The 10 Best Things to do in Great Bend, Kansas (KS)

July 27, 2021 Marlin Saiz

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

592 NE K-156 Highway, Great Bend, KS 67530 +1 877-243-9268 [email protected] http://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu/
Excellent
89%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
3%
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5.0 based on 35 reviews

Kansas Wetlands Education Center

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

1049 Cr 390, Great Bend, KS 67567-7002 +1 620-923-4585 [email protected] http://Heartlandfarm-ks.org
Excellent
95%
Good
5%
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5.0 based on 40 reviews

Heartland Farm

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

56 NE 40 Rd, Great Bend, KS 67530-9277 +1 877-427-9299 [email protected] http://www.kansastravel.org/cheyennebottoms.htm
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 79 reviews

Cheyenne Bottoms

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

2200 Main St, Great Bend, KS 67530-2553 +1 620-793-4226 http://www.kansastravel.org/britspaughzoo.htm
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 49 reviews

Brit Spaugh Zoo

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

2303 Main Stree, Great Bend, KS 67530 +1 620-792-1516 [email protected] http://www.wetlandsatgb.com/index.htm
Excellent
57%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
7%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14 reviews

Wetlands at Great Bend Aquatic Facilty

6. Barton County Historical Society Museum and Village

85 South Highway 281, Great Bend, KS 67530 +1 620-793-5125 http://bartoncountymuseum.org
Excellent
71%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14 reviews

Barton County Historical Society Museum and Village

7. Great Bend Courthouse

Great Bend , KS, Great Bend, KS http://www.bartoncounty.org
Excellent
70%
Good
30%
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4.5 based on 10 reviews

Great Bend Courthouse

8. Veterans Memorial Park

17th Street & McKinley Street, Great Bend, KS 67530 +1 620-793-4160 http://greatbendks.net/
Excellent
83%
Good
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Satisfactory
17%
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4.5 based on 6 reviews

Veterans Memorial Park

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

9. Kansas Oil & Gas Museum

5944 10th Street, Great Bend, KS 67530 +1 620-793-8301 https://www.facebook.com/ksoilandgasmuseum/
Excellent
50%
Good
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Satisfactory
50%
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4.0 based on 2 reviews

Kansas Oil & Gas Museum

10. B-29 Memorial Plaza

Great Bend Airport Entrance, Great Bend, KS 67530 +1 620-793-5125 http://bartoncountymuseum.org
Excellent
38%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 8 reviews

B-29 Memorial Plaza

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