Wellington, Kansas
Wellington, located in the heart of the Kansas wheatlands, was named for the Duke of Wellington by one of the town founders. In April, 1871, when the eight original settlers selected the present site for the city, they realized that a boundary line just north of Indian Territory would draw homesteaders and would serve as a gateway to those yet unsettled lands to the south.
On April, 1871, the town was surveyed; and by April of 1872, Wellington had been named the county seat of Sumner County.
Welcome to the city that boasts the largest public recreation area per capita of any city in the United States. Wellingtonians spend recreation time in the city's three parks, picnic areas, ball fields, tennis courts, and swimming pool.
Practice your swing on Wellington's beautiful 18-hole grass green golf course. Other popular pastimes include boating, waterskiing, fishing and camping at Wellington's own sparkling lake. A full program of organized recreational activities for all ages is offered year-round. Numerous parks include a baseball stadium, lighted tennis courts and Hargis Creek Watershed.
Tracks of the famous Chisholm Trail are still visible at Wellington just off I-35; be sure to visit the Chisholm Trail Museum. This four story 40-room museum captures the spirit of the early settlers with historical exhibits that preserve and document the history of Wellington and Sumner County.
Wellington hosts the annual Wheat Festival in July with five fun-filled days of art shows, parades, a carnival, an antique/rod/classic car show, live music, exhibits, games and races.
The renovated World War I Memorial Auditorium seats 1,600 people for live cultural entertainment. The Park House Gallery, maintained by the local art association, features art instruction and a variety of art exhibits.
Centrally located, Wellington is the major shopping center for the 25,000 county residents. Year-round community activities include golf tournaments, home shows, bazaars, art festivals, races, parades, an annual July 4th celebration and many other events.
Easily accessible by car, air, rail or bus, Wellington extends a warm welcome and invites you to come in and share the spirit of the midwest.