According to gradphysics.com, Barton County, Kansas is located in the central region of the state and is bordered by Ellsworth, Russell, and Rice counties. The population of Barton County is estimated to be 27,722 people according to the 2019 U.S. Census Bureau estimates. The county was created in 1867 and was named for Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross.
The county seat of Barton County is Great Bend and this city serves as a hub for many attractions within the county including Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area which is one of North America’s largest inland wetland areas and a popular spot for bird watching enthusiasts. Other attractions include Fort Larned National Historic Site which showcases an old military fort that was used during the Indian Wars in the late 1800s, Konza Prairie Biological Station which offers visitors an opportunity to explore native prairies and wildlife, and Rock City Park which features a variety of rock formations that have been naturally carved out over thousands of years.
Famous people who hail from Barton County include actor Dennis Hopper who grew up in Dodge City; professional golfer Tom Watson who attended college at Fort Hays State University; former Kansas Governor Bill Graves; former U.S Senator Nancy Landon Kassebaum; former NFL quarterback Joe Montana; astronaut Joe Engle; Olympic gold medalist Jim Ryun; musician Don Williams; author Wanda E. Brunstetter; actor/comedian Nick Offerman; writer/director Wes Anderson; singer/songwriter John Denver and many more notable figures from various fields.
Climate and weather in Barton County, Kansas
According to ehuacom.com, Barton County, Kansas is located in the central region of the state and has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The average temperature for the year is around 56 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius). During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) while during winter it can drop down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit (-9 degrees Celsius).
The county receives an average annual precipitation of 24 inches (610 millimeters). The majority of this precipitation comes from thunderstorms in late spring and early summer. Snowfall is also common during winter months, with an average of 22 inches (559 millimeters) per year. Winter storms usually occur from December through February.
The climate in Barton County can be unpredictable due to its location on the Great Plains. Strong winds are common throughout the year which can cause dust storms and tornadoes. On average, there are approximately 30 days with thunderstorms each year with peak activity occurring during May and June.
In terms of weather, Barton County experiences all four seasons throughout the year. Spring brings warm temperatures and blooming flowers while summer brings hot days with occasional rain showers. Fall offers crisp air and colorful foliage while winter brings snowfall that blankets the landscape in white.
Transportation in Barton County, Kansas
Barton County, Kansas is served by a network of roads and highways that provide access to nearby towns and cities. Interstate 70 runs east-west through the county, connecting with Kansas City, Salina, and other major cities in the region. US Highway 56 runs north-south through the county, providing access to Great Bend and other towns in the area. Other major roads that run through the county include US Highway 281, US Highway 183, K-4 and K-96.
The county is also served by several public transportation systems including buses and trains. The Great Bend Transit System provides bus service throughout Great Bend with connections to surrounding communities such as Hoisington, Ellinwood, Pawnee Rock, and Olmitz. The Amtrak train service also operates a station in Great Bend with daily service to Chicago, St Louis, Wichita, Oklahoma City, and other destinations across the country.
Barton County also has several airports located within its borders including Great Bend Municipal Airport which offers regularly scheduled flights to Denver International Airport as well as charter flights to other destinations throughout the United States. There are two additional smaller airports located in Ellinwood and Hoisington that offer general aviation services for private planes.
In addition to these transportation options, there are many bike trails located in Barton County which provide scenic routes for cyclists of all skill levels. These trails offer a great way for visitors to explore the natural beauty of this part of Kansas while getting some exercise at the same time.
Cities and towns in Barton County, Kansas
According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, Barton County, Kansas is home to several cities and towns, each offering its own unique charm and attractions. The county seat and largest city in the county is Great Bend, located in the center of the county. Here visitors can explore a variety of museums, art galleries, restaurants, shops, and more. Other notable attractions in Great Bend include the Brit Spaugh Zoo and a historic downtown district with Victorian architecture.
Ellinwood is another town located in Barton County with a population of 1,800 people. This small town is known for its annual Ellinwood Labor Day Festival which features live music performances, carnival rides, food vendors, and more. There are also several parks located throughout Ellinwood for visitors to enjoy including Pioneer Park which offers camping facilities as well as hiking trails.
Hoisington is another small town located in the county with a population of around 2,000 people. This town has a vibrant arts culture with numerous galleries showcasing local artwork and craftsmanship. Hoisington also has several recreational areas such as Hoisington City Lake where visitors can enjoy fishing or boating activities on the lake’s crystal clear waters.
Other cities and towns located in Barton County include Pawnee Rock which is home to an historic limestone marker that marks the spot where settlers first crossed into Kansas Territory; Olmitz which offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities; Beaver which has a unique collection of antique stores; and Claflin which hosts an annual harvest festival every October that celebrates the area’s agricultural history.
No matter what type of attractions you are looking for or what kind of activities you want to do during your visit to Barton County, there’s something for everyone here. From its vibrant cities to its charming small towns, Barton County has something for everyone.