Looking for small-town charm, rich wildlife, and prairie sunsets? Head to Great Bend! Located in the heart of Kansas, this welcoming town offers nature reserves, outdoor recreation, and community events. It’s an ideal destination for birdwatchers, families, and anyone craving a peaceful escape in the Great Plains.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Great Bend is during spring and fall (April–June and September–October). These seasons offer mild temperatures and the best wildlife viewing, especially for bird migration at the wetlands. Summer is also popular for festivals and outdoor fun, while winter is quiet and serene.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Great Bend is located along U.S. Route 281 and U.S. Route 56, about 2 hours northwest of Wichita and 5 hours west of Kansas City.
- By Air: The nearest commercial airport is Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT), with car rentals available for the drive to Great Bend. Great Bend Municipal Airport serves general aviation.
- By Bus: Bus service is limited in the region, so driving is the most convenient option.
Where to Stay
- Best Western Angus Inn – Comfortable hotel with onsite restaurant, indoor pool, and pet-friendly rooms.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Great Bend – Modern amenities with complimentary breakfast and a fitness center.
- Traveler’s Budget Inn – Affordable and convenient option for a short stay near downtown.
Top Attractions
⮕ Birdwatch and Explore Wetlands at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area
Designated in 1988 as a “Wetland of International Importance,” Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area in Great Bend, Kansas is the largest marsh within the interior of the country and regarded as the western hemisphere’s most significant shorebird migration point, with around 45 percent of the shorebird population of North America stopping in the area during their spring migration. There are three different entrances into the Cheyenne Bottoms, with information kiosks providing driving tour booklets, checklists, and maps situated on each of the entry drives. A short drive from the K-156 entrance is an overlook platform that offers a good feel for the expansive landscape.
204 NE 60 Rd, Great Bend, KS 67530, Phone: 620-793-3066
⮕ Experience Peace and Sustainability at Heartland Farm
Located in the state’s rural Rush County, the Heartland Farm can be found just a short distance outside of the Great Bend. The beautiful and idyllic setting surrounded by farm vistas offers a place for retreat, creative expression, prayer, and learning. The Heartland Farm is also a popular place for a day trip for people of all ages with its many trails, prairie labyrinth, pastures, and organic gardens.. Guests can take a basic tour of the farm, walk the labyrinth, visit with chickens and alpacas, meditate in the silo, have a picnic, stroll through the pastures and wooded trails, and more.
1049 CR 390, Pawnee Rock, KS 67567, Phone: 620-923-4585
If you are traveling with kids:
⮕ Meet the Animals at Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo
The Brit Spaugh Park and Zoo is made up of a small water park, horseshoe courts, baseball diamonds, a skate park, and most importantly, the Brit Spaugh Zoo, which is home to more than fifty animal species and a raptor center. Established back in 1952, the zoo has become a source of pride for the city of Great Bend with its commitment to the rescue, conservation, and preservation of animals, as well as the entertainment and education of both adults and children alike. The Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo is striving to become more modern and is made up of two parts.
2123 Main St, Great Bend, KS 67530, Phone: 620-793-4226
⮕ Step Into Pioneer Life at the Barton County Historical Society Museum and Village
The Barton County Historical Society Museum and Village sits at the crossroads of the historic Santa Fe Trail and the Central Flyway on the Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway. The museum serves as an interpretive center for the historic trail and features around a dozen rescued and restored structures, which include four barns, a blacksmith shop, a post office, a depot, a Lustron all metal home from the 1950’s, a stone pioneer house, a church, and a schoolhouse. The Barton County Historical Society Museum also displays antique household items, unique farm implements, military uniforms, and several other items.
85 South Highway 281, Great Bend, KS 67530, Phone: 620-793-5125
⮕ Honor Aviation History at the B-29 Memorial Plaza
During the early part of the 1940’s, the Great Bend Municipal Airport was built as an Army Air Force Base during World War II for the B-29 Superfortress bomber. The 58th Bomb Wing took off in 1944 from the airport’s runways. After the war, the Great Bend Airport was given to the city and was transformed to better accommodate civilian aviation. The B-29 Memorial Plaza can be found today at the airport’s entrance and is dedicated to the people involved with providing support, flying, and building the Boeing B-29 Superfortress. The memorial plaza is open daily with no cost for admission.
