Garden City Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, food and drink scenes, where to stay and more in Garden City, Kansas. Read our comprehensive guide to plan your trip!


Introduction to Garden City

Garden City is a charming city located in the Great Plains of Western Kansas. It attracts tourists with its unique combination of cultures, history, and beautiful natural scenery. The city boasts several museums, parks, and ranches, as well as top-notch dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or indoor cultural attractions, Garden City has something for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll help you plan the perfect trip to Garden City, Kansas.

List of Places to Visit in Garden City

Garden City has many attractions to offer, ranging from natural landmarks to cultural and historical places. Here’s a rundown of some of Garden City’s top places to see:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Lee Richardson Zoo: This award-winning zoo is home to over 300 animals from around the world, making it one of the top attractions in the area.
  • Finney County Historical Museum: This museum provides fascinating insights into the history of the region and its inhabitants, with artifacts that span from prehistoric times to the present day.
  • The Big Pool: This world-renowned swimming pool is the largest municipal swimming pool in the world and a must-visit for families.

Natural Attractions of Garden City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sandsage Bison Range Wildlife Area: Here, you can see herds of bison roam freely in their natural habitat.
  • Santa Fe Trail: This historic trail stretches from Missouri to New Mexico and is a popular spot for hiking and biking.
  • Garden City Community College Arboretum: This 35-acre garden features thousands of plants, including several endangered species.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Garden City

Garden City offers excellent biking and hiking routes for those who love to explore nature. Here are some of our top picks:

  • The Finney County Trail: This 2.5-mile trail features stunning views of the famous Big Pool and is perfect for hiking, jogging, and biking.
  • The Santa Fe Trail: This historic trail is a 14-mile-long trek that offers scenic views and is perfect for advanced hikers and bikers.
  • Garden City Community College Arboretum Trail: This trail takes you through the beautiful arboretum, where you’ll see a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Best Things to Do in Garden City: Activities and Tours

From local festivals to sports events, Garden City offers plenty of things to do all year round. Here are some of our top picks for entertainment and leisure:

  • Garden City Community College athletic events: Whether you’re interested in football, basketball, or soccer, the Garden City Community College athletic events are always worth checking out.
  • The Beef Empire Days: This annual festival celebrates the region’s cattle industry through rodeos, parades, concerts, and more.
  • The Garden City Craft Fair: This event features local artisans and farmers who come together to showcase their products, including handmade crafts, local produce, and homemade meals.

Week-Long Itinerary for Garden City

If you’re planning to spend a week in Garden City, here’s our recommended itinerary:

  • Day 1: Visit Lee Richardson Zoo and The Big Pool.
  • Day 2: Explore Finney County Historical Museum and Sandsage Bison Range Wildlife Area.
  • Day 3: Hike or bike along the Santa Fe Trail.
  • Day 4: Take a tour of the Garden City Community College Arboretum and enjoy a picnic in the park.
  • Day 5: Attend a Garden City Community College athletic event.
  • Day 6: Attend the Beef Empire Days festival.
  • Day 7: Visit local shops and markets to buy souvenirs and locally-made products.

Food and Drink Scene of Garden City

Garden City also offers a rich culinary scene, with restaurants that offer a diverse range of cuisines and specialty drinks.

Must-Try Dishes

  • The Hickory Burger: A local specialty, this burger features hickory-smoked bacon and is often served with onion rings and fries.
  • BBQ: Kansas is famous for its BBQ, and Garden City is no exception. Head to Hickory D’s BBQ, where you can try baby back ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and more.
  • Pie: Garden City takes its pies seriously, and you shouldn’t leave town without trying one. Garden City Coffee and Bakery is a local favorite, known for its pies and coffee.

Local Beverages

  • Wheat Beer: Kansas is known for its wheat, and many breweries in the state make great wheat beer. Try locally-made brews at Strate Ale Works, a local brewery that serves cold beer and delicious food.

