Barton County Overview
Barton County is located in the central part of Kansas, covering an area of around 900 square miles. It was established in 1867 and named after Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross. The county is bordered by Russell County to the north, Ellsworth County to the east, Stafford County to the south, and Pawnee County to the west. The Arkansas River runs through the southern part of the county, contributing to the region’s agricultural economy.
Barton County has a population of approximately 25,000 people, with Great Bend serving as its county seat. The county has a diverse landscape that includes prairies, farmlands, and wetlands, with Cheyenne Bottoms, a notable wetland area, attracting bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. The climate in Barton County is typical of Kansas, with hot summers and cold winters.
- County Seat: Great Bend
- Number of Cities and Towns: 8
- Major School Districts: USD 428, USD 355, USD 350
Great Bend
Great Bend Overview
Great Bend, the county seat of Barton County, is located along the Arkansas River in the southern part of the county. It is the largest city in Barton County and is known for its central location in Kansas, making it a regional hub for commerce, healthcare, and education. The city was founded in 1872, named after a large bend in the Arkansas River. Great Bend is surrounded by a variety of natural attractions, including the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, which is one of the largest inland marshes in the United States.
Great Bend experiences a typical Midwestern climate with hot summers and cold winters. The city is home to several landmarks, including the Barton County Courthouse, Great Bend Zoo, and Veterans Memorial Park.
- Population: 15,358
- Population Density: 1,345 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 67530
- Road Network: U.S. Highway 281, U.S. Highway 56, Kansas Highway 96
- Nearest Airports: Great Bend Municipal Airport, Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (90 miles)
- Libraries: Great Bend Public Library
- Hospitals: University of Kansas Health System – Great Bend Campus
Schools in Great Bend
Great Bend is served by Unified School District 428. Great Bend Elementary Schools (PreK-6) include several schools, such as Eisenhower and Jefferson, with approximately 1,200 students across the district. Great Bend Middle School (grades 7-8) enrolls about 400 students, focusing on the transition to secondary education. Great Bend High School (grades 9-12) serves around 850 students, offering a wide range of academic programs, sports, and extracurricular activities, including a strong athletics program and various clubs.
Hoisington
Hoisington Overview
Hoisington is a small city located in the northern part of Barton County, just off U.S. Highway 281. It was founded in 1886 and has since grown into a charming community known for its rich railroad history. Hoisington is surrounded by agricultural lands and is close to the Cheyenne Bottoms wetlands, which provide outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
The weather in Hoisington is characteristic of central Kansas, with warm summers and cold winters. The town’s landmarks include the Hoisington Historical Museum, which showcases the region’s railroad and agricultural history, and Bicentennial Park, a favorite spot for local events.
- Population: 2,647
- Population Density: 950 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 67544
- Road Network: U.S. Highway 281, Kansas Highway 4
- Nearest Airports: Great Bend Municipal Airport, Salina Regional Airport
- Libraries: Hoisington Public Library
- Hospitals: Clara Barton Hospital
Schools in Hoisington
Hoisington is part of Unified School District 431. Lincoln Elementary School (PreK-5) has around 250 students, providing a nurturing environment for early education. Hoisington Middle School (grades 6-8) serves approximately 200 students, offering a well-rounded curriculum with a focus on academic achievement and personal growth. Hoisington High School (grades 9-12) has around 300 students and offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and music programs. The school district is known for its community involvement and strong educational support.
Ellinwood
Ellinwood Overview
Ellinwood is located in the eastern part of Barton County, near the intersection of U.S. Highway 56 and Kansas Highway 156. It was founded in 1872 as a railroad town and quickly became a center for commerce and agriculture. The town is known for its unique underground tunnels, which were once used by businesses in the early 1900s and now serve as a tourist attraction.
Ellinwood experiences a climate typical of Kansas, with hot, dry summers and cold winters. The town is home to several historic landmarks, including the Ellinwood Underground Tunnels and the Wolf Hotel, which reflects the town’s historical charm.
- Population: 2,085
- Population Density: 1,200 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 67526
- Road Network: U.S. Highway 56, Kansas Highway 156
- Nearest Airports: Great Bend Municipal Airport, Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport
- Libraries: Ellinwood Public Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Great Bend (University of Kansas Health System)
Schools in Ellinwood
Ellinwood is served by Unified School District 355. Ellinwood Grade School (PreK-6) has about 300 students, offering a comprehensive elementary education with a focus on early literacy and math. Ellinwood High School (grades 7-12) serves around 250 students, providing a broad range of academic programs, athletics, and extracurricular activities. The school district is known for its small class sizes, strong academic programs, and a focus on preparing students for higher education and careers.
