Discover Eads: Trails, Architecture, and Local History

If you’re looking for a hotel in Eads, you can plan your trip around the things that interest you: trails at the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, historic buildings, research, or a theater performance. The site is 23 miles northeast of Eads. This makes it easy to distinguish a visit outside town from destinations in Eads.

Trails at the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site

At the site, the Monument Hill Trail and Bluff Trail differ in their routes and points of interest. The Monument Hill Trail is one mile round trip. It leads from the orientation area to a viewpoint with exhibits and benches. The stated length includes the walk there and back; the viewpoint and exhibits mark the route’s destination.

The Bluff Trail runs along the bluff above Big Sandy Creek. Information panels are located along the trail, with benches where you can pause. When planning, you can choose between a trail with a designated viewpoint and exhibits, and a route that follows the bluff above the creek and includes panels along the way. If you prefer information directly along the trail, the Bluff Trail is a specific option; for a round trip to the viewpoint, the Monument Hill Trail offers an alternative. Check current trail information before your visit.

Architecture and Local History in Eads

If you’re interested in architecture, Eads has examples of different building types and architectural styles. The Eads School Gymnasium was built in 1929 in the Mission Revival style and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013. Its construction date and later addition to the register provide two distinct historical reference points for the building.

The Eads Community Church is an example of church architecture in the Jacobean Revival style. The Crow-Hightower House adds a residence built in 1952 to this picture: it has a circular floor plan and is classified as Modern Movement/Novelty. This puts a school building, a church, and a residence side by side for comparison. The house’s form and the different style designations also offer specific points of reference if you want to focus on how buildings are constructed rather than just their dates.

The Murdock Building brings the former uses of buildings in Eads into the picture. It has been a cornerstone of downtown since 1908. It formerly housed a bank, a café, a general store, a dry goods store, and a flower and gift shop. These uses illustrate different aspects of the town’s former business life, from banking and provisioning to dining and the trade in flowers and gifts.

Research and Culture

The Center for Sand Creek Massacre Studies is located at 1301 Maine Street in Eads. For those using the research center, it is generally open by appointment Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you’d like to conduct research there, arrange your visit in advance and check the latest operating information.

A past performance of Alice in Wonderland took place on Saturday, June 13, at the historic Plains Theater. It was part of the Crow-Luther Cultural Events Center’s annual Children’s Summer Theater production. 20 young performers took part, and more than 100 audience members attended. If you want an event to fit into your travel plans, check the latest dates in advance.

For the broader travel overview: Kiowa.