Arlington KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Arlington, Kansas.
1. Arlington Farm and Art Market
LOCAL PRODUCE AND CRAFTS
Arlington Farm and Art Market offers fresh homegrown fruits, vegetables, and delicious homemade food items every Thursday from 4-7 p.m. Located at 304 W Main Street, this market runs from June through September and showcases the best of local produce and artisanal goods. Visitors can experience the charm of small-town Kansas while supporting local farmers and artisans.
2. Carolyn's Essenhaus
HOME-COOKED COMFORT FOOD
Carolyn's Essenhaus is a beloved local restaurant offering home-cooked meals in Arlington. The restaurant provides a cozy atmosphere where visitors can enjoy traditional comfort food prepared with care. It serves as a gathering place for both locals and tourists looking for authentic Kansas cuisine.
3. Cara's Café & Pizzeria
PIZZA AND CASUAL DINING
Cara's Café & Pizzeria serves delicious pizzas and casual fare in the heart of Arlington. The restaurant offers a welcoming environment for families and friends to gather and enjoy a meal together. Their menu includes a variety of options beyond pizza, ensuring something for everyone.
4. Arlington Community Building
LOCAL EVENTS HUB
The Arlington Community Building is housed in the transformed old school building that now serves as a center for local activities. This repurposed space hosts community events, gatherings, and serves as a testament to Arlington's adaptive reuse of historic structures. Visitors can see how this small Kansas community has preserved its heritage while meeting modern needs.
5. Arkanoe
WATERCRAFT RENTAL ADVENTURES
Arkanoe provides boat rental services for adventurous visitors looking to explore local waterways. With a 4.3 rating from travelers, this attraction offers a unique perspective on Kansas's natural beauty from the water. Equipment rentals are available for various skill levels, making it accessible for families and experienced paddlers alike.
6. Hutchinson Zoo
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER
Hutchinson Zoo is a popular attraction with a 4.1 rating from 63 reviewers, located near Arlington. The zoo features a variety of animals and educational exhibits that appeal to visitors of all ages. Its focus on conservation and education makes it both an entertaining and enlightening destination for families.
7. Old Cowtown Museum
LIVING HISTORY EXPERIENCE
Old Cowtown Museum provides a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century life through its collection of historic buildings and costumed guides. Visitors can walk through an authentically recreated frontier town and experience what life was like in the formative years of Kansas. The museum's immersive approach to history brings the past alive through demonstrations, exhibits, and interactive experiences.
8. Botanica Wichita
STUNNING THEMED GARDENS
Botanica Wichita features beautiful themed gardens that showcase diverse plant collections and landscape designs. Visitors can stroll through various garden environments, each with its own character and botanical focus. The changing seasonal displays ensure that there's always something new to discover regardless of when you visit.
9. Kansas State Fair
ANNUAL STATEWIDE CELEBRATION
The Kansas State Fair is a major annual event held in nearby Hutchinson that draws visitors from across the region. This traditional state fair features agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, live entertainment, and an extensive array of food vendors. The fair celebrates Kansas's agricultural heritage while providing modern entertainment options for the whole family.
10. Arlington Historical Murals
PUBLIC ART STORYTELLING
Arlington's historical murals depict the town's rich history and cultural heritage through public artwork. These murals can be found throughout the small community, offering a self-guided tour opportunity for visitors interested in local history. The artwork showcases important events, figures, and aspects of life in this central Kansas town.
11. Citizens Community Bank
HISTORIC FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
Citizens Community Bank stands as one of Arlington's longstanding businesses and a pillar of the community. The bank's building offers architectural interest for visitors exploring the main street of this small Kansas town. Its presence represents the economic resilience of rural communities throughout the state's history.
12. Arlington Public Library
KNOWLEDGE AND COMMUNITY CENTER
Arlington Public Library is housed in part of the repurposed old school building, serving as a cultural and educational resource for the community. The library offers books, digital media, and community programs for visitors and residents alike. Its adaptive reuse exemplifies Arlington's commitment to preserving its heritage while providing modern services.
13. Cairo Coop
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
Cairo Coop represents the agricultural foundation of Arlington and the surrounding farming communities. The cooperative serves local farmers and stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit that built many small Kansas towns. Visitors interested in rural economics and agriculture might find this working establishment worth a drive-by to understand the backbone of the local economy.
14. Arlington Exercise Center
COMMUNITY WELLNESS HUB
The Arlington Exercise Center occupies space in the repurposed old school building as part of the community's health initiatives. This facility offers fitness equipment and wellness resources for both residents and visitors. Its presence demonstrates how small towns like Arlington are adapting to provide modern amenities while maintaining their rural character.
15. Arlington Churches
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE
Arlington's two churches serve as both spiritual centers and architectural points of interest in this small Kansas community. These houses of worship often feature traditional design elements that reflect the town's history and cultural heritage. Visitors interested in historical buildings often find small-town churches to be worth photographing and appreciating for their craftsmanship and community significance.