Surround yourself with magnificent old cottonwood trees as you canoe around Lake Atwood, or take a relaxing stroll on the lighted walking path that surrounds the entire Lake. If you're a wildlife enthusiast, wander on over to the Hayden Nature Trail and climb the observation tower to enjoy the serene native vista. This is the perfect scenario to complement your retreat from a busy everyday life.

If you believe no getaway would be complete without a few rounds of golf, grab your clubs and head to Atwood Country Club to enjoy a few rounds on the beautiful nine-hole course. This challenging course offers well-manicured grass greens, watered fairways, and rental carts. Atwood Country Club plays host to several tournaments throughout the summer months and is always very welcoming to guests. Tee times are not required.

Now it's time to have some fun poking around the downtown stores and The Ol' Depot. Atwood is home to many wonderful businesses.

By now, you're ready for some refreshments. May we suggest that you visit Tommy's Restaurant & Bowl, located at the corner of Highway 25 and 4^th Street, to enjoy a homemade cherry limeade that will transport you back in time. Along Highway 36, you will find several convenience stores that offer popular treats with friendly service. Or head downtown to Williams Bros. Supermarket for a soft-serve ice cream cone.

Your energy supply has been recharged, so head over to the Rawlins County Museum. Here you will observe faithfully re-created panoramas from the pioneer period that will take you from great grandma's kitchen and parlor to the country school room, and then on to the general store. You will see the beautiful mural depicting the history of Rawlins County that was painted by a Rawlins County native, artist Rudolph Wendelin, the creator of Smokey Bear. Former Kansas Governor Mike Hayden, a native of Atwood, generously displays some of his items of interest at the museum.

You will notice the beautiful white church located on the museum grounds. This wonderful structure was built in 1906 by Bohemian immigrants from Czechoslovakia. Originally located nine miles north and three miles west of Atwood, the Historical Church, formerly known as Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, was moved to its current location in 1994 through the fundraising efforts of the citizens of Rawlins County.

Request a map while visiting the Museum and take a driving tour of the county. You’ll learn about the "Last Indian Raid in Kansas" and discover where the settlers are buried who were killed in this raid. Continue on the journey laid out in the map and locate the "Battle of the Sappa Creek" where twenty-eight Indians were killed. These Indians were identified as being part of a Cheyenne Indian party that had killed a family near Fort Wallace. 

Rawlins County is home to some of the best wildlife hunting in the country. Beautiful hunting lodges located along the Beaver Creek offer hunting options including pheasant, deer, quail, duck, wild turkey, and dove. Several unique bed-and-breakfasts are also available for lodging, as well as two modern motels.

For those of you who enjoy the magic of Hollywood, we haven't forgotten you. Downtown Atwood is home to the historic Jayhawk Theater. Originally built in the 1920's, and painstakingly renovated and upgraded by the community, this beautiful little theater hosts the latest movies as well as local drama productions. Of course, no movie is complete without hot buttered popcorn, candy and soda, all available at the Jayhawk’s concession stand. Box office hits are shown on weekends starting at 7:30, with a Sunday matinee at 2:00.

Hungry? Choose everything from homemade Mexican food at Park Hill, a hot fresh Pizza Hut pizza or the always-popular burgers and fast food at numerous establishments around the county, including My Place on Highway 36 and Tommy's Restaurant & Bowl on Highway 25. You can find this region’s specialty—excellent steaks—in Atwood at the Aberdeen Steakhouse or the Corner Pocket. If you head northeast to Herndon, you’ll find Roger’s Bar & Grill and the B&S Café, offering steaks, pizza and fast food. Two Lee’s Steakhouse serves steaks and other favorites in the charming town of McDonald, which is located 18 miles west of Atwood on Highway 36.

Everyone will enjoy a stop at the McDonald Grocery Store. Owner Barbara Garner has kept the flavor and feel of the old-time past, while incorporating the updates needed to provide locals and visitors of this fun and unique small-town grocery with a modern shopping experience.

No matter what you need to relax and get away from the fast pace of city life, you can find it in Atwood!