South Haven Schools

South Haven students attend schools in the South Haven Unified School District 509. South Haven serves approximately 200 students. Students can participate in FFA, FCCLA, PEP Club, and many other activities. 

South Haven Lifestyle

South Haven offers a view of the beautiful Kansas country side. Wellington and Ark City are under 25 minutes away, making for convenient commutes to work or for a day out.   

South Haven Transportation

Highway US-81 runs through South Haven and Interstate I-35 is to the east. Wellington and Arkansas City are both under 25 minutes from South Haven. Downtown Wichita is a 50 minute drive from South Haven.

South Haven Local Attractions/Activities

South Haven is home to Kay’s Corner, a locally owned Café. Wellington and Ark City offer many attractions including the Regent Theatre, Cinema 8 Theatre, Wellington Lake, and many other attractions, all just 25 minutes away.

South Haven– History

The town is situated on land that had originally belonged to the Osage Indian Nation. The town was established in 1872 when four men gave a quarter of a section of their adjourning land to form the new city.

When the city made an application to the U.S. Government to establish a post office, Washington officials objected to the name Shoe Fly City. They wanted the town to be given a more dignified name. A few of the town’s prominent residents came from South Haven, Mich., and this name was chosen when the new name for the town came to a vote. The town was awarded a charter for the South Haven post office in 1874.

The railroad came into town in 1883 as a means of hauling cattle to market. The tracks ran from Arkansas City to Anthony, a total of 59.35 miles. The railroad company needed more land and the Town Development Company could not reach an agreement. They believed the railroad would continue its roads south. The decision was made later to continue the line to Hunnewell. In 1882, a group of merchants and ranchers had a horse show as an effort to bring the town together.

Known as the Farmer’s Institute, the event was conducted for several years with a picnic, games and other forms of entertainment. In August 1901, the name changed to The South Haven Fair Association with exhibits of fruit, vegetables, and field crops. The South Haven Fair is still on the last weekend of August. Activities include exhibits, races, rides, a parade, a pedal pull, a 5K and one mile fun run, ag Olympics, and drawings.

(Source- Sumner County Visitor’s Guide)