LASR.net Homepage




Menu

Arkansas City, Kansas

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 people came by covered wagon, bicycle, car, horseback, and on foot to race for a fertile piece of the seven million acres. Arkansas City was the largest of the registration points for the Run with over 75,000 eager land seekers and their families moving to the city to participate.

The Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum began in an effort to preserve the history of the Cherokee Strip Land Rush of September 16, 1893, and the cultures of those who lived in the strip.

It is the mission of the Museum to also help preserve our local history. Our local history has a rich past and connections with that of the Native Americans, the westward pioneers, the Cowley County citizens, and the late Governor Robert Docking. Prehistoric relics round out the exhibit. Approximately 21,000 artifacts, pictures and documents are housed in the Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum for exhibit and research.

The Gov. Robert Docking Memorial Library and Cowley County Genealogy Library are located inside the Museum.

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

Denton Art Center

The Denton Art Center is the home of the Arkansas City Arts Council. Many exhibits, programs, and classes are held at this Center. This striking 1914 structure was formerly the residence of the Albert Denton Family. Mr. Denton was a prominent banker in Arkansas City. He and/

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

Cowley County State Lake

Cowley County State Lake, covering 85 acres, is mainly for fishing, but has campsites and picnic areas also. Along with many of the lakes in the area, it features channel catfish, a variety of bass, crappie, bluegill, sun perch and other species.

Arkansas City, KS Recreation

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

Things to do near Arkansas City, KS

The Old Onaga Hotel (B&B)

Onaga's "new" hotel officially opened to the traveling public in 1900 and its broad front porch still welcomes visitors to On...