1887 Santa Fe Railroad Site

Visit the Santa Fe Railroad Site Web Page.

Mural by City Park

Arts Alliance Roadside Park

Selkirk Well

If you’re more of an outdoor adventurer, be sure to visit the Selkirk Well, where you can peer down one of the country’s last remaining hand-dug wells.

At 110 years old, the Selkirk Well is an amazing specimen of railroad architecture. This rock-lined structure is the second deepest hand-dug well in Kansas at 102 feet deep and 24 feet wide.

8 Wonders of Wichita County

Modeled after the 8 Wonders of Kansas program initiated by the Kansas Sampler Foundation, the 8 Wonders of Wichita County celebrates the remarkable assets that people can experience right here in Wichita County.

And the winners are…

Architecture: Wichita County Courthouse

The Wichita County Courthouse was completed in 1917 and built in a plantation style. Located at 206 South 4th Street, Leoti.

Art: Chuck Bonner Murals at the Museum of the Great Plains

Commissioned in 2007, these three murals depict the prehistoric era of western Kansas and honors Wichita County native and paleontologist Marion Bonner. Chuck Bonner, Marion’s son, is the artist. Located at 201 North 4th Street, Leoti. 620.375. 2316

Commerce: Cobalt Cattle Feeders

One of the largest commercial cattle feeders in the United States, with 120,000 head, it is located 7 miles north of Leoti on Highway 25. 620. 375.2255
Cuisine: Charlie’s Mexican Restaurant

An authentic Mexican food restaurant owned by the Campas family since 1961. Located at 510 East Broadway, Leoti. 620.375.4541

Customs: Wichita County Fair & Carnival

Famous for the community-owned and operated carnival and its 50 cent rides and games, the 100+ year old fair also features many long standing traditions such as the parade, Old Settlers’ Breakfast, and rodeo. Held the last weekend in July each year. Located at 800 East “M” Street.

Geography: White Woman Creek

White Woman Creek got its name following an Indian attack in the late 1860’s. An Indian war party attacked homesteads in the area, including an Army ambulance. A mutilated body of a soldier was found in the ambulance carnage and settlers later learned that a woman was traveling with the ambulance and was kidnapped by the Indians. The woman, to avoid the same tortures she had seen inflicted upon the ambulance driver, stole a rope from the Indians while they camped, ran to a tree on the banks of this little stream and hanged herself before her captors could stop her. From that time, the story goes, the Indians called this stream White Woman Creek. The creek runs through the western and southern parts of the country.

History: Leoti-Coronado County Seat Fight

Billed as one of the bloodiest county seat fights in Kansas, the cities of Leoti and Coronado battled for the right to be the county seat on February 27, 1887. Visit the Museum of the Great Plains to see Old Leoti City and county seat fight displays, 201 North 4th, Leoti 620-375-2316

People: Steve Tasker, former Buffalo Bills player

Maybe Wichita County’s most famous son, Steve Tasker played in 4 Super Bowls as a special teams player with the Buffalo Bills and was named MVP of the 1993 NFL Pro Bowl. Visit the Steve Tasker display at the Museum of the Great Plains, 201 North 4th, Leoti. 620.375.2316

Barn Quilt Capital of Kansas

Check out the many barn quilt squares that adorn houses, barns, and businesses across Wichita County.

Admire their beauty as we celebrate the history and culture of our community through a new type of “quilting.” Wichita County Barn Quilt Tour

Fair and Carnival

Don’t miss the Wichita County Fair, featuring our famous community-owned and operated carnival.

The fair, held the last weekend in July, is packed with four days of food, fun and entertainment.

You can ride all evening for only the change in your pocket at the Wichita County Amusement Association Carnival. With all rides and games only 50¢, you’re guaranteed the best deal with the most fun this summer!

Museum of the Great Plains

Step back in time and experience the old west by strolling down Leoti’s pioneer mainstreet at the Museum of the Great Plains. The museum, located at 201 North 4th Street is home to a wonderful display of old west artifacts, local cattle brands, Marion Bonner fossil finds, information of the Bloodiest County Seat Fight in Kansas and much more.

Also, housed in the Museum of the Great Plains is the Wichita County Genealogy Society. A wealth of resources is available for you to research your ancestry. The research library is open Tuesdays from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

If you’re more of an outdoor adventurer, be sure to visit the Selkirk Well, where you can peer down one of the country’s last remaining hand-dug wells. At 110 years old, the Selkirk Well is an amazing specimen of railroad architecture. This rock-lined structure is the second deepest hand-dug well in Kansas at 102 feet deep and 24 feet wide. Also located at the site is a railroad depot and a Santa Fe Railroad caboose.

Museum Hours

Open Tuesday-Friday 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Closed on Holidays
Washington Ames House tour by appointment
Call 620-375-2316 to schedule a visit!

Washington Ames House

Come to Leoti and marvel at the magnificent Washington Ames House, known locally as the Big House! The Big House, at the corner of J Street and 3rd Street in Leoti.

The home originally owned by William B. and Julia Washington House was completed in 1892. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.

This beautiful house was built in the Victorian Style in the late 1800 it has Free Classic elements" and "one of the best remaining examples of this style in Wichita County."

Make sure to tour this beautiful home where you can view a turn of the century sitting parlor and tea room. The most memorable collection in the Washington Ames House is that of Margie’s Boutique and Millinery, where you can view many ladies’ hats from the 20th century.