Cities and Towns in Cheyenne County, Kansas
Founded in 1873, Cheyenne County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Cheyenne County was formed from unorganized area. The city of Saint Francis is the county seat. With FIPS code of 23, Cheyenne County has a population of 2,633 and area of 1,020 square miles (2,642 km²).
List of all cities in Cheyenne County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bird City, KS | 67731 | 785 |
| Saint Francis, KS | 67756 | 785 |
| Wheeler, KS | 67756 | 785 |
Major Cities and Towns in Cheyenne County, Kansas
St. Francis
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.57 square miles
- Population: 1,179 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67756
- Latitude: 39.7736° N
- Longitude: 101.7994° W
Location and History
St. Francis is the county seat of Cheyenne County, located in the far northwestern corner of Kansas, near the Colorado and Nebraska borders. Founded in 1888, the town developed primarily as a result of railroad expansion and agricultural settlement in the region. St. Francis was named after the Catholic saint, reflecting the religious heritage of some of its early settlers. The town became a local hub for wheat farming and cattle ranching, industries that still dominate the economy today. St. Francis has retained its rural charm, with a welcoming small-town atmosphere. Its remote location provides residents and visitors with stunning views of the High Plains and the opportunity to experience the quiet life of the Kansas frontier.
Major Schools and Landmarks
St. Francis is served by USD 297, with St. Francis Community High School and St. Francis Elementary School providing education for local students. One of the city’s most prominent landmarks is the Cheyenne County Courthouse, an elegant building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The courthouse serves as the center of civic life in the town. Additionally, the St. Francis Motorcycle Museum attracts visitors with its impressive collection of vintage motorcycles. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Arikaree Breaks, a stunning landscape of canyons and ravines, offers hiking and photography opportunities, showcasing the unique geological formations of the region.
Bird City
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.41 square miles
- Population: 437 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67731
- Latitude: 39.7528° N
- Longitude: 101.5322° W
Location and History
Bird City is located in the northern part of Cheyenne County, just a few miles from the Nebraska state line. The town was established in 1885 by Benjamin Bird, for whom it was named. Bird City grew quickly during the late 19th century due to its position on the railroad, which facilitated trade and transportation for local farmers and ranchers. Like much of the region, Bird City has a strong agricultural foundation, with wheat, corn, and livestock playing central roles in the local economy. Despite its small size, the town has maintained a strong sense of community, with many events and activities centered around farming traditions.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bird City is part of USD 103, which includes Cheylin High School and Cheylin Elementary School. The town’s most notable landmark is the Bird City Centennial Hall, which was built to commemorate the town’s 100th anniversary and now serves as a venue for community events, meetings, and celebrations. Another local attraction is the Bird City Windmill Collection, an outdoor display of vintage windmills that pays tribute to the town’s rural heritage. Bird City also hosts an annual threshing bee, celebrating the agricultural history of the area with demonstrations of vintage farming equipment and techniques.
Wheeler
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.10 square miles
- Population: 67 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67756
- Latitude: 39.7514° N
- Longitude: 101.2861° W
Location and History
Wheeler is a small, rural community located in eastern Cheyenne County, just off U.S. Highway 36. Established in the late 19th century, Wheeler was originally a stop on the railroad, serving as a supply point for local farmers and ranchers. The town was named after its founder, H.S. Wheeler, who played a significant role in the settlement of the area. Although the town never grew to the size of nearby communities, it has maintained its agricultural roots, with wheat farming and cattle ranching as the primary economic activities. Wheeler is known for its peaceful, tight-knit community and its role as a rural farming hub.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Wheeler is part of the Cheylin USD 103 school district, with students attending schools in Bird City and nearby St. Francis. The town itself is small and does not have large landmarks, but the surrounding countryside offers beautiful landscapes typical of the High Plains region. The local grain elevator, a symbol of the town’s agricultural foundation, is one of the most prominent structures. Wheeler’s proximity to U.S. Highway 36 allows residents easy access to other parts of Cheyenne County and the broader region, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring this rural part of Kansas.
Atwood (Near Cheyenne County)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.22 square miles
- Population: 1,194 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67730
- Latitude: 39.8069° N
- Longitude: 101.0428° W
Location and History
Although technically located in neighboring Rawlins County, Atwood is close enough to Cheyenne County to play an important role in the local region. Established in the 1870s, Atwood grew as a center for trade and government in Rawlins County. Its early economy was based on agriculture, and the town became known for wheat production, cattle ranching, and later, irrigation projects that helped sustain farming in the area. Atwood is often visited by residents of eastern Cheyenne County due to its larger size and the services it provides, making it a key part of life for many living in the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Atwood is served by USD 105, with Rawlins County High School and Atwood Grade School providing education for local students. The town is home to several key landmarks, including Lake Atwood, a popular spot for fishing, boating, and camping. The historic courthouse and downtown district, with its well-preserved early 20th-century architecture, give visitors a sense of Atwood’s role as a regional center. Atwood also hosts the Rawlins County Fair, a major annual event that celebrates the area’s agricultural heritage with rodeos, livestock shows, and community festivities.
