Every year visitors from all over the Midwest hit the trail to Great Bend. Our holiday light displays are among the best in the nation. In fact, the trail is a recipient of the American Bus Association's Top 100 Events in North America for the year 2000. The Trail wanders through a vibrant community that takes the holidays seriously.

Visitors spend their day in Great Bend shopping in quaint and unique stores, including one of the largest craft malls in Kansas; stopping for lunch at one of the best Mexican restaurants in the state; visiting an art gallery; enjoying a planetarium show dining in a restored Victorian cottage; and then enjoying the Trail of Lights with its animated displays and holiday wonder before checking into a comfortable (and specially priced for the holidays) hotel room.

The Trail starts on North Main at Brit Spaugh Park's Wild Lights with its animated dolphins, lions, deer, ducks and sea dragons. Next is the enchanting Lights on the Lake in Veteran's Park, where Santa and his elves live and a lighted nativity inspires the season. Then it's back to Main Street and Lafayette Lights in Downtown Great Bend (don't miss Toyland at 10th Street and K-96 on the way). The Courthouse Square glows with snowflakes and elegant lighted entry arches. There is plenty of free parking in Great Bend's downtown area and shops and restaurants are open late during the holidays.

For information about holiday activities, itineraries, packages and private light displays, call the Great Bend Convention & Visitor's Bureau at (620)792-2750.

Here are just a few of the ways your group can enjoy the holiday season in Great Bend, KS when you visit the Trail of Lights. Your group will love the lights and the Midwestern hospitality. The Trail of Lights is one of the American Bus Association's Top 100 Events for the Year 2000!