Tasha’s guidebook
Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting
Shiloh Vineyard & Winery is a must for anyone looking to enjoy the rural country side of Western Kansas! With a view for miles off the back deck of the restored barn, Shiloh Vineyard is a great place to catch a "cotton candy sky" sunset while enjoying a glass of wine made from grapes grown right here on the prairie! Shiloh Vineyard offers tastings in their restored chicken coop, tours of the working farm and vineyard, as well as a pond for your littles to explore.
Shiloh Vineyard & Winery
16079 M RoadShiloh Vineyard & Winery is a must for anyone looking to enjoy the rural country side of Western Kansas! With a view for miles off the back deck of the restored barn, Shiloh Vineyard is a great place to catch a "cotton candy sky" sunset while enjoying a glass of wine made from grapes grown right here on the prairie! Shiloh Vineyard offers tastings in their restored chicken coop, tours of the working farm and vineyard, as well as a pond for your littles to explore.
Sightseeing
This cute little park in our business district is a child's favorite! Not quite 2 blocks away, the North Pole of WaKeeney has snowman and elf cut outs to pose behind, a mural of a winter city scape, and an extra large image of our 35 foot Christmas tree. There is also a mailbox for letters to Santa, so be sure to drop off any wishes when you come through.
The North Pole
This cute little park in our business district is a child's favorite! Not quite 2 blocks away, the North Pole of WaKeeney has snowman and elf cut outs to pose behind, a mural of a winter city scape, and an extra large image of our 35 foot Christmas tree. There is also a mailbox for letters to Santa, so be sure to drop off any wishes when you come through.
The cornerstone of the Trego County Courthouse was laid in 1888, and the building was completed in 1889. It was constructed from Trego County hard limestone and finished with Manhattan limestone becuase they could not find enough Trego County hard stone. The building was designed by George R. Ropes, an architect from Topeka, Ks. It features the American Queen Anne Style with an Elizabethan frontage. The highest cupola reached 100 feet in the air and the original tin roof was imported from Europe. In 1951-1952 the original roof was removed to make it a "modern-looking" building. The roof was also in disrepair and this was the method chosen to repair it. Since the main portion of the building remains the same, the Trego County Courthouse is of the oldest still in operation in Kansas today. In June 1974 several scenes of "Paper Moon" were filmed inside. The jail in the basement was also used until it was condemned in 1976. Presumably, the jail was pre-made elsewhere and shipped in. It's unusual features included flat bars instead of round ones and a unique locking system. The courthouse is open to the public and has accessible public restrooms.
Trego County Courthouse
216 North Main StreetThe cornerstone of the Trego County Courthouse was laid in 1888, and the building was completed in 1889. It was constructed from Trego County hard limestone and finished with Manhattan limestone becuase they could not find enough Trego County hard stone. The building was designed by George R. Ropes, an architect from Topeka, Ks. It features the American Queen Anne Style with an Elizabethan frontage. The highest cupola reached 100 feet in the air and the original tin roof was imported from Europe. In 1951-1952 the original roof was removed to make it a "modern-looking" building. The roof was also in disrepair and this was the method chosen to repair it. Since the main portion of the building remains the same, the Trego County Courthouse is of the oldest still in operation in Kansas today. In June 1974 several scenes of "Paper Moon" were filmed inside. The jail in the basement was also used until it was condemned in 1976. Presumably, the jail was pre-made elsewhere and shipped in. It's unusual features included flat bars instead of round ones and a unique locking system. The courthouse is open to the public and has accessible public restrooms.
The Iwo Jima silhouette monument pays tribute to the people preserving the great freedom of the United States. It is located in Eisenhower Park near the F-14 Fighter Jet.
Iwo Jima Memorial
704 South 13th StreetThe Iwo Jima silhouette monument pays tribute to the people preserving the great freedom of the United States. It is located in Eisenhower Park near the F-14 Fighter Jet.
This park is slowly being developed by a few dedicated locals, and has a newly organized dog park. It also contains a few shelters and picnic tables, Smoky Hill Scenic Byway informational kiosk, and an F-14 Tomcat Fighter Jet.
