Local Attractions

Great Bend has much to offer, regardless of your interests.  We are a very family- focused community with activities ranging from the fine arts to the outdoors.  Below, we have listed some of our most popular attractions, as well as links to other information you may need during your stay with us.

Cheyenne Bottoms 

Located in the middle of the Central Flyway, Great Bend is bordered by two internationally recognized wetlands: Cheyenne Bottoms to the north and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge to the South. Great Bend is a birding and wildlife paradise where enthusiasts will find just what they’re looking for here in the heartland.

Cheyenne Bottoms is a 41,000-acre lowland located six miles northeast of Great Bend.  It is the largest marsh in the interior of the U.S.  The area is considered the most important shorebird migration point in the western hemisphere.  About 45 percent of the North American shorebird population stop at the Bottoms during spring migration. At least 320 species of birds have been recorded here.  Besides birds, the Bottoms is also home to 23 species of mammals, 19 species of reptiles, and 9 species of amphibians.  Visit their website for more information, including photography tips, current sightings, birding and wildlife viewing tips and hunting maps.

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

Over 20,000 acres and offering as much diversity as Cheyenne Bottoms, Quivira NWR is about forty minutes south of Great Bend.  It is comprised of prairie grasses, salt marches, sand dunes, canals, dikes, and timber.   A system of 21 miles of canals and 25 miles of dikes provides nearly 6,000 acres of managed wetlands and marshes.  During spring migration Quivira NWR becomes a staging area for 500,000 birds.  For additional information check out the following websites:

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Official Site:  Includes photo albums of wildlife and wildflowers along with a bird list of what you can expect to see each season.

Quivira NWR:  Very informative site.

Friends of Quivira:  Includes upcoming special events and photos.

(back to top of page)

Brit Spaugh Zoo

Often called Great Bend's "little jewel", Brit Spaugh Zoo is dedicated to the conservation, preservation and rescue of animals and the education and entertainment of both children and adults.

The Zoo is home to over 100 mammals, birds, reptiles and insects.  The Zoo and park are free to everyone, are stroller and wheelchair accessible, and offer both driving and walking paths to view the wildlife throughout the park.

Brit Spaugh Park

The Park encompasses 46 acres and includes recreation opportunities for everyone. Scattered through the park you'll find picnic areas with grills, horseshoe pits, tennis and basketball courts, swimming pool, softball diamonds and a variety of playground equipment.

Visit the Brit Spaugh Park & Zoo website to learn more!

(back to top of page)

Trail of Lights

Great Bend is truly a Christmas Vision!  Visitors have been coming to Great Bend in November and December for more than twenty years for a single reason - Christmas Lights. Great Bend's lights are unique in the nation because city employees design and build every single display with old-fashioned creativity and ingenuity. And it's always fun to find out what new displays they have planned to charm and amaze us with.  Nationally recognized, Great Bend's lights wind through town on busy streets and quiet cul-de-sacs and spill over into city parks, businesses, and residences.  Recently, Great Bend has also created a new "iceless" skating rink next to the courthouse, allowing ice-skating enthusiasts and beginners to show off their skills.  For more information visit the Trail of Lights website.

(back to top of page)

S.R.C.A. Dragstrip

If you didn't already know, S.R.C.A. Dragstip was the home of the first NHRA Nationals in 1955. Located 2 1/2 miles west of Great Bend, Ks on the old Air Force base, the facility offers the finest racing in the area.  Come out and have fun with the entire family!  For more information visit the S.R.C.A. Dragstrip website.

(back to top of page)

Great Bend Mural Project

Great Bend is home to an expanding collection of outdoor murals created by local artists and groups. The murals are hand-painted on the outside walls of existing businesses.  Several of the brightly colored murals are located in the Main Street business area. For more information visit their website.