Great Bend: The Gateway to Great Adventures
Named after the Great Bend of the Arkansas River, Great Bend, KS is the county seat of Barton County, Kansas, United States and was settled in the late 1800s. While it was initially known for farming, the city's economy started flourishing after the Civil War when its oil industry started to thrive. This propelled Great Bend's economy forward, making it a hub for regional trade. It is currently the home to over 16,000 residents. Accessible through the Great Bend Municipal Airport, visitors to Great Bend today will be welcomed by a modest skyline featuring comfortable inns, quaint shops, and historic architecture.
Best Time to Visit
Great Bend, Kansas sees the most number of tourists in June. This spike naturally causes a steep rise in hotel prices and airfare. To avoid the crowd and exorbitant room rates, travel to Great Bend between late April to early June or between mid-August to mid-October when temperatures hover in the low 80s, making it an ideal time for warm-weather activities and when accommodations are usually 25% lesser than rates in June.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Visitors heading to Great Bend for a taste of the outdoors will not be disappointed. There is the Lake Barton Golf Club to explore, as well as a potentially fun-filled family day spent at Hoisington Park. While those in town to learn more about the city's history can do so at the Central States Scout Museum. Get to stay at the Best Western Angus Inn or the comfortable Comfort Inn Great Bend.