Natoma KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Natoma, Kansas.
1. Natoma Presbyterian Church
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL GEM
Natoma Presbyterian Church, constructed in 1899, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its architecture. The church stands as a testament to the city's rich historical heritage and architectural significance. Visitors can admire its unique design and learn about the building's cultural importance to the local community.
2. Natoma City Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION SPACE
Natoma City Park offers beautiful outdoor spaces for both residents and visitors to enjoy. The park features playground equipment, picnic areas, and open spaces for various recreational activities. It serves as a central gathering place for community events including the annual Labor Day celebration.
3. Labor Day Celebration
ANNUAL COMMUNITY FESTIVAL
The Labor Day Celebration is Natoma's annual community festival featuring a parade, barbecue, and various entertainment options. This beloved event brings together residents and visitors to celebrate small-town traditions and community values. The festival showcases the warm hospitality and cultural heritage that defines Natoma.
4. Dream Theater
LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Dream Theater is a highly-rated attraction in Natoma with a 4.9 rating from visitors. The venue presents various entertainment options for locals and tourists alike. It embodies the charm of small-town America while providing quality entertainment experiences.
5. St. Fidelis Church
CATHEDRAL OF THE PLAINS
St. Fidelis Church, known as the Cathedral of the Plains, is a magnificent limestone church near Natoma that draws visitors from across the region. The church features stunning Gothic architecture with impressive twin towers reaching toward the sky. Visitors can explore the beautiful interior with its ornate altars, stained glass windows, and peaceful atmosphere.
6. Sternberg Museum of Natural History
PREHISTORIC KANSAS DISCOVERIES
Sternberg Museum of Natural History offers an educational journey through Kansas's prehistoric past with fossil displays and natural history exhibits. The museum houses the famous fish-within-a-fish fossil and life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that bring ancient creatures to life. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits that showcase the region's rich geological and paleontological heritage.
7. Geodetic Center of North America Historical Marker
GEOGRAPHIC POINT OF INTEREST
The Geodetic Center of North America Historical Marker indicates the precise point from which all North American land surveys are measured. This significant geographical landmark attracts visitors interested in cartography, geography, and surveying history. The marker provides educational information about how land mapping has developed throughout American history.
8. Natoma High School Athletics
CHAMPIONSHIP SPORTS TRADITION
Natoma High School Athletics has a rich tradition of championship teams, particularly in basketball and cross country. The Tigers have claimed multiple Kansas State High School championships, including boys' basketball titles in 1958, 1959, and 1975. Visitors can watch games and meets at the school facilities and experience the strong community support for local sports.
9. Wilson State Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Wilson State Park offers stunning limestone bluffs overlooking Wilson Reservoir, providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities near Natoma. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming in the clear waters surrounded by native prairie landscape. The park features well-maintained facilities including campgrounds, trails, and picnic areas for day-use and overnight stays.
10. Cozy Inn
ICONIC SLIDER HAMBURGERS
Cozy Inn is a historic hamburger joint operating since 1922, famous for its small onion-filled sliders cooked on the original griddle. The tiny restaurant features a six-stool counter where customers can watch their burgers being prepared using the same recipe for nearly a century. Visitors often leave with the establishment's signature aroma clinging to their clothes, which locals consider a badge of honor.
11. Garden of Eden
QUIRKY CONCRETE SCULPTURES
The Garden of Eden is an unusual art installation created by Civil War veteran S.P. Dinsmoor featuring concrete sculptures depicting biblical scenes and political statements. This folk art site includes the creator's limestone cabin and mausoleum where visitors can view his preserved body in a concrete coffin with a glass lid. The bizarre attraction represents one of Kansas's most unique roadside attractions and exemplifies grassroots artistic expression.
12. Prairie Trails Scenic Byway
HISTORIC RURAL DRIVE
Prairie Trails Scenic Byway offers a picturesque drive through the rolling hills and native grasslands surrounding the Natoma area. The route connects small towns and historical sites that showcase the region's pioneer heritage and natural beauty. Travelers can explore limestone post rock country, historic churches, and charming rural communities along this well-marked scenic drive.
13. Hays Arts Council
REGIONAL CULTURAL CENTER
The Hays Arts Council serves as the cultural hub for the region near Natoma, hosting rotating art exhibitions, concerts, and creative workshops throughout the year. The gallery showcases works by local and regional artists, emphasizing the rich artistic traditions of the Great Plains. Visitors can purchase unique artworks, attend opening receptions, and participate in community art events designed to promote creative expression.
14. Fort Hays State Historic Site
FRONTIER MILITARY HISTORY
Fort Hays State Historic Site preserves one of the important military outposts that protected settlers and railroad workers during America's westward expansion. Visitors can explore original and reconstructed buildings including the blockhouse, guardhouse, and officers' quarters furnished with period items. The site offers interpretive exhibits about frontier military life, conflicts with Native American tribes, and famous figures like General George Custer and Wild Bill Hickok who served there.
15. Smoky Hill Vineyard & Winery
LOCAL WINE PRODUCTION
Smoky Hill Vineyard & Winery produces unique Kansas wines using locally grown grapes and other fruits from the surrounding region. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings in the rustic tasting room while learning about the winemaking process from knowledgeable staff. The winery hosts special events throughout the year including harvest festivals and live music that showcase the developing wine culture in central Kansas.