Goodland, Kansas, has amazing attractions and activities to entertain you and your family, from cultural experiences to outdoor adventures. From the High Plains Museum, where you can explore the area’s history, to the Giant Van Gogh Painting that stands tall in the city center, there is something for everyone. Plus, you can check out Clark Crossing Co., Ennis-Handy House, The White Eagle Gas Station, United Telephone Building, Carnegie Arts Center, Sherman Theatre and even learn about the Kidder Massacre at Soldiers Memorial Park. So if you’re looking for fun things to do in Goodland, Kansas, read on!
High Plains Museum
The High Plains Museum in Goodland, Kansas, is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. Located in historic downtown Goodland, the museum offers visitors a chance to learn more about the local history and culture of the area. The museum provides a great way to explore what makes this small town special, with fascinating exhibits, interactive activities, and educational programs.
From exploring artifacts from the early settlers that helped shape Goodland’s history to learning about famous figures like Charles M. Russell, who lived and worked in the area, there are plenty of ways to discover different aspects of life in Goodland. The museum also explores topics such as Native Americans who once inhabited the area and how they interacted with settlers. Other exhibits showcase agricultural development through models of farming equipment and items related to art and culture from early 20th century Goodland.
Visitors can participate in hands-on activities such as panning for gold or trying to create traditional arts and crafts like quilting or basket weaving. In addition to its unique displays, The High Plains Museum often hosts events throughout the year that give visitors a deeper look into local history. On top of all this, admission is always free! With something for everyone, it is no wonder why The High Plains Museum continues to be one of Goodland’s most popular attractions.
Giant Van Gogh Painting
Goodland, Kansas, is home to a unique sight – a giant replica of Vincent Van Gogh’s well-known painting, “The Starry Night.” Measuring an impressive 12 feet by 12 feet and weighing over 500 pounds, the painting is installed on one of the walls of the Sherman Theatre in downtown Goodland.
The replica was painted by local artist Steve Becker and his team. The mural project was funded by several local businesses and organizations and took over two months to complete. It is now considered one of Goodland’s most recognizable landmarks.
Visitors can stand close to the painting and admire its intricate details, including the swirls of stars in the night sky, the rolling hills, and even a church spire in the distance. The mural brings to life Van Gogh’s original masterpiece while also greatly representing Goodland’s vibrant art scene.
At any time of day or night, visitors can look up at this stunning work of art on display for all to enjoy in Goodland, Kansas!
Clark Crossing Co.
Clark Crossing Co. is a charming, rustic venue in the middle of Goodland. Here, visitors can indulge in various activities and experiences that make for an enjoyable time. From shopping to dining, all kinds of fun await at Clark Crossing Co.
The shop offers various goods, from locally made crafts and products to antiques, vintage clothing and books. Visitors can find something special to take home as a reminder of their time in Goodland. There is also an outdoor patio where people can enjoy drinks and delicious food while admiring the views of the surrounding area.
Live music is often featured at the venue, making it a great spot for those who want to listen to local musicians while having drinks with friends or family. On certain days, events such as open mic nights and art shows provide another layer of entertainment for a truly unique experience.
If you’re looking for a fun place to hang out in Goodland, look no further than Clark Crossing Co. Enjoy shopping or listening to live music while sampling some delicious food — it’s sure to make your trip memorable!
Ennis-Handy House
The Ennis-Handy House is a one-of-a-kind historic home located in Goodland, Kansas. Built in 1895, the house is part of a larger complex with an original stone barn and a windmill. The house was constructed by J.W. Ennis, who ran a successful lumber business in town. This house has remained largely unchanged since it was built over 100 years ago and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Visitors to the Ennis-Handy House can explore its unique architecture and learn about its rich history through guided tours offered by the Sherman County Historical Society every Saturday from April to October. Visitors can also marvel at the intricate details, such as hand-crafted wooden furniture, painted murals, and even period clothing!
The grounds of the house are also home to many gardens filled with flowers and trees native to the area, making it a perfect spot for family picnics or simply sitting back and taking in the beauty of nature. Whether you’re an experienced history buff or just looking for something new to do in Goodland, KS, make sure you check out this amazing piece of local history!
The White Eagle Gas Station
The White Eagle Gas Station in Goodland, Kansas, is an iconic piece of Americana that stands as a reminder of an era gone by. Built in 1926, this gas station was originally used to service the town’s vehicles and farmers traveling through the area. It has been lovingly restored over the years and remains a popular tourist attraction.
Visitors can explore inside and outside the station, learning about its history and seeing what life was like during its heyday. Inside, it looks just like it did when it opened, with vintage gasoline pumps lining the walls, original signage from the 1920s, and even an old-fashioned cash register. The station even still functions today as a repository for gasoline supplies!
The exterior of the station is also quite interesting to look at. It has been painted with bright colors, giving it a unique appearance you won’t find anywhere else. The words “White Eagle Gasoline” are still visible on one side of the building, and there is also a mural depicting a white eagle soaring into the sky on another side.
For those looking to take home a piece of Goodland’s past, plenty of souvenirs are available at The White Eagle Gas Station. Items like postcards, magnets and t-shirts featuring the classic logo can be found inside. Whether you’re just passing through or planning to stay awhile in Goodland, stop by The White Eagle Gas Station for some good old-fashioned nostalgia!
United Telephone Building
The United Telephone Building is a historic landmark in Goodland, Kansas. Located on the corner of Broadway and Main Street, this building was once used by the United Telephone Company as its main office. The building has been around since the early 1900s and still stands today as an example of the town’s rich history.
