On Thursday, the Kansas Tourism Division of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism announced its list of 21 places in Kansas to experience in 2021. Great Bend plays a major part in six of them.
“How awesome is that?” said Christina Hayes, Great Bend’s community coordinator and Convention and Visitors Bureau director. She and her team are engaged in a non-stop campaign to promote the community locally and across the state.
“How can we say there is nothing to do in Great Bend, Kansas? You have got to be kidding me,” she said. “We aren’t only part of this wonderful Kansas list, but we hit it several times over. We should be so proud.”
The 21 locations across Kansas range from events, agritourism, history, outdoor adventure and breathtaking scenery.
Coincidentally, also on Thursday afternoon, Kansas travel author and blogger of Roxie Yonkey was in town signing copies of her latest book in an event arranged by the Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau. Setting up at Heart of Kansas/Miss Pretty Pickles, she said she is planning to feature Great Bend in her blogging and her next Kansas book.
Many of the area sites that made the state list intrigued Yonkey and she said she plans on returning.
Great Bend plays a
role in the following:
• Santa Fe Trail- 2021 marks the 200th anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail, and celebratory events will be happening across the state. “We are proud to be part of the 200th Santa Fe Trail anniversary,” Hayes said. She just little passport books that take you from site to site.
“Watch and see the events of this year showcase this great history.”
• Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area - The largest wetland in the interior U.S. It is a 41,000-acre site containing the largest system of wetlands in Kansas and is critical to the survival of many species.
This made the list on its own and as a state park. “Did you know that 90,000 people a year utilize and explore the Bottoms?” Hayes said.
She learned of a little shorebird that flew from the southern point of Chile nonstop to Cheyenne Bottoms in six days. It then rested for four days and went to the Dakotas for spring.
“If a tiny bird can travel 5,400 miles to Great Bend, Kansas, you should too,” she said. “What an amazing wonder we have right in our backyard.”
• Wine trail- Before prohibition, Kansas combined with Missouri to form one of the largest grape-growing and winemaking regions in America. Kansas’ landscape is dotted with a growing number of local wineries – some of which are nationally- and internationally-recognized.
Great Bend’s Rosewood Cellar is a part of this, Hayes said.
• Brewery Tours - A growing number of Kansas breweries are popping up throughout the state, catering to those in search of fresh flavors and unique experiences. Dry Lake Brewery in Great Bend is close to opening its doors. “We cannot wait to host guests from all over.”
• Drive the byways- Kansas has 12 byways – three historic and nine scenic, two of which are National Scenic Byways and three historic byways, including the Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway, Hayes said.
• Kansas agritourism business- This involves experiences on working ranches and farms. “We are proud to claim Heartland Farms as the agritourism adventure in our area,” she said. “They promote peace and wonderful use of their space and land, and if you haven’t visited them, You are really missing out.”
• State parks- There are 28 state parks spread across Kansas. Again, Cheyenne Bottoms is one of these.
Also on the list are:
• Kansas State Fair- The Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson will take place Sept. 10-19.
• Historic sites- Kansas is home to 16 state-owned historic sites and 27 national historic landmarks – from Bleeding Kansas, to the Civil War, to Native American history, to frontier forts to historic trails.
• Tanganyika Wildlife Park - Tanganyika, located in Goddard features 10 interactive encounters where you can touch, feed, and even ride unique animal species.
• Eisenhower Presidential Museum - Recently renovated with new exhibits, the museum in Abilene boasts innovations in technological components and interactive exhibits.
• Nicodemus - The oldest preserved black settlement west of the Mississippi River. Visitors can learn about Nicodemus history in the Visitor’s Center and take a walking tour to view the historic buildings.
• Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area- In Lawrence, it was part of the Missouri-Kansas border where differing definitions of “freedom” incited a Civil War.
• Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve - Nearly 11,000 acres of wide-open space. It is the only unit in the National Park Service dedicated to preserving a rare remnant of tallgrass prairie. Located near Strong City, has more than 40 miles of hiking and nature trails.
• Emma Chase Friday Nights - Enjoy live music every Friday night in Cottonwood Falls.
• Field Station: Dinosaurs - A one-of-a-kind, prehistoric experience featuring more than 40 life-size, moving and realistic dinosaurs in Derby.
• Drive-in theatres- The nostalgic pastime of a drive-in theatre is no longer in the past. There are theaters in Kanopolis, Wichita, Dodge City and Kansas City.
• Rock Formations- Explore some of the Sunflower State’s most unique natural wonders – From the Niobrara chalk formations of Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park, Castle Rock and Monument Rocks, to the sandstone concretions of Rock City and the Dakota formations of Mushroom Rock State Park.
• Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes- This Fort Scott museum highlights role models who demonstrate courage, compassion and respect, regardless of race, religion and creed.
• Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas- Lucas is a folk-art lover’s paradise and home to some of the most whimsical attractions in Kansas. The World’s Largest Souvenir Travel Plate welcomes you to town, and traditional Post Rock limestone architecture enhances the aesthetic of local neighborhoods and downtown businesses.
• Medicine Lodge Peace Treaty Pageant- Held every three years, this event commemorates the Great Peace Council of 1867 between the U.S. Government and the five Plains Tribes.
Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly curtailed travel in the Sunflower State. Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said and she xpressed her enthusiasm for travel to resume. “Take this opportunity to explore your own state.”
“While setting your New Year goals be sure to include travel as a part of that plan. There are many health benefits to taking a vacation, and Kansas has ample opportunities for travelers to safely experience these attractions.”
