Finney County, Kansas
Finney County is located in southwest Kansas, combining wide-open prairie landscapes with a surprisingly urban atmosphere. Garden City, the county seat, is home to about 28,000 residents and serves as a regional center for the surrounding area.
The county has a diverse cultural character influenced in part by its meatpacking industry. Lee Richardson Zoo offers an extensive collection of wildlife and is a popular attraction in Garden City, while the Sandsage Bison Range provides visitors with an opportunity to see American bison roaming across the prairie.
In July, the Tumbleweed Festival brings three days of music and community entertainment beneath the wide Kansas sky. The annual Finney County Fair adds another traditional celebration, featuring the rural atmosphere, activities, and community spirit that define much of the county.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Finney County |
| County Seat | Garden City |
| Etymology | Named after David W. Finney, tenth lieutenant governor of Kansas |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Garden City, Holcomb, and several smaller communities |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 50, U.S. Highway 83, U.S. Highway 400 |
| FIPS Code | 20-055 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,245 square miles (land: 1,243 sq mi, water: 2 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Scott County (North), Lane County (North), Ness County (Northeast), Hodgeman County (East), Haskell County (South), Gray County (South), Grant County (Southwest), Kearny County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Kansas |
| Coordinates | 37.96°N, 100.87°W |
| Major Landmarks | Garden City Zoo, Finney County Historical Museum, and the Santa Fe Trail Museum |
| Population | 45,000 |
