Sumner County, KS
Nestled within Sumner County are seven cities brimming with popular attractions, historic sites, cultural activities, festivals and rodeos. For its 25,000 residents, Sumner County boasts excellent recreational facilities, museums sharing the frontier spirit, many special events and several historical sites listed on the National Registry of Historical Places.Sumner County's rich history began when Texans drove their cattle over the Chisholm Trail to the railroad station in Abilene. The Texas drovers were suprised and delighted to find full streams and rich grasslands for their herds. News spread about the opportunities, and the homesteaders made their way to this area. Wellington was designated as the permanent county seat in 1872.
The county's heritage included violent murders, grasshopper plagues, floods and droughts, and threats of Indian raids. Flour mills were erected and the first railroads were built to help market the county's huge wheat yields.
It's easy to get to Sumner County by auto on I-35 north/south or 160 east/west. Commercial air service is only 30 minutes away in Wichita.
Explore Sumner County
Art and Outdoor Murals
Caldwell has a variety of Murals throughout the city.
- Restored Coca-Cola Sign
- Heritage Mural (in Heritage Park
- Caldwell, KS Arts
Wellington Municipal Golf Course
Wellington Municipal Golf Course is one of the finest courses in the region! *18 Holes *Car Rental *Pro Shop
Wellington, KS Golf CoursesState Bank Building
The State Bank had its beginning with the town. It was founded as a private bank by James M. Harper, G. Douglas and J.C. Lutz. The three partners were rated with net assets of over $200,000. Mr. Harper was in charge of the bank, the first in the new town. Mr. Dengler died early in the bank'
Conway Springs, KS Historic BuildingsBorder Queen Museum
The Border Queen Museum exhibits antiques and artifacts preserving the culture and history of the area. A restored Union Pacific caboose houses railroad artifacts. Located in the city park.
Caldwell, KS MuseumsPost Office Mural
The Caldwell Post Office, built in the 1930s, is listed on the National Historic Register, as it displays one of the collection of murals commissioned during the Depression Era by the WPA. The mural, "Cowboys Driving Cattle," was painted by Kenneth Evett in 1941.
Caldwell, KS ArtsHistoric Walking Tour
Caldwell, the Border Queen, has seen wild days as a cowtown beside the Chisholm trail, a brief period of booming times during the Oklahoma Land Rush days, and quiet prosperity based on the vast grain fields of Sumner County.
Caldwell, KS ToursConway Springs Churches
Five churches are active in the Conway Springs community: First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), First Baptist Church, St. Joseph Catholic Church, First Presbyterian Church, and the United Methodist Church.
Conway Springs, KS Historic ChurchesCarnegie Library
On April 1, 1914, at the spring election the voters approved the support of a public library by a vote of 3-1. In May, 1914, the Wellington City Library board held it first meeting and voted to begin the process of erecting a library building. On April 10, 1915
Wellington, KS Carnegie LibrariesGhost Riders of the Chisholm Trail Silhouette
The "Ghost Riders of the Chisholm Trail" are life-size cattle drive figures on stoney bluff astride the real Chisholm Trail. The "Ghosts" will forever remind us of the great cattle drives, 1866-1886
Caldwell, KS ArtsCentral Park
Central Park at the west end of Spring Avenue, is two blocks square, and contains facilities often used by citizens and visitors in the community.
At the end of the 19
Conway Springs, KS Recreation