The F-14 is a retired Navy fighter jet, and was even used as a prop on the set of Top Gun before it made it's way to WaKeeney. It was placed there under the efforts of former Mayor Deutscher in 2006, as a memorial and tribute to veterans of all ages and all branches of the military.
Eisenhower Park
South AvenueThis park is slowly being developed by a few dedicated locals, and has a newly organized dog park. It also contains a few shelters and picnic tables, Smoky Hill Scenic Byway informational kiosk, and an F-14 Tomcat Fighter Jet.
The F-14 is a retired Navy fighter jet, and was even used as a prop on the set of Top Gun before it made it's way to WaKeeney. It was placed there under the efforts of former Mayor Deutscher in 2006, as a memorial and tribute to veterans of all ages and all branches of the military.
The Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at WaKeeney is open to visitors every day of the year from sunrise to sunset. The cemetery floral regulations are posted outside the administration building.
The Cemetery hosts several public events throughout the year to honor the veterans that are laid to rest here, including Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, and Wreaths Across America.
Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at WaKeeney
The Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at WaKeeney is open to visitors every day of the year from sunrise to sunset. The cemetery floral regulations are posted outside the administration building.
The Cemetery hosts several public events throughout the year to honor the veterans that are laid to rest here, including Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, and Wreaths Across America.
The limestone structures left protruding from the surrounding plains is a sight to see! The wind and rain erosion has left behind very interesting shapes and formations that will please any explorer. Whether you make the drive to take unique photos or hunt for Cretaceous fossils, Castle Rock and the Badlands makes for a fun experience.
Castle Rock Badlands
The limestone structures left protruding from the surrounding plains is a sight to see! The wind and rain erosion has left behind very interesting shapes and formations that will please any explorer. Whether you make the drive to take unique photos or hunt for Cretaceous fossils, Castle Rock and the Badlands makes for a fun experience.
Museum
Discover the people and events that made Trego County what it is today! Our historical museum offers artifacts, history, a tour of a 1-room school house, and more reminders of our past.
Trego County Historical Society Museum
128 N 13th StDiscover the people and events that made Trego County what it is today! Our historical museum offers artifacts, history, a tour of a 1-room school house, and more reminders of our past.
Fun Things to Do
WaKeeney Speedway is a 3/8-mile, semi-banked dirt oval track located at the Trego County Fairgrounds, 116 N 13th St. The Speedway is on the east side of town - right off US Hwy 283. The Speedway will regularly features 6 classes -- NCRA Sprints of Kansas, Modifieds, Stock Cars, Hobby Stock, Sport Mods, and Sport Compacts. Check their website for more information and schedules - www.wakeeneyspeedway.net
WaKeeney Speedway
100 North 13th StreetWaKeeney Speedway is a 3/8-mile, semi-banked dirt oval track located at the Trego County Fairgrounds, 116 N 13th St. The Speedway is on the east side of town - right off US Hwy 283. The Speedway will regularly features 6 classes -- NCRA Sprints of Kansas, Modifieds, Stock Cars, Hobby Stock, Sport Mods, and Sport Compacts. Check their website for more information and schedules - www.wakeeneyspeedway.net
The mini speedway is Wakeeney's gokart track and hosts several races throughout the season. The schedule can be found on their facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/wakeeneyminispeedway
The best part - admission for spectators is free! Take the kids up and enjoy a little mud flinging.
WaKeeney Mini Speedway
The mini speedway is Wakeeney's gokart track and hosts several races throughout the season. The schedule can be found on their facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/wakeeneyminispeedway
The best part - admission for spectators is free! Take the kids up and enjoy a little mud flinging.
The more than 14,000 acres of water and wildlife area make the Cedar Bluff State Park an excellent destination for campers, hunters, anglers and year-round explorers. And, they don't call it Cedar Bluff for nothing! For a stunning view of the area, drive to the top of the 150-foot tall, cedar-covered limestone bluffs on the south side of the lake.
Cedar Bluff Reservoir
The more than 14,000 acres of water and wildlife area make the Cedar Bluff State Park an excellent destination for campers, hunters, anglers and year-round explorers. And, they don't call it Cedar Bluff for nothing! For a stunning view of the area, drive to the top of the 150-foot tall, cedar-covered limestone bluffs on the south side of the lake.
