-1920s with her troupe, The Redheads.
The restoration process commenced in 2004, following the building’s donation to the Arkansas City Area Arts Council, resulting in a stunning return to its Jazz Age splendor.
10. Etzanoa Tour
Recognized as the “Great Settlement” by various Spanish expeditions traversing this region of Kansas between 1541 and 1601, Etzanoa served as a city for the Wichita People and reached its peak between 1450 and 1700.
At its zenith, the population of Etzanoa is estimated to have been as high as 20,000 individuals. Artifacts have routinely been discovered around Arkansas City over the years, but it was not until 2017 that the precise location of Etzanoa was confirmed just east of the current city.
The Etzanoa Conservancy conducts tours at the Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum, presenting the latest archaeological findings and research concerning the ancient city.
These tours include visits to the hypothesized city site at the junction of the Walnut and Arkansas rivers, the historical location of a confrontation with conquistador Juan de Oñate in 1601, and archaeological remains believed to be part of a chief’s lodge.
11. Casinos
Positioned just across the state line, approximately ten minutes south of downtown Arkansas City, are two substantial casinos located side-by-side on Hwy 77.
The first, 7 Clans First Council Casino Hotel, operates seven days a week until early in the morning.
Its gaming floor features 1,400 of the most recent slot machines, along with tables for blackjack, craps, and roulette, supplemented by several full-service bars and the FlatWater Bar & Grill.
The 146-room hotel in this complex recently unveiled an indoor water park. Just a short drive further down the road is the Native Lights Casino, housing another 600 slot machines, as well as a full-service bar and a cafe serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
12. Last Run Car Show
The largest car show organized by any individual car club in Kansas occurs in Arkansas City on the fourth weekend of September.
Since 1976, the Last Run Car Show has become an annual tradition facilitated by the Tumbleweeds Car Club, attracting hundreds of entries each year.
The primary event is held in Paris Park; however, the highlight for attendees is likely the cruise through downtown, featuring an endless procession of gleaming classic cars, ranging from hot rods to vintage 70s muscle cars.
What makes the event particularly meaningful is that all profits reinvest into the community, providing scholarships at Cowley Community College and supporting a variety of local charities.
13. Spring Hill Golf Course
A convenient option for a quick round of golf, Spring Hill Golf Course is a nine-hole municipal course situated on the northern edge of town, known for its excellent reputation.
Founded in 1928, one of the course’s distinguishing features is its expansive views, stretching across miles of the Walnut River valley.
This elevated terrain plays a significant role in gameplay, especially on the first hole, a par 4 that challenges players with a tricky hollow. For those who prefer to enjoy the scenery, a public park adjacent to the course makes for a perfect spot to watch the sunrise.
14. Mid America Dragway (MAD)
Drag racing events have been hosted at this facility, situated ten minutes east of Arkansas City, since the mid-1960s.
The quarter-mile Mid America Dragway features a 300-foot concrete launch pad transitioning to asphalt, while spectators can enjoy newly installed seating, climate-controlled concessions (complete with a large shaded awning), and restrooms—amenities exceeding those of most small-town raceways.
The racing season begins in earnest in late March and continues through October, with events such as the Midway Drags by Hotrod Sanctuary occurring in June, showcasing classic cars from 1972 and earlier.
15. Tacolalah Festival
This newly established event celebrates the diverse multicultural community of Arkansas City.
Typically occurring on the third Saturday of July, Tacolalah features a plethora of local food vendors, the bustling Cowley Outdoor Market, children’s games and entertainment, cultural demonstrations, arts and crafts, and live performances throughout the day.
Tacos serve as the heart of the festival, complemented by a margarita and beer garden open from the afternoon until the festival concludes at 10 PM.
