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Arkansas City, Kansas

Arkansas City, Kansas

This border town, famous as the gateway to the Cherokee Strip Land Rush, blends the past with the future in most appealing ways. Visitors can still experience the sound and feel of the event today, through Arkansas City's Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum, which houses commemorative artifacts of "The Run," Native Americans, westward pioneers and Cowley County history.

In one of seventeen local parks, a Santa Fe engine that tracks railroad history is situated next to the Robert Docking Memorial honoring one of the state's most popular governors. Ireland Hall, the 1890 red-stained, stone high school anchors the north end of Cowley College campus, and the new exquisitely sculptured Brown Center for Arts, Science & Technology secures the south end.

Arkansas City, an agricultural, industrial and business center is a pleasant progressive community of approximately 12,000 residents. Over the past 100 years, "Ark City" has grown into a progressive community with many cultural, recreational and educational opportunities. The spirit of progress is balanced by warmth, friendliness and tranquillity that are typical of small towns.

In addition to our 17 parks, Ark City is home to the second largest community swimming pool in Kansas, twelve public tennis courts, two choice golf courses, and new hiking/biking trails. The surrounding area includes a number of excellent outdoor recreational facilities for good hunting and fishing. Two such sites are the Cowley County State Lake and the Kaw Federal Recreation Area. The Chaplin Nature Center has over five miles of hiking trails which ramble through diverse habitats.

Arkalalah, an Indian term meaning "good times," is one of the many annual events in Ark City. Celebrated in late October, the festival involves people of all ages and is well-known throughout Kansas. PrairieFest - an arts and music festival - is held the first part of June. And, celebrating our cultural diversity is our newest event, WorldFest.

With family events and excitement year-round, you will want to "find the prairie spirit" in Arkansas City and makethis fun and friendly town your own.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Cowley County Community College

Cowley County Community College, (CCCC), dates back to 1922 when it began as Arkansas City Junior College. The vocational-technical school was added in 1967, making Cowley the first community college in Kansas to combine technical and general curriculums. At present, there are 2,000

Arkansas City, KS Colleges

Stan Herd's Prairie Man

Prairie Man is an artistic response to a Kansas petroglyph of an original prairie dweller. The three-acre Prairie Man was created by subtle manipulations of ancient prairie grasses on a south-sloping face of a rock-strewn dry watershed. The piece can be seen from both highway and the air.

Arkansas City, KS Arts

Horizon United Methodist Center

"Camp Horizon" is nestled in 160 wooded acres on a bluff overlooking the Arkansas River. Purchased by John Hall in 1945 with the dream of building a youth camp, it now provides for a variety of outdoor and recreational experiences.

Arkansas City, KS Trails

Chaplin Nature Center

Along the sandy beaches of the Arkansas River, Chaplin Nature Center combines 200

Arkansas City, KS Nature Centers

Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum

This area was made famous as the gateway to the Cherokee Strip Land Rush that was later called "The Largest Race in World History." This movement attracted settlers from all over the world. Over 110,000

Arkansas City, KS Museums

Things to do near Arkansas City, KS

W.W. Finney House

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Skyline Scenic Drive

A must see drive where one can view Mill Creek and the Flint Hills. This drive is considered one of the most beautiful in the...