Santa Fe Trail travelers and traders passed through, traded, camped and hunted where the Barton County Courthouse now stands in the center of town. Historically, Great Bend's downtown has served as a focus for the city's business, civic, and social activities.
Great Bend, KS Historic CourthousesThe Crest Theater, a former movie theater in downtown Great Bend, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been renovated for use as a live performing arts facility. In addition to four community theater productions a year, the 618 seat theater'
Great Bend, KS TheatresThe L. E. "Gus" and Eva Shafer Memorial Art Gallery has been referred to as the "Gem of the Campus"
Great Bend, KS ArtsTucked in Brit Spaugh Park on North Main, the Zoo is great Bend's little jewel. Dedicated to the conservation, preservation and rescue of animals and the education and entertainment of both children and adults, the Zoo is a natural resource for Great Bend and its visitors.
Great Bend, KS Zoos