Disclosure: Kansas I-70 Association sponsored this post in 2021. I returned to Goodland and curated more content in 2026. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.
Updated August 2026
Good things are happening in Goodland. Having never visited this western Kansas town, I was shocked at how much it had to offer.
Established in 1887, it continues to offer residents and visitors fabulous options for entertainment. You can experience magnificent art, museum tours, and an updated downtown scene on any given day.
LODGING
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Goodland has excellent hotels located just off KS I-70. I stayed at the newly opened Holiday Inn Express & Suites (2725 Enterprise Rd.), which receives high accolades on social media for its comfortable amenities. The hotel truly rolls out the red carpet for guests.
My second-floor room included a small foray, a king-size bed, a drink station with a mini fridge, microwave, work desk, and an oversized bathroom. When you need a quiet, luxurious room to unwind after driving, this hotel knocks it out of the park. It’s the little things that make it special.
The hotel accommodations also included a complimentary full breakfast. Other on-site perks included a state-of-the-art fitness center, snack counter, and free Wi-Fi. When in Goodland, choose the Holiday Inn Express & Suites for an overnight stay.
ATTRACTIONS
World’s Largest Easel Painting
Most Kansans have heard of the Giant Van Gogh, the World’s Largest Easel Painting, “Three Sunflowers in a Vase,” by Canadian artist Cameron Cross.
If you haven’t seen it, it’s worth taking Exit 17 into Goodland from KS I-70.
The 24’x34′ replica of the artist’s sunflower painting sits directly behind the town’s visitor’s center. It was erected on site on June 19, 2001.
A must-see attraction, it’s easy to walk up to it using the brick-lined sidewalk and get a glimpse. You can expect to see other tourists taking selfies and photos of it.
The mural pictured below, “Rural Free Delivery,” was painted by Kenneth Adams and installed in the Goodland, Kansas, post office in 1937.
The painting and others commissioned by The Section for Fine Arts were created to lift the spirits of people who suffered during the Great Depression. It was one of almost 30 murals commissioned in Kansas.
Post Office Mural
The post office was built in 1935 and is listed on the state’s register of historic places. The interior is stunning, especially the original woodwork and door finishes.
“Rural Free Delivery,” painted by Kenneth M. Adams in 1937, adorns the post office’s west wall. Like other post office murals of its kind, it was commissioned as a part of the New Deal art programs.
Ad Astra Mural
You don’t have to look far to discover beautiful artwork and architecture in Goodland, Kansas.
The Director of Goodland Carnegie Arts Center, Abby Killingsworth, and a team of artists recently completed this “Ad Astra” mural downtown. Do you see the flying helicopter? I think it’s a nod to the replica on display at High Plains Museum in the area.
One of the most emotionally moving artistic installations is “Freedom Isn’t Free” at 12th and Main Street, painted by Kendall and Jacque Cooper.
Goodland boasts nearly a dozen murals worth finding while touring the Northwestern Kansas town.
I recommend stopping at the Goodland Welcome Center to inquire about their locations and pick up a tourism bingo board.
ARCHITECTURE
Downtown Buildings
Some Main Street districts in Kansas have architecture that invites you to get out of your car to see it up close. Goodland is that kind of town. Many of the buildings were designed using the Art Deco style.
The United Telephone Building (10th and Main St.) is an architectural wonder thanks to its bright colors and intricate patterns. Built in 1931, its design includes terra cotta panels set off by Aztec artwork.
Another downtown structure that deserves your attention is Elliot’s Inc. (1019 Main St.), a building filled with home furnishings.
The original color combination and Mid-Century modern styling stopped me in my tracks as I walked along the sidewalk across the street to view its architecture. 
Without a doubt, Sherman County Courthouse (813 Broadway Ave.) is one of the most good-looking courthouses in the state.
The same Art Deco design seen on the United Telephone Building is evident. I love the arched windows over the entry doors and its window grille pattern.
Located near the courthouse, the “They Came to Stay” Sculpture deserves a visit. The sculpture by Goodland native, Greg Todd, tells the story of homesteaders on the prairie and their determination to settle on the Kansas plains.
Remember, settlers to the area didn’t find trees (no timber for building homes), so they were forced to build their homes using sod bricks formed by hand. It was hard work that required true grit.
ART GALLERY
Carnegie Arts Center
Carnegie Arts Center (120 W. 12th St.), once home to the town’s library, gives art lovers a chance to see rotating exhibits in its first-floor gallery.
During my tour, I appreciated the work of Harley Torres’ exhibition “Cigarettes and Tea, a Study of Self.” The visual artist’s pieces are made with neutral colors and ceramics are unlike anything I’d ever seen before.
I encourage you to visit the gallery and appreciate the work of regional artists like Torres during a self-guided tour. The center also has a small retail section devoted to selling Kansas-made gifts.
SHOPPING
Lou Lou’s Boutique
If you’re cruising downtown searching for a women’s clothing store, Lou Lou’s Boutique (110 E 11th St) is the best. The highly-rated shop is known for friendly service and high-quality apparel. I thought the fashion-forward jeans and jewelry were affordably priced.
The shop is stocked with women’s clothing, home decor, and some Kansas-inspired gifts. It’s the kind of place where you’re bound to leave with a full shopping bag.
Although I didn’t leave with clothes, I did purchase a large bottle of Kansas-produced honey, a staple in my pantry.
Saddle & Swoon Book Company
A father with his children sat in the corner of Saddle & Swoon Book Company (1218 Main Ave.), reading a book in an excited voice as the kids looked at the pages with wonder in their eyes.
Expect organized bookshelves with new titles in various genres. I noticed a large inventory of romance and fantasy books. The store regularly posts new book arrivals on its Facebook page.
