https://www.DiscoverNorton.com
Located on well known U.S Hwy 36, Norton has become known for its amazing hunting, fishing, beautiful sunsets and warm hearted people. With first rate lodging, family restaurants, unique shops and fun-filled events, we invite you to visit and explore this rural destination we call home.
Norton Restaurants
On U.S. Highway 36
Downtown
Norton Lodging
For more information about Norton visit our Travel & Business Visitor Station located at 205 S. State Street, Norton, KS 67654. Phone: (785) 877-2501. Our office is one of three restored Gas Stations all located within walking distance of each other. Come see us and take the tour! CLICK HERE for a one page print out of some of our popular businesses!
'We fit your shopping to a T!' (Shop along Hwy 36 & State Street)
Highway 36 Shopping
Norton’s two business districts provide great opportunities for retail therapy. The businesses on U.S. Highway 36 include 2 ranch and farm supply stores, a discount store, three convenience stores, a florist/gift shop, and an appliance & hardware store. Just a few blocks north on Highway 283 is a large furniture store. For a list of Retail Stores CLICK HERE.
Downtown Shopping
At the stop light on U.S. Highway 36, turn south on U.S. Highway 283 to reach our historic downtown commercial district. This area was Norton’s original business district and many of the buildings from the turn of the century have been or are in the process of being restored. We encourage you to park and explore the area on foot. Many new and unique destination businesses have located here in the last few years. You’ll find a gourmet kitchen store that also serves lunch, Mexican and Chinese restaurants, a quilt shop, a pharmacy and gift shop, a clothing store, grocery and more.
Keith Sebelius Reservoir/Prairie Dog State Park
Norton County is fortunate to be the home of Keith Sebelius Reservoir and Prairie Dog State Park located just 4 miles west of Norton. This lake is the number one fishing lake in Kansas. The reservoir is a man-made lake with approximately 2,500 surface acres of water and is known for its large numbers of trophy wipers, a white bass/striped bass hybrid known for its ferocious fighting ability, walleye, Saugeye, crappie, channel cat, and many other varieties.
Prairie Dog State Park has a wide variety of camping sites ranging from recreational vehicles to primitive, as well as several cabins. Reservations for all sites and cabins can be made at https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/prairie-dog-state-park/KS/519130/overview This site also has photos and availability dates.
In addition to great fishing, boating and camping, the park offers a nature area, walking trail, sand beach, bath houses and shelter areas that are great for picnics and social gatherings, pavilion, playground, basketball court, sand volleyball court, horse shoe pits and 1.4 mile walking trail as well as many wildlife viewing opportunities. Prairie Dog State Park offers fresh air and beautiful scenery.
Within Prairie Dog State Park are two historic buildings: the 1886 Hillmon School and the 1890 Adobe House. Tours are available by contacting the park office at 785-877-2953. CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEWEST LAKE MAP!
Things To See and Do
The Norton Aquatic Center, located 2 blocks south of U.S Highway 36 on West Street, includes two slides, two diving boards, zero depth entry, baby pool, lap pool, bath house and concession area. This is a great place to cool off and enjoy a summer afternoon.
Prairie Dog Golf Course is one of the few blue grass facilities in Northwest Kansas. The 9-hole course has three sets of tees so golfers of all abilities can enjoy the course. Other amenities include the clubhouse and cart rental. This beautiful course southeast of Norton is worth your time to play.
Located on the south side of west U.S. Highway 36 you’ll find the Norton Veterans Memorial adjacent to Station 15 Park, a shady green space to stop, stretch and take a break from the road. Also on this site is the historic Stagecoach Station 15 window-view museum, a replicated stagecoach stop from the mid 1800’s. Public rest rooms are also available in the park.
Midway to downtown Norton on U.S. Highway 283 is the Public Library, home to three life-sized Remington statues. Bronco Buster, Wicked Pony and Mountain Man are permanently displayed on the property. Another life-sized Remington statue, The Rattlesnake, is on display in the lobby of First State Bank, located at 105 W. Main Street.
The Gloria A. Nelson Cultural Arts Center in the Heaton Building is located in the Historic Downtown District-home of Norton County Community Foundation. The complete renovation of this building is an important project vital to the redevelopment of of downtown Norton and for the preservation of our commercial history. The Cultural Arts Center is maintained by the Norton Cultural Arts Council who has hosted many art exhibitions and music venues. In May of 2021 we hosted the Smithsonian Crossroads: Change in Rural America traveling Main Street Exhibition. https://www.nortonccf.org/arts-culture
For history buffs, the They Also Ran Gallery is located inside the First State Bank. This gallery displays a complete collection of portraits and biographies of all candidates who were unsuccessful in their bid to become President of the United States. The Gallery was a Finalist in the 8 Wonders of Kansas Customs in 2009. More information is available at https://www.theyalsoran.com/
The Norton County Museum is located on the corner of U.S. Highway 283 and Lincoln, just north of downtown. This building was a 1938 Public Works Administration project built of stone and originally served as the Norton Public Library.
Hunting
Norton is a Pheasant Capital of Kansas and one of the largest walk-in hunting areas in the nation providing many great hunting opportunities. In addition to pheasant, other small game includes quail and prairie chickens as well as turkey, doves, geese and duck. Both whitetail and mule deer are plentiful for those who go for the big game.