National Orphan Train Complex – Concordia, KS

The history of the Orphan Train is an interesting attempt at trying to give children a home who were homeless at the time.  This period ran from 1854 to 1929 when it was estimated that 200,000 children were placed out of homes across the forty-seven states and Canada.

With the huge influx of immigrants to the United States from all over the world because of the promotions being touted about how the United States was the “Land of Milk and Honey,” or “The Land of Opportunity”.  The immigrants came thinking they would improve their lives and the lives of their families.  In reality they found that there were few jobs and those that were available didn’t pay much.  Often times the fathers would take jobs that were terribly dangerous to make the money needed for his family, such as at sea or in other working environments.  Safety wasn’t a concern for most of the proprietors of businesses at the time.  This left the women and children to make their own way living as best they could in crowded tenements, often with up to 10 people per room.

With no other family to help out in times of need the families often fell apart.  The stress was just too great or the illnesses that overcame the family due to the unsanitary living conditions caused many children to be abandoned or orphaned.  Orphanages were built to care for as many children as could possibily be taken care of but when the parents could no longer pay the bill for thier care the children became wards of the state.  That’s what lead to the Orpah Train.

The social experiment called “placing out” began and between 1853 and 1929 trainloads of destitute and homeless children were transported from New York City, Boston and other cities on the Eastern seacoast to cities and towns along the rail lines in America’s Middle West and West.  Chicago and other larger Midwest cities also established orphan trains.  It was a way to get rid of the kids that were a burden to the cities.  They probably thought it was better than living on the streets, and perhaps it was, but it was a terrifying experience for the children.  The children were offered to farmers, housewives and businessmen as indentured workers.  Not particualrily a great way to start your life in a new home.  Now some of the kids were lucky and went to families that treated them well and loved them, others didn’t.

The “placing out” program was part of the American story for 75 years.  When the Orphan Trains were stopped in 1929 it was thought that the child welfare system would be able to take care of these children.  It turns out that, although the Orphan Trains no long run the foster care system isn’t a whole lot better today.

When the Oprah Train was coming to town there would be notices posted so that the citizens that were interested in a child could come and examine them and choose which one(s) they wanted.  Today the foster care system works differently but still the kids are placed with families, some good, some not and when they are eligible for adoption the prospective parents get to look the child over, have them in their homes on a trial basis, before deciding if it is a child they want to keep.

The stories of the children of the Orpah Train tell of some of the good families that provided homes and loving environment for them, others tell of the difficulties, the lack of warmth and concern for the kids.  Studying the stories of the Orpan Train certainly is a piece of history that needs to be remembered.

The Museum and Research Center are dedicated to the preservation of the stories and artifacts of those who were part of the Orphan Train Movement.

Location:

National Orphan Train Complex
300 Washington St.
P.O. Box 322
Concordia, KS 66901

Phone: 785-243-4471
Email: orphantraindepot@gmail.com

Camp Concordia WWII POW Camp – Concordia, Kansas

From July of 1943 until November 1945 through the gates of this POW camp there were 4000 German POW’s. There were also 880 soldiers and 179 civilian employees working at the camp. 

In total there were 300,000 German Prisoners of War interred in the United States.  Those that were interred in Kansas often worked on farms but some worked on the railroad or in the ice plant.  They also had their own band and newspaper.

 The camp consisted of 304 buildings including a 177 bed hospital, fire department, warehouse, cold storage, and officers club, barracks, mess halls & administrative buildings for both the German POW’s and the American soldiers.  There were also officers and nurses quarters, complete with roads, electricity, sewer, water (including a 100,000
gallon water tower), telephone systems, and fencing.

The majority of those at Camp Concordia were captured in Africa but were members of the German Army.  The first POW’s came over from Rommel’s Afrika Korps.

Camp Concordia officially closed on November 8, 1945. Many of the buildings were torn down and others were moved. Some are still serving as homes in Concordia. The only structures remaining at the original location are Guard Post 20, a ware house, some stone walls, the officers club, a few foundations, and the tower which once supported a 100,000 gallon water tank. A two story stone guard tower has been reconstructed. Some of the buildings were torn down and others were moved, some of which can still be seen in town as houses.

The POW Camp Concordia Preservation Society uses the Guard House 20 as a small museum but it isn’t open on a regular schedule.  The Cloud County Museum has a number of exhibits devoted to the camp so not only should you visit the camp itself but also stop in at the Museum and look around. 

During the war there were approximately 9 POW camps in Kansas alone.  Throughout the rest of the country there were many more, each with their own history and stories to tell.

To visit the remains of Camp Concordia and see the museum you can contact the Society at 785-527-5576.

Directions: go north of Concordia on US 81, 2 miles to Union Road. (also known as Fort Kearney Road) Then turn right (East) on Union Road where you will find the reconstructed guard tower on your left. Guard House 20 is a few blocks farther east.

