Destinations
Cowley County Destinations
Located where the rolling Flint Hills meet the lush scenery of the Arkansas River lowlands, Cowley County offers scenery like you never knew existed in Kansas. Explore the back-roads of Eastern Cowley County while searching for one of the many stone arch bridges or barn quilts that dot the countryside. Enjoy abundant vegetation and rocky bluffs while kayaking or canoeing one of the many waterways of Cowley County. Plan to spend plenty of time exploring the many locally-owned restaurants, specialty gift shops, and unique attractions in Winfield and Arkansas City, Cowley County’s two largest communities. Here are a few treasures you won’t want to miss while spending time in Cowley County.
Barn Quilt Trail
620.221.2420 or 620.442.0230
Brightly colored barn quilts are starting to appear across the scenic countryside of Cowley and neighboring counties. Cowley County is one of twenty-two counties participating in the Kansas Flint Hills Quilt Trail; a trail formed to celebrate agricultural heritage, promote rural pride and attract visitors to the area.
Cambridge Cabin
8610 281st Road, Cambridge
The reconstructed version of the 1872 cabin that once stood on this property for over 100 years is open to the public from dawn to dusk. While being constructed by the first residents, Doc and Mrs. Wilkins, their children and his brother, the family lived in the cellar that still stands on the property. Free admission.
Couch Memorial Park
420 Omnia Street, Atlanta
620.394.2220
Atlanta City Park offers basketball courts and recently renovated park equipment. Picnic area is available in a nicely shaded play area.
Cowley Waterfall
20467 U.S. Hwy 166, Dexter
620.876.5730
Check out the Cowley Waterfall, named number 12 Most Beautiful Waterfall in the U.S. by Yahoo Travel, and also recently named The Most Gorgeous Waterfall in Every State by Reader’s Digest. Located along U.S Hwy 166, this unique fishing, hunting and camping destination is the perfect family adventure.
Dexter City Park
106 S. Main Street, Dexter
620.876.5569
Try out the newly added playground equipment, play on the basketball and sand volleyball courts, or enjoy a picnic under the pavilion.
Helium Memorial Park
109 N. Main Street, Dexter
620.876.5569
Visit the beautiful park memorializing the United States’ discovery of helium in Dexter — an event that put Dexter in the history books. Be sure to check out the historical marker south of Dexter at the intersection of K-15 Hwy and Hwy 166 commemorating the discovery of the helium well and the operation of the helium plant.
Hunting/Fishing Eastern Cowley County
620.672.5911
Several notable outfitters offer seasonal hunts for whitetail deer, turkey, quail, dove and predators. They also provide fishing day trips, photographic opportunities, hiking and camp sites.
Lighthouse Public Library
104 S. Main Street, Dexter
620.876.7323
Nautical surroundings add to the adventure of reading. Activities and events entertain all ages while the large reading selection is very appealing.
Stone Arch Bridges of Cowley County
620.221.2420 or 620.442.0230
Eighteen stone-arch bridges dot the back roads of Cowley County. Constructed between 1890 and 1935, these architectural wonders are worth the drive. A map and driving instructions are available online.
Stone Barn Farm
20438 K-15 Highway, Dexter 620.886.1703
Rock was quarried locally for this historic barn with unique arch doorways. The small windows on the south are a mystery. Kansas’ 150 birthday mural is displayed on the roof. Fall activities include a Vintage Camper Show and Market. Log cabins and a hunting lodge are available for nightly or weekly rent.
The Chapel
1/8 mile east of Cambridge on Hwy 160
620.221.9951
Visit.cowleycounty.org
Thee Chapel is a repurposed oil field house transformed to create an atmosphere of simplicity and reverence of the era of the 1900’s. Open year round from dawn to dusk, travelers will enjoy the silence of the prairie.
Udall Historical Society
109 E. First Street, Udall
620.782.3004
Open 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays, and by appointment.
The museum contains artifacts and information about the town and the devastating 1955 Udall tornado.
