In northwest Kansas, the town of Atwood is nestled in the heart of the picturesque Beaver Valley and surrounded by the natural beauty of golden wheat fields and lush green ranches. Atwood's presence on the prairie boasts a friendly atmosphere and hard work ethic from which the city 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.

Atwood is intersected by two important highways: US Highway 36, which is the most direct route between Denver and Ohio, and Highway 25, which is the shortest connection between Interstate 70 and Interstate 80. A lighted 5000-foot hard-surfaced runway provides convenient access for private airplanes. Atwood is served by a freight-only railway. Alongside the constant agricultural economy, Atwood is making great strides in economic development by attracting large and small businesses to the community. Rawlins County has a solid workforce with a population of 2,600 people, and 45,000 people within an hour's drive.

Gazebo in a park in Atwood Kansas
Nationally known for some of the best hunting grounds in the country, Rawlins County is a hunter's paradise. Hunter's come to the vast plains of Rawlins County to hunt for pheasant, deer, quail, dove, duck and wild turkey. Hunting lodges are available along the beautiful Beaver Creek.

Lake Atwood is a beautiful 43 acre lake at the north end of town. It is encircled by a lighted walking path with a unique covered walking bridge. The lake is surrounded by magnificent cottonwood trees, shaded campsites and picnic areas. The Hayden Nature Trail occupies the west lake area. It is a natural wildlife habitat that is enjoyed by all and used by area schools for studying wildlife. There is an observation tower to enjoy the serene native vista. There is a lighted basketball court, sand volleyball pit, and concerts at the lake. Lake Atwood is home to the annual Lake Atwood 10-Mile Race, which is rated as one of the top-10 road races in the U.S. Other summer time excitement includes Lake Atwood Days, Early Rod Run, and the County Fair.

The Atwood Country Club and Golf Course is a spectacular 9 hole golf 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 welcoming to guests.

History from the pioneer era is recreated at the The Rawlins County Museum. On the museum grounds, a beautiful historic white church also gives a glimpse back into history. Indian and settler history can be found at the museum, or take a museum map for a driving tour of the county.

Downtown Atwood is home to the historic 1920's Jayhawk Theater. Painstakingly renovated and upgraded by the community, this beautiful theater hosts the latest movies as well as local drama productions. Other local entertainment includes the Atwood Bowl & Fun Center or the city swimming pool. Many patrons enjoy the array of downtown shops and eating out at various restaurants. Culinary delights include homemade Mexican food at Park Hill or the region's specialty—excellent steaks—at the Aberdeen Steakhouse or the Corner Pocket.

Atwood has friendly neighbors, comfortable amenities, and is a place you'll be proud to call home. Come see for yourself what Atwood has to offer.



To learn more about health care career opportunities in rural Kansas, contact the Kansas Recruitment Center, Rural Health Education and Services, at 888-503-4221.


Rawlins County Health Center (RCHC) offers top of the line health care to Atwood and surrounding communities. First opened as Rawlins County Hospital in May of 1950, services have grown with the community. Today, a partnership with the hospital, clinic and Prairie Plaza Retirement Community provide well rounded care to the community. RCHC is a member of the Great Plains Health Alliance, an organization of leased, managed and affiliated hospitals in Kansas and Nebraska. Formed in 1950, GPHA is one of the oldest --and one of the largest-- not-for-profit management systems in the nation developed specifically to meet the special needs and challenges of the community health care system.

RCHC is now under construction after recently being approved for a $7,000,000 USDA loan. RCHC is building an entirely new patient wing. The facility is undergoing addition and renovations of the front entrance, admissions area (partially funded with a CDBG grant), lab, x-ray, ER and outpatient area. RCHC also has a new physical therapy/cardiac rehab addition under construction that is partially funded with a Tax Credit Grant.

Physician performing a check up

Rawlins County Health Center offers a three phase cardiac rehab program, diabetic education services, dietetic counseling, in house laboratory, pharmacy services, and physical therapy. RCHC offers numerous radiology services through the use of mobile services as well as in house services. These include Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, CT (Cat Scan), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Digital Mammography, Bone Mineral Density (Dexa Scan), EKG as well as radiographs. RCHC has a Swing Bed Program for skilled and intermediate care, focusing on rehabilitation.

Rawlins Specialty Clinic, located at RCHC, allows people in the community to have access to routine specialty health care services without leaving home. The Specialty Clinic also draws many out of town patients from the northwest Kansas area as well as eastern Colorado, and southwest Nebraska. Currently, there are 7 outreach physicians providing healthcare services on a monthly basis in the following specialty areas: Cardiology, Hematology/Oncology, Outpatient Surgery, Podiatry, Coumadin Clinic, and Anesthesia/Pain Management.

Rawlins Clinic/Atwood serves the Rawlins County area and surrounding counties. The clinic is conveniently attached to the Rawlins County Health Center to allow easy access for any medical tests or therapy that may be ordered for patients. Rawlins Clinic also operates a clinic in the nearby town of McDonald.

For an independent lifestyle for adults 55 or older, Prairie Plaza offers a unique array of benefits. It is designed to provide personal security and independence for any person who is ready for relief from the work, responsibility, and expense of home ownership.

We look forward to meeting you in Atwood.