Arkansas City KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Arkansas City, Kansas.
1. Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum
HISTORICAL PIONEER EXPERIENCE
The Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum preserves the history of the largest land run in United States history. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the settlement of the Cherokee Strip and the dramatic land rush that shaped the region. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into pioneer life and the development of Arkansas City.
2. Etzanoa: The Lost City
ANCIENT INDIGENOUS SETTLEMENT
Etzanoa is an archaeological site at the confluence of the Walnut and Arkansas rivers that was once a vast Native American settlement. Visitors can explore the area where conquistador Juan de Oñate battled with indigenous people in 1601, with archaeological vestiges thought to include a chief's lodge. The site offers a rare glimpse into pre-European contact Native American urban life in the Great Plains.
3. Burford Theatre
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
The Burford Theatre is a beautifully restored 1924 movie palace that now serves as a modern performing arts center. The historic venue, designed by the prolific Boller Brothers, once hosted vaudeville performances including a young Ginger Rogers with her troupe, The Redheads. After extensive restoration beginning in 2004, the theater has been returned to its Jazz Age splendor and now hosts movies, live music, comedy, and special events.
4. Cowley County Waterfall
NATURAL SCENIC BEAUTY
The Cowley County Waterfall is one of the area's most picturesque natural attractions. The cascading waters create a peaceful setting perfect for photography, picnics, or simply enjoying nature. Visitors appreciate this hidden gem as a tranquil escape from urban life.
5. Wilson Park
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVE DISPLAY
Wilson Park features the majestic ATSF Locomotive #2542, built in 1910 and brought to Arkansas City in 1955. The park includes amenities such as tennis/pickleball courts, picnic tables, a children's playground, and a rotunda that hosts summer concerts by the Arkansas Community Band. Visitors can learn about the locomotive's history through an informational marker explaining its painstaking relocation from the Standard Oil Bulk Station to commemorate Arkalalah.
6. Cowley State Fishing Lake
OUTDOOR RECREATION DESTINATION
Cowley State Fishing Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities and outdoor recreation for visitors. The peaceful lake environment provides habitat for various fish species and attracts anglers throughout the year. Beyond fishing, visitors can enjoy picnicking, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities in this natural setting.
7. Paris Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION AREA
Paris Park serves as a central community gathering space with various recreational amenities. The park offers green spaces, playgrounds, and facilities for outdoor activities and family outings. Visitors and locals alike enjoy this well-maintained park as a place to relax and connect with nature in Arkansas City.
8. Downtown Historic District
PRESERVED ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE
The Downtown Historic District of Arkansas City showcases well-preserved architecture from the city's formative years. Visitors can stroll through streets lined with historic buildings housing local businesses, restaurants, and shops. The district offers a glimpse into the community's rich history while supporting the local economy through its mix of establishments.
9. Chaplin Nature Center
WILDLIFE AND NATURE PRESERVE
Chaplin Nature Center provides a sanctuary for local wildlife and native plants in the Arkansas City area. The center offers educational programs, hiking trails, and opportunities to observe birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Nature enthusiasts appreciate this peaceful preserve for its biodiversity and conservation efforts.
10. Arkalalah Festival
ANNUAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
The Arkalalah Festival is a beloved annual celebration that brings the Arkansas City community together each fall. The event features a parade, carnival, live entertainment, food vendors, and the crowning of Queen Alalah. This longstanding tradition draws visitors from across the region to participate in the festivities and experience small-town Kansas culture.
11. Tacolalah Festival
CULTURAL FOOD CELEBRATION
The Tacolalah Festival celebrates the diverse culinary traditions found in Arkansas City with a focus on Mexican cuisine. Visitors can enjoy a variety of tacos and other dishes from local vendors while experiencing live music and cultural performances. This vibrant community event highlights the multicultural heritage of the region and brings people together through food.
12. The Last Run Car Show
VINTAGE AUTOMOBILE EXHIBITION
The Last Run Car Show features an impressive collection of vintage, classic, and custom automobiles on display in Arkansas City. Car enthusiasts from across the region gather to showcase their prized vehicles and admire the craftsmanship of others. The event typically includes awards, music, food vendors, and a festive atmosphere celebrating automotive history and culture.
13. Summit Hill Gardens
SCENIC BOTANICAL DESTINATION
Summit Hill Gardens offers visitors a beautifully maintained collection of plants, flowers, and landscaped areas to explore. The gardens provide a peaceful setting for nature appreciation, photography, and quiet contemplation throughout the changing seasons. Educational signage throughout the property helps visitors learn about native plant species and sustainable gardening practices.
14. Spring Hill Farm & Ranch
AGRICULTURAL TOURISM EXPERIENCE
Spring Hill Farm & Ranch provides visitors with an authentic agricultural experience in the Kansas countryside near Arkansas City. Guests can interact with farm animals, learn about traditional farming methods, and participate in seasonal activities like hayrides and harvest festivals. The working farm welcomes families and school groups for educational tours that connect people with the region's agricultural heritage.
15. Graves Drug Store
HISTORIC LOCAL PHARMACY
Graves Drug Store is a beloved local institution that has served the Arkansas City community for generations. The establishment combines a traditional pharmacy with a charming soda fountain where visitors can enjoy ice cream treats and light meals in a nostalgic atmosphere. Beyond prescriptions, the store offers a selection of gifts, cards, and sundries that make it a popular stop for both locals and tourists.