Sumner County offers a variety of ways to explore the area: water and recreation at Wellington City Lake, collections on glass and railroads, and historic traces of the Chisholm Trail. There are also places with their own landscape and architectural histories. Which stops you focus on depends on whether you are looking for exhibitions, regional history, or nature-related topics.
Water and Recreation at Wellington City Lake
Wellington City Lake covers about 674 acres of water and has 10 miles of shoreline. These two measurements describe different aspects of the lake: the approximate area of the water and the length of the shoreline. The lake offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping. Permits are required for camping or recreational use. On the west side is an ADA-accessible fishing pier; its location provides a specific point of reference for anyone interested in fishing.
Museums and Collections
The Chisholm Trail Museum is housed in the historic Hatcher Hospital building and displays thousands of exhibits. The National Depression Glass Museum focuses on the history and products of the U.S. glass industry, particularly glass from the Great Depression era. Examples on display also include equipment used by glass industry workers. The exhibits thus cover both glass products and the tools used in their production.
The Panhandle Railroad Museum displays furniture from the Santa Fe system, railroad workers' uniforms, and railroad safety equipment. These three collection areas offer different ways to explore the subject: furnishings, clothing, and equipment. Visitors who choose collections by subject will find a different perspective here than at the museums devoted to glass or the Chisholm Trail.
Chisholm Trail History and Culture in Caldwell
The Chisholm Trail, an important cattle-driving route, passed through Sumner County. In downtown Caldwell, 22 historic markers line the streets. The Talking Tombstones in downtown Caldwell bring to life the stories of local citizens and other figures of the Old West. Unlike a collection of objects, they offer an interpretive portrayal of people and stories.
Ghost Riders of the Chisholm Trail offers another visual depiction of the trail: silhouettes stand on a hill beside the actual Chisholm Trail at a scenic roadside stop. The renovated Caldwell Opera House displays historical artifacts from the 1880s and is used for cultural and entertainment events. Since event programs can change, check the schedule before your trip if you want to plan a visit around one.
Landscape, Garden, and Local History
The origins of Bartlett Arboretum date back to 1910, when Dr. Walter E. Bartlett acquired 15 acres of land on the outskirts of Belle Plaine. The arboretum features several non-native tree species that were not found anywhere else in Kansas. It also hosts a weekly farmers market. Check the market schedule before traveling if you plan to visit.
Springs and historic uses also shape the histories of individual places. The spring at Conway Springs in Sumner County is now marked by a spring pavilion in a park in the city center. Since local park conditions can change, check them before your visit. Geuda Springs in Sumner County was developed as a health resort in 1886, with mineral water, a hotel, and its own lake. This development is part of the town's history. Old Oxford Mill was built in the 1870s as a flour mill. Its construction date and original use provide another historical point of reference, distinct from the museums and markers in public spaces.
Discover more destinations: Mulvane, Meade County, Kearny County, Kingman County, Phillips County, Trego County, Neosho County, Reno County.
For the main travel overview: Kansas.
