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Liberal, Kansas

Travelers on U.S. Highway 54, struck by the round horizon and massive skyscapes, would be surprised to find a series of ponds, streams, marshland and groves of cottonwood trees just north of the straight path they drive. Yet such a place exists, nestled in an area of canyons and hills north of the highway.

Its Arkalon Park, home to a variety of wildlife, the favorite haunt of local fishermen, and a welcome shady spot for campers and picnickers. Located 10 miles northeast of Liberal, Arkalon is a project that will always be in progress. The Arkalon Council continues to improve on the overall quality of the community's park system.

At present, there are three lakes and a marsh area. All of the fishing areas have been stocked, mainly with catfish. Visitors to the area are also likely to find an unusual variety of birds. Arkalon provides a permanent home to a gaggle of approximately 40 Canada geese, along with many stopover geese - wild ones that come and go, along with many other water birds that stop along their annual migrations.

Several nature trails wind through the marsh area, providing visitors with an opportunity to sight beaver, deer, kingfishers, turtles, snakes, squirrels, and raccoon. Bird watchers frequently sight a spectrum of species, from bluebirds to falcons, and the foliage is equally diverse. Markers identify many of the unusual trees and shrubs, and benches offer hikers a spot to sit and take in the natural beauty of the scene.

Arkalon provides a place where a family can get away from town and take the kids out to a picnic or just feed the geese. There are electrical hookups in the campground area, a bath house, and RV dump station, and a shelter facility.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

International Pancake Race

A tradition since 1950, the International running of the Pancake Race has become a symbolic event of peace and unity between the Untied States and England. Pancake Day is always on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. Some people refer to it as "Fat Tuesday."

Liberal, KS One Of A Kinds

Mid-America Air Museum

With more than 90 aircraft on display, the Mid-America Air Museum in Liberal, Kansas, is one of the largest aviation museums in the United States. Whether you are interested in general aviation, classic planes, home builts, warbirds, or modern jets, there\'

Liberal, KS Museums

Land of OZ Dorothy's House

Liberal's Dorothy's House was built in 1907 and donated to the Seward County Historical Society. It has been carefully restored and furnished with period furnishings to reproduce the warmth of the farmhouse where Dorothy realized that: "There's no place like home." In the "Land of Oz"

Liberal, KS Museums

Baker Arts Center

Known as a "cultural oasis on the prairie", the Baker Arts Center is an art education facility which promotes the arts in Southwest Kansas. A 5000 square foot three level handicap accessible building is the former home of Irene Dillon and Francis Marion Baker.

Liberal, KS Arts

Rock Island Depot

In April, 1888, the first train with goods other than construction materials arrived at the end of the new Rock Island line in Liberal, Kansas.

Liberal, KS Railroad History

Things to do near Liberal, KS

Wichita County Cemeteries

An effort has been made to compile records on all known cemeteries and single graves that are known to exist in Wichita Count...

Santa Fe Trail Driving Tour

Below is a self-guided driving tour of seven sites along highways 154 and 50 which parallels the original Santa Fe Trail....