Need a friendly Great Plains stop with surprising attractions? Head to Garden City! Located in southwest Kansas, Garden City offers a mix of small-town hospitality, unique wildlife encounters, and rich cultural diversity. Whether you’re visiting the zoo, touring museums, or enjoying local eats, Garden City is a hidden gem of the prairie.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Garden City is during the spring and fall (April–June and September–October), when temperatures are mild and perfect for exploring the zoo, parks, and nearby prairies.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Garden City is located along U.S. Routes 50/400 and U.S. Route 83. It’s about 5 hours west of Wichita and 3 hours from Amarillo, TX.
- By Air: Garden City Regional Airport (GCK) offers daily flights to and from Dallas/Fort Worth via American Airlines.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Southwest Chief line stops daily in Garden City, connecting it to cities like Chicago, Albuquerque, and Los Angeles.
Where to Stay
- Heritage Inn & Suites – Comfortable, modern accommodations with a pool and free breakfast near local attractions.
- Best Western Plus Emerald Inn & Suites – Stylish hotel with excellent amenities including a fitness center and indoor pool.
- Comfort Inn Garden City – Convenient location and great value for travelers exploring western Kansas.
Top Attractions
1. Meet Wildlife Up Close at Lee Richardson Zoo
Located on 47 acres of land inside Finnup Park, the Lee Richardson Zoo is named for a Chief of Police who was instrumental in the establishment of the zoo back in 1927. The zoo started off very modestly with just two skunks but has grown by leaps and bounds and is now home to over 100 species. The zoo is divided by region and includes animals from the North American Plains, South American Pampas, and even includes a Down Under exhibit where you can see Australian animals like emus and red kangaroos. Many other animals can be admired including giraffe, rhinos and lion from Africa, red pandas and snow leopards from Asia and American cougars, jaguars and bobcats in Cat Canyon.
Lee Richardson Zoo, 312 E Finnup Drive, Garden City, KS 67846, Phone: 620-276-1250
2. Cool Off with a Splash at The Big Pool - One of the World’s Largest
Garden City’s Big Pool holds the distinction of being the world’s largest hand-dug swimming pool. Amazing as it seems, this huge recreational facility was hand dug and cement lined by the Garden City community in 1921.
Later additions included a children’s wading pool and a bath house. In the early days the pool was free to use by everyone but by the end of the century it was sorely in need of a facelift which would cost a great deal of money. To facilitate the necessary restoration and improvements a small fee was introduced which allowed five water slides to be added. The Big Pool continues to be a very welcome community facility during the hot Kansas summers.
The Big Pool, 504 E. Maple Street, Garden City, KS 67846, Phone: 620-276-1255
3. Spot Majestic Herds at the Sandsage Bison Range
Located on one of the very few remaining remnants of native sandsage prairie, the Sandsage Bison Range is a very unique attraction. Bison were reintroduced to the area in 1924 and are today the main focus for visitors to the range. Nature lovers can come and tour this remarkable natural asset by arranging personal guided bison tours and wildflower walks, which are offered between March and October. Other public events you may join take place on Saturdays during spring and summer, offering visitors the chance to get up close to many species of animals, birds, bugs and plants which call the prairie home.
Sandsage Bison Range, 785 S. Highway 83, Garden City, KS 67846, Phone: 620-276-9400
4. Sip Local Craft Beer at Flat Mountain Brewhouse
The Flat Mountain Brewhouse is the first artisan brewery in Garden City and has become a popular meeting place for the community since it opened in Jan 2019. The brewhouse is owned by 3 local couples who had a vision of bringing craft-beer culture to Garden City, along with a desire to find the perfect venue which would contribute to a downtown revival. When you visit the brewhouse today you will find a family-friendly venue which offers a rotating selection of 12 craft beers and a brilliant food menu with something for everyone. You can choose your favorite brew in several sizes or opt for a tasting flight.
Flat Mountain Brewhouse, 207 N. Main Street, Garden City, KS 67846, Phone: 620-260-2886
5. Savor Bold Mexican Flavors at El Zarape
El Zarape started off as a tiny Mom & Pop venture back in 1967, when Phyllis and Manuel Garcia decided to share their love of fresh and wholesome Mexican food with the Garden City community. Today the restaurant is still run by the Garcia’s children and grandchildren and it still continues to be one of the town’s most popular Mexican eateries. The food brings the authentic flavors and inherent freshness of real Mexican food to the table, and their salsa is so good that it is bottled and shipped around the states. They offer a choice of combination meals which means you can enjoy all your favorites on one plate.
El Zarape, 2501 E. Fulton Street, Garden City, KS 67846, Phone: 620-275-5401
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Finney County Historical Museum – Learn about the area’s pioneer and Native American history with engaging exhibits.
- Windsor Hotel Ruins – View the remains of this once-grand 19th-century hotel and hear stories of the Old West.
- Garden Rapids at the Big Pool – Waterpark-style attractions, lazy river, and splash zones for families in warm months.
Where to Eat
- Las Margaritas – Popular spot for authentic Mexican cuisine and colorful atmosphere.
- Tradewinds Restaurant – Casual dining with American favorites, comfort food, and friendly service.
- Patrick Dugan’s Coffee House – Cozy local café offering coffee, pastries, and light breakfast and lunch fare.
If you are interested in local events:
- Tumbleweed Festival (August) – Celebrate music, art, and culture with live performances and family fun in Finnup Park.
- Garden City Downtown Market (Summer Saturdays) – Local produce, crafts, and entertainment in the historic downtown area.
- Christmas Downtown Parade & Tree Lighting (December) – Holiday festivities with lights, music, and community cheer.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Garden City, Kansas:
- Holcomb (10 min) – Known for its connection to Truman Capote’s *In Cold Blood*, with a quiet, rural vibe.
- Pierceville (15–20 min) – Scenic drives and open plains offer peaceful prairie views and wildlife spotting.
- Finney Game Refuge (20–25 min) – A great place for hiking, birdwatching, and getting close to Kansas nature.
- Ingalls (30 min) – Small-town charm and access to Kansas ranching history and quiet countryside roads.
- Buffalo Dunes Golf Course (15 min) – One of the top municipal golf courses in Kansas with challenging fairways and wide-open views.
FAQ:
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Where should visitors start their trip to Garden City?
- A great place to start your visit to Garden City would be the Finney County Historical Museum, where you can learn about the early pioneer days in this corner of Kansas.
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What annual event should visitors check out?
- Don't miss the annual Beef Empire Days Rodeo!
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What is a popular family-friendly attraction in Garden City?
- Parrot Cove Indoor Waterpark is a local favorite.
Map:
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