Barton County, Kansas
In central Kansas, Barton County is flat as a pancake but far from boring. Great Bend, the main city, gets its name from the dramatic curve in the nearby Arkansas River.
Bird watchers flock to Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, a major destination for birding enthusiasts. Then there’s Great Bend Airfest, a real treat if you’re into historic aircraft.
There’s a good mix of small-town charm and things to do. If you’re up for a short drive, Fort Larned National Historic Site offers a glimpse into frontier life. U.S. Route 281 and U.S. Route 56 intersect here, making Barton County a crossroads of sorts.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Barton County |
| County Seat | Great Bend |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Great Bend, Ellinwood, Hoisington, Claflin, and several smaller communities |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 56, U.S. Highway 281, Kansas Highway 4, Kansas Highway 96 |
| FIPS Code | 20-009 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,456 square miles (land: 1,444 sq mi, water: 12 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Ellis County (Northwest), Russell County (North), Ellsworth County (Northeast), Rice County (Southeast), Stafford County (South), Pawnee County (Southwest), Rush County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Kansas |
| Coordinates | 38.36°N, 98.72°W |
| Etymology | Named after Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross |
| Major Landmarks | Barton County Historical Society Museum, Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, and the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo |
| Population | 27,500 |
