Kiowa County was the hunting ground of the tribe of Indians by the same name. The county was named for these Indians and means "principal people". William Matthewson, the original buffalo Bill, had a personal acquaintance with the Kiowa Chiefs. Matthewson was the first white settler in Wichita and represented the U.S. Government in all the early treaties with the Indians. He claimed that the Kiowa's hunting grounds were along Mule Creek that flows through southern Kiowa County. The Indians relied on the buffalo in Kiowa County in the early days that numbered around 40,000. The area was known as "Buffalo Land".

Soldier Creek Cemetery on a hill in southeast Kiowa county offers a great view of the rangeland that covers that area. Walk around the perimeter and enjoy the silence broken only by the sound of a working windmill.  You'll be transported back a century or so.

Along highway 154 on the west edge of Mullinville, there is a bizarre collection of what is best described as "kinetic art".  Wind powered objects twirl and dance.  Most are inscribed with the artist's strong opinions; everyone can find something to be offended by.