Great Bend: Art, History and Nature

Great Bend brings together art, theater history, and the region’s past with nature and recreational activities. When planning your visit, you can distinguish between the main themes: the Shafer Art Gallery focuses on art and exhibitions, while theaters and historic sites offer further cultural experiences. The Arkansas River Hike & Bike Trail takes you outdoors; the zoo and Wetlands Waterpark add wildlife and water activities to the mix. This lets you plan your stay around the topics that interest you most.

Art and Theater

The Shafer Art Gallery features important works by Gus Shafer, objects from Barton’s growing permanent collection, and rotating exhibitions by regional and national artists. The gallery brings together works by a named artist, collection objects, and changing presentations. It is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Barton Community College academic holidays. As hours may change, check them before your visit.

The Crest Theater was nominated as part of the multiple-property nomination “Historic Theaters and Opera Houses of Kansas” for its connection to local entertainment history and its architecture. The modern-style Crest Theatre has been renovated and serves as a venue for performances of various kinds. This places the historic significance of entertainment and architecture alongside the renovated theater’s use as a performance venue.

Regional History and the Santa Fe Trail

Through its collections and exhibitions, the Barton County Historical Society Museum tells the story of this region—from Paleo-Indian peoples through the development of the trail, trading posts, and Fort Zarah to European settlement. This historical span stretches from early cultures to European settlement. The Barton County Historical Village & Museum has a different focus: as an interpretive site for the Santa Fe Trail, it is set among rescued and restored historic buildings.

You can also encounter the Santa Fe Trail in a different context at Courthouse Square. The walk along the trail features quilt patterns embedded in the sidewalks. Here, a historical theme is connected with a specific design element in the pavement, distinguishing this walk from the museum’s collections and exhibitions.

Along the Arkansas River and Other Interests

The Arkansas River Hike & Bike Trail is about six miles long, follows the Arkansas River, and is suitable for wildlife watching. The trail is wide and paved; one access point is next to the Historical Village and the bridge over the Arkansas River. When planning your visit, you can therefore choose between wildlife watching along the river and the cultural themes of the museums and theaters.

The Jack Kilby Memorial honors Nobel laureate Jack Kilby, a graduate of Great Bend High School and inventor of the integrated circuit. The tribute connects Great Bend High School with the history of technology. This adds another perspective to the region’s collections and historical themes: remembering a person and his invention.

Founded in 1952, Brit Spaugh Zoo is home to more than 100 animals from the mammal, bird, reptile, and insect groups. Wetlands Waterpark is a family-oriented recreational facility for water activities. Its mission promotes water safety and fitness and states the goal of providing a safe and clean environment. The zoo and waterpark appeal to different interests: animal groups on the one hand and water activities on the other.

Discover more destinations: Olmitz, Ellinwood, Hoisington.

For the broader travel overview: Barton County.