Claflin
Claflin Overview
Claflin is a small town in northern Barton County, located near Kansas Highway 4. It was established in the late 1800s and remains a predominantly agricultural community. Claflin is known for its peaceful rural setting and strong sense of community. The town’s landmarks include local parks and historical buildings that reflect its small-town charm.
Claflin has a climate similar to the rest of Barton County, with hot summers and cold winters. Agriculture plays a significant role in the local economy, and the town’s residents take pride in their strong community bonds.
- Population: 645
- Population Density: 600 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 67525
- Road Network: Kansas Highway 4
- Nearest Airports: Great Bend Municipal Airport, Salina Regional Airport
- Libraries: Claflin Public Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Hoisington (Clara Barton Hospital)
Schools in Claflin
Claflin is part of Unified School District 112, which serves several nearby communities. Central Plains Elementary School (PreK-5) has around 150 students, offering a nurturing environment for young learners. Central Plains Middle/High School (grades 6-12) enrolls approximately 250 students, offering a wide range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and athletics. The schools are known for their personalized approach to education and their close-knit, community-oriented environment.
Pawnee Rock
Pawnee Rock Overview
Pawnee Rock is a small town in southwestern Barton County, named after the nearby historic Pawnee Rock landmark, which was a significant stop on the Santa Fe Trail. The town was established in the 1870s and has a strong historical connection to the westward expansion of the United States.
The town experiences hot summers and cold winters, typical of central Kansas. Pawnee Rock offers access to several nearby outdoor recreational areas, including the Pawnee Rock State Historic Site, which is a popular spot for history buffs and nature lovers.
- Population: 252
- Population Density: 510 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 67567
- Road Network: U.S. Highway 56, County roads
- Nearest Airports: Great Bend Municipal Airport, Dodge City Regional Airport
- Libraries: Pawnee Rock Public Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Great Bend (University of Kansas Health System)
Schools in Pawnee Rock
Pawnee Rock is part of Unified School District 428, and students typically attend schools in nearby Great Bend. Great Bend Elementary Schools, Great Bend Middle School, and Great Bend High School serve students from Pawnee Rock. These schools offer a comprehensive curriculum, with a wide range of extracurricular activities and academic programs that cater to students from diverse backgrounds.
Albert
Albert Overview
Albert is a small, rural town located in the western part of Barton County. It was founded in the late 19th century as a farming community and remains primarily agricultural. Albert is known for its peaceful, rural atmosphere and close-knit community.
The climate in Albert features hot summers and cold winters, consistent with the rest of Barton County. The town is a quiet residential area with strong ties to the surrounding farmland.
- Population: 170
- Population Density: 280 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 67511
- Road Network: County roads
- Nearest Airports: Great Bend Municipal Airport, Salina Regional Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Great Bend
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Great Bend (University of Kansas Health System)
Schools in Albert
Albert is also served by USD 428 in Great Bend. Students from Albert attend Great Bend Elementary Schools, Great Bend Middle School, and Great Bend High School. These schools provide a wide array of educational opportunities, sports, and extracurricular activities, helping students achieve academic success and personal growth in a supportive environment.
Olmitz
Olmitz Overview
Olmitz is a small town in the western part of Barton County, located near Kansas Highway 96. Established in the late 1800s, Olmitz has a rich German heritage, which is reflected in its local culture and annual festivals. The town is primarily agricultural, with farming playing a major role in the local economy.
Olmitz experiences the same hot summers and cold winters typical of central Kansas. The town is known for its strong community spirit, with events and festivals that celebrate its heritage.
- Population: 114
- Population Density: 200 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 67564
- Road Network: Kansas Highway 96, County roads
- Nearest Airports: Great Bend Municipal Airport, Dodge City Regional Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Hoisington
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Hoisington (Clara Barton Hospital)
Schools in Olmitz
Olmitz is part of Unified School District 112. Students attend Central Plains Elementary School and Central Plains Middle/High School in nearby Claflin. The schools focus on academic excellence and community values, offering a range of extracurricular activities and programs that encourage personal development and student engagement.