Comanche County, KS
Named for the Indian tribe of the same name, Comanche County's development parallels that of other counties in the region - bands of Indians and migrating herds of buffalo, followed by the arrival of cattlemen, settlers, and the railroad.Grasses on Comanche County's scenic Gyp Hills and High Plains now fatten upwards of 40,000 head of beef cattle each year. A combination of dryland and irrigated acreage producing wheat, corn, sorghum and alfalfa rounds out the county's diversified agricultural economy. Beneath the landscape are reserves of oil and gas, another segment of the local economy. These underground regions also hold over 235 known caves - the most in any Kansas county. History hasn't been forgotten in Comanche County. In the early 1880s the Comanche Cattle Pool, the largest cattle operation in the state's history, grazed over 80,000 head of livestock across the area. These stories are told in the county museum at Coldwater. Nationally-known muralist and "crop artist Stan Herd has created an outdoor mural for the museum, plus other murals in Wilmore and his hometown of Protection. Lake Coldwater offers fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and waterskiing. Explorers can experience the heritage of the Comanche Pool and historic Evansville during the annual benefit trail ride on the Merrill Ranch in the southeast corner of the county.
Explore Comanche County
Comanche County Court House - 1927
The Comanche County Courthouse in Coldwater, Kansas was built in 1927. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. The building replaced a wood frame courthouse from c. 1890 which was destroyed by a fire in 1921.
Coldwater, KS Historic CourthousesStan Herd Gallery
Stan Herd spent his boyhood in Protection and the influence of his early farm life and love of the outdoors shows up in his murals painted throughout Kansas on the walls of city buildings in the small towns for all visitors the see while passing through.
Comanche County Hunting
The Coldwater area is heavily populated with deer. Some of the biggest deer bagged in the state have been taken near Coldwater. In addition to deer, many sportsmen also come here every year to try their hands hunting quail, pheasant, wild turkey, and dove.
Coldwater, KS HuntingLake Coldwater
Lake Coldwater is the only city, county, or state lake in southwest Kansas that permits water-related sports. It is a 250 acre man-made lake in a 930 acre park within the Coldwater City limits.
Coldwater, KS Recreation
Coldwater Country Club
The Coldwater Country Club features a beautiful course that will prove a challenge to every golfer with a unique 10 hole, par 39 course. Elevated grass greens demand a precise short game. Long fairways and water hazards require accurate drives from the tee box. Green fees are just $5
Coldwater, KS Golf CoursesFirst Baptist Church
When the original First Baptist Church of Protection was built in 1908, it was a wood frame structure that was the largest and best in the country at that time. In 1953
Protection, KS Historic ChurchesComanche County Historical Museum
A Stan Herd mural painted in 1986 introduces visitors to the Comanche County Historical Museum. The museum showcases people, events, memorabilia and artifacts from earlier times.
Coldwater, KS MuseumsProtection Golf Course
The Protection Golf Course has nine all grass greens and tee boxes.
Protection, KS Golf Courses