Belle Plaine, KS Real Estate And Homes For Sale 9 listings

Schools & Education

USD 357 has approximately 625 students in preschool through grade 12. There are three attendance centers; Belle Plaine Elementary School, Belle Plaine Middle School and Belle Plaine High School. The district focus is on developing fundamental academic skills through creating a positive environment in which all students can learn. Belle Plaine schools provide an enhanced fine arts and vocational curriculum using technology to develop 21^st Century learning skills. The district also prides itself on having outstanding administration and staff. Find homes in Belle Plaine by school district.

Local Transportation

Belle Plaine is located just east of interstate I-35. Wellington and Derby are 20 minutes away and downtown Wichita is a quick 30 minute drive from town. Commuting to work or for a day out is easy! Browse the newest real estate listings in Belle Plaine, KS.

The History of Belle Plaine

Belle Plaine—the oldest city in Sumner County—was founded in 1871 and incorporated in 1884. It’s located in the northeast corner of the county, situated in a valley between the Arkansas and Ninnescah Rivers. Belle Plaine was settled and established by families from Iowa and Ohio. Once known for its many apple orchards, this family oriented community's agriculture base now includes wheat, grain, sorghums, soybeans, mung beans, pecan orchards and cattle.

Despite the description of the area as the Great American Desert by General Stephen Long in 1823, many believed the stories of the railroad executives and cowboys and believed Kansas offered abundant rich new land at a price the poorest could afford. So, they came from Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and New York as well as Canada, Scotland, Germany and England. They came by covered wagon, on horseback, and on foot. Many brought only what they could carry on their backs or in covered wagons and settled the area that would become Paradise Valley and Belle Plaine, the oldest existing city in Sumner County. Although three other town sights were laid out before Belle Plaine, they did not survive and dropped into obscurity.

On July 5, 1870, the Clewell, Walton, Cambridge, and LeForce families arrived. They spent their first winter in Wichita. All of the families except for Alexander Clewell moved on when they heard of richer land to the south. Alexander settled one mile north and two miles west of Belle Plaine where their descendants still live and farm the land.

It was not until July 13, 1870 when the Osage tribes made a treaty with the United States Government and ceded their reserve to the government that an increased number of settlers started to arrive. The North family was among those settlers. The Lawless, Phipps and Griffith families from Kentucky, the Alter family from Pennsylvania and Wallace family from Illinois arrived in 1871 and early 1872. It was at the request of Olive North the town be named after her hometown of Belle Plaine, IA.

In the early days, Belle Plaine had a flourmill, one grain elevator, a newspaper, two large hotels, one bank, three churches, a grade school, a stagecoach stop, carriage factory, blacksmith shop and two brick factories. At one time, there were two banks, two newspapers, sawmill, opera house, and roller skating rink. Just north of town was a dance hall called the Green Frog. Three railroads serviced Belle Plaine at one time; AT&S on the west edge of town, Missouri-Pacific on the south edge and the Midland Valley on the east.

Attractions & Activities

Belle Plaine is home to the Belle Plaine Historical Museum, Bartlett Arboretum, parks and more. The community offers various historical experiences in addition to local attractions including the swimming pool and various parks. Wichita is a short 30 minute commute and offers many other attractions including the INTRUST Bank Arena, Warren Theatre, and Sedgwick County Zoo.

Belle Plaine, KS Real Estate Services

An experienced real estate agent can give you insider information on details like the best neighborhoods in the area, school districts, shopping, and entertainment. If you are ready to find your dream home, stop by our Belle Plaine office, or contact us today!