Spearville KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Spearville, Kansas.
1. Spearville Wind Farm
TOWERING TURBINE VIEWS
The Spearville Wind Farm, completed in 2006, features 67 General Electric turbines that produce enough power for 33,000 homes. Each tower stands 262 feet tall, making them taller than Kansas' tallest building when including the blades. The wind farm was strategically placed to avoid migratory bird paths, aviation routes, and microwave radio towers.
2. Hickory Hollow Pumpkin Patch
SEASONAL FALL FUN
Hickory Hollow Pumpkin Patch offers a delightful fall experience for visitors from mid-September through October. Visitors can select their perfect pumpkin while enjoying various seasonal activities that celebrate autumn in Kansas. This local attraction provides a family-friendly environment that showcases the agricultural traditions of the region.
3. Windmill Restaurant
LOCAL DINING FAVORITE
The Windmill Restaurant is a beloved local eatery that serves up homestyle cooking for Spearville residents and visitors alike. This dining establishment has earned its reputation as a community favorite through its welcoming atmosphere and hearty meals. The restaurant's name pays homage to Spearville's long-standing identity as the City of Windmills.
4. Longhorn Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION SPACE
Longhorn Park provides Spearville residents and visitors with a welcoming outdoor recreation area in the heart of the community. The park offers green spaces and facilities for relaxation, picnics, and community gatherings throughout the year. This public space serves as an important venue for local events and outdoor activities.
5. Cattle Feedlot Overlook
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE SITE
The Cattle Feedlot Overlook offers visitors a glimpse into the agricultural operations that have shaped the region's economy and culture. This observation point allows guests to witness firsthand the cattle industry that remains vital to the area's identity and prosperity. The overlook provides educational opportunities about ranching practices in western Kansas.
6. St. John the Baptist Church
HISTORIC CATHOLIC LANDMARK
St. John the Baptist Church stands as a testament to the Catholic heritage that helped shape Spearville's community identity. The church building represents an important chapter in the town's religious history, dating back to the early development of the community. This spiritual landmark continues to serve as both a place of worship and a significant architectural feature in Spearville.
7. Spearville Band Shell
DEPRESSION-ERA PUBLIC SPACE
The Spearville Band Shell was constructed during the Depression era with assistance from the Works Progress Administration (WPA). This historic structure has hosted countless community gatherings, musical performances, and public events throughout its existence. The band shell stands as a reminder of federal efforts to support local communities during challenging economic times.
8. Boot Hill Museum
WILD WEST HERITAGE
Boot Hill Museum in nearby Dodge City transports visitors back to the legendary days of the Old West. The museum preserves the frontier heritage that defined this region long before it gained fame through the television show Gunsmoke. Located just 17 miles west of Spearville, this immersive historical attraction offers a compelling day trip for history enthusiasts.
9. Home of Stone Museum
HISTORIC LIMESTONE BUILDING
The Home of Stone Museum in Dodge City showcases a beautifully preserved limestone building that represents the region's architectural history. Located at 112 E Vine St, this museum offers insights into the lives and building techniques of early settlers in southwestern Kansas. The sturdy stone construction stands as a testament to the durability and craftsmanship of frontier builders.
10. Ford County Historical Society
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Ford County Historical Society maintains archives and exhibits that document the rich history of Spearville and surrounding communities. This organization works to preserve the stories, artifacts, and historical records that connect present-day residents to their regional heritage. The society offers valuable resources for those interested in exploring the development of Ford County communities through the decades.
11. Santa Fe Trail Tracks
HISTORIC TRANSPORTATION ROUTE
The Santa Fe Trail tracks near Spearville mark an important transportation route that helped shape the development of the American West. These historic trail remnants offer visitors a tangible connection to the merchants, settlers, and adventurers who traveled this path in the 19th century. The trail's proximity to Spearville highlights the town's position within the broader context of western expansion.
12. Spearville Historical Grain Elevator
AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING MARVEL
The historical grain elevator in Spearville was constructed in 1904 with a capacity of 10,000 bushels, making it the largest in southwest Kansas at the time. This agricultural landmark represents the importance of wheat production to the local economy and the engineering achievements of early 20th century rural communities. The elevator stands as a testament to Spearville's agricultural heritage and the region's significance in grain production.
13. Windmill Interpretive Display
EDUCATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY
The Windmill Interpretive Display provides visitors with fascinating information about the modern wind farm that has become synonymous with Spearville. This educational installation explains how the massive turbines function and their significance to renewable energy production in Kansas. The display offers interesting facts about the engineering and environmental considerations that went into developing this important clean energy resource.
14. Mariah Gallery
WESTERN ART EXHIBITION
The Mariah Gallery, located at Boot Hill Museum in nearby Dodge City, showcases artistic works that celebrate the culture and landscape of the American West. The gallery provides a cultural complement to the historical exhibits, offering visitors an aesthetic perspective on the region's heritage. Art enthusiasts will appreciate this creative space that honors both traditional and contemporary interpretations of western themes.
15. Highway 50/56 Billboard
ICONIC TOWN WELCOME
The landmark billboard along Highway 50/56 proudly proclaims Spearville as the home of both the Lancers and Windmills. This modified welcome sign reflects the evolution of the town's identity, incorporating both its school mascot and its famous wind energy production. The billboard serves as a distinctive gateway marker for visitors approaching this unique Kansas community.