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Park, KS

First called Buffalo, then Buffalo Park, the town is now known simply as Park, Kansas. The legendary heritage of Park, the oldest town in Gove County, is still seen today in its townspeople and edifices. The community celebrates its Pennsylvania Dutch and Volga-German ancestry and greets all who visit Park. As you drive along 1-70 from either the east or west, the steeple standing proudly on the horizon denotes Park's beautiful "Cathedral of the West" Catholic Church. Another of the community's treasures is the newly built Buffalo Park playground. Local traditions include the annual Knights of Columbus Breakfast, the Gove County Rodeo, and the Easter Egg Hunt. Whether you are just passing through or you are looking for a unique small town experience, Park, Kansas and its "Cathedral of the West" welcomes you!

Founded: 1878 as
Buffalo Park

Population: 131

County: Gove

Zip Code: 67751

Elevation: 2,749 ft

Average Temperature
Summer: 74.17°
Fall: 41.67°
Winter: 34.5°
Spring: 62.67°

Average Annual Rainfall: 26.49"

Days of Sunshine: 267 days

Location: Located on I-70 in Western Kansas; mile marker 100. Centrally located between Denver, CO and Kansas City, KS.

Recycling Available:
Wednesday-Friday

History:

Initially a Union Pacific Railroad station established in 1868 known as Buffalo
Town got its name from the buffalo and antelope that were visible from atop the station's 120 foot tall wooden water tank
Buffalo - first platted town site and first school district in Gove County
Name changed to Buffalo Park on April 28, 1879
In 1879 businesses prospered in Buffalo Park and included 12 stores, 3 hotels, 3 livery stables, 3 restaurants, 3 saloons, a barbershop, 2 blacksmiths shops, a bakery, a college named G.A.R. Memorial College, and a newspaper known as The Express
The first school district in Gove County originated in Park in 1885.
Cattle driven from Texas to Buffalo Park to be shipped by rail or driven on to Nebraska and the Northwest Territories
1899 and spring of 1900 the first Catholic Church built
In 1950 the town name was changed to Park
The Catholic Church became "The Cathedral of the West" in 1972

Fun Facts:
Park has the oldest standing Concrete Grain Elevator in the county, which was built in 1925.

Honors:
Layton Kaiser - Wheatland High School teacher and coach (32 years of service)
- 2009 KSHSAA Hall of Fame inductee
- 1999 Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame inductee

Landmarks:
Sacred Heart Catholic Church known as "The Cathedral of the West".

Contact Park's Mayor, Roy Williams for opportunities waiting for you: (785) 673-4689.

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