|
Agritourism
The original Great Bend farmers and
ranchers hardly had the time to consider agriculture as a tourist
attraction. With time, though, agriculture in along the “great
bend” has diversified, and visitors will find a delightful
selection of products and operations to visit and enjoy. Dozier
Vineyard and Winery welcomes visitors from around the world
(interestingly, before prohibition Kansas was second in US wine
production). The Heartland Farm, owned by the Dominican Sisters in
Great Bend, is developing the farm according to ecological patterns so
as to be healers of the Earth. Visit these and other local agritourism
operations, and you will learn that Kansas has much to offer in
addition to its bountiful acres of wheat.
Heartland Farm
Heartland Farm, an 80-acre homestead, is
a ministerial project of the Dominican Sisters of Great Bend, Kansas.
It started in 1987 with three Dominican Sisters and one married couple
and their three children.
Heartland Farm is a place for experimental experiential learning of
small-scale sustainable organic agriculture, holistic health,
alternative energy, and the integration of body, mind and spirit. It is
also home for an intentional ecumenical Christian community of adults
and families who believe in and work for an interdependent healing of
the earth and care of persons. Members of the community are committed
to exploring and living the principles of simple living, community,
nonviolence, justice and peace, and the nurturing of all God’s
creation.
Heartland Farm offers opportunities for others to expand their
knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience in eco-justice through
education, retreat work, and a volunteer program. Guests, folks who
want to make a retreat, and volunteers have always been welcome here.
The Dominican Sisters of Heartland Farm provide tours and
demonstrations of their organic farming methods. The farm is the site
for all types of workshops and is home to a herd of lovable Alpacas.
620-923-4585.
Click here for more info.
Farmer’s Market
During the spring, summer and fall,
you’ll find delicious, locally grown and crafted foods at Great
Bend’s farmer's market, held on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
mornings in the Broadway parking lot of the town's library.
Click Great Bend CVB Events Calendar for
more info.
Barton County Fair
The fair retains a small-town feel and
offers a look at prize-winning local crops, baked goods, and rural
projects. The Fair takes place at the Expo complex west of Great Bend
in early July.
Click here for more info.
Rosewood Ranch
Rosewood Ranch offers equine
psychotherapy (a gentle, powerful process of discovery). The ranch
offers a chance to experience the emotional sensitivity of horses with
personal growth workshops, weekend retreats, therapy, staff development
workshops and more.
620-793-5888 x113
Click here for more info.
Dozier Winery
The Dozier's welcome visitors to their
vineyard and winery, tucked on a country road southeast of Great Bend.
The tasting room and gift shop are located in an old train depot.
620-564-0195
Stafford County Flour Mill
It's worth a trip to little Hudson,
Kansas, just twenty minutes southeast of Great Bend, to visit a working
flour mill and buy some wholesome Hudson Cream Flour.
620-458-4121
On your next trip to the Heartland, be sure
to explore its rich agricultural history. Contact
the Convention & Visitors Bureau for more information about the
attractions listed above, itineraries, driving tours, and suggestions.
|
