Cities and Towns in Sherman County, Kansas
Founded in 1873, Sherman County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Sherman County was formed from unorganized area. The city of Goodland is the county seat. With FIPS code of 181, Sherman County has a population of 5,895 and area of 1,056 square miles (2,735 km²).
List of all cities in Sherman County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Edson, KS | 67733 | 785 |
| Goodland, KS | 67735 | 785 |
| Kanorado, KS | 67741 | 785 |
Major Cities and Towns in Sherman County, Kansas
Goodland
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 4.37 square miles
- Population: Approximately 4,300 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67735
- Latitude: 39.3508° N
- Longitude: 101.7107° W
Location and History
Goodland is the county seat and largest city in Sherman County, located in the northwest corner of Kansas, just 17 miles from the Colorado border. Established in 1887, the city was named after Goodland, Indiana, the hometown of one of its founding settlers. Goodland’s history is tied closely to the development of the railroad, serving as a major hub along the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad. The town grew rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, fueled by agriculture and trade. Goodland’s economy has long relied on wheat farming and ranching, with its strategic location making it a key stopover for transportation and commerce in western Kansas. Today, Goodland is known for its agricultural output and as a center of regional tourism.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Goodland is served by USD 352, which includes Goodland High School, Goodland Junior High School, and North Elementary School. One of the most famous landmarks in Goodland is the “Giant Van Gogh,” an enormous 24 x 32-foot reproduction of Van Gogh’s “Three Sunflowers in a Vase,” set on an 80-foot easel that attracts visitors from all over. The High Plains Museum, which showcases artifacts from the area’s pioneer days, is another notable attraction. Goodland’s downtown area also features historic architecture and hosts the annual Sherman County Fair, celebrating the region’s agricultural roots.
Kanorado
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.26 square miles
- Population: Approximately 150 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67741
- Latitude: 39.3369° N
- Longitude: 102.0398° W
Location and History
Kanorado is a small town located right on the Kansas-Colorado border, as its name suggests. Founded in 1888, the town initially developed as a rail stop along the Union Pacific Railroad. Its position along the state line made Kanorado a key point for travelers and settlers moving westward. The town prospered during the early 20th century, but its population began to decline as transportation shifted from railroads to highways and automobiles. Although small today, Kanorado’s location near Interstate 70 keeps it connected to regional trade and travel. The town’s history is a reflection of many small Midwestern towns that thrived during the railroad era but experienced decline in the mid-20th century.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kanorado is part of the Goodland USD 352 school district, with most students commuting to Goodland for their education. A prominent landmark in Kanorado is the small but historic Kanorado United Methodist Church, which has served the community for over a century. The town’s proximity to the Colorado border also makes it a convenient stop for travelers heading west, with a few local diners and small shops catering to tourists and truckers. Kanorado is a quiet, rural town with open plains and scenic views, ideal for those who appreciate the solitude of Kansas’ far west.
Edson
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.20 square miles
- Population: Approximately 40 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67733
- Latitude: 39.3392° N
- Longitude: 101.5285° W
Location and History
Edson is a small unincorporated community in Sherman County, located about 12 miles east of Goodland along U.S. Highway 24. Founded in the late 19th century, Edson developed as a rural farming community, with its economy centered around wheat farming and cattle ranching. Like many small towns in Kansas, Edson was established to support the nearby agricultural industry, providing a hub for farmers to trade and transport their goods via the railroad. While the town never grew significantly in size, it has maintained its agricultural roots and remains a quiet, tight-knit community. Today, Edson serves as a reminder of the countless small towns that were once the backbone of rural America.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Edson is part of the USD 352 school district, and students from the town typically attend schools in nearby Goodland. The town’s landmarks include the Edson Grain Elevator, which still operates today, storing and shipping the grain harvested from the surrounding farmlands. The open fields surrounding Edson provide scenic views of Kansas’ vast plains, offering visitors a peaceful retreat. The town also hosts small local events, where the community comes together for social gatherings, maintaining the tradition of close-knit rural life.
Ruleton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.12 square miles
- Population: Approximately 30 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67753
- Latitude: 39.3297° N
- Longitude: 101.7196° W
Location and History
Ruleton is a tiny unincorporated town located just west of Goodland, along U.S. Highway 24 and near Interstate 70. The town was founded in the late 19th century, originally serving as a station on the Union Pacific Railroad. As with many rural towns in western Kansas, Ruleton’s early growth was tied to agriculture, specifically wheat farming. Ruleton saw a steady decline in population during the 20th century as larger towns like Goodland attracted more residents and businesses. Despite its small size, Ruleton’s history reflects the larger narrative of agricultural development and the importance of the railroad in Kansas’ settlement.
Major Schools and Landmarks
As part of the Goodland USD 352 school district, Ruleton’s students attend schools in nearby Goodland. The Ruleton Grain Elevator is a central feature of the town, symbolizing its agricultural past and continued role in wheat production. Nearby, the open plains and rolling farmlands of Sherman County provide a scenic backdrop for this quiet community. Ruleton is also close to the Goodland Municipal Airport, making it accessible for those flying into the area. While there are few formal landmarks, the town’s rural charm and historic connection to the railroad and farming keep it on the map for visitors seeking a peaceful stopover.
Smoky Township
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.10 square miles
- Population: Approximately 25 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67735 (shared with Goodland)
- Latitude: 39.3401° N
- Longitude: 101.5603° W
Location and History
Smoky Township is a small rural area located southeast of Goodland, primarily consisting of farmlands and open plains. Established in the late 19th century, Smoky Township was part of the wave of agricultural development that swept through western Kansas during the railroad expansion. The township’s name reflects the nearby Smoky Hill River, which was historically important for early settlers. Though it never developed into a major town, Smoky Township served as a farming community, contributing to the wheat and cattle production that defined the region’s economy. Today, it remains a sparsely populated agricultural area.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Residents of Smoky Township typically attend schools in Goodland through the USD 352 district. While there are no significant landmarks within the township itself, its proximity to Goodland means that residents can access the nearby High Plains Museum and the “Giant Van Gogh” easel artwork. The Smoky Hill River, located nearby, offers opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation, making it a point of interest for nature enthusiasts. The township’s serene landscape and wide-open spaces exemplify the rural beauty of western Kansas.
