Garden City is located in southwest Kansas and is the county seat of Finney County. Many traveled the Santa Fe Trail through this area on their way west, and many said nothing would survive here but Native Americans and buffalo. The railroad proved them wrong. Garden City was founded when railroad was completed in the late 1870's and has proven to be a prosperous community. Agribusiness and its many related industries provide the base of the area’s economy. Corporate and family farms, rich soil, and the plains’ four seasons produce wheat, corn, sorghum, soybeans, alfalfa and sunflowers. Reliant on the feed grains of the area, the cattle industry thrives, and more cattle are fed within a 60 mile radius of Garden City than anywhere else in the world. The friendly community hosts many events throughout the year, including the annual Beef Empire Days celebration, 3i Show, home tours, concerts at the band shell, Art in the Park, and many others. Garden City’s golf courses and zoo are noted attractions across the state, as is the Finney Game Refuge, one of the last remaining tracts of native sandsage prairie in Kansas. Best Western Garden City Kansas.
Things to do in Garden City
Buffalo Dunes Golf Course
Buffalo Dunes is one of the top municipal golf courses in the area, and has been nationally ranked by several golf publications. The course is one of two that hosts the Southwest Kansas Pro Am, attracting golfers from over 25 states. The 18-hole 6,774-yard course features Bent Grass greens and Bluegrass fairways. Practice facilities include a driving range, putting green, chipping green and sand bunkers. A pro shop is also on site. Located at 5685 S. Highway 83. Call 620-276-1210 for more information.
Bungalow Historic District
The Bungalow Historic District is representative of southwest Kansas between 1925 and 1930, as the area experienced prosperity and growth. This historic district comprises a group of four Craftsman style bungalows. 1000 block of North 4th Street.
Finney County Historical Museum
Dedicated to the preservation of the heritage of Finney County communities, the Finney County Historical Museum features permanent and revolving exhibits, community programs, educational tours and research facilities. A museum shop offers gifts from the Kansas plains and a range of items representing the ethnic diversity of the region, as well as a large selection of books. The museum is located at the entrance to Finnup Park. Call 620-272-3664 for more information.
Finney Game Refuge
The Finney Game Refuge is a 3,670 acre preserve noted for its native sandsage prairie and home to the oldest publicly owned bison herd in Kansas since 1924. Lesser prairie chickens, ground squirrels, quail, jackrabbits, and deer also inhabit the area. The preserve is managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. Tours are available by arrangement through the Friends of Finney Game Refuge. Located south of the river bridge on Business Highway 83. Call 620-276-8886 for more information.
Finnup Center for Conservation Education
The Finnup Center for Conservation Education is a showpiece for both Garden City and the Lee Richardson Zoo. The state-of-the-art facility was established as an education center for the zoo. Two classrooms, a large meeting room/auditorium, an interactive television studio and interactive learning stations introduce the wonders of nature to over 15,000 students of all ages annually. Trained zoo personnel share their knowledge and enthusiasm about the zoo and its inhabitants. Advance reservations are required. Located at 312 E. Finnup Drive. Call 620-276-1250 for more information.
Finnup Park
The 110-acre Finnup Park offers recreation for all ages and interests. Located within the park are the World's Largest Free Concrete Municipal Swimming Pool, Lee Richardson Zoo, Finnup Center for Conservation Education, picnic areas, horseshoe pits, tennis courts, and the Finney County Historical Museum.
Garden City Fun Center
The Garden City Fun Center offers go-karts, miniature golf, bumper cars, bumper boats, golf mountain, laser tag, skating rink, and a video game arcade. Located at 2880 E. Schulman Avenue. Call 620-275-7755 for more information.
Historic Walking Tour
Visitors can reflect on the rich history of Garden City as they stroll through this self-guided tour of historic homes and buildings dating from the late 1800s into the early 1900s. Call 620-276-3264 for more information.
Lee Richardson Zoo
The beautiful 47-acre grounds of the Lee Richardson Zoo provide a home for 350 animals creatures from all over the world. More than 200 different species inhabit the zoo, from huge African elephants to tiny birds. An Asian exhibit features plants, architecture and animals from the Orient. Taking an active role in global conservation, the zoo protects many rare and endangered species. A gift shop offers souvenirs and gifts. The zoo is accessible by foot, car or bicycle and is located at Finnup Park at 315 E. Finnup Drive. Call 620-276-1250 for more information.
The “Big Pool”
Garden City’s municipal swimming pool was called the “Big Dipper” when it was first built in 1922. The pool is billed as the “largest outdoor, concrete, free municipal pool in the world.” Half a city block long, the pool holds approximately 2.5 million gallons of water. Seventeen lifeguards are on duty when the entire pool is open during the summer months. Located at 403 S. 4th Street. Call 620-276-1255 for more information.
Windsor Hotel
The historic Windsor Hotel was sometimes referred to as the "Waldorf of the Prairies." Built in 1887 of native stone and locally kilned brick, the four story hotel had 125 rooms, no closets and few bathrooms. Closed as a hotel in 1977, the Windsor is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its most remarkable feature is an interior court in the center of the mezzanine, with a full length skylight at its vaulted ceiling. Located at Main and Pine. Call 620-272-3664 for more information.