Coldwater KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Coldwater, Kansas.
1. Lake Coldwater
OUTDOOR RECREATION SPOT
Lake Coldwater provides residents and visitors with excellent outdoor activities in the heart of Kansas. The lake offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and relaxing amidst beautiful natural surroundings. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while taking in views of the surrounding landscape.
2. Comanche County Historical Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Comanche County Historical Museum showcases the rich heritage of the region with one of its most interesting exhibits featuring the Comanche Cattle Pool. This exhibit highlights the largest cattle ranch ever established in Kansas, which by 1884 contained 84,000 cattle and covered about 4,000 square miles of open range. The museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 9am to 4pm and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm.
3. Comanche County Veterans Memorial
HONORING LOCAL HEROES
The Comanche County Veterans Memorial honors those from Comanche County who fought to defend American freedom from World War I up to the Persian Gulf conflict. Located at Main Street and New York Avenue, this memorial serves as a place of remembrance and reflection. The site pays tribute to the sacrifices made by local residents during various military conflicts.
4. Coldwater Country Club Golf Course
UNIQUE TEN-HOLE COURSE
The Coldwater Country Club Golf Course features a unique 10-hole layout, unusual among standard golf courses. Its 10th hole, though the shortest on the course at 110 yards, is considered one of the most challenging. The course offers a distinctive golfing experience in a small-town setting.
5. Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway
BREATHTAKING NATURAL SCENERY
The Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway offers travelers incredible views of the unique red butte formations and canyons in southwest Kansas. Coldwater is located along this scenic route, making it a perfect stopping point for those exploring the byway. The road winds through some of Kansas' most striking landscapes, challenging visitors' preconceptions about the state's topography.
6. Rugged Red Canyons Scenic Back Road
OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH ADVENTURE
The Rugged Red Canyons Scenic Back Road begins in Coldwater and takes visitors through some of Kansas' most dramatic landscapes. Starting from 2nd Street in Coldwater, the route extends through rural roads showcasing the surprising red canyon formations of the region. This drive provides a perfect opportunity to experience the hidden natural beauty of Kansas' southwestern corner.
7. Comanche Prairies
NATIVE PRAIRIE LANDSCAPES
The Comanche Prairies surrounding Coldwater offer visitors a glimpse into the native landscapes that once covered much of Kansas. These preserved prairie areas showcase indigenous plants, wildlife, and the rolling hills characteristic of this region. Visitors can experience the beauty and biodiversity of Kansas' natural heritage while exploring these open spaces.
8. Fat Fox Cafe
LOCAL DINING FAVORITE
The Fat Fox Cafe serves as a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors in Coldwater, Kansas. The cafe offers hearty, home-style meals in a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the community's friendly character. Visitors can enjoy classic American comfort food while experiencing authentic small-town Kansas hospitality.
9. Dave's Pizza Oven
HOMEMADE PIZZA DESTINATION
Dave's Pizza Oven delights Coldwater residents and visitors with its freshly made pizzas and casual dining atmosphere. This local establishment has become a cornerstone of Coldwater's small but vibrant dining scene. Patrons appreciate the homemade quality and variety of options available at this community favorite.
10. Chief Theater
HISTORIC SMALL-TOWN CINEMA
The Chief Theater stands as a cultural landmark in Coldwater, providing entertainment to the community. This historic venue maintains the charm of classic small-town cinemas while showing films for local residents. The theater represents an important social hub in this rural Kansas community.
11. Kremee
SWEET TREATS STOP
Kremee offers delicious frozen treats and comfort food to Coldwater residents and travelers passing through. This local favorite provides a welcome respite during hot Kansas summers with its selection of ice cream and other desserts. The establishment embodies the simple pleasures of small-town life in rural Kansas.
12. Heritage Park
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Heritage Park serves as a central community space in Coldwater where residents gather for various events and activities. The park provides recreational facilities and green space in this small Kansas town. It connects to the Veterans Memorial, creating a meaningful public area that honors both the community's past and present.
13. Fall Foliage Driving Tour
SEASONAL COLOR EXPERIENCE
The Fall Foliage Driving Tour around Coldwater showcases the beautiful autumn colors that peak in late October and early November. Visitors can enjoy the changing leaves along the scenic routes that connect Coldwater to the surrounding countryside. This seasonal attraction highlights the natural beauty of Kansas that many travelers might not expect to find in this region.
14. Harold Herd Historical Marker
NOTABLE LOCAL FIGURE
The Harold Herd Historical Marker commemorates Coldwater as the birthplace of this distinguished Kansas figure who served as a Kansas Supreme Court justice from 1979-1993. Herd also served as Minority Leader in the Kansas State Senate from 1969-1973 and as Mayor of Coldwater from 1950-1954. This marker highlights the significant contributions made by one of Coldwater's most accomplished residents.
15. Land And Sky Scenic Byway
WESTERN KANSAS EXPLORER ROUTE
The Land And Sky Scenic Byway allows travelers to explore the diverse landscapes of Western Kansas including canyons, badlands, mesas, and buttes. Located near Coldwater, this scenic route offers a perspective-shifting tour through what many consider the wild Kansas West. The byway reveals unexpected natural features that challenge common perceptions about Kansas geography.