The town of Atwood, Kansas, is nestled in the heart of the picturesque Beaver Valley in the northwest corner of the state. Surrounding the town, golden wheat fields and lush green ranches soak up the sun. A standing tribute to its early pioneers, Atwood's presence on the prairie maintains the friendly atmosphere and hard work ethic from which the town was born. Settled in 1875, it quickly became home to immigrant families whose descendents still live, work and prosper in the heart of Rawlins County.

In April 1875, T.A. Andrews and J.M. Matheny traveled to Rawlins County. They established a town site about two miles east of the present location, and named the town Attwood for Matheny's 14-year-old son, who accompanied his father on the journey. That site was located on land reserved for a school, so to gain clear title, Attwood was moved to the present location. In 1882, the Post Office requested permission to drop one "t", becoming Atwood. Atwood became the official county seat of Rawlins County in 1881, after a notorious battle with neighboring Blakeman.

The founders of Atwood came in search of a better life and began to build a community rich in heritage, culture and values. Today Atwood residents still preserve these early traditions, and continue to add to Atwood’s legacy through their community involvement and determined spirit. There may be no better example of the spirit Atwood residents have for the community than the Rawlins County Historical Church project. Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, built in 1906 north of Atwood near the Nebraska state line, was closed in 1979. Local residents raised $83,000.00, and moved the church to Atwood in its entirety. The church now permanently resides next to the Rawlins County Historical Museum in downtown Atwood. The museum, another Atwood treasure, is home to the wonderful Rawlins County-history mural painted by Rawlins County-native Rudolph Wendelin, creator of Smokey Bear.

Most businesses in Atwood are either directly involved in or affected by agriculture. Farm families make up a large, important section of our community, and their contributions to our economy allow the town to prosper. Alongside its constant agricultural economy, Atwood is making great strides in economic development, working to become an attraction for large and small businesses alike. New businesses to the county include Surefire Ag, Great Outdoors Gun Shop, and the Rawlins County Dental Clinic.

Along the north edge of Atwood, you will find the winding Beaver Creek that feeds into Lake Atwood. This was a partially dry lake bed which Atwood residents transformed into a 43-acre recreational area that now offers a popular walking path, lighted basketball court, sand volleyball pit, and concerts. Lake Atwood is also home to the annual Lake Atwood 10-Mile Race, which is rated as one of the top-10 road races in the U.S., and which keeps more detailed records than any other race in the world.

Nationally known as some of the best hunting grounds in the country, Atwood hosts pheasant hunters from across the nation each autumn. Deer, quail, dove and wild turkey also delight the hunter, who will find a warm welcome and comfortable accommodations in one of Atwood's fine motels, bed-and-breakfasts, or one of the hunting lodges that dot the county's magnificent landscape.

The list of Atwood's attractions go on and on, and one thing is for certain—you're invited!