When you are in the Wichita area and headed north you may want to alter your plans to go search out the history of this camp.  Concordia is located 150 miles north of Wichita.  Of course, if you are in Topeka you can go 175 west and be there or 110 miles southwest of Lincoln, Nebraska.  None of these are so far away that you can’t make an educational trip to the area and learn about the life of the POW’s while the history is still there!

Box Lazy A Ranch Retreat – Axtell, KansasThis opportunity to spend some time on a ranch, where you can actually spend some time relaxing with family or friends in a peaceful area with lots to do, if you want to do them, will be a fabulous break from the normal pace of life.  Here you will be able to choose to go on a hike through the woodlands, listen to the array of birds that sing their greeting to you.  Maybe you want to sit back and fish in Spring Creek Pond where the sun can warm you body and the peace can rest your mind.  Perhaps you want to take the kayak out on the pond and see just how coordinated you really are!A vacation on a ranch wouldn’t be complete without horseback riding on the trails.  There is nothing quite as wonderful as sitting on a horse, walking through the fields and woodlands observing the beauty of nature.  You get a whole new perspective of how peaceful things can really be when you are out in nature on horseback.This delightful small family owned and operated ranch is located in the hills of North East Kansas, a perfect get away in the beautiful rolling hills of the area.  There are 160 acres for you to explore.There are over 3000 acres of prime hunting and fishing lands surrounding the ranch which means that you can not only enjoy the ranch in the spring and summer but can also enjoy the hunting available to you in the fall and winter!  How perfect is that??  You can hunt turkey, whitetail, or predator using archery, muzzle loader or firearm.  So, regardless of the type of hunting you enjoy the ranch can offer you a fabulous experience!Location: Box Lazy A Ranch, 3063 Cherokee RdAxtell, KS 66403Phone: 785-736-2822Cecilia McNeal, owner 

Take in History at the Combat Air Museum in Topeka

For almost thirty years, the Combat Air Museum in Topeka, Kansas has been educating and entertaining the public. It is located at Forbes Field, just south of Topeka. The museum makes a nice destination for any tourists staying in the Topeka area.

Here, you will find a treasure trove of aircraft, engines, and artifacts from throughout the aviation history of our military. The Combat Air Museum has plenty to see and do, and you could easily spend an entire afternoon walking among the aircraft and exhibits. Everyone in the family, from the grandparents down to the tots, can appreciate the importance of the museum.

Popular Exhibits

The museum houses a number of different exhibits, including many that portray the WWII era.

One of the most popular to see is the German POW Room, which shows how prisoners of war were kept. The museum even has an actual WWII era ambulance, as well as a Jeep from the 1950s. This style jeep was used during the Korean War.

You will also want to make sure you see one of the newest exhibits on display – the escape capsule of an F-111.

Popular Aircraft

The Sea Stallion, which is a member of the Marine Corps aircraft family, was used primarily as a cargo transporter. As its secondary operational specialty, it carried troops into battle or casualties away from the fight.

The Skynight is certainly a unique aircraft, from the black finish to the folding wings. During the Korean War, this style of aircraft was responsible for shooting down the most enemy aircraft of any Navy or Marine plane.

Around the nation, the Navy flight team known as the Blue Angels is renowned for their aerial skills and daring. You can find one of these jets, called a Tiger, at the museum.

Besides the aircraft and the exhibits, be sure to check out the museum’s collection of aviation artwork. Before leaving, you will want to stop by the gift shop as well to peruse all of the aviation themed items that are for sale. It would be nice to pick something up to commemorate your trip.

The Combat Air Museum is open and welcoming guests year round. Admission for adults over 18 years old is $6, children 6-17 are $4, and kids under 6 years of age are free. Those who are active duty military pay only $4. You might wish to take one of the guided tours around the museum – it is certainly one of the best ways to learn about the aircraft.

The Greyhound Hall of Fame – Abilene, Kansas

The museum is free and across from the street from the Eisenhower complex.

Location
407 S Buckeye, Abilene, KS   67410

Phone: (785) 263-3000
Fax: (785) 263-2604
Toll Free: (800) 932-7881

The museum is devoted to greyhound breeding, racing, and the history of the sport. You will even be greeted by a retired Greyhoud as you enter the Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame includes a theater, meeting rooms, museum and the Greyhound Hall of Fame display where the dogs and industry pioneers are immortalized. There are also retired greyhounds present to greet visitors. A large portion of the building is devoted to the "hall of fame" displays of inductees – displays that probably only interest people that are devoted to greyhound racing.

Although the tour is not time consuming you will truly enjoy it, plan for approximately 20 minutes in the Hall of Fame.

