In 1878, James Fulton, William Fulton and his son L.W. Fulton came to build homes, settle and turn a once sandy and sagebrush filled land into Garden City. Their idea came to fruition after irrigation came to the county in 1879 leading to the completion of the Garden City Ditch, which helped launch an agricultural boom in southwestern Kansas. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad put a station in Garden City in late 1879 bringing more people to the now burgeoning city. You can learn more about the city’s history at the Finney County Historical Museum. Today, Garden City has both a Main Downtown and Commercial Downtown district so you can shop to your heart’s content and still get a taste of Garden City life. Go from downtown to safari at the Lee Richardson Zoo, the largest zoological park in Western Kansas.
The Tumbleweed Festival is also a great way for you to spend time with your family, friend or coworkers while enjoying the beautiful outdoor setting of southwestern Kansas. Garden City is also home to a variety of other annual events like the Finney County Fair and Beef Empire Days. Watch the Demolition Derby, Monster Truck Exhibition and Sidewalk Art Contest or enjoy a variety of other exhibits at the fair. Get a taste of the Wild West at Beef Empire Days, a parade and a rodeo in one with a Chuck wagon breakfast, poker runs, softball tournaments and more.
You’ll have your pick of festivals and things to do in Garden City. Booking one of the hotels in Garden City is a great way to recharge and get to fairgrounds or the rodeo before the crowds rush in. When you book with Choice Hotels in Garden City, you’ll make the most of your trip to Kansas. Book now!