The building has a classic brick façade with a large clock tower at one end. The inside of the building is filled with antique desks and furniture from when it was first built. The walls are adorned with vintage black-and-white photographs that tell stories of the past.
In recent years, the United Telephone Building has become a popular destination for those looking to learn more about Goodland’s history. Tourists can explore the interior and view its unique features, while locals often gather here to reminisce about days gone by.
At night, locals can take guided tours of the building, providing insight into Goodland’s past through anecdotes from past employees and stories about some of their most memorable customers. Through these tours, visitors can better understand why this historic landmark is so important to Goodland’s heritage.
Carnegie Arts Center
The Carnegie Arts Center in Goodland, Kansas, is an exquisite place to explore the arts. Built in 1908, this stunning venue has been a cultural hub for over 100 years. From its permanent collection of artworks to its rotating shows and programs, the Carnegie Arts Center offers something for everyone to enjoy.
The center boasts a wide range of activities, educational classes, and special events that help support local artists while allowing visitors to experience the vibrant cultural life of Goodland. In addition to showcasing artwork from across the country, the center also features local exhibitions, allowing visitors to learn more about Goodland’s history and culture.
Visitors can wander through galleries of paintings, sculptures, photographs and other pieces created by both well-known and emerging artists. The center’s Art Education Program offers hands-on workshops for children and adults alike to learn about art-making aspects such as drawing, painting, sculpting and printmaking. Visitors can get creative through these classes and explore their artistic abilities in a supportive environment.
The Carnegie Arts Center also hosts a variety of concerts throughout the year featuring local musicians playing jazz, classical music and more. With its cutting-edge acoustics system and world-class musicians performing every month on stage in the Great Hall Theater at the center, it’s no wonder why people flock here for some amazing musical experiences!
Whether you’re looking for a unique way to explore art or appreciate culture with friends while enjoying some live music, The Carnegie Arts Center in Goodland will surely offer something that will enrich your experience!
Sherman Theatre
The Sherman Theatre in Goodland, Kansas, is an amazing place to visit for a unique experience. Located in the historic downtown area, it was built in 1919 and continues to provide entertainment. From plays and musicals to stand-up comedy, this theater offers a variety of events for everyone. The cozy atmosphere makes it a great spot to take family or friends – perfect for date nights or a night out with the kids!
The theater also has an amazing selection of concessions, such as popcorn and candy, so that you can enjoy your time there even more. Plus, they often have discounts on tickets if you buy them in advance or purchase a certain number at once. This makes it easy to get more bang for your buck!
Regularly scheduled events at the Sherman Theatre make it easy to plan your visit ahead of time. There’s something for everyone here, from movie showings every Friday night to live plays and musicals throughout the year! And if you’re looking for something special during your stay in Goodland, why not check out the theater’s upcoming events?
If you’re looking for something unique and fun to do in Goodland, Kansas, then make sure you check out the Sherman Theatre. It has entertained visitors since 1919 and is a popular destination today. With its wonderful selection of events and concessions, it’s sure to keep you entertained all night long!
Kidder Massacre
The Kidder Massacre is one of the most tragic events in Goodland, Kansas history. On April 12th, 1874, a group of Cheyenne warriors attacked a small settlement known as Kidder Station, killing approximately 20 people. The attack was most likely done in retaliation for the previous year’s Battle of Adobe Walls.
Today, visitors to Goodland can visit the site of the massacre and pay their respects to those who lost their lives that fateful day. The Kidder Massacre Memorial Park is located just outside town and features monuments and markers commemorating the victims. Visitors can also walk along the “Trail of Tears,” which follows the path taken by survivors after they fled from the massacre scene.
Kidder Massacre Memorial Park also serves as an educational tool for visitors wanting to learn more about this part of Kansas history. Guests can explore memorials dedicated to those killed or wounded during the incident and monuments depicting what life was like for Native Americans living in western Kansas at that time. Overall, it’s an important piece of local history that should not be forgotten.
Soldiers Memorial Park
Soldiers Memorial Park is a vibrant, inviting place to spend time in Goodland, Kansas. Its lush green lawns and towering trees make it the perfect spot for a picnic or stroll. The park features several war memorials dedicated to the men and women who served in World War II and other conflicts, as well as monuments honoring veterans of the Vietnam War. Additionally, there are plenty of benches and playground equipment for children to enjoy.
The Sherman Theatre is one of the most popular attractions at Soldiers Memorial Park. This historic building was constructed in 1922 and fully renovated to host live performances such as plays, musicals, concerts, comedy shows and more. Visitors can take their pick from various performances throughout the year.
The park also boasts two large baseball fields used by local teams for games and practice sessions when not in use. For those looking for more gentle recreation activities, Soldiers Memorial Park has horseshoe pits, swings and slides that visitors can enjoy year-round. In addition to these recreational facilities, visitors will find plenty of picnic tables to sit down and relax after exploring the rest of what this beautiful park offers.
Goodland, Kansas, is a great place to visit and explore. There is something here for everyone, from the High Plains Museum to the Giant Van Gogh Painting and Clark Crossing Co. to the Ennis-Handy House. You can also explore the White Eagle Gas Station, United Telephone Building, Carnegie Arts Center, Sherman Theatre, Kidder Massacre and Soldiers Memorial Park. Whether you want to learn about local history or get away for a while, Goodland has plenty of activities and attractions that will keep you entertained. So come on down and experience all that Goodland has to offer!
