Great Bend
,Great Bend is a city located in the state of Kansas, United States. It is known for its beautiful location along the Arkansas River and its rich history as a pioneer town. The city offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, and camping.
Great Bend also has a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with museums, galleries, and community events showcasing local talent.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Explore Great Bend
morning
:Start your day with a bike ride along the Arkansas River pathway, enjoying the scenic views. Stop by the Great Bend Batty to witness the local wildlife.
afternoon
:Visit the Great Bend Zoo to see a variety of animals and learn about conservation efforts. Grab lunch at a nearby café to refuel for the rest of the day.
evening
:Relax at the Great Bend Sports Complex where you can watch a local game or enjoy a peaceful picnic. Dine at a local restaurant and savor regional cuisine.
Nature Day
morning
:Head to the Cheyenne Bottoms, one of the largest wetlands in the U.S., for a birdwatching adventure. Bring your binoculars and capture moments as you explore.
afternoon
:Continue your nature exploration with a hike in the nearby state park. Enjoy a packed lunch while listening to the sounds of nature.
evening
:Return to Great Bend and visit the local farmers' market if it's open. Enjoy dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant for the freshest ingredients.
Highlights
Good
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger cities
- Strong sense of community and friendly residents
- Access to outdoor recreation opportunities, including parks and rivers
- Good schools and educational facilities
- Rich historical background and local culture
Bad
- Limited job opportunities and economic growth
- Fewer entertainment and dining options than urban areas
- Potential for harsh weather conditions, including hot summers and cold winters
- Limited access to healthcare facilities
- Public transportation options may be limited
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Rowing on the Arkansas River
Enjoy a peaceful day on the Arkansas River with kayaking or paddleboarding. Rental facilities are available, and you can explore the scenic views and wildlife.
Exploring Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo
Visit the local zoo to see a variety of animals and enjoy family-friendly activities. The zoo features educational programs and is a great way to spend a day outdoors.
Biking at Great Bend Bike Path
Bring your bike and ride along the Great Bend Bike Path which offers beautiful views of the landscape. It’s a perfect route for all skill levels.
Fishing at Cheyenne Bottoms
Head to Cheyenne Bottoms, one of the largest wetland areas in the United States, for fishing or bird watching. The area is home to diverse wildlife and natural beauty.
Hiking at the Great Bend Recreation Commission Parks
Explore local parks that provide hiking trails and picnic areas. This is perfect for families or anyone wanting to connect with nature.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Great Bend with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Great Bend Water Park
Offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape and plenty of colorful water attractions, perfect for capturing vibrant photos.
Brit Spaugh Zoo
A beautiful zoo set in a natural environment, providing unique photo opportunities with wildlife and picturesque park scenery.
Great Bend Bat Cats
Catch a game at the local baseball field and photograph the vibrant atmosphere of local sports and community.
Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area
A stunning natural area that is home to a wide variety of migratory birds, offering breathtaking views and perfect golden hour photography.
Walnut River Park
Features walking paths with picturesque views of the river, ideal for peaceful nature shots and family photos.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Kansas City-Style BBQ
Indulge in succulent, slow-smoked meats slathered in rich, tangy barbecue sauce. Look for local BBQ joints like The Rack Shack or the Hickory Hut to experience this quintessential Kansas City dish.
Must-Try!
Fried Chicken and Waffles
Savor the crispy, golden perfection of fried chicken paired with fluffy waffles, drizzled with sweet maple syrup. Check out Keaton's Chicken for a delightful rendition of this Southern classic.
Cheese Enchiladas
Delight in the creamy and comforting flavors of cheese enchiladas, a Tex-Mex specialty. Head to Rosewood Wine Cellar or Casa Ramos for a mouthwatering taste of this dish.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Great Bend better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Great Bend Farmer's Market
Explore a vibrant mix of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and locally made treats at the Great Bend Farmer's Market, a hub of farm-fresh delights and homemade specialties.
Food Truck Fridays
Indulge in a dynamic array of street food delights at Food Truck Fridays, where an eclectic lineup of mobile eateries serves up everything from gourmet tacos to gourmet burgers and more.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect for Personal Space
In Great Bend, as in many parts of the United States, maintaining a comfortable personal space is important. When conversing, it's best to stand at least an arm's length apart unless you know the person well.
Polite Greetings
When meeting someone, a firm handshake and eye contact are often considered polite. It's also common to greet people with 'Hello' or 'Hi,' and asking about their well-being or day is appreciated.
