From U.S. 50, 2 miles north on Halstead. Outside the white fence, a plaque on a large natural stone states that “The widow of a soldier of the American Revolution,” Rebecca Keys Burch, is buried in this cemetery. Burch is the mother of Elizabeth Burch Brown, buried in Halstead Cemetery.
You can almost imagine entering a medieval walled city as you approach Halstead from the north on K-89. Massive gates hang between concrete pillars, and high earthen walls border either side. Are they here to guard the town and the tall grain elevators that appear like castles? It’s not quite so dramatic. What you’re actually seeing are huge flood prevention structures built in 1994. The gates stand at the bridge entrances over the Little Arkansas River, and will close if the river begins to rise toward flood stage. No medieval mystique, but nonetheless important. The Warkentin Trail, a 1.7 walking path has been constructed on top of the levee. It can be accessed a few yards north of the S. Halstead Rd and Southwest 30th intersection. 38°00'24.3"N 97°31'07.4"W (copy and past coordinates into Google Maps)
From 3rd, 1¾ miles north on Main (becomes Hertzler). To find the grave (and a handsome memorial bench) of Dr. Hertzler (1870-1946), go east into the cemetery’s northernmost driveway, then just south at the first crossroads. Also of interest in the cemetery’s northwest corner is a plaque on a large natural stone affirming that “A daughter of a soldier of the American Revolution,” Elizabeth Burch Brown, is buried in this cemetery.
A 1917 brick depot (NRHP) houses excellent displays about historic Halstead. Learn about Dr. Arthur Hertzler, the “Horse and Buggy Doctor”; the filming of Picnic in Halstead (and see the film’s actual swan boat); the story of the Halstead hospital, clinic, and school of nursing; and Halstead natives—Adolph Rupp Kentucky Wildcat basketball coach (1930-1972); and Jim Roper, first to win a national drag car race (1949). Donations welcome.
Visiting a public library in a small rural community offers a unique glimpse into the heart of local life. These libraries often serve as vital hubs—not just for books, but for connection, learning, and support. Observing how residents make use of everything from computer access and job search help to children's programs and community events reveals the library’s powerful role in bridging gaps and fostering resilience. It’s a reminder that even in the most remote places, libraries remain essential spaces for growth, opportunity, and belonging. Stop in to see this beloved community library during your visit. Mon-Wed-Fri 10am-5pm; Tue-Thu 10am-7pm; Sat 10am-1pm.
Christian Bergtholdt, a German Mennonite immigrant from Bavaria, built the exquisite Queen Anne home (NRHP) at 205 E. 5th. The house was constructed in 1885 after Bergtholdt had achieved financial success from his grain elevator and mill. Drive by only.
In the early 1900s the electric-powered Arkansas Valley Interurban Railroad provided passenger and light freight service through Halstead from Hutchinson to Newton and into Wichita. The old Interurban station still stands at Spruce and 2nd, and six Interurban bridges (abandoned) can be seen east of town. Two close together are, from Spruce, 3¼ miles east on 6th (becomes SW 37 gravel road). On the north side you can spot the multiple- span bridge nestled among dense trees. Continue ¼ mile farther east to see the second bridge.
This facility is considered the oldest rural health museum in the nation. Designed for guided group learning, a browsing tour is also open to the public. The interactive, hands-on activities create exciting opportunities to learn about health, especially with Valeda, the health education transparent woman, on hand! Admission charge. Regularly open Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The museum will be open from 12-5pm and visitors can "meet" Valeda for special tours at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
"Where Kit Carson Camped" is the title of this 1941 Section artwork by famed Kansas landscape artist Birger Sandzen. See the mural inside the 1939 post office. Section Art was a finalist in 8 Wonders of Kansas Art contest sponsored by the Kansas Sampler Foundation in 2010. (NRHP) Be sure and buy stamps on Saturday. Open 9 -11 a.m. The mural is available to view anytime.
From 2nd, ¼ mile north on Main. A plaque on a granite stone records that the Harvey County Old Settlers Picnic was first held here in 1896. (This event's roots go back to 1887 and has been held every August, rain or shine.) In more recent years the park gained recognition as one of the primary filming locations for the motion picture Picnic starring William Holden, Kim Novak, Cliff Robertson and Rosalind Russell. (Although the plaque states the filming was in 1956, it actually occurred in May 1955).
Movie buffs might recall the springy pedestrian bridge appearing in film. Spanning the Little Arkansas River, it was built in 1938 by Orris L. Hinshaw and remains on its original site in the south part of the park.
The City of Halstead constructed a nice 1.7 walking path on top of the flood levee that runs along the Little Arkansas River. A concrete stairway leads to the trail near the intersection of S. Halstead Rd & Southwest 30th on the west side of town. From Main, take North St. for almost 3/4 miles to the west. Turn right (north) on S. Halstead Rd. and drive approximately 400 feet north to the opposite side of the levee. You'll find the steps on the south side of the levee on the east side of Photo: Trailrunproject.com
