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
500 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 BuildingsWarkentin 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 HomesNewton Station
The Newton Station, completed in 1930, was built during the Depression for 350,000. Modeled after Shakespeare's house at Stratford-on-Avon, the Newton Station was home to a Harvey House between 1930 and 1955
Newton, KS Historic BuildingsHesston 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 CoursesHarvey County Historical Museum and Library
The Harvey County historical Museum and Libraryi is housed in a former Carnegie Library that served Newton and Harvey County residents until 1973. Completed in 1904, the library was built by a gift from Andrew Carnegie and is the oldest public building in town. * Harvey County Hall:
Newton, KS MuseumsKauffman 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 MuseumsRiverside 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 RecreationHarvey County West Park
This park rests along the banks of the Arkansas River. Picnic grounds, shelters, and restrooms are available at the park. You can also hike along a 1/2
Halstead, KS RecreationHarvey County West Park
Harvey County West Park is approximately 17.5 northwest of Newton on 310 acres. Located on the Little Arkansas River, this heavily wooded park provides ample opportunity for enjoying the natural beauty of this area. No hunting is allowed here. There is a 16
Newton, KS RecreationBethel College
North Newton is home of Bethel College. Built in 1888, the striking Bethel College Administration building made of Kansas limestone in the Romanesque Revival style attracted the community's attention from the very beginning.
Newton, KS CollegesWedgewood Golf Course
Operated by the city of Halstead, Wedgewood is an excellent nine-hole, grass green golf course with cement cart paths located just north of town.
Halstead, KS Golf CoursesCamp 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 Recreation