The area offers rural living adjacent to urban amenities. Two vibrant and thriving retail trade areas, located ten minutes apart in Arkansas City and Winfield, are easier to get to and closer together than most metropolitan shopping malls. Arkansas City and Winfield offer public and private golf courses. Quail Ridge in Winfield is ranked as one of the state's top municipal courses. Swimming, skiing, boating and fishing are available at the Winfield City Lake or nearby Kaw Reservoir.
Fishing is also available at the State Lake and along the Walnut and Arkansas rivers.
Hunters find a variety of game birds and deer in season. County seat, Winfield. The Special Collections of the Ablah Library at WSU contain historical images of Winfield , Silverdale , Udall , Dexter , Arkansas City ,and Burden .