Harvey County, KS
Wilkommen!The Harvey County area boasts one of the largest Mennonite populations in the country. Whil bonnets, beards, and buggies have been forsaken for a more modern lifestyle, the Mennonites today, like their ancestors before them, are warmhearted courteous and friendly, more liberal than their Amish cousins and well-known for their hospitality and good cooking.The Mennonites left Russia for fear of religious persecution in the 1870s. Among them was one of Kansas' famous Mennonite immigrants, Bernhard Warkentin, whose letters home described the fertile Kansas prairie and the promise it held for farming the "Turkey Red" hard winter wheat. His letters persuaded moter than 5,000 Mennonites to settle in Kansas.
Entire congregations left Russia and came to Kansas. These hardworking farmers broke the virgin sod with wheat that graced the steppes of Russia. Today, the prairies still wave with the golden grain that makes Kansas the "Breadbasket of the World."
Today Mennonite influence is clearly visible. Harvey County is home to nearly two dozen Mennonite Churches, two colleges, a nationally recognized mental health center, the Mennonite General Conference national headquarters, several halfway houses and Mennonite Press. Each were founded and are supported by Mennonites. Come and visit our museums, sample our ethnic foods and enjoy our unique festivals.
Let us share our heritage with you!
Explore Harvey County
Riverside Park
Halstead is proud of its city parks, one of which has a "Hollywood" connection. The famous 1955 MGM movie,"Picnic," starring Kim Novak, William Holden and Cliff Robertson, was filmed primarily in Halstead's Riverside Park, located at the river confluence that marks the city's earliest beginnings.
Halstead, KS RecreationCarnegie Factory Gallery & Park
In 1883-1884, one of Newton's largest industries was established, J.J. Krehbiel's Carriage Factory. Mr. Krehbiel was one of the founders of Bethel College. In 1993
Newton, KS Arts500 Main Place
Across the street from the Newton Station stands the historic Railroad Savings and Loan Building now known as 500 Main Place. The Railroad Savings and Loan Association, organized 30 years before the bank was built in 1925
Newton, KS Historic BuildingsKansas Learning Center for Health
The Kansas Learning Center for Health is the first rural health museum in the world with 23 exhibits dedicated to helping educate children about their bodies and good health. The Center'
Halstead, KS Learning CentersHarvey County East Park
Activities in and around the 320 acre lake include nature trails, boating, swimming, water-skiing, and fishing for walleye, channel catfish, largemouth bass, crappie and sunfish. No hunting is allowed. Camping (electrical hook-ups available)
Newton, KS RecreationWarkentin House
The historic Warkentin House is the former home of Bernhard and Wilhelmina Warkentin, built in 1887. It is a splendid example of the Victorian period in American architecture and furnishings. As a museum, the house offers a glimpse into the way the Warkentins lived, since 80
Newton, KS Famous HomesCamp Hawk
The 43 acre park contains a 4 acre pond stocked with channel catfish, crappie, largemouth bass and sunfish. Park facilities include an enclosed shelter house (available by reservation) which contains a kitchenette, restrooms, fireplace and a large meeting room for 100
Newton, KS RecreationDyck Arboretum of the Plains
The Dyck Arboretum of the Plains is an outdoor education facility with a unique mission--"to foster an appreciation of the natural beauty of Kansas."
Hesston, KS ArboretumsHesston City Parks
Lion's Club Children's Park - This park is one of Hesston's most beautiful and includes attractive landscaping, new playground equipment and shaded picnic areas. This park has recently been renovated by the Lions Club and City of Hesston to include:
Mennonite Settler Statue
The tallest, sturdiest Mennonite in Kansas stands seventeen feet tall in the Athletic Park. He is the Mennonite Settler Statue built in 1942
Newton, KS LandmarksKauffman Museum
The Kauffman Museum is located on the Bethel College campus in North Newton. The museum emphasizes the cultural and natural history of the Central Plains and the immigration of the Mennonites to Kansas in the 1870
Newton, KS MuseumsHesston Golf Course
Hesston Golf Park is a beautiful, well-kept, 18-hole public golf course located along interstate-135 in Hesston, Kansas. The course is a par 71 and features 6526 yards, spread over 18
Hesston, KS Golf Courses