Did you know that a man best known as “Buffalo” Jones was responsible for influencing the Santa Fe Railroad to build a station in Garden City at the end of the nineteenth century? With the creation of a railway stop, Garden City began to grow in population and development. Throughout the years, it’s become one of the most charismatic and beautiful cities in all of Kansas attracting tourist from everywhere.
If you’re passing through Kansas, a visit to Garden City is a must. But what exactly makes Garden City so special?
We’re here to fill you in! Keep reading below to learn a few facts about Garden City, along with some of the best tourist attractions!
1. Garden City Is Rich in History
Garden City has a rich history and highlights the important role it played in the Kansas agriculture boom of the late 1800s. With Easterners traveling in hundreds to make a new home in the Midwest, Garden City began to grow and develop into the flourishing city you see today.
Luckily, much of this history has been preserved through attractions like the Finney County Historical Museum. This museum showcases both permanent and traveling exhibits and gives visitors the chance to learn about the evolving natural and social climate in Garden City and the surrounding areas. There’s even a research library for serious genealogy and history buffs.
2. Garden City Has Unique Outdoor Tourist Attractions
Garden City has a semi-arid steppe climate. But what exactly does that mean?
Well, it means that Garden City receives less precipitation than states in the Northeast, for example. The landscape is dominated by shrubs and grasses, along with animals who’ve adapted to survive in dryer climates.
This is what makes Garden City the perfect place to explore if you’re a nature lover. Whether you’re a solo traveler or vacationing with family, there’s an outdoor tourist attraction for everyone.
If you want to get up close and personal with the local wildlife, you have to check out the Sandsage Bison Range. More formally known as the Finney Game Refuge, the Sandsage Bison Range is a 3,700+ acre range that’s home to the oldest publicly owned bison herd in Kansas. With a tour, you can get a glimpse at both native plants and animals that have made their home on this undeveloped range.
Make sure to pay a visit to the Lee Richardson Zoo during your trip as well. The North American Plains section of the zoo will give you a taste of the local Kansas wildlife, while sections like the Cat Canyon and the African Plains will give you a more global experience. Best of all, the Lee Richardson Zoo is free to pedestrians and only $10 if you want to drive through the exhibits.
3. Garden City Has a Modern Twist
Garden City has done an impressive job of maintaining its roots and history while also staying current with mainstream trends and urban expansion.
Garden City Arts is a great example of this combination. It was founded in 1989 and is evidence that Garden City wants to make a name as both a history-rich community and a hip and contemporary locale.
This charming gallery houses new exhibits each month by Kansas-based artisans, and they even offer community events and musical performances from time to time. It’s the perfect place to get a taste of the modern culture and pick up a locally-crafted gift as a souvenir of your trip!
Getting to Know Garden City
Garden City is full of novel attractions and beauty, and it continues to blossom with new opportunities. If you plan on visiting, the fact list and tourist guide above will help you map out your itinerary for the perfect trip!
For more info and guides on Garden City, check out the rest of our website!
