Location: Great Bend
Top Things to do in Great Bend
The 10 Best Things to do in Great Bend, Kansas (KS)
Great Bend was named for its location on the Arkansas River. There are vast plains, a national scenic byway that included enormous wetlands of international importance (Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira NWR) and the Arkansas River to explore. Located on the Santa Fe Trail, Great Bend is the birthplace of organized drag racing and the boyhood home of a Nobel Prize winner. The Raptor Center at Brit Spaugh Zoo houses raptors, byway exhibits and educational programming.
Restaurants in Great Bend
1. Kansas Wetlands Education Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By 721henrya - Hays, United States
One of the best places to see Sandhill and Whooping Cranes. A high percent of the world population of some species of shorebirds fly through here once or twice a year - depending on the species. Numerous species of waterfowl stop by. Many also nest here. Waterfowl numbers often reach 10's of thousands and may reach a million or more. Blackbird flocks also often reach huge numbers (possibly millions). This is a great place to see thousands of Franklin's Gulls during migration as well. Many other species of water and marsh birds use the Bottoms during nesting, wintering, or migration. Numbers of wading birds are often in the hundreds. This is one of the best places in Kansas to see Snowy or Short-eared Owls in winter. Peregrine Falcons, Bald Eagles, and multiple species of hawks are regular visitors. No matter the time of year or water levels, there is always something interesting to see here. Most of the birds are observable from the roadway making them accessible to the young, old, and not so mobile who just want an opportunity to observe nature. If you visit, keep your eyes open for reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Mink are commonly observed.
2. Heartland Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By daleh555 - Fuquay-Varina, United States
My wife and I went with our 24 year old daughter who works in the area and it was a wonderful afternoon. It is recommended to call ahead and we didn’t know that but Ms. Imelda accommodated us anyway with a wonderful personal tour of the organic farm, the crafts they create, and an alpaca visit. Afterwards we spent some time in the gift shop which had many items of interest including home made jams, pottery, soaps, alpaca yarn made at the farm, and hand made quilts. After selecting several items from the gift shop we went hiking around the farm on the labyrinth and ran across a wild 9 banded armadillo. There are rooms and houses available for rent if you really want to get away and enjoy some relaxing down time. It was a wonderful afternoon for our family.
3. Cheyenne Bottoms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By Sapellosam - Wichita, United States
In 72 years I have never gone out to be birds, notice I didn't say "watch birds". I have never done that. There were thousands of birds smack dab in the middle of Kansas. If you haven't been here before, be sure and stop at the visitors center on the south side of the highway.
4. Brit Spaugh Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By 398lancew - Joplin, United States
Not to many large towns have a zoo, let alone a small town. The Brit Spaugh Zoo in Great Bend is truly impressive. Not only do they have a LOT of fantastic animals to look at, but the staff will take the time to talk to you about them and answer any questions you may have. They love their animals and it shows.
5. Wetlands at Great Bend Aquatic Facilty
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
6. Barton County Historical Society Museum and Village
7. Great Bend Courthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
8. Veterans Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By 369nancym - Topeka, United States
kids were playing, lots of nice playground equipment. Peaceful setting for watching, walking, picnic areas and a dog park
