Some people say that they like to drive through Kansas in the middle of the night because there is nothing to see here. But, if they do that, they are really missing out! As those of us who live here know, it's a wonderful state to be in! In Kansas, you can experience the deep blue sky, the golden waves of grain, top notch museums, beautiful lakes and rolling hills. You can walk through beautiful zoos and parks, experience history in lively reproductions of the past, float your cares away on a tube down the Arkansas River, go underground in a salt museum, sample a plethora of foods from all around the world, listen to local musicians while indulging in a wine tasting, and bike or hike the many trails that meander through the state.
These are the top ten things to do this summer in the Sunflower State.
1. Wamego, Kansas
A quiet little town called Wamego, situated between Manhattan and Topeka, is the site of the this Oz Museum which plays tribute to one of the greatest movies of all time, the "Wizard of Oz"! You can explore over 2,000 Oz artifacts from the famous 1939 Judy Garland movie.
Other things to enjoy: Scattered all through the town are little Toto statues that were created by local artists. Take an up-close buffalo wagon tour at the Lazy Heart D Ranch ten miles north of Wamego. Go to the Wamego Historical Museum and Prairie Village to see authentic buildings from the 1800's, exhibits featuring the Konza and Potawatomie Indians who were the original inhabitants of the area, as well as an exhibit of the area's underground railroad history. Grab lunch at Toto's TacOz and then head over to the Oz Winery tasting room to try wines with the names "Squished Witch", "Emerald City Lights" and "Auntie Em's Prairie Rose". At the winery giftshop, you can buy wine and accessories, hand-made chocolates, gourmet cheese and cigars. If you want to stay longer, you can book a stay at the adorable Victory Inn Bed and Breakfast. After breakfast, you can enjoy the many walking and biking trails in the area that are from 15 to 50 miles in length.
2. Ellsworth and Wilson, Kansas
Ellsworth and Wilson are two tiny little towns in Kansas. You can start (or end) your trip by going to Mushroom Rock State Park, which is east of Ellsworth. Then, proceed to Ellsworth for a fascinating Underground Tunnel Tour and learn more about the history of one of the wickedest wild west towns in Kansas. While there, you should stay at the Historic Wolf Hotel, if you dare!!! It is said to be haunted, so stay at your own risk! It does serve up some lively spirits at its Prohibition Bar! If you stay on the third weekend of the month, they have a wonderful Sunday lunch. The Wolf Hotel also offers various events throughout the year, such as murder mysteries, comedy shows and paranormal tours. Just check their website and you should make reservations for anything you are interested in.
Wilson, Kansas is only about 15 miles away. Drive to that area to see Wilson Lake where there are over 20 miles of walking and biking trails or you can get on the water. Going into the town of Wilson, you can see the world's largest Czech egg! And, who doesn't want to see that? Another very cool thing is that you can take a one hour tour of the Missile Silo Adventure Resort, or you can even spend a night or two underground inside the missile silo!
3. Topeka, Kansas
The state capitol of Topeka would be a great choice for a day trip, or longer. You can tour the Kansas Statehouse, where you can walk the 296 stairs to do the dome tour. It is the only US State Capitol tour where you can go clear to the top of the dome and walk along the outside balcony for a birds' eye view of the city! There are some very interesting museums in Topeka. The Brown vs Board of Education Museum highlights the moment when separate but equal was no longer considered equal. In the Evel Knievel Museum, you can can discover the death-defying bikes that launched the legend, see his iconic 1974 Mack truck and trailer that hauled all of his gear, and hop on the bike simulator to experience one of his jumps. Go have a picnic at the Topeka Zoo. Cool off at Lake Shawnee Venture Cove where you can rent paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards for the day. There are two summer festivals in Topeka, the Fiesta Topeka and the For the Culture Kansas Fest, both are held in July. Book a night at the Woodward Inn on Filmore and enjoy a romantic special get-away package. Grab a casual dinner at the Wheel Barrel, where you can have a Monte Christo or a How Now Bleu Cow.
4. Meade and Dodge City, Kansas
The Dalton Gang was a notorious group of outlaws in the 1890's. Their sister, Eva, owned a little house in Meade, Kansas that had an escape tunnel that went to the barn. This has been made into a museum and gift store that you should definitely go see. While you are in Meade, stop at the Rusty Junker Antique store. Grab a burger for lunch at Bob's Drive-In. You can take your lunch to the Lake Meade State Park Wildlife and Fish Hatchery. Then, head to Dodge City, about an hour away. Take a one hour trolley tour and listen to the history of Dodge City. Take a tour of the Mueller-Schmidt's House of Stone. Try to catch a rodeo! Go to Boot Hill and watch a gun fight followed by a sasparilla at the Long Branch Saloon! Try your hand at the Boot Hill Casino, and stay the night so you can play as long as you want. If you stay until the next day, eat lunch at El Charro for some awesome Mexican food!
You will find more information about these and other great Kansas locations in the following resources:
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