Tornado recovery brought Hoisington residents even closer together
When faced with disaster, Hoisington, Kansas, came out on the other side stronger and more united. The area's long-time residents survived an F4 tornado in 2001, which destroyed many homes and buildings, including the local grocery store and Dairy Queen. "It came through on prom night," says Hoisington City Manager Jonathan Mitchell. "It was certainly a rare occurrence, but a very defining moment for our community." Hoisington recovered quickly, thanks to its proactive community and many volunteers. "We're a rugged and resilient group of people that sticks together," Mitchell says.
Hoisington first grew as a railroad town in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and as the railroad-related industries left the area in later decades, so did many residents. The 2,700 remaining residents enjoy quiet surroundings and a close-knit atmosphere where neighbors know and look out for one another. "I think part of being in this community is the sense of community," Mitchell says. "I've been here for 16 years, but I'm still considered the new guy."
Small single-family homes and rebuilding after a natural disaster
Bungalows with low-pitch roofs hanging over wide front porches are common along the area's compact residential streets. The bungalows, Cape Cods, ranch-style homes and workers' cottages from the early 1900s range between $70,000 and $160,000. Some needing significant repairs or renovations have sold for as little as $25,000. Ramblers and split-level homes sell between $170,000 and $300,000. "Probably about 20% of our housing stock was wiped out or severely impacted by that storm," Mitchell says. "Many communities would just fold and walk away, but our people came together and rebuilt."
From pickleball to birding, there’s plenty to do outdoors
Hoisington Recreation Center has an indoor gym, an elevated walking track, a weight room, a wellness center and meeting rooms. Hoisington Bicentennial Park is the spot for outdoor activity with baseball and softball diamonds, a public pool, walking trails and a dog park. The city recently resurfaced the park's pickleball courts and added lights so residents could play at night. About 10 miles southwest is Cheyenne Bottoms Refuge. "It's a wetland of international significance," Mitchell says. "The hunting and the birding are fantastic."
Community traditions shine during Labor Day weekend
Hoisington is in its 129th year of celebrating Labor Day, but the event started as something else entirely. "The railroad companies started having a community picnic each year that became a large gathering," Mitchell says. The Friday-through-Monday event has everything from a community-wide garage sale to a cornhole tournament to an ice cream social and street dancing.
The school district has equal pride in athletics and academics
Roosevelt Elementary School teaches prekindergarten through second grade and is rated B by Niche. Lincoln Elementary School and Hoisington High School earn a B, while Hoisington Middle School is rated B-minus. "Athletics are big, and academics are strong," Mitchell says. "We're very proud of our football program, and our debate team took third place in the state competition last year." The forensics team also performs well in states each year. One of the district's most active organizations is its FCCLA chapter, which stands for Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. "Those students volunteer with just about everything in town," Mitchell says.
Health care jobs and nearby cities support the local economy
Clara Barton Medical Center is the most significant employer, providing jobs to about 350 residents. U.S. Route 281 passes through the area, leading about 11 miles south to Great Bend . "It's the hub of our regional economy," Mitchell says. "Pretty much anything you'd like to do for work, you can do in Barton County." Dodge City Regional Airport has domestic flights, about 95 miles southwest.
Small-town shopping and more diverse options in Great Bend
Stores on Main Street include auto shops, a floral shop and a thrift store. Kindscher's Mule Barn is a local hardware, home and garden store that sells everything from car parts to pet supplies and chicken feed. The Tap Room is a gathering place that Mitchell describes as iconic. "It's been here for a million years and everyone knows it," he says. "If people leave the area but come back for a weekend, that's where they're going for a drink." Dollar General and Town & Country Supermarket are in Hoisington, and more grocers and retail shops are in Great Bend.
Important to know details on crime and weather
Hoisington has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Despite the 2001 tornado and Kansas being in Tornado Alley, First Street rates the area as having a minor risk from wind-related storms.
![Heather Haggerty]()
Written By
Heather Haggerty
