Conservatively Speaking: Liberal Has It All
Welcome to Liberal, KS: Dorothy’s Home, Your Next Great Getaway! Follow the Yellow Brick Road to discover wide-open beauty, stunning sunsets, and a rich tapestry of history and culture. Our town boasts diverse attractions, over 800 motel rooms, 35+ restaurants, and all the amenities for a perfect family reunion, conference, or a memorable weekend with loved ones. Come experience Liberal!
Ready to plan your magical trip to Liberal? Our friendly team at the Liberal Convention and Visitors Bureau is here to help!
Find us at 1 Yellow Brick Road, Liberal, KS 67901.
Or give us a call: 800-LIBERAL (542-3725) or 620-626-0170.
Prefer email? Reach out to tourism@cityofliberal.org We can’t wait to assist you!
Discover Liberal, Kansas: A Legacy of Hospitality
More than just a name, Liberal, Kansas, embodies a profound spirit of hospitality and generosity dating back to the 1880s. In a southwest Kansas where water was precious, homesteader S.S. Rogers offered his well freely to all weary travelers and ranchers. His steadfast reply, “Water is always free here,” earned the area the moniker “The Liberal Well” and established it as a welcoming oasis.
Just off the southern Santa Fe Trail, this essential stop for westward migration eventually grew into a thriving community. Rogers’ store became a post office, and by 1888, Liberal, KS, was officially incorporated.
A Hub of History and Connection
The arrival of the railroad further cemented Liberal’s importance. You can still experience this rich history today by visiting the two fully restored Rock Island Depot buildings. The former Greer Eating House now hosts a restaurant and the VA Medical Clinic, while the main depot proudly houses the Liberal Chamber of Commerce and a fascinating collection of railroad memorabilia.
Venture a bit further, just 13 miles northeast, to marvel at another engineering feat: the Mighty Samson of the Cimarron. This impressive 1,269-foot railroad bridge, built in 1939, stands as a testament to innovation.
Liberal also played a crucial role during World War II, serving as a vital training site for U.S. Army Air Corps pilots and a refueling point for planes traveling between the Pacific and Atlantic campaigns.
From its generous beginnings to its pivotal role in westward expansion and wartime efforts, Liberal’s history is deeply woven with themes of connection, support, and community. Come explore the rich story behind our name!
