Nestled in the bend of the Arkansas River in central Kansas, the city of Great Bend offers much to do and see. The city’s proximity to two of the world's most important wetlands, Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, makes it a birding and wildlife paradise. Every other year the city celebrates its exceptional bird and wildlife resources with the Wings and Wetlands Birding Festival. Within an hour of Great Bend lies over 58,000 acres designated for public hunting. The city offers a number of tours that will be of interest to history buffs, naturalists, art enthusiasts and more. Whether traveling for a meeting, convention, family vacation or weekend getaway, Great Bend’s natural beauty, small-town charm and wide variety of activities make it an ideal destination in the Great Plains. Best Western Great Bend Kansas.
Things to do in Great Bend
B-29 Memorial Plaza
During World War II Great Bend was a B-29 bomber training base. A dramatic memorial at the city's airfield pays tribute to the men and women who manufactured, piloted, and provided support for the famous B-29. Located at the Great Bend city airport. Call 620-793-5125 for more information.
Barton County Arts Center
The Barton County Arts Center features the work of local and regional artists, as well as special exhibits. Located at the corner of Forest and Main. Call 620-792-1401 for more information.
Barton County Historical Museum and Village
The Barton County Historical Museum features a variety of displays relating to county's history from the time it was inhabited by Native Americans to World War II. The outdoor village consists of restored buildings from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, including a pioneer home, church, train depot, one-room school house, and post office. Located south of Great Bend on U.S. 281, just south of the Arkansas River Bridge. Call 620-793-5125 for more information.
Brit Spaugh Zoo and Park
Founded in 1952, Brit Spaugh Zoo is one of Great Bend's biggest attractions. The zoo is home to over 100 mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Guests have the opportunity to observe animals such as white Bengal tigers, lions, black bears, North American bison, bird shows and more. Guided tours are available. Call 620-792-4160 for more information.
Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area
The state of Kansas manages a 19,857-acre wildlife area in the Cheyenne Bottoms, a critical habitat for threatened and endangered birds. Among the species that can be viewed in the area are whooping crane, peregrine falcon, bald eagle, piping plover and least tern. The refuge is home to coyote, red fox, raccoon, mule deer, white-tailed deer, opossum, bobcat and other mammals. Visitors will find exceptional opportunities to observe both birds and animals. A primitive campground and picnic area are on site. Call 620-793-7730 for more information.
Great Bend Mural Art
Adorning the walls of many of Great Bend's downtown buildings are a series of murals relating to the city's past and present. Students, community volunteers, senior citizens, professional artists, and children worked in cooperation to paint the murals. A map and self-guided tour is available from the City of Great Bend. Call 620-793-4111 for more information.
Kansas Oil and Gas Museum
Oil exploration for oil began in the Great Bend area in 1886. By 1930, the county received an estimated twenty million dollars a year from the oil and gas industry. The Kansas Oil and Gas Museum features exhibits on the history on the area's oil and gas production, geology, and oil products. Located at 5944 W. 10th Street. Call 620-793-5742 for more information.
Kansas Quilt Walk
The Kansas Quilt Walk in downtown Great Bend pays tribute to the fine craft of local pioneering ancestors. Historic quilt patterns are built into the sidewalks surrounding the courthouse square. A self-guided walking tour is available from the Convention & Visitors Bureau. Call 620-793-7700 for more information.
Lake Barton Golf Course
Built on hilly terrain, Lake Barton's offers a challenging round of golf with narrow tree-lined fairways and water and sand that come into play on several holes. On North Highway 281. Call 620-653-4255 for more information.
Planetarium
Barton Community College's planetarium features year-round shows and a special holiday presentation in December. Call 620-792-9320 for more information.
Quivira National Wildlife Refuge
Quivira National Wildlife Refuge covers 21,820 acres of prairie grasses, salt marshes, sand dunes, canals, dikes, and timber. Little Salt Marsh and Big Salt Marsh are old basins frequented by hundreds of thousands of waterfowl looking for food, cover, and a resting place. Activities enjoyed in the refuge include fishing, hunting, hiking, wildlife viewing and bird watching. A visitors center features beautiful exhibits and hands-on activities for children. Special events are held throughout the year. Travel on Highway 281 south approximately 25 miles to 70th Street, then head east 13 miles to the Refuge Headquarters. Call 620-486-2393 for more information.
Shafer Art Gallery
Located at the Barton Community College campus, Shafer's Art Gallery's enclosed glass atrium earned it the name, "Gem of the Campus." The gallery's collection is centered around the bronze pieces by Gus Shafer. Other traveling exhibits are hosted throughout the year. Call 620-792-9342 for more information.
The Club at StoneRidge
StoneRidge offers an average-length golf course on primarily flat terrain with narrow, tree-lined fairways. Located at 24th & Frey. Call 620-792-4303 for more information.
The Nature Conservancy - Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve
The Nature Conservancy's preserve at Cheyenne Bottoms covers over 7,300 acres. The preserve's shallow marshes provide an ideal habitat for wading shorebirds. During seasonal migrations, nearly half of North American shorebirds and up to 250,000 waterfowl stop at Cheyenne Bottoms to rest and feed. More bird species are observed at the preserve than anywhere else in the state. From the intersection of U.S. Highways 56 and 281, travel 8 miles north on U.S. 281. Call 785-233-4400 for more information.