Arts, Entertainment and Culture
Junction City-Geary County residents have long had an affinity for arts and cultural experiences. Since 1882, the C. L. Hoover Opera House has occupied a prime location in Junction City’s downtown. The renovated Romanesque landmark continues to serve as a hub for live theatre, ballet and musical performances. It also hosts children’s plays as well as popular and independent movies.
The Junction City Arts Council ensures arts activities and opportunities are available for all, with free art classes for kids and arts learning events for adults of all skill levels. It hosts the popular annual Arts in the Park event and organizes engaging year round activities, such as local art showings and writer’s workshops.
The Community enjoys a wide range of family-friendly events that reflect the region's unique culture and character. Freedom Fest, Junction City's Independence Day Festival & Oktoberfest, held annually in Junction City, feature parades with military displays, celebrity musical acts, delicious local delicacies, games and other activities, as well as spectacular fireworks displays!
Additional Highlights include the Fort Riley Apple Day Festival, Juneteenth, the Junction City Open Rodeo, Geary County Free Fair, the Annual Christmas Parade, various Farmers/Crafters Markets, and a variety of events hosted by JC Main Street.
Visit the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce's calendar for more local events!
Outdoor Recreation
Geary County is located in the heart of the Flint Hills, where the Republican and Smoky Rivers meet to form the Kansas River. It’s a place of scenic beauty with a world of outdoor fun to be had. Whatever outdoor experience you’re craving, you can satisfy it here.
Milford Lake is one of the area’s finest features. With its 16,000 surface acres of water and 163 miles of shoreline, there are abundant options for recreation, including camping (Acorns Resort, Thunderbird Marina & RV Resort), picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, swimming and boating. Known as the fishing capital of Kansas, the lake contains bass, walleye, catfish and more. It’s also home to the largest hunting grounds in the state for both small and large game.
Rolling Meadows Golf Course stretches over 160 acres of north central Kansas. Rated 4 1/2 Stars by Golf Digest, it’s one of the top places to play golf in Kansas.
Historic Rathert Stadium is home to the Junction City Brigade, a summer collegiate baseball team, and is one of the most historic baseball stadiums in the Midwest. Rathert Stadium was built in the 1930s, and has seen several renovations to restore it to its original luster.
Junction City puts a priority on green space. It’s home to 19 city parks with an array of awesome amenities, like playgrounds, ball fields, picnic areas, walking trails, historic monuments and more.
People here believe in the power of play. A citizen-led nonprofit called “Quality Play for All” works to augment quality of life by improving the quality and safety of playground parks in the community.
With city support and grant funding, Quality Play for All aims is create a “showcase park” in Junction City with Playground Park that will be a draw for local and surrounding community members. Quality Play for All also has a special PlayJC.org committee focused on providing youth sports opportunities. Find out more here.
Shopping and Dining
Junction City-Geary County offers one-of-a-kind shopping and dining experiences. Explore downtown Junction City to discover locally-owned shops and boutique stores. Visit Junction City Main Street's website to learn more about their outstanding efforts to revitalize and renew historic downtown Junction City.
In the beautiful countryside setting just outside of Junction City, visitors can sample some of the finest foods in Kansas at the Hildebrand Farm Store. The micro creamery has everything from homemade cheese to fresh flavored milks and local specialties like Krehbiel’s Sausage, Hillside Honey and Hildebrand Soft Serve Ice Cream.
The area also has some mouthwatering dining options. Whether you’re looking for an authentic Kansas-style barbeque joint, hot dogs, burgers & cocktails, or you’re craving Caribbean, Italian, Mexican or Korean cuisine, you’ll find tasty meals to satiate you here.
