Rexford KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Rexford, Kansas.
1. Prairie Museum of Art & History
LOCAL HISTORY COMES ALIVE
The Prairie Museum of Art & History in Rexford showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region through its extensive artifact collection. Visitors can explore exhibits that depict the pioneering spirit and agricultural development of western Kansas. The museum offers an immersive experience into the past with its well-preserved historical items and informative displays.
2. Pickin on the Plains
FOLK MUSIC PERFORMANCE VENUE
Pickin on the Plains offers delightful theater performances and musical events that celebrate the cultural traditions of Kansas. The venue regularly hosts local and regional musicians specializing in folk, bluegrass, and country music. Visitors appreciate the intimate setting and authentic rural Kansas entertainment experience.
3. Smokey River Quilt Shoppe
HANDCRAFTED TEXTILE HEAVEN
Smokey River Quilt Shoppe delights crafting enthusiasts with its selection of high-quality fabrics and quilting supplies. The shop offers classes for beginners and advanced quilters alike, fostering a sense of community among textile artists. Visitors can admire beautiful handcrafted quilts that showcase traditional patterns alongside contemporary designs.
4. Monument Rocks Natural Area
ANCIENT CHALK FORMATIONS
Monument Rocks Natural Area features impressive chalk formations including pinnacles, buttes, and spires from the Niobrara formation. These 70-foot tall natural limestone structures date back 80 million years and were the first landmark in Kansas to be designated as a National Natural Landmark. Visitors can walk among these stunning geological wonders that rise dramatically from the surrounding prairie landscape.
5. Nicodemus National Historical Site
AFRICAN AMERICAN SETTLEMENT HISTORY
Nicodemus National Historical Site preserves the only remaining western town established by African Americans during the Reconstruction period following the Civil War. The site includes five historic buildings that tell the story of Black settlers who came to Kansas in search of opportunity and freedom from racial oppression. Visitors can learn about the struggles and triumphs of these pioneers through exhibits and ranger-led programs.
6. Rexford Community Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION SPOT
Rexford Community Park offers a peaceful setting for outdoor recreation and family gatherings in the heart of the town. The park features playground equipment, picnic areas with shade structures, and open green spaces for various activities. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the well-maintained facilities and small-town charm of this community gathering place.
7. Keystone Gallery
FOSSILS AND LOCAL ART
Keystone Gallery houses an impressive collection of fossils discovered in the chalk beds of western Kansas. The gallery combines natural history with art, displaying both prehistoric specimens and works by regional artists. Located in a historic 1916 stone church building, the unique venue offers visitors a glimpse into both the ancient past and contemporary creative expressions of the region.
8. Colby Aquatic Park
FAMILY WATER RECREATION
Colby Aquatic Park provides refreshing summer entertainment with its array of water attractions including slides, a lazy river, and a zero-depth entry pool. The facility offers swimming lessons, water aerobics classes, and special events throughout the season. Families appreciate the clean facilities, attentive lifeguards, and affordable admission prices.
9. Prairie Dog State Park
WILDLIFE AND RECREATION AREA
Prairie Dog State Park encompasses 1,150 acres of natural beauty surrounding Norton Reservoir, offering camping, fishing, boating, and wildlife observation opportunities. The park is named for its resident black-tailed prairie dog town, where visitors can observe these social rodents in their natural habitat. Hiking trails, picnic areas, and seasonal hunting make this a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
10. Thomas County Historical Society
REGIONAL HERITAGE CENTER
Thomas County Historical Society preserves and shares the history of northwestern Kansas through its extensive collections housed in multiple historic buildings. Exhibits feature pioneer artifacts, agricultural equipment, and detailed information about the settlement and development of the High Plains region. The complex includes the main museum building, a one-room schoolhouse, and other structures that transport visitors back in time.
11. Frontier Stage Family Restaurant
HOMESTYLE HEARTLAND COOKING
Frontier Stage Family Restaurant serves hearty, homestyle meals that reflect the culinary traditions of the American Midwest. The restaurant's welcoming atmosphere makes it a favorite gathering place for locals and a comforting stop for travelers passing through the area. Signature dishes include country-fried steak, homemade pies, and hearty breakfast platters available all day.
12. Goodland Arts Council Gallery
LOCAL ARTISTIC EXPRESSION
Goodland Arts Council Gallery showcases works from talented artists throughout northwestern Kansas in a welcoming downtown space. The gallery hosts rotating exhibitions, workshops, and community events that promote appreciation for visual arts in rural America. Visitors can purchase original artwork, prints, and handcrafted items that reflect the cultural and natural landscape of the High Plains.
13. High Plains Museum
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER
High Plains Museum documents the agricultural development and technological innovations that shaped life on the western Kansas prairie. The museum houses an impressive collection of vintage farm equipment, household items, and photographs spanning more than a century of regional history. Interactive displays and knowledgeable staff help visitors understand the challenges and triumphs of those who settled and cultivated this once-harsh landscape.
14. Country Harvest Bakery
FRESH BAKED RURAL TREATS
Country Harvest Bakery delights customers with made-from-scratch breads, pastries, and desserts using traditional recipes passed down through generations. The bakery's warm, cinnamon-scented atmosphere and friendly service make it a popular stop for both locals and travelers along Interstate 70. Special occasion cakes, seasonal treats, and fresh coffee complement the regular menu of baked goods available daily.
15. Lake Scott State Park
HISTORIC NATURAL OASIS
Lake Scott State Park surrounds a spring-fed lake nestled in a surprising canyon setting amid the western Kansas plains. The park features the historic El Cuartelejo Pueblo ruins, the northernmost pueblo ruins in the United States, dating back to the 1600s. Visitors enjoy camping, fishing, swimming, and hiking while experiencing both natural beauty and significant archaeological history in one location.