Observing Local Traditions
Participating in local events and traditions, such as festivals or community gatherings, can show respect and interest in the culture. Being open to learning about and engaging with local customs fosters positive relationships.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Great Bend with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Great Bend, Kansas, tipping practices generally reflect those found in many parts of the United States. It is customary to tip service workers, particularly in the hospitality industry. For example, tipping restaurant servers typically ranges from 15% to 20% of the total bill, depending on the quality of service. Tipping bartenders, taxi drivers, and hotel staff is also common, with similar rates being acceptable. Tipping is considered a way to acknowledge good service and support workers who often rely on tips as a significant part of their income.
Payment
Payment practices in Great Bend are similar to those in other towns in the U.S. Cash is accepted at most places, but credit and debit cards are more commonly used due to their convenience. Many establishments also offer mobile payment options, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. In retail and dining establishments, electronic payment systems are prevalent, and customers are encouraged to tip using the same methods. Some businesses may also incorporate digital payment systems to streamline the checkout process, reflecting broader trends in payment practices across the country.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Great Bend.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring
Spring (March to May) is a delightful time to visit Great Bend, with mild temperatures ranging from 50°F to 75°F. Visitors can enjoy blooming flowers and outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching. Events like the Great Bend Farm and Ranch Expo occur, making it a vibrant time to experience local culture.
Summer
Summer (June to August) brings hotter temperatures, often exceeding 90°F. This season is great for enjoying water activities at local lakes and community events, including fairs and festivals. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times for outdoor activities, while the midday heat can be intense.
Fall
Fall (September to November) offers cooler temperatures ranging from 40°F to 70°F, making it a comfortable time for visiting. The fall foliage creates beautiful scenery, especially in late October. Harvest festivals and local events celebrate the season, providing a unique cultural experience.
Winter
Winter (December to February) can be cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Snow is possible, creating a picturesque winter landscape. Visitors can enjoy indoor activities, such as visiting museums, as well as winter festivals. It's a quieter season, ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area
A large wetland area offering trails and opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife, particularly birds.
Great Bend Prairie Park
Features walking trails through beautiful prairies and offers scenic views and picnic areas.
Sand Hills State Park
Located a short drive from Great Bend, this park has sandy hills and designated hiking areas, perfect for outdoor activities.
Kaw Wildlife Area
A natural area that provides hiking trails along the Arkansas River, known for its scenic views and wildlife.
Lake Barton Park
Offers a combination of hiking trails and water activities, great for a day out in nature.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Great Bend through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Great Bend by plane.
Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
Located approximately 210 miles northeast of Great Bend, Kansas City International Airport is a major airport serving the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)
Situated about 130 miles southeast of Great Bend, this is the primary airport serving Wichita, Kansas, and the surrounding region.
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Located approximately 440 miles west of Great Bend, Denver International Airport is one of the largest airports in the United States serving the Denver area.
Oklahoma City Will Rogers World Airport (OKC)
About 260 miles south of Great Bend, this airport serves the Oklahoma City metropolitan area and offers various domestic and international flights.
Amarillo Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA)
This airport is located roughly 300 miles southwest of Great Bend and serves the Amarillo area in Texas, providing both passenger and cargo services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
White
The largest demographic group in Great Bend, primarily consisting of non-Hispanic individuals.
Hispanic or Latino
A significant portion of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, contributing to the cultural diversity of the area.
African American
This demographic group represents a smaller percentage of the population compared to White and Hispanic individuals.
Asian
Includes individuals of Asian descent, making up a small but important segment of the community.
Two or More Races
Individuals identifying as belonging to two or more racial groups, reflecting a growing trend in multi-racial identities.
Other Races
A small percentage of the population includes individuals from various other racial backgrounds.
The Soul of Great Bend
Discover the essence of Great Bend through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball
A popular sport in Great Bend, known for its strong community involvement and local leagues.
Football
High school football games are major events during the fall season, drawing large crowds.
Basketball
Both men's and women's basketball are widely played at schools and in local leagues.
Track and Field
High school athletes participate in various track and field events, competing at regional and state levels.
Soccer
An emerging sport in Great Bend, with growing youth leagues and community interest.
Wrestling
A popular sport at the high school level, with a strong tradition and competitive teams.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Several eateries in Great Bend, including The Page Cafe and Perks Coffee Shop & Cafe, offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, ensuring that non-meat eaters have plenty of flavorful choices.
Gluten-Free Options
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find accommodating menus at establishments like The Page Cafe and Perks Coffee Shop & Cafe, which provide a range of gluten-free selections to cater to diverse dietary needs.