Comanche County Court House

Whether people come to play or stay in Comanche County, they will find much to entertain them.

Lake Coldwater is a 250-acre man-made lake in a 930-acre park within the Coldwater city limits. It is the only lake in southwest Kansas that allows both fishing and water-related sports. The number of camper hookups is being increased to 100 to serve trailers and motor homes. There are numerous spots for camping and picnics.

Swimming pools are located in Protection and Coldwater. Both towns as well as Wilmore provide city parks for year-round enjoyment. Community spirit is evident in efforts to beautify public areas. Protection recently added an attractive park pavilion, Wilmore a beautiful new community building, and the on-going development of a downtown corner in Coldwater is named Heritage Park.

Day trips in all directions can be made from Comanche County. Travel east on the Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway to Medicine Lodge and the Carry Nation Home. Head west toward Ashland, Mount Jesus and St. Jacob's well in the Red Hills. Visit Meade and see the Dalton Gang Hideout. Go north and see the Big Well in Greensburg or ride Dodge City's DCF&B Railroad and see world famous Boot Hill. Head south to the Alabaster Caverns, Salt Plains and Fort Supply Lake in Oklahoma.

Closer to home are the Stan Herd Gallery and Orlin Loucks' antique tool collection at Protection. In Coldwater, One Dance Antiques (featuring wicker) caters to collectors. Historic homes can be seen around the county. The Comanche County Museum in Coldwater showcases people, events, and memorabilia from earlier times and is available for tours and special meetings. Libraries are located in all three communities.

There are over 235 known caves on private land in southeast Comanche County. They are in the northern part of the Permian Basin, a geological formation which includes Carlsbad Caverns and Alabaster Caverns. Groups come to this area to study the bat caves. One cave in this area once held a still which supplied bootleg whiskey to pioneers.

Comanche County is a popular hunting destination for those seeking pheasant, quail, and deer. There may possibly be more deer in Comanche County than there are people. Cavalry Creek Hunts, Coldwater and Kiowa Creek Whitetails and Cimarron River Outfitters, Protection cater to fee hunters. 14,648 acres of land was available within the county for 'Walk-In-Hunting' in 1998.

Deer Trail Camp is available for group meetings, family reunions, and retreats, just southwest of Lake Coldwater. The peaceful natural setting lends itself to bird watching and the observance of many other wildlife species.

Golf enthusiasts may want to tackle the grass-greens at the Protection Golf Course or at the Coldwater Country Club's unique 10-hole, 39 par, course. (Don't bother calling for a tee time; just drop in and play!)

Comanche County lies deep in the Bible Belt. And regardless of the name of the denomination, visitors can sense that they are among peaceful and caring congregations in any of the county's twelve churches. The Ministerial Alliances cooperate to sponsor the Easter Cantata in Coldwater and the Christmas Messiah in Protection. Singers from around the area gather to present both acclaimed productions.

Dining out is a vital part of Comanche County social life. Folks seldom sit long before someone stops to visit! Choose from a variety of menus at eleven sit-down sites.

Two county newspapers presently keep track of community happenings. The Western Star in Coldwater is an old timer; it's been in continuous operation since 1884. The Protection Press was established in 1985.

Unified School District 300 schools are top rated throughout the state in academics, athletics and performing arts. Recently the Protection Panthers and the Coldwater Eagles consolidated to become the South Central Timber Wolves. District-wide attendance centers are K - 8 at Protection and 9 - 12 at Coldwater. With the combined loyalty of the three (including Wilmore) proud communities South Central will become an awesome force in all undertakings! Our graduates are scattered across the nation and have the confidence and education to do well.

A physician and physician's assistant at the medical clinic, plus a dentist and the county health department staff at the health clinic tend to people's health needs. Main Street Pharmacy in Coldwater serves the 14-bed Comanche County Hospital and Medical Clinic as well as the residents of the local nursing homes; the Pioneer Lodge in Coldwater and Protection Valley Manor in Protection.

Housing needs continue to be addressed. Both Centennial Court in Protection and Prairie Plaza in Coldwater offer quality alternatives for senior citizens. Comanche County offers an unique opportunity for retirement living or for 'lone eagles' (people who can live and conduct their business from any location with the assistance of technology).

Through Red Hills Internet Service and GIANT Communications, Inc. the residents of Comanche County are linked to the world, for business, learning or pleasure.

If the idea of living and working in a relaxed, family oriented environment with a low crime rate interests you, we invite you to come check out Comanche County, Kansas.