Half of the quaint store is devoted to reading areas for children. Other items for sale include DIY bookmarks and stickers.
HISTORICAL MUSEUMS
High Plains Museum
To experience Goodland’s heritage, you only have to drive from downtown to the High Plains Museum (1717 Cherry St.). The museum curators have done an excellent job of telling the story of the people of western Kansas.
The outside of the building is a bit misleading, as one might think the only thing on display is an old helicopter, but there is so much more inside.
I discovered a museum filled with treasures. The largest was a full-size, automated replica of the first patented helicopter in America.
Push the button and watch the blades go! Inspired by the Wright brothers, William Purvis and Charles Wilson built the two-story helicopter in Goodland. The 1910 design was an ambitious one.
The helicopter’s full-size version never flew vertically and eventually crashed. Even though a patent was released for its design about the same time, the two men returned to their day jobs after realizing the helicopter project was unsuccessful.
A 1902 Holsman rope-driven car is the second-largest exhibit in the museum. It was the first automobile driven in Sherman County and was owned by Dr. A.C. Gulick.
The car was meticulously restored. A prominent figure in the community at the time, you will still see his name displayed in town, including a city park named after him.
Of the more than 8,000 objects on display, a few left me thinking about the early days of Goodland.
I consider museums an extended classroom, and High Plains Museum is one you should visit in Goodland.
Admission to the museum is free, but donations are gladly accepted. Don’t forget to sign the guestbook. If you’re lucky, they may gift you a free postcard.
Ennis-Handy 1907 Victorian House
The Ennis-Handy 1907 Victorian House (202 W. 13th St.) is a must-see destination as you drive the neighborhood. The Sherman County Historical Society has diligently restored and maintained the two-story home, which has a colorfully painted exterior and ornate woodwork inside.
The house dates back to 1907. Widowed and with daughters, Mary Ennis pushed forward with plans to build the home after her husband’s death. They resided there until 1917.
The home became a boarding house and then a funeral home. Eventually, Calvin Handy bought the home in 1956 and stayed in the family until Edythe Handy died in 2000.
The home may or may not provide tours anymore, but it’s definitely worth driving by to see it. I appreciated the beautiful stained-glass windows above the front staircase and the second-floor patio.
DINING
Good Grounds Coffee Shop & Bistro
There is no shortage of restaurant options when looking for a place to dine in Goodland. For breakfast, I’d recommend driving to the edge of town to Good Grounds Coffee Shop & Bistro (2402 Commerce Road). The drive-thru and lobby stay busy, proving it is one of the best places in town to enjoy a specialty coffee with breakfast.
The Vanilla Latte and Egg and Cheese Biscuit gave me the fuel for a full day of exploring Goodland. If you’re wanting a substantial breakfast, check out the Daily Specials that often include full-plate meals. The Bistro Originals chalkboard features hearty sandwiches and wraps if you want to stop there for lunch.
Dizzy Donuts Cafe
A local told me about Dizzy Donuts Cafe (1218 Main St.), so I had to check it out. She recommended ordering the fried donut holes served hot with your choice of three coatings.
Opting for the classic glazed donut holes, I devoured them within minutes.
Order a half dozen or a full dozen. Either way, you’ll be in donut heaven.
PRO TIP: And if that’s not enough to satisfy your craving, check the glass case for the day’s freshly prepared donuts ready for to-go orders.
Crazy R’s Bar & Grill
I enjoyed a late lunch at Crazy R’s Bar & Grill (1618 Main St.). Several locals told me to visit the restaurant because it was “like a museum” and a “step back in time.” Of course, I had to check it out!
The owner, who also doubles as the cook, has filled the restaurant with antiques from floor to ceiling. Nothing is off-limits at the bar and grill. Bicycles dangle above your head. Road signs cover the walls. The bar is an antique salvaged and transported from San Francisco.
I sat in a wooden booth and reviewed the menu. Did I have the appetite for the infamous pork tenderloin sandwich? It’s enough to feed two people.
Instead, I ordered the Crazy R Burger and a side of homemade onion rings. An oldies radio station played in the background while locals stopped for a mid-day meal. I look forward to returning to Goodland on a Wednesday to take advantage of the Prime Rib Special.
Tequilas Mexican Grill
Take my advice. Pull over at Tequilas Mexican Grill (118 E. 17th St.) for some of the tastiest margaritas and Mexican food you’ll find in Kansas. We loved the molcajete (think fajitas served in a hot lava rock) and the beef chimichanga.
We watched a televised rodeo as Mariachi music played from speakers. Our server was attentive, refilling our salsa and checking on us.
The interior with handcrafted wood tables, stoneware, and framed art impressed me far more than the typical Mexican restaurant.
JUST BEYOND TOWN
Tractor Parts Grasshopper Sculpture & Palm Tree With Chair
If you drive along Highway 27 about five miles north of Goodland, you’ll see a Tractor Parts Grasshopper on the left side of the road. Make a U-turn and park on the side of the road to get out and snap a photo of it.
The bug sculpture is designed by Lloyd Harden using farm machinery.
Most recent additions to the roadside attraction include a towering palm tree with a chair, a blue roadrunner inspired by Looney Tunes, and signage supporting local sports teams.
Because I couldn’t visit all the places I wanted to while in Goodland, I plan to stop by again on my next KS I-70 road trip west from Wichita. I still want to experience the Sherman Theatre and the Flatlander Fall Festival.
If you’re in Goodland, consider adding two more nearby stops to your road trip plans. Use my travel blogs, Cool Places to Visit in Colby, Kansas, and Visiting WaKeeney, Kansas: The Christmas City of the High Plains, to inspire your travels.
