Exploring the Depths: A Journey to Stratica, the Underground Salt Museum

by Sharon Harrison

Have you ever wanted to go 650 feet into the depths of the earth? In Hutchinson, Kansas, you can! It takes 90 seconds to go down in a double decker hoist (elevator), which gets very dark! There are 150 miles of tunnels and it takes two hours to tour.

Stratica, the Underground Salt Museum

When you get to the bottom, there are exhibits to explore regarding geology and mining. You will learn what it would have been to work in the salt mine back in the day and how the process has changed over time. It is a spot that is frozen in time, because whatever was brought down into the mine, stayed in the mine.

You will also get to take a 30-minute tram ride through a place in the mine that is dark with lit up areas. You will see some of the challenges and unique solutions required to keep the mines safe and functional. At one point, the driver will stop and let you pick up your own piece of salt to take home with you!

Viewing exhibits at Stratica

Because of the temperature and humidity, as well as the security, government documents and Hollywood films can be excellently preserved in these underground tunnels. There is a small museum of some of Hollywood's artifacts, so you can see costumes and other articles from some of the best movies Hollywood has ever made.

Racing outfit from Charlie's Angels movie

Achilles shield from the movie Troy

Batman costume

Mohammed Ali movie memorabilia and props

Men in Black II movie props and memorabilia

Superman costume

Dorothy, from the movie Twister

"For the adventure seekers that are always left wanting more, add the salt safari onto your tour. It is a guided ride through select parts of the mine where you will discover unique historical salt formations that only few have seen – until now." (source: underKansas.org)

I highly recommend this activity. Be sure to check in about fifteen minutes before you are supposed to go down. Before you begin your tour, you will be fitted for a hard hat.

Hours are Tuesday through Saturday: 9am - 3pm; Sunday 1:00-3:00 pm, closed Mondays. Address is 3650 E. Avenue G, Hutchinson, Kansas. Tickets are: $25 for adults, $18 for ages 4-12, Seniors 60+ are $23, Reno County residents are $19. Children must be 4 or older to take the tour. The Salt Safari Shuttle Add-On is $38.

DAY TRIP IDEA

Turn this into a fun day trip by going to lunch at the Traveling Bowl, 2221 N. Lorraine, Hutchinson ,after going to the Stratosphere. I highly recommend the Chicken Cream Cheese Bacon Rice!!!! Then, after lunch, visit the Kansas Cosmosphere for a tour through a wonderful space museum, view a domed IMAX movie, experience the planetarium and Dr. Goddard's Lab. The Kansas Cosmosphere has one of the most significant collections of U.S. and Russian space artifacts in the world! Don't miss out!