Reno County, KS
November, 1870, dates the arrival of Lewis M. Thomas as the first settler of Reno County, under its present boundaries. In December of the same year, Mr. Thomas, visiting Lawrence, purchased stock and supplies, and returned to his home, where he continued to reside up to a late period. On his return he was accompanied by John Hunt, an Englishman, who located and settled in the valley of the Little Arkansas, but afterwards, owing to his having occupied a railroad section of land, left the county. Antedating Mr. Hunt's settlement a few days was that of J.H.D. Rosan, who, in looking up the cattle business, decided to make a permanent location on this Section. This was in the fore part of December, 1870. Mr. Rosan, who was accompanied by James C. Burnett, "ranched" at Thomas' until February, when they crossed the sand hills and settled at a place known for many years afterward as Rosan's Ranch. In March, Rosan, his brother, Charles, and Charles Street drove in a large herd of Texas cattle. About the first prominent object that relieved the weary eyes of the first settlers of Reno County, as they entered it from the northeast, were the sand hills, covered with a heavy growth of cottonwood timber. Trees were found nearly eight feet in circumference, and fifty feet to the limb. As this belt was about the only timber for miles around, it disappeared rapidly until the winter of 1872-73, when the supply was almost entirely exhausted.
Reno County is the second largest county in Kansas. Established in 1867, its name honors Gen. Jesse L. Reno who died from wounds suffered in the Civil War in the Battle of Gettysburg.
Explore Reno County
Tours
The Greater Hutchinson Convention/Visitors Bureau will help to create an adventurous experience or provide ideas to create your own. Services include: Group Tour Planner Tour Planning Assistance Sample Itineraries Agriculture & History Arts & Theatre Aviation Nature/Ecology
Hutchinson, KS ToursMethodist Church
A wood frame building was built to be the first church in Sylvia. In 1911 the board members realized the church was too small for the congregation. A two story brick building with full basement was built and the first service was held in September 1912. Over 100
Sylvia, KS Historic ChurchesReno County Museum
The Reno County Museum features six rotating galleries that focus on the county's rich history and heritage from the early pioneers to present day. A claim house, outhouse, windmill, 1902 switch engine and 1954 caboose are displayed on the museum grounds. Interactive children'
Hutchinson, KS MuseumsHutchinson Zoo
The Hutchinson Zoo features wild habitat exhibits with naturalistic settings. River otter, pronghorn, bison, coyote, ringtail, bobcat, reptiles, porcupine, golden eagles, and native birds are but a few of the animals. The Animals &
Hutchinson, KS ZoosSalt City Splash Aquatic Center
Salt City Splash Aquatic Center offers four pools, a picnic area, dressing rooms, lockers, concessions and lots of shaded areas. The Tiny Tot Pool (for ages 7 and under)
Hutchinson, KS Water ParksKansas Cosmosphere and Space Center
This impressive Smithsonian-affiliated facility houses one of the most comprehensive space museums in existence and offers the Carey IMAX Dome Theater; Dr. Goddard's Laboratory - a live rocket science demonstration; the Justice Planetarium Theater with both star and laser shows;
Hutchinson, KS MuseumsThe Highlands Golf & Country Club
After seeing the fairways gracefully flowing through the sand dunes, it is obvious why some have refered to this masterpiece as the course Mother Nature built. The scenic 18-hole champioinship golf course is rated one of the most difficult in Kansas.
Hutchinson, KS Golf CoursesHedrick Exotic Animal Farm, Inc
Eight miles West of Hutchinson camels, giraffes, kangaroos, ostriches, zebras and more can be found at Hedrick'
Hutchinson, KS ZoosHistoric Fox Theatre
Since 1931, this theatre has been a fixture in downtown Hutchinson. The Fox made a comeback in 1999 following an extensive restoration and is now a center for art, entertainment and education. Designated the "State Movie Palace of Kansas"
Hutchinson, KS Historic TheatresPrairie Dunes Country Club & Golf Course
In just about every ranking found anywhere, this impressive course consistently sits among the elite as one of the very top golf courses in the United States. As a tribute to its greatness, the United States Golf Association selected Prairie Dunes as the site of the 2002 U.S. Women'
Hutchinson, KS Golf Courses