Goodland, KS

Goodland, Kansas, located in Sherman County, traces its history back to the early 1880s. The town was originally established as a supply and distribution center for ranchers and miners traveling across the Great Plains.

In 1886, the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway reached the area, leading to a significant population increase and the official founding of the town. Goodland got its name from a group of homesteaders who proclaimed, "It is a good land, and we will make it a good land!"

During the early years, Goodland thrived as an agricultural community. Wheat farming became the primary industry, and the town experienced rapid growth as more settlers arrived in the region. Goodland was officially incorporated as a city in 1888.

In addition to agriculture, Goodland was also a center for oil exploration and production during the early 20th century. The discovery of oil wells in the area provided economic prosperity to the town and attracted more people to settle in Goodland.

Throughout the years, Goodland faced various challenges, including the Dust Bowl during the 1930s, which resulted in severe drought and economic hardships for the town's residents. However, the community persevered and managed to rebuild and recover in the following decades.

Today, Goodland continues to be an agricultural hub, with farming and ranching remaining vital to the local economy. The town is also a popular tourist destination, known for its unique attractions, such as the "World's Largest Easel" featuring a giant reproduction of Van Gogh's "Three Sunflowers in a Vase."

Goodland is also home to the High Plains Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the region. The museum features exhibits on the town's pioneers, Native American heritage, and the impact of agriculture in the area.

Over the years, Goodland has evolved into a close-knit community that treasures its heritage while embracing modern development. The town's history serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of the early settlers who turned a promising land into a thriving community.

Giant van Gogh Painting

This is a massive reproduction of Vincent van Gogh's "Three Sunflowers in a Vase" painting. It stands at 24 feet tall and is located in downtown Goodland.

High Plains Museum

This museum showcases the history and culture of the High Plains region, including exhibits on pioneer life, agriculture, and Native American artifacts.

Flatlander Fall Festival

This annual festival celebrates the local community with live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities.

North Park

This park offers outdoor recreational activities such as playgrounds, picnic areas, a swimming pool, and walking trails.

Goodland Carnegie Arts Center

This arts center hosts rotating exhibits featuring local and regional artists, as well as art classes and workshops.

Sherman Theatre

Built in 1926, this historic theater still operates and shows new-release movies. It also hosts live performances and events.

Lincoln Art Center

Located in nearby Lincoln, KS, this art center hosts exhibits, classes, and workshops, showcasing the work of local artists.

Goodland Aquatic Center

This community swimming pool offers various amenities, including water slides, a lazy river, and a splash pad.

Goodland Golf Course

This 18-hole golf course provides a scenic setting with rolling hills and challenging fairways for golf enthusiasts.

Northwest Kansas Technical College

Visitors can explore this technical college campus and attend various events and presentations offered throughout the year.

The climate of Goodland, Kansas is classified as a semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification BSk). It experiences four distinct seasons: a hot summer, a mild and dry autumn, a cold winter, and a warm spring.

Summer (June to August) in Goodland is characterized by hot temperatures, with average highs ranging from the mid-80s°F (around 29°C) to the high 90s°F (around 37°C). Heatwaves can occur, pushing temperatures into the triple digits. Thunderstorms are common during the summer months, bringing some relief from the heat.

Autumn (September to November) sees mild and pleasant temperatures, with average highs dropping from the 80s°F (around 27°C) to the 60s°F (around 15°C). Though the days remain warm, nights start to become cooler. This season is generally dry, with lower precipitation levels compared to other months.

Winter (December to February) in Goodland is cold, with average highs ranging from the 30s°F (around 0°C) to the 40s°F (around 5°C). It can experience occasional snowfall, with an average annual snowfall of around 34 inches (86 cm). Winter nights are often below freezing, with temperatures dropping into the teens°F (around -10°C) or even single digits.

Spring (March to May) brings warmer temperatures gradually, with average highs increasing from the 50s°F (around 10°C) to the 70s°F (around 21°C). Precipitation levels start to increase during this season, and thunderstorms become more frequent.

Overall, Goodland, Kansas has a generally dry climate with wide temperature variations between seasons. The summers are hot, the winters are cold, and spring and autumn provide pleasant and transitional weather.

Goodland, Kansas is a small city located in the northwest corner of the state. While it may not have distinct neighborhoods in the same way larger cities do, there are a few key areas that can be considered as different parts of the city.

Downtown Goodland

This is the heart of the city and where most of the commercial activity is centered. You'll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and businesses in this area. Downtown Goodland also has historical buildings and landmarks that can be explored.

Residential Areas

Goodland has several residential neighborhoods spread throughout the city. These areas consist primarily of single-family houses, some of which are older and more historic, while others may be more modern developments. The residential areas offer a quiet and family-friendly atmosphere.

Northwest Tech

Goodland is home to Northwest Kansas Technical College, a two-year technical school. The area surrounding the college has a slightly different vibe and is often populated by students, faculty, and staff. There may be a mix of rental properties, student housing, and support businesses catering to the college community.

Agricultural Areas

Given its location in the heartland of America, Goodland is surrounded by vast agricultural lands. While not within the city limits, these areas play a significant role in the local economy and provide a rural experience for those looking to explore the farming communities surrounding Goodland.

Overall, Goodland is a relatively small city with a close-knit community feel. While it might not have distinct neighborhoods in the same sense as larger cities, there are still a few different areas that each offer a unique aspect of the city's character.