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Nature
Nature blessed Great Bend in a curious (and unexpected) way. She gave us an ocean in the midst of a sea of grass. A spectacular array of wildlife is attracted to our marshes and waters, offering nature lovers an unobstructed view into the wonders of the natural world. We make this guarantee. Spend a few days with us in the lush “Bottoms,” and we promise that you will leave the rumor of “flat and dry” Kansas behind.
Great Bend is bordered by two great marshes complexes – Cheyenne Bottoms to the north and Quivira NWR to the south. Millions of ducks, geese, shorebirds, and other water birds swarm these world-famous marshes each year. One of America’s rarest birds, the whooping crane, stops by during its annual migratory flight between Canada and the central Texas coast. Bald eagles winter here, and are easy to see as they sit exposed on the frozen marsh ice.
Like to hunt? Duck hunting in the Cheyenne Bottoms marshes is world renowned. Rather take pictures? Grab that long lens and drive one of the wildlife loops at Quivira NWR. Or perhaps you would prefer a relaxing evening watching the endless streams of migratory birds flowing into the marshes for the evening. Whatever your preferred path to nature, we have your connection.
To this end, Great Bend, Barton County (Great Bend is the county seat), and a number of the surrounding communities have banded together to create a scenic byway to ease your travel - the Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway. This byway connects Cheyenne Bottoms, Quivira NWR, and area communities in a glorious celebration of the nature, culture, and history that defines the great bend of the Arkansas River. Stop by the Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau for a trail guide and CD.
Why not also join us in the spring for our annual Wings & Wetlands nature festival? You may not be able to tell a mallard from a mud hen, but for one weekend each spring we gather with people who can. read more
Culture
The first settlers in Great Bend had their hands full with simply meeting the day-to-day demands of prairie life. Soon, though, Great Benders would begin to nurture a cultural climate to enrich their lives. Great Bend remains a cultural center for this region, and a visitor does not have to wander far to experience these riches. Murals decorate the walls of many buildings in the downtown area. Painted by high school students, community volunteers, senior citizens, professional artists and children, the murals are tied together by themes relating to Great Bend, past and present. Visit the Shafter Art Gallery and the Barton County Arts Center to enjoy the visual arts, or enjoy a theatrical presentation at the restored Crest Theatre (now known as the Great Bend Community Theatre). read more
History
In a relative brief period time Great Bend has lived many lives. From prairie settlement to cowtown, from Sante Fe Trail way station to oil boomtown, Great Bend has performed on a grand stage. There are many ways in which to experience this fascinating past, from the Barton County Historical Museum and Village to the Kansas Oil & Gas Hall of Fame and Museum. Please join us for a leisurely trip through our storied remarkable history. read more
Recreational Resources
Whether it's relaxing at the movies or hitting a hike and bike trail, Great Bend offers recreational activities for everyone. From water sports like windsurfing to motor sports like drag racing, it's all here... read more
Geocaching
Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunting game in which the participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers (called "geocaches" or "caches") anywhere in the world, including a number of locations in Great Bend.
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