This photo of the Arkansas River shows the natural beauty that a river upholds over time. Photo taken by Dale Riggs, a local photographer.

 

The first Americans to visit the site of Great Bend were the members of Zebulon Pike's exploration party on their way to the Rockies. When they reached the most northerly point of the river they set up camp, at the "great bend" of the river (from where our city got its name.)

 

The Arkansas River is an ancient stream, one of the largest rivers in the U.S.  The river can be used for recreation, such as paddling, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and other nature activities.  

 

The Great Bend of the Arkansas River holds the vision and hope of the people of Kansas that the river will once again be a healthy flowing scenic river.