Great Bend, KS 67530
⮕ Celebrate Innovation at the Jack Kilby Memorial
The Jack Kilby Memorial honors engineer Jack Kilby, who in 1958, invented the microchip after he had been newly hired at Texas Instruments. Kilby was also the one who invented the pocket calculator and was awarded a Nobel Prize in 2000 for the field of physics. In 2005, he sadly died and later in April of 2012, the city of Great Bend put up a statue as a memorial to the man who grew up in Great Bend, Kansas. The bronze monument was made by Chet Cale, a local sculptor, is titled as “The Gift” and stands outside of the county courthouse.
1400 Main St, Great Bend, KS 67530
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Shafer Art Gallery – Cultural gem located at Barton Community College featuring regional and national art exhibits.
- Veterans Memorial Park – Large community park with a fishing lake, disc golf course, and walking trails.
Where to Eat
- Perkins Restaurant & Bakery – Family-friendly chain serving classic American comfort food and fresh-baked pies.
- Los Compadres – Popular Mexican restaurant known for flavorful dishes and generous portions.
- HandleBar & Grill – Local spot for burgers, beer, and casual fare with a biker-friendly theme.
If you are interested in local events:
- June Jaunt (June) – Regional celebration along U.S. 56 with food vendors, music, games, and craft markets.
- Party in the Park (August) – Family-friendly festival at Veterans Memorial Park with live music, races, and fireworks.
- Holiday Trail of Lights (November–December) – Drive through festive light displays throughout the city during the holiday season.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30–60 Minutes of Great Bend, Kansas:
- Quivira National Wildlife Refuge (40 min) – Birdwatching haven with wetlands, salt marshes, and scenic drives.
- Larned (25 min) – Home to Fort Larned National Historic Site, a well-preserved frontier military post.
- Ellinwood (20 min) – Explore underground tunnels and shops in this charming historic town.
- Claflin (30 min) – Small town with a beautiful church and rural charm, great for a peaceful detour.
- Wilson Lake State Park (1 hour) – Popular for fishing, boating, camping, and exploring scenic limestone cliffs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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How did Great Bend, Kansas get its name?
- Named after the Arkansas River’s sweeping bend, the city of Great Bend in Kansas was founded in 1872.
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What is the historical significance of Great Bend?
- With a history of railroads and the cattle trade, Great Bend today has become a destination for all levels of nature enthusiasts.
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What outdoor activities are available in Great Bend?
- Great Bend offers numerous opportunities for birders, photographers, paddlers, bikers, and hikers.
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What is the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area?
- Just outside of town is the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, one of the largest inland marshes in the country and an internationally important wetland.
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Are there historical attractions in Great Bend?
- For history buffs, the city also has its Barton County Historical Society Museum and Village.
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What attractions are available for animal lovers?
- Animal lovers can explore the Brit Spaugh Zoo.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes, great for birdwatching and outdoor activities.
Best Western Angus Inn – A comfortable and convenient stay in the heart of Great Bend.
Visit Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area – A prime birdwatching destination, especially during migration season.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and sunny, ideal for outdoor recreation and local festivals.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Great Bend – A modern stay with great amenities.
Explore Veterans Memorial Park – Enjoy fishing, walking trails, and picnic areas.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and beautiful autumn colors, great for scenic drives.
Traveler’s Budget Inn – A budget-friendly option with easy access to attractions.
Drive the Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway – Experience stunning prairie and wetland scenery.
Winter (December-February) – Cold and quiet, great for indoor attractions and historical sites.
Super 8 by Wyndham Great Bend – An affordable and comfortable lodging choice.
Visit the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo – A small but engaging zoo with a raptor rehabilitation center.
Plan Your Trip