GreatBendCVB

The first and most exotic of America’s great trade routes, the Santa Fe Trail, ran right through Great Bend’s present-day Courthouse Square. Encompassing the Courthouse is a delightful park that is open to the public and contains various historical and cultural attractions. • The Kilby Memorial- This memorial gives tribute to Jack Kilby, a Great Bend native & Nobel Peace Prize winner for inventing the computer chip and changing the world’s technology. • Song Bird Habitat- This setting provides a peaceful environment for both human and birds. • Historical WPA Project Band Shell- The historic monument still hosts concerts during festivals and fun events. • Kansas Quilt Walk- Surrounding Courthouse Square the Kansas Quilt walk showcases historic quilt patterns embedded in the sidewalk as a tribute to early pioneers. • Downtown Birdhouse Walking Tour- The tour was formed to express the community’s appreciation of the natural resources and wildlife that it was blessed with.

Housed in an 1872 stone and masonry building (one of our historic buildings), the Barton County Arts Center houses a sales gallery, special exhibits, and a "back room" where well-known musicians passing through town make special appearances every month. It's a regular stop for bluegrass, superstars, folk singers, and Irish bands. The location, at 1401 Main Street in Great Bend, is centrally located in the heart of downtown-directly across the street from Courthouse Square.

Step through the doors of the Raptor Center in Great Bend and begin a fascinating journey into the natural world. Prepare yourself for an unexpected journey. The Raptor Center boasts of state-of-the-art exhibits, displays, interactive learning stations, and a colorful mural featuring birds of prey. The center is also a sanctuary for injured raptors and other wildlife. One-way mirrors present visitors the chance to observe raptors and zoo animals being examined, x-rayed, and treated. Bird watchers should make The Raptor Center an essential stop. The e-Bird stations allow birders to record sightings and find location of recent sightings. There is also a gift shop available where you can find visitor information, cold drinks, and event schedule.

The Crest Theatre was built in 1950 and quit showing movies in the mid 1980's. This striking Art Moderne building (now on the Kansas Historic Register) features live entertainment from plays to concerts to special events. Get your best dress on and enjoy an evening at the Crest Theatre. Laugh your way through a comedy or wipe away the tears as actors from the Great Bend Community Theatre take a dramatic turn on the boards. An active resident theatre group plans a full season of theatrical performances each year. The theatre is also available for tours and rentals for your special event.