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
Military Park
One of several parks in Newton, the Military Park is exceptional because it is home to Santa Fe steam engine #1880 (a Prairie class 2-6-2) and a Civil War-era cannon. It is also the location of the public library.
Newton, KS ParksHalstead Heritage Museum & Depot
The Halstead Heritage Museum is divided into two main galleries - formerly the depot waiting rooms. The east room holds The Charles Basore Gallery
Halstead, KS MuseumsKansas 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 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 RecreationHesston 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 CoursesWedgewood 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 CoursesHarvey 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 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 HomesHarvey 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 MuseumsMennonite 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 LandmarksNewton 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 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: