Harvey County, KS
Wilkommen!The Harvey County area boasts one of the largest Mennonite populations in the country. Whil bonnets, beards, and buggies have been forsaken for a more modern lifestyle, the Mennonites today, like their ancestors before them, are warmhearted courteous and friendly, more liberal than their Amish cousins and well-known for their hospitality and good cooking.The Mennonites left Russia for fear of religious persecution in the 1870s. Among them was one of Kansas' famous Mennonite immigrants, Bernhard Warkentin, whose letters home described the fertile Kansas prairie and the promise it held for farming the "Turkey Red" hard winter wheat. His letters persuaded moter than 5,000 Mennonites to settle in Kansas.
Entire congregations left Russia and came to Kansas. These hardworking farmers broke the virgin sod with wheat that graced the steppes of Russia. Today, the prairies still wave with the golden grain that makes Kansas the "Breadbasket of the World."
Today Mennonite influence is clearly visible. Harvey County is home to nearly two dozen Mennonite Churches, two colleges, a nationally recognized mental health center, the Mennonite General Conference national headquarters, several halfway houses and Mennonite Press. Each were founded and are supported by Mennonites. Come and visit our museums, sample our ethnic foods and enjoy our unique festivals.
Let us share our heritage with you!
Explore Harvey County
Kansas Learning Center for Health
The Kansas Learning Center for Health is the first rural health museum in the world with 23 exhibits dedicated to helping educate children about their bodies and good health. The Center'
Halstead, KS Learning CentersCarriage Factory Gallery & Park
In 1883-1884, one of Newton's largest industries was established, J.J. Krehbiel's Carriage Factory. Mr. Krehbiel was one of the founders of Bethel College. In 1993
Newton, KS ArtsCamp Hawk
The 43 acre park contains a 4 acre pond stocked with channel catfish, crappie, largemouth bass and sunfish. Park facilities include an enclosed shelter house (available by reservation) which contains a kitchenette, restrooms, fireplace and a large meeting room for 100
Newton, KS RecreationHarvey County Historical Museum and Library
The Harvey County historical Museum and Libraryi is housed in a former Carnegie Library that served Newton and Harvey County residents until 1973. Completed in 1904, the library was built by a gift from Andrew Carnegie and is the oldest public building in town. * Harvey County Hall:
Newton, KS MuseumsWarkentin House
The historic Warkentin House is the former home of Bernhard and Wilhelmina Warkentin, built in 1887. It is a splendid example of the Victorian period in American architecture and furnishings. As a museum, the house offers a glimpse into the way the Warkentins lived, since 80
Newton, KS Famous HomesHarvey County West Park
This park rests along the banks of the Arkansas River. Picnic grounds, shelters, and restrooms are available at the park. You can also hike along a 1/2
Halstead, KS RecreationHalstead Heritage Museum & Depot
The Halstead Heritage Museum is divided into two main galleries - formerly the depot waiting rooms. The east room holds The Charles Basore Gallery
Halstead, KS MuseumsHesston College
Hesston College is a two-year college of Mennonite Church USA and offers a full curriculum of academic opportunities. About 450 students come from a variety of faith backgrounds from about 25 states and 15
Hesston, KS CollegesKauffman Museum
The Kauffman Museum is located on the Bethel College campus in North Newton. The museum emphasizes the cultural and natural history of the Central Plains and the immigration of the Mennonites to Kansas in the 1870
Newton, KS MuseumsMennonite Settler Statue
The tallest, sturdiest Mennonite in Kansas stands seventeen feet tall in the Athletic Park. He is the Mennonite Settler Statue built in 1942
Newton, KS LandmarksMilitary Park
One of several parks in Newton, the Military Park is exceptional because it is home to Santa Fe steam engine #1880 (a Prairie class 2-6-2) and a Civil War-era cannon. It is also the location of the public library.
Newton, KS ParksRiverside Park
Halstead is proud of its city parks, one of which has a "Hollywood" connection. The famous 1955 MGM movie,"Picnic," starring Kim Novak, William Holden and Cliff Robertson, was filmed primarily in Halstead's Riverside Park, located at the river confluence that marks the city's earliest beginnings.
Halstead, KS Recreation