Sun City KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Sun City, Kansas.
1. Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway
SCENIC PRAIRIE DRIVE
The Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway is a picturesque route that showcases the rolling red hills, mesas, and canyons of south central Kansas. Travelers can enjoy striking views and unique rock formations along the drive, especially during sunrise and sunset. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the byway for its excellent opportunities for photography, bird watching, and seasonal foliage.
2. Buster's Saloon
HISTORIC WESTERN EATERY
Buster's Saloon is a historic restaurant and bar that has become a staple gathering spot in Sun City, open seasonally to locals and hunters alike. The establishment offers classic American fare and a rustic, Old West atmosphere evocative of the town's frontier history. Its walls display memorabilia, making it both a social hub and a living museum for visitors.
3. Sun City Gypsum Mine
INDUSTRIAL LANDMARK
The Sun City Gypsum Mine sits just south of the city and continues to be an important part of the local economy, supplying gypsum for wallboard manufacturing. Its unique history dates back over a century, with aerial trams once visible hauling material across the landscape. Today, visitors are intrigued by the industrial scale and historical significance of this longstanding enterprise.
4. Old Trading Post Site
FRONTIER COMMERCE REMNANT
The Old Trading Post Site in Sun City is where Col. Griffin first established commerce in the region in 1871, setting the foundation for the town's development. While the original post itself no longer stands, the area remains a point of historical interest. It evokes the spirit of early pioneers and the bustling activity that once defined the local economy.
5. Sun City Community Center
CULTURAL EVENTS HUB
The Sun City Community Center occupies the building that once served as the local high school and now hosts events, gatherings, and recreational activities for residents and visitors. It's a hub for community life, offering a glimpse into the town's enduring sense of togetherness. Occasional festivals, meetings, and seasonal celebrations are held here.
6. McLain Rodeo Roundup Historic Site
RODEO HERITAGE LANDMARK
The McLain Rodeo Roundup Historic Site commemorates the location of one of the world's largest rodeos, which brought fame to Sun City from the 1920s to the 1930s. Founded by Mac McLain, the event attracted top cowboys and rivaled even Buffalo Bill's show in its heyday. Today, the site is remembered through local lore and occasional interpretive markers.
7. Historic Sun City Main Street
QUAINT TOWN CENTER
Historic Sun City Main Street preserves the old west charm with its vintage facades, small shops, and seasonal events. Visitors can stroll the area to soak in the local history and admire remnants of the town's early hotels, bank, and bakery. The street offers an authentic snapshot of a Kansas frontier town.
8. Sun City Stockade (Historic)
FRONTIER DEFENSE SITE
The Sun City Stockade was a defensive structure built in 1874 to protect residents from regional conflicts during westward expansion. Though the original stockade is gone, the site remains a symbol of the community's resiliency and pioneering spirit. History buffs enjoy exploring the area, imagining its vital role in Sun City's early days.
9. Medicine Lodge Stockade Museum
FRONTIER HISTORY MUSEUM
The Medicine Lodge Stockade Museum features reconstructed log walls and exhibits that recount pioneer life in Barber County. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and displays that detail the settlement's early years and Native American history. The museum is a top educational destination in the region, just a short drive from Sun City.
10. Lemon Park
FAMILY RECREATION PARK
Lemon Park in Pratt offers expansive green spaces, sports facilities, playgrounds, and picnic areas for families and travelers. It is known for its shade trees, scenic walking paths, and community events, making it a popular regional gathering spot. The park provides a refreshing break for those exploring the Sun City area.
11. Gypsum Hills Nature Trail
HIKING & WILDLIFE SPOT
The Gypsum Hills Nature Trail weaves through rugged terrain and vibrant wildflower fields, offering panoramic vistas of the region's characteristic red hills. Outdoor enthusiasts can observe diverse bird and wildlife, especially during migration seasons. The trail is accessible for casual hikers and nature lovers alike.
12. Barber County Heritage Center
LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUM
The Barber County Heritage Center in Medicine Lodge curates a wide range of exhibits on settlement, ranching, and Native American history in the region. Interactive and educational, the center gives visitors insight into how the area around Sun City has evolved over the decades. Special programs and historical reenactments are sometimes held on site.
13. Pratt County Historical Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY EXHIBITS
The Pratt County Historical Museum houses a rich collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents relating to central Kansas history. It features themed displays on pioneer life, agriculture, and local industry, making it a great stop for curious visitors. Tours and rotating exhibits ensure a fresh experience with each visit.
14. Rick's Restaurant
CLASSIC MIDWESTERN DINER
Rick's Restaurant is a favorite dining venue in nearby Medicine Lodge, praised for its hearty portions of comfort food and welcoming atmosphere. The menu features American classics, from burgers and fried chicken to homemade pies. Locals and travelers alike enjoy the casual setting and friendly service.
15. Z Bar Grocery
RURAL GENERAL STORE
Z Bar Grocery serves as a local general store and informal gathering spot in Sun City, supplying essentials to residents and visitors. The store reflects the town's enduring small-town spirit and offers a glimpse into the rhythms of rural life. Shoppers find basic groceries, snacks, and a bit of local flavor in this community staple.