Where to Stay in Garden City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Garden City offers plenty of lodging options for travelers of all budgets. Whether you’re looking for luxury hotels or budget-friendly guesthouses, you’ll find something that suits your needs. Here are some of our top picks:

  • Clarion Inn: This hotel offers great amenities, including a pool, fitness center, and a restaurant.
  • Hampton Inn: This hotel is conveniently located and offers free breakfast and shuttle service to the airport.
  • Vacation Rental: If you’re traveling with a large group or planning an extended stay, a vacation rental might be your best option. Check out Airbnb for some unique and budget-friendly options.

What to Buy in Garden City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

From locally-made crafts to delicious food products, Garden City has a lot to offer when it comes to unique souvenirs. Here’s what we recommend:

  • Kansas Wheat Items: Grab a bag of locally-made wheat products, including pancake mixes, flours, and more at High Plains Farm & Feed.
  • Handmade Crafts: Check out the local markets and shops for handmade crafts like pottery, jewelry, and clothing.
  • Beef Jerky: Kansas is known for its beef, and you shouldn’t leave town without trying some delicious beef jerky.

Local Culture and Customs of Garden City

While in Garden City, it’s important to respect the local culture and customs. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Kansas is known for being friendly, and the people of Garden City are no exception. Be sure to greet locals with a smile and a friendly attitude.
  • Kansas has strict smoking laws, so be sure to check for non-smoking areas before lighting up.
  • Dress appropriately for the weather. Kansas can experience hot summers and cold winters, so be sure to check the forecast before packing your bags.

Best Time to Visit Garden City

Garden City can be visited all year round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall months. The weather is mild and pleasant, and the tourist crowds are not as heavy as during the summer.

Do’s and Don’ts of Garden City

Here are some of our recommendations for respectfully and safely enjoying Garden City:

Do:

  • Do try local dishes like the Hickory Burger, BBQ, and locally-made pies.
  • Do take time to visit cultural and historical sites like the Finney County Historical Museum and the Sandsage Bison Range Wildlife Area.
  • Do take a scenic hike or bike ride along the Santa Fe Trail.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or harm the environment in any way.
  • Don’t forget to dress appropriately for the weather and respect the local culture and traditions.
  • Don’t smoke in non-smoking areas as it’s prohibited in Kansas.

Safety and Health

Garden City is a generally safe city. However, it’s always important to take precautions to ensure your safety and well-being while traveling.

Safety in Garden City

  • Stick to well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
  • Keep valuables like passports and travel documents in a secure place and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
  • Practice caution and common-sense while engaging in outdoor activities or adventurous sports.

Health in Garden City

  • Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen and hats while engaging in outdoor activities.
  • Keep first-aid kits and medicines handy during hiking and camping trips.

Getting to Garden City: Transportation Options and Logistics

Garden City is easily accessible from all parts of the country and can be reached via road, air, or rail.

Airports Near Garden City

The closest airport to Garden City is the Garden City Regional Airport (GCK), which offers flights to and from many destinations in the United States.

Bus Stations Near Garden City

Greyhound offers bus services to Garden City from various locations in Kansas and other parts of the United States.

Other Options

You can also drive to Garden City from nearby cities or rent a car to explore the surrounding areas.

How to Get Around in Garden City

Renting a car is the easiest and most convenient way to get around Garden City. However, there are also taxi services available in the city.

Where to Go Next from Garden City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time to explore, here are some of the nearby attractions and destinations worth visiting:

  • Dodge City: Just over an hour’s drive from Garden City, Dodge City is a historic city that boasts a renowned cowboy culture and many western-themed attractions.
  • The Cimarron National Grassland: This is a protected area located just 30 minutes east of Garden City, and it’s an ideal spot for camping, hiking, and birdwatching.
  • Wichita: This is Kansas’ largest city and offers a range of attractions for visitors, including museums, parks, sports, and shopping.

Conclusion

Garden City is a gem of a town, packed with culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re planning a week-long trip or just a weekend getaway, Garden City promises to be an amazing destination. This comprehensive guide has provided you with all the information you need to make the most of your trip to Garden City, Kansas. Enjoy!