Discover Sherman County

Sherman County offers a variety of reasons to visit: local history, architecture, art, events, and outdoor activities. In Goodland, the High Plains Museum presents the history of the city and Sherman County. Other highlights range from historic buildings to golf, motorsports, and recurring events. For planning, it’s worth considering your cultural interests alongside your travel dates.

History and Architecture

The High Plains Museum is near downtown Goodland and is supported and operated by the city. Its more than 8,000 objects represent over a century of history in northwestern Kansas. Collections, exhibits, and educational programs present the history of Goodland and Sherman County. Local history is therefore the focus of a visit to the museum.

A notable chapter in the county’s history is the Kidder Massacre, considered the first recorded event in Sherman County. It occurred around July 2, 1867. Those involved were 25-year-old Lieutenant Lyman S. Kidder and his ten-man patrol, as well as the Sioux scout Red Bead. The Sherman Theatre offers a different historical perspective: it opened on August 2, 1926, as a movie and vaudeville theater for silent films. Relics from the past are visible in the lobby and auditorium.

The Carnegie Arts Center is located in the historic Goodland Public Library. The building was constructed in 1913 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in September 1985. Denver architects Barrensen Brothers designed it in the Italian Renaissance Revival style; it is one of 59 Carnegie libraries in Kansas. The Arts Center includes a contemporary visual arts gallery, a gift shop, and classrooms. If you want to take advantage of a particular offering, check in advance to see what is currently available.

The Queen Anne Ennis-Handy House also offers a distinctive architectural connection: it was built in 1906 for widow Mary Ennis. Ornate gingerbread trim and covered verandas define the building. At the Big Easel, the dimensions of its steel frame give an impression of its scale: it is 80 feet tall and weighs 40,000 pounds.

Outdoor Recreation and Sports

Visitors can enjoy the landscape and outdoors on the Topside Trail. The trail project enhances existing opportunities for health, recreation, and quality of life in Goodland and Sherman County. Soldiers Memorial Park–Smoky Gardens offers fishing and walking trails. If you prefer a water-based activity, Steever Water Park has water slides, a main pool area, and a concession area. The water park operates seasonally, and its schedule may vary, so check current seasonal hours before planning your visit.

For golf enthusiasts, a listing dated December 28, 2021, describes Sugar Hills Golf Club as an 18-hole course between Hays and Denver. It notes Kentucky bluegrass fairways and bentgrass greens. The program includes annual tournaments and golf leagues for women, men, couples, and youth. Since program availability may change, check current operations and dates before visiting.

Sherman County Speedway is a semi-banked dirt track three-eighths of a mile long. Racing classes held there include Cruiser, Bomber, Super Stock, and Modified. The track description and classes give motorsports enthusiasts a clear idea of the types of races featured here.

Events Throughout the Year

The Flatlander Fall Festival is an annual event that attracts thousands of people. Its program includes a car and motorcycle show and a sales show; the exact format may vary from year to year. Shindig at the Smoky is typically held on the last Saturday in June. August brings the annual Northwest Kansas District Free Fair and the Runway Revelry Fly-in Event. Simply Chic Spring Fair is an annual arts, crafts, and sales market held in March or April.

If you’re traveling for an event, choose your dates based on the specific event date and that year’s program. For other stays, you can choose according to your interests: history and architecture, art, or outdoor activities. The Goodland Welcome Center offers visitor information, brochures, and details about current local events and activities. If you plan to stop there, check the opening hours, as they may change.

Goodland is located on Interstate 70 near the Kansas–Colorado border. Discover more destinations: Allen, Ford County, Ness County, Pottawatomie County, Gray County, Smith County, Decatur County.

For the broader travel overview: Kansas.