Big Creek is a 9-hole course located just outside of WaKeeney. It is 1 mile south of the I-70 exit 127 on Highway 283. Practice putting greens, driving range, and rental carts are available and the course is open to the public. There are no tee-times required.
Big Creek Golf Course
24073 J RoadBig Creek is a 9-hole course located just outside of WaKeeney. It is 1 mile south of the I-70 exit 127 on Highway 283. Practice putting greens, driving range, and rental carts are available and the course is open to the public. There are no tee-times required.
The local swimming pool features a zero-depth, beach-like entry, a large slide as well as a toddler slide, a dump bucket, and deck sprays. There are additional lap lanes and a diving board. A deck with scattered shade structures as well as concessions and an accessible bathhouse are included.
The Water Park is open daily from the end of May through the middle of August from 1-5 pm, Monday -- Friday, and 1-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday, with special evening hours from 6-8 pm, Tuesday and Thursday. Daily admission is $2.50 for anyone 3 and older.
In addition to the Water Park, Swimming Pool Park features two playgrounds appealing to different age groups, a picnic shelter, and public restrooms.
WaKeeney Swimming Pool
716 North 6th StreetThe local swimming pool features a zero-depth, beach-like entry, a large slide as well as a toddler slide, a dump bucket, and deck sprays. There are additional lap lanes and a diving board. A deck with scattered shade structures as well as concessions and an accessible bathhouse are included.
The Water Park is open daily from the end of May through the middle of August from 1-5 pm, Monday -- Friday, and 1-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday, with special evening hours from 6-8 pm, Tuesday and Thursday. Daily admission is $2.50 for anyone 3 and older.
In addition to the Water Park, Swimming Pool Park features two playgrounds appealing to different age groups, a picnic shelter, and public restrooms.
Food scene
This is one of the restaurants within walking distance from the Cottage. The historic building once housed the Kraus Hardware store, and was the building our city Christmas decorations were designed and fabricated in. Today, it is a family friendly restaurant, with a full service bar. Reservations usually aren't required, but would be recommended for a large party. The dress code is casual, and you can usually spot a few wearing their camo and orange.
Western Kansas Saloon & Grill
121 North Main StreetThis is one of the restaurants within walking distance from the Cottage. The historic building once housed the Kraus Hardware store, and was the building our city Christmas decorations were designed and fabricated in. Today, it is a family friendly restaurant, with a full service bar. Reservations usually aren't required, but would be recommended for a large party. The dress code is casual, and you can usually spot a few wearing their camo and orange.
The Brazen Bull is a hidden gem in WaKeeney, literally. It is located behind the Conoco station south of the interstate and is easily missed. They are a family friendly restaurant with a full service bar. Their menu consists of steaks, burgers, sandwiches, and my kids' favorite - peanut butter and jelly with orange slices. Dress code is casual, hunters are welcome, and reservations are not required but recommended for large parties.
The Brazen Bull
717 South 2nd StreetThe Brazen Bull is a hidden gem in WaKeeney, literally. It is located behind the Conoco station south of the interstate and is easily missed. They are a family friendly restaurant with a full service bar. Their menu consists of steaks, burgers, sandwiches, and my kids' favorite - peanut butter and jelly with orange slices. Dress code is casual, hunters are welcome, and reservations are not required but recommended for large parties.
Only half a block from the Cottage, the Hometown Bakery makes for a close start to your day. They have a full breakfast menu and fresh made bread and desserts for the road.
Hometown Bakery
215 North Main StreetOnly half a block from the Cottage, the Hometown Bakery makes for a close start to your day. They have a full breakfast menu and fresh made bread and desserts for the road.
Tropical is high on the list of everyone's local favorites! The food is fresh, service is fast, and they can accommodate small and large parties alike. With all of the bad that the pandemic brought, it also brought some good - Margaritas to-go! Call ahead or stop in a grab a drink to enjoy on the peaceful front porch.
Tropical Mexican Restaurant
233 South 1st StreetTropical is high on the list of everyone's local favorites! The food is fresh, service is fast, and they can accommodate small and large parties alike. With all of the bad that the pandemic brought, it also brought some good - Margaritas to-go! Call ahead or stop in a grab a drink to enjoy on the peaceful front porch.
