Junction City, Kansas, is a vibrant community that is a model of small-town success stories.
Beginning in 2020, Junction City embarked on an ambitious transformation. It’s breathing new life into its downtown, fostering a thriving business environment, and creating a sense of place that resonates with both long-time residents and newcomers alike.
Terry Butler, Vice President of the Junction City Main Street Board of Directors and a passionate advocate for Junction City’s revitalization, captured the spirit of this transformation:
“There is a movement in Junction City,” Terry said. “And I’m telling you, it is not going to end. It is just beginning, and it makes me cry. It’s unbelievable. It’s just unbelievable.”
I spoke with multiple people during my time in this town adjacent to Fort Riley, and her sentiment was echoed throughout the community.
From the installation of eye-catching statues to the farmers and makers markets that showcase local producers, Junction City’s story is one of community collaboration, innovative thinking, and a deep-seated belief in the potential of this place where the Smoky Hill and Republican rivers meet.
This is a community on the rise with, as Terry put it, “a uniquely American story.”
The Main Street Program
Junction City’s remarkable transformation is largely attributed to its participation in the Main Street America program.
Founded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1977, this program works with governmental organizations and corporations, providing access to grants, educational support, and more for historic downtowns.
As one of only twelve accredited Main Street communities in Kansas, the city has come together to reimagine its urban core.
The Main Street America program provides a proven framework for community-driven, comprehensive growth. Junction City embraced this approach, following the program’s four-point strategy:
- Promotion
- Design
- Organization
- Economic Vitality
Junction City began the process in 2020. Everything was shut down, so they had time to think about the future.
It’s clear this transformation didn’t happen due to a handful of people. City and county officials, organizations, and individuals had meeting after meeting, trying to figure out what they could do to improve their home.
“We would pretend like there were no no’s,” she said.
That commitment was evident in their fundraising efforts: in about two months, a team almost completely comprised of volunteers raised almost a half million dollars.
After months of planning, they applied and were accredited in 2021. Once a community receives accreditation, it’s not a done deal: they must resubmit annually, and Junction City is now in its third year.
The impact of the Main Street program on Junction City has been profound, adding eighteen new businesses in recent years.
Creating a Vibrant Downtown
Downtown revitalization has been at the heart of Junction City’s transformation. Infrastructure improvements, new businesses, and public art initiatives have breathed new life into the city center.
Two of these initiatives focus on public art. If you stroll around Junction City, you’ll see several “JC statues.”
These statues tell the story of Junction City. The most recent statue unveiled celebrates the city’s railroad and cattle drive history.
Related: Geary County Historical Society: Where Past Meets Present
There are also multiple murals, many by in-demand artist Mindy Allen. She’s a local who, through her company Mindy’s Murals, is known for her vibrant paintings.
One of the most impactful is the “Come Together” mural. While Mindy designed it, the community literally came together to paint it.
There are also all those new businesses. One of those is Highwind Brewing Company. A collaboration of many local investors and business people, it’s in an historic building that had been empty for decades.
After a multi-million dollar renovation, it’s now a new favorite watering hole with food hall-style dining.
Community Events
Community events didn’t start with Main Street participation, but they’ve played a crucial role in driving the growth of Junction City.
Freedom Fest, a five-day celebration that draws 40,000 to 50,000 people, showcases Junction City over the Independence Day holiday.
The Oktoberfest celebration has seen exponential growth. “The first year, we hoped for 1000 but we had 4000,” Terry said. “The second year, we hoped for 10,000, planned for 12,000, had 14,000. And the third year we had 15 to 20,000.”
Other events like Paint the Town Blue parade and Hometown Christmas have quickly become beloved traditions, fostering community pride and attracting visitors.
Related: nothing says community like baseball. Play ball at historic Rathert Field and the winning Junction City Brigade.
Supporting Local Entrepreneurs
Supporting local entrepreneurs has been a key aspect of Junction City’s strategy.
The city has developed programs like JCE 101 (Junction City Entrepreneur 101) and JCE 201 to support aspiring business owners, particularly those connected to Fort Riley.
There are several home-based businesses in Fort Riley, and with these resources, Junction City can help them be set up for success.
Leveraging Natural Resources
Junction City is also looking to capitalize on its natural resources.
As the home of the largest lake in Kansas and the fishing capital of the state, Geary County offers several opportunities for outside adventures.
Plans are underway to tap into these resources more effectively, including involvement in the Gravel Kansas Initiative to promote biking routes.
Changing Perceptions
Changing long-standing perceptions has been a significant challenge for Junction City. Terry was candid about the city’s past image: “We had a very bawdy reputation. We had lots of soldiers, lots of strip bars, lots of jazz, lots of crime, and our nickname was Junk Town.”
Academy Award winner Kevin Willmott, who’s from Junction City, even made a movie about it called Ninth Street.
Because of Fort Riley, that reputation is international as soldiers and their families move to bases in other countries. However, that perception is changing.
At a recent community breakfast, General Monte Rone praised Junction City. “You guys are the best kept secret,” Terry quoted. “Don’t keep it a secret.”
This community is definitely working on getting the word out.
What’s Next for Junction City
Looking to the future, there are several key areas for Junction City’s continued growth, including downtown recreation, outdoor dining, and mixed-use housing.
The “Gate to Gate Rejuvenate” project aims to improve the corridor between Fort Riley and downtown Junction City, further integrating the military community with the city.
To ensure the sustainability of these efforts, new initiatives like “Flags of Geary County” are being implemented.
This program, inspired by a similar initiative in Texarkana, will serve as a fundraiser for Main Street while engaging various community groups in its execution.
As Junction City continues to grow and evolve, it stands as a model for other small cities looking to improve their communities.
The story of Junction City is one of resilience, innovation, and community spirit – a testament to what can be achieved when a town comes together with a shared vision for a brighter future.
As Terry put it, “Everything is connected right now… as if I think of my heart and my arteries and my vessels, that’s how I see it, and everything comes back. This is the heart and soul of our community and everybody wants it.”
For those looking to experience this transformation firsthand, Junction City extends an open invitation to visit and be part of its ongoing renaissance.
For more information, visit junctioncitymainstreet.com.
Ready to plan a trip to Geary County, KS? Reserve your copy of Discover Geary County, Kansas: Nature, History, and Hometown Hospitality in the Sunflower State
