The 2027 CKANA Women's Retreat takes place October 22–24, 2027, in Claflin, Kansas, bringing women in Narcotics Anonymous together for a weekend of recovery and fellowship in the heart of central Kansas.
Organized by the Central Kansas Area of Narcotics Anonymous, the retreat offers an opportunity to spend time with other women in recovery while enjoying the open landscapes and quieter pace of rural Kansas.
Claflin is a small Barton County community surrounded by agricultural countryside and located near Cheyenne Bottoms, one of the state's most remarkable natural areas. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, historic attractions, and nearby communities before or after the retreat.
Here's how to prepare for the trip and make the most of the surrounding area.
Getting to Claflin
Claflin is located in central Kansas, approximately 20 miles northeast of Great Bend.
The retreat's official location is:
2027 CKANA Women's Retreat
884 NE 110 Avenue
Claflin, KS 67525
Claflin is accessible from Kansas Highway 4, which connects the community with other towns across central Kansas.
Driving is the most practical way to reach the retreat, particularly because the venue is outside the main town center.
For visitors arriving from other states, Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport is an option for commercial air service. Travelers should plan on renting a vehicle or arranging transportation for the remainder of the journey.
Those coming from elsewhere in Kansas can use the state's highway network to reach Claflin through Great Bend, Hoisington, or surrounding communities.
Because the retreat is in a rural area, verify the exact destination in your navigation system before leaving home. Cellular reception and services may be limited along some rural roads.
Discover Claflin's Small-Town Atmosphere
Claflin is a community of just over 600 residents, located near the geographic center of Kansas.
Originally settled in the nineteenth century, the town developed alongside agriculture and railroad activity.
Today, it offers a quieter setting than the state's larger cities, with residential streets, open landscapes, and a close connection to the surrounding farming communities.
Visitors who enjoy exploring small towns may appreciate taking a short drive through Claflin before heading to the retreat.
The town also lies along the Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway, which connects communities and natural attractions throughout the region.
Explore Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area
One of the most distinctive destinations near Claflin is Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area.
Located southwest of Claflin and northeast of Great Bend, Cheyenne Bottoms is an internationally significant wetland complex.
The state-managed wildlife area covers approximately 19,857 acres, forming part of a larger natural basin known for its migrating birds.
During migration seasons, the wetlands attract waterfowl, shorebirds, and numerous other bird species.
Visitors can explore designated roads and observation areas to enjoy the landscape and look for wildlife.
October can be an especially interesting time for autumn bird migration, although sightings depend on weather, water levels, and seasonal conditions.
Bring binoculars or a camera if you're interested in wildlife photography.
Because this is an active wildlife management area, check public access rules and hunting-season information before visiting.
Follow the Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway
The Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway offers an opportunity to experience central Kansas beyond its highways and agricultural fields.
The route connects small communities, wetland habitats, and historic attractions throughout Barton and Stafford counties.
Visitors can explore sections of the byway without committing to the entire route.
Driving through the region provides views of prairie landscapes, farmland, wetlands, and historic Kansas communities.
For those who enjoy quieter sightseeing, this can be a pleasant option before or after the retreat.
Explore Great Bend
Great Bend is the largest nearby community and a practical destination for shopping, restaurants, and additional attractions.
Located approximately 20 miles southwest of Claflin, Great Bend offers grocery stores, pharmacies, cafés, and other services that may be useful during your visit.
Its downtown district includes historic buildings, locally owned businesses, and connections to the region's Santa Fe Trail heritage.
For travelers arriving early, Great Bend is a convenient place to stop for a meal or purchase supplies before continuing to the retreat.
Visit the Barton County Historical Society Museum & Village
History enthusiasts may enjoy the Barton County Historical Society Museum & Village near Great Bend.
The museum grounds feature historic buildings and displays related to the region's pioneer settlement and agricultural development.
Among the structures are a nineteenth-century stone home, a one-room schoolhouse, a historic church, and a railroad depot.
The museum provides a closer look at how communities developed across the Kansas plains.
It also serves as an interpretive location for the Santa Fe National Historic Trail and the Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway.
Check opening hours before visiting, particularly if your available sightseeing time falls on a weekend.
Discover the Historic Ellinwood Underground
Another unusual attraction in Barton County is the Ellinwood Underground.
Located in the nearby community of Ellinwood, this historic attraction preserves underground spaces dating to the town's nineteenth-century development.
Guided tours introduce visitors to former underground storefronts and rooms associated with Ellinwood's early commercial district.
The tunnels offer a very different experience from the area's outdoor attractions.
Tours require advance reservations, so this is best suited to visitors who can plan an outing before or after the retreat.
Enjoy Central Kansas Prairie Scenery
One of the most appealing aspects of visiting central Kansas is the landscape itself.
Wide horizons, open fields, quiet country roads, and expansive skies give the region a distinctive character.
Late October can bring changing colors to roadside trees and vegetation, along with the golden and brown tones of autumn farmland.
Visitors interested in photography may enjoy the scenery along public highways and designated viewing areas.
Sunrise and sunset can be particularly attractive across the open prairie.
Respect private property boundaries when stopping to take photographs, and use safe designated places to pull off the road.
Finding Food and Supplies
Because Claflin is a small rural community, visitors should plan ahead for groceries and personal necessities.
Great Bend offers a broader selection of grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, and other retailers.
Consider purchasing snacks, toiletries, medications, and other essentials before arriving at the retreat.
The official event announcement identifies the retreat location, but attendees should confirm sleeping arrangements, meal provisions, and any required personal supplies directly with the organizers.
If you have dietary restrictions, checking these details in advance can help make the weekend more comfortable.
Preparing for October Weather
Late October in central Kansas can bring a wide range of weather conditions.
Afternoons may be pleasant, while mornings and evenings can be significantly cooler.
Strong winds, rain, and occasional early-season freezing temperatures are possible.
Pack comfortable clothing that can be layered, a warm jacket, and shoes appropriate for outdoor walking.
Because Kansas weather can change quickly, check forecasts before departing and keep some flexibility in your travel plans.
If you intend to visit Cheyenne Bottoms or other outdoor areas, wind protection and suitable footwear can make sightseeing more comfortable.
Making the Most of Retreat Weekend
A women's recovery retreat provides an opportunity to connect with other members, strengthen friendships, and spend time focused on recovery.
Claflin's rural setting offers a quieter environment than a major city or busy resort destination.
There's no need to fill every free moment with sightseeing.
A peaceful drive through the countryside, a short visit to the wetlands, or a conversation with another member can complement the retreat experience.
If you're traveling from a longer distance, consider allowing additional time to explore Great Bend, Cheyenne Bottoms, or the surrounding scenic byway.
The opportunity to spend a weekend with women in recovery is the heart of the trip.
Plan Your Visit
The 2027 CKANA Women's Retreat takes place October 22–24, 2027, at 884 NE 110 Avenue in Claflin, Kansas.
The Central Kansas Area of Narcotics Anonymous is listed as the organizer. Review the official event announcement for any updated arrival instructions or retreat arrangements before traveling.
View the 2027 CKANA Women's Retreat in the NA Event Directory
Official 2027 CKANA Women's Retreat information
Photo credit: Benjamin White / Pexels.