If you are planning a day around Cedar Bluff, put this on your list for a meal. This seasonal diner offers traditional breakfast, and burgers and sandwiches for lunch. Plan your visit early on Monday & Tuesday - they close at 11:30. They are open 7:30-2:30 the rest of the week.
SouthSide Diner
35003 310 AvenueIf you are planning a day around Cedar Bluff, put this on your list for a meal. This seasonal diner offers traditional breakfast, and burgers and sandwiches for lunch. Plan your visit early on Monday & Tuesday - they close at 11:30. They are open 7:30-2:30 the rest of the week.
Shopping
Malay's Market is our locally owned grocery store offering services of yesteryear & today. (This is actually our full-time job!) With fresh deliveries twice a week, they stay stocked up on all of the groceries you should need for your stay. There is a full-service meat department, that offers homemade sausage, brats, and rotisserie chickens; and they are happy to cut a steak to your liking. They offer old fashioned carry-out services for large purchases (please don't tip your carry-out, they make full wages :) ). You are also able to have an order shopped and prepared for curbside pick-up, or even delivered to the Cottage on certain days of the week. You can shop here - www.shopmalaysmarket.com. Call us if you have any questions - 785-743-2031
Malay's Market
401 Russell AveMalay's Market is our locally owned grocery store offering services of yesteryear & today. (This is actually our full-time job!) With fresh deliveries twice a week, they stay stocked up on all of the groceries you should need for your stay. There is a full-service meat department, that offers homemade sausage, brats, and rotisserie chickens; and they are happy to cut a steak to your liking. They offer old fashioned carry-out services for large purchases (please don't tip your carry-out, they make full wages :) ). You are also able to have an order shopped and prepared for curbside pick-up, or even delivered to the Cottage on certain days of the week. You can shop here - www.shopmalaysmarket.com. Call us if you have any questions - 785-743-2031
If you are looking for a deal, this is the place! Malay's Outlet purchases customer returns & overstock pallets and truckloads from stores like Macy's, Amazon, Target, QVC, and more. They have an ever-changing stock of clothing and home goods, and will have something new on the shelves every time you visit. While they don't have full control over the inventory they receive, they do a good job of having necessities like socks & underwear for the whole family; so if you have forgotten something on your trip, check them out. If you've got time to browse the racks, you are sure to find great savings!
Malay's Outlet
409 Russell AvenueIf you are looking for a deal, this is the place! Malay's Outlet purchases customer returns & overstock pallets and truckloads from stores like Macy's, Amazon, Target, QVC, and more. They have an ever-changing stock of clothing and home goods, and will have something new on the shelves every time you visit. While they don't have full control over the inventory they receive, they do a good job of having necessities like socks & underwear for the whole family; so if you have forgotten something on your trip, check them out. If you've got time to browse the racks, you are sure to find great savings!
Local Resources
In the event you need non-emergent medical assistance during your stay, the Wakeeney Family Care Center offers doctor visits by appointment or by walk-in during certain hours. They can be reached by phone at 785.743.2124 to verify walk-in hours or to make an appointment.
Wakeeney Family Care Center
333 North 14th StreetIn the event you need non-emergent medical assistance during your stay, the Wakeeney Family Care Center offers doctor visits by appointment or by walk-in during certain hours. They can be reached by phone at 785.743.2124 to verify walk-in hours or to make an appointment.
*Dial 911 if you are in need of immediate medical attention.*
In the event you are in need of emergent medical treatment or to be seen by a physician after regular clinic hours , you can be seen at the emergency room at our local hospital. If needed, they can be reached at 785.743.2182.
Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital: Emergency Room
320 North 13th Street*Dial 911 if you are in need of immediate medical attention.*
In the event you are in need of emergent medical treatment or to be seen by a physician after regular clinic hours , you can be seen at the emergency room at our local hospital. If needed, they can be reached at 785.743.2182.
Our local library has many resources available, such as computers for public use, a 3D printer, color printer & copier, etc. It is also a nice place to relax with a few chapters alone, or take the kids along to enjoy the ample children's' section.
Wakeeney Public Library
610 Russell AvenueOur local library has many resources available, such as computers for public use, a 3D printer, color printer & copier, etc. It is also a nice place to relax with a few chapters alone, or take the kids along to enjoy the ample children's' section.