Founded: 1871, Population: (2000) 15,345, Elevation: 1849 ft.
Located in the South Central Region of the state, in Barton County, (County Seat), northwest of Hutchinson. Situated along US Highway 281 on the banks of the Arkansas River near Cheyenne Bottoms and Fort Zarah. Great Bend is the largest city in the county.
The square is the focal point for many local festivals scheduled throughout the year including concerts, dances and ice skating in the winter. There are picnic areas, a fishing lake, lighted softball and baseball diamonds, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, a BMX bike park, skate board park and a local zoo.
Special Events in Great Bend include:
Great Bend Fourth of July Fireworks
Ellinwood's After Harvest Festival is held the third week in July.
