The  famous Chisholm  Trail gave us the reputation, " Bloody Newton, the wickedest town in the West."

​

The Atchinson, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway established a railhead for Texas cattle at Newton in 1872. Gunslingers, gamblers, "soiled doves," cowboys, railroad men; Denizens of every kind roamed the streets.

When the cowboys moved west, homesteaders turned the surrounding prairie into the "Breadbasket of the World." The area boasts one of the largest Mennonite populations in the country. Visitors will find warmhearted, courteous, and friendly people in Newton, well-known for their graciousness and good cooking.

Western hospitality and the rugged pioneer spirit live on in our festivals, attractions, and historical sites. At Trails Park, one can still see the swales created from trailing over a million Texas Longhorn cattle and tons of freight.

Places to Visit

Harvey County Historical Library & Museum
203 N. Main • (316) 283-2221 • www.hchm.org
With the railroad came the cowboys...this museum showcases Newton’s railroad and cattle town days.

​

Kauffman Museum
27th & North Main • (316) 283-1612 • www.bethelks.edu/kauffman
A cattleman’s prairie, Chisholm Trail swales, plus indoor exhibits on American Indians and immigrant settlers.

​

Country Boys Carriage and Prairie Adventures
1504 S. Rock Road • (316)283-2636 • www.kscoveredwagon.com
Provide covered wagon trips, group meals and entertainment, will host school programs and offer mini-pioneer adventures.

​

Warkentin House
211 E. 1st • (316) 283-3113
www.infonewtonks.org/tourism/warkentin.htm
The Victorian home of Bernhard Warkentin, who introduced the hard winter wheat to the area. This was made possible by the arrival of cattle and railroad grants for immigrants.

​

Carriage Factory Art Gallery & Museum
128 E. 6th • (316) 284-2749 • www.carriagefactoryartgallery.com
This gallery features exhibitions and art works by Kansas artists...displayed in an 1883 restored “carriage factory” rediscovered by the Newton Fine Arts Association.

​

Maxwell Wildlife Refuge
2565 Pueblo Rd., Canton, KS • (620) 628-4455 www.cyberkraft.com/maxwell
Take a tram ride through the 2,250 acre refuge. See bison, elk, coyote and wildflowers.