According to gradinmath.com, Barber County, Kansas is located in the south-central part of the state and covers an area of 868 square miles. The county seat and largest city in Barber County is Medicine Lodge. According to the 2010 census, Barber County had a population of 5,898 people.
The history of Barber County dates back to 1873 when it was first organized as a county. At that time, it included land from what is now Harper County. In 1887, Harper County was established and Barber County’s borders were reduced to their current size.
Barber County features a variety of attractions for visitors to enjoy including the historic Medicine Lodge Treaty Grounds which commemorate the signing of a peace treaty between Native Americans and U.S. government officials in 1867; numerous museums such as the Medicine Lodge Museum & Historical Society and the Hardtner Historical Museum; scenic outdoor areas such as Lake City Park; and many other attractions throughout the county.
Barber County has also been home to several famous people throughout its history including actress Sharon Stone who was born in Meadville; actress Adrienne Barbeau who grew up in Sun City; actor William Fichtner who grew up in Roely; comedian Bill Engvall who attended high school in Sun City; and actor Chris Mulkey who graduated from Hardtner High School.
In addition to its many attractions, Barber County also offers visitors plenty of outdoor activities such as camping at one of its many campgrounds, fishing on Lake City Park or at nearby Lake Coldwater, hiking on one of its many trails or on nearby trails located in state parks like Cheney State Park, or hunting for deer or other game animals at any one of its numerous hunting areas throughout the county.
Climate and weather in Barber County, Kansas
According to educationvv.com, Barber County, Kansas has a temperate climate with hot summers and cold winters. The average high temperature in the summer months of June, July, and August is around 86°F (30°C), while the average low temperature in the winter months of December, January, and February is around 22°F (-5.5°C). Average precipitation for the county is about 20 inches (50 cm) per year.
The county experiences four distinct seasons with spring bringing warm temperatures and blooming flowers while summer brings hot temperatures and occasional thunderstorms. Fall brings cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage while winter brings colder temperatures and occasional snowfall.
Barber County experiences a range of weather conditions throughout the year from severe thunderstorms to snowstorms to high winds. On average, there are about 12 days per year with snowfall in Barber County. Severe thunderstorms can bring large hail, damaging winds, flooding rains, and even tornadoes at times. High winds up to 50 mph (80 km/h) can occur during any season but are most common during spring months when warm moist air from the south meets colder dry air from the north creating strong pressure systems that can cause windy conditions throughout the county.
Transportation in Barber County, Kansas
Barber County, Kansas offers several transportation options for residents and visitors. The county is served by two major highways, US-160 and US-183, which run east and west across the county. In addition, there are several state highways that run through the county including KS-14, KS-96, KS-102, and KS-161.
The county also has a public transportation system that consists of a bus service operated by the local transit authority. This service provides residents with access to local shopping centers, schools, medical facilities, and other destinations within the county.
For those who prefer to travel by car or truck, there are numerous roads in Barber County as well as a number of parking lots located throughout the area. Drivers can find parking lots at most of the major attractions in Barber County including Lake City Park and Cheney State Park.
Those who wish to travel outside of Barber County have several options including bus service to Wichita or Oklahoma City as well as Amtrak train services from Hardtner Station located on US-183 in Hardtner. Additionally, there is an airport located just outside of Sun City which provides air travel services throughout the region.
Barber County offers its residents and visitors plenty of transportation options whether they prefer to take public transit or travel by car or plane. With its convenient location near larger cities like Wichita and Oklahoma City as well as its own public transit system and airport nearby, Barber County is a great place for travelers looking for easy access to different parts of Kansas and beyond.
Cities and towns in Barber County, Kansas
According to COUNTRYAAH, Barber County, Kansas is home to five cities and several towns. The largest city in the county is Medicine Lodge, which has a population of 1,633 people according to the most recent census. Medicine Lodge is considered the county seat and it serves as a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
The other cities in Barber County are Sun City (population 591), Hardtner (population 463), Sharon (population 133), and Lake City (population 84). Sun City is known for its agricultural production while Hardtner has a small-town charm with plenty of outdoor activities to explore. Sharon is home to several historic sites including the old schoolhouse, while Lake City offers access to beautiful Cheney State Park.
In addition to these cities, Barber County also contains several towns including Attica (population 87), Belvidere (population 78), Isabelle (population 39), Kiowa (population 37), and Hazelton (population 25). Each of these towns offers unique attractions such as historic buildings, scenic views, and recreational activities like fishing or hunting.
Barber County provides residents and visitors with plenty of opportunities for exploration whether they prefer visiting one of the larger cities or exploring some of the smaller towns in the area. From bustling downtowns to peaceful rural landscapes, Barber County has something for everyone.