The Fashion Museum – Abilene, Kansas

Enjoy a trip through time by looking at the clothing that people have worn over the past 100 years.  The clothing that men and women have worn has been directly influenced by the social and cultural changes of each era. Since early settlement in Kansas in the 1850s, fashion has undergone numerous and radical changes – each one reflecting our changing social structure and changes in the world in which we live. Just think of the radical changes that have transpired from the long dresses with corsets of the 1800’s to the bell bottom pants of the 1960’s to the mini skirt.

"The garments featured in each decade of the permanent exhibit are changed regularly, so there is always something new to see," says museum director, Jill Crist. "The changing gallery gives us the opportunity to highlight special collections or to put new exhibits together by picking and choosing from the extensive collection that is in storage."

Location:  212 N. Broadway in historic downtown Abilene

Hours of Operation

10-4 Tuesday – Saturday
(after hours by appointment)
Office: (785)263-7997
Fax: (785)263-1704

Admission

$3 Adults
Children under 12 free
Discount rates available
for groups of 10 and more

Chisholm Trail Historical Marker – Abilene, Kansas

The rides were sometimes in the winter where the battle against cold, snow and rain was a constant companion.  Trying to find someplace dry to sleep was almost impossible for the cowboy.  They would often move the fire over after it had burned for awhile because the ground under would be warm and dry, at least for a little while.

The cowboys were often required to pay a "toll" to the Indians of the area to avoid problems on the drive.  They would cut out some cattle, give them to the Indians and then be allowed to go forward with no problems.  Then there were the Nesters (settlers that moved into the area) that didn’t want the drives to cross their lands because they were afraid the cattle would destroy the grass.  This caused the herds to be narrowed down to a smaller trail.  The Nesters were more of a problem, according to the stories told by those that drove the cattle, then the Indians.  The Nesters would group together, armed and not allow the herds to pass on their land.

 The stories that cowboys sang to the herd at night were true one cowboy said, "Yes, we sung, whistled, and hummed to the cattle so they would know where we were, also that the other guards might know our location. The constant sound prevented fright from any sudden sound, such as a horse stumbling, etc."

There was a legendary longhorn on the Chisholm Trail that led the cattle drive which was owned by Charles Goodnight, co-founder of the Goodnight-Loving Trail in west Texas, who had a favorite lead steer known as Old Blue. The steer reportedly led about 10,000 longhorns north along the trail over eight seasons, before finally retiring from the trail.

In the five years from 1867 to 1872, more than three million head of cattle were driven up the Chisholm Trail from Texas to Abilene.

By 1870 thousands of Texas longhorn cattle were being driven over the Chisholm Trail to the Union Pacific (later the Kansas Pacific) Railroad shipping center at Abilene. By 1871 as many as 5,000 cowboys were often paid off during a single day. Abilene became known as a rough town in the Old West.

The Chisholm Trail Historical Marker which marks the end of the Chisholm Trail is located in Abilene at: 3rd & N Buckeye, Abilene, KS   67410

Phone: (785) 263-2681 (the post office where the marker is located)

Abilene & Smoky Valley Excursion Train – Abilene, Kansas

There are many steam engine trains that run across the United States for the enjoyment of tourists and history buffs.  This train consists of a vintage diesel-electric locomotive, a century-old wooden sided passenger/diner, open air observation cars and a caboose, the excursion train travels through the Smoky Hill River Valley between historic Abilene and Enterprise, a ten mile round trip.

The train travels at a leisurely 10-15 miles an hour, so there is plenty of time for passengers to take pictures, and visit with the other passengers or train crew. Special charter trains available. Dinner trains in the spring and fall, by reservation only. Now departing from the Rock Island Depot in Old Abilene Town. Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Location: 200 SE 5th, south of the Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum, Abilene, KS   67410

Phone: (785) 263-1077
Fax: (785) 263-1077
Toll Free: (888) 426-6687

Dickinson County Heritage Center – Abilene, Kansas

Visit the two in-door museums depicting life on the Plains during the American pioneer movement and westward expansion periods.  The exhibits include Indians, pioneers, railroad, agriculture, Victorian and cow-town eras.  See how life was for those brave settlers that crossed the land to make their homes in uncharted land in the 1800’s. Not only are there displays inside there are more outside including a 1901 Packard Carousel.

 Museum of Independent Telephony is the other museum at this site.  You can follow the development of the telephone industry.  Guided tours are offered to take you through the history of the telephone development in Abilene where United Telephone got it’s start and Sprint has a headquarters.

Location: 412 South Campbell,  Abilene, Kansas 67410 – directly east of the Eisenhower Center

Hours: Open all year:
Winter hours: Monday – Friday 9 – 3
Saturday: 10 – 5 and Sunday 1 – 5
During the summer there are extended hours with Monday – Friday being 9-5 and until 8 on Saturdays.

Admission: $4 for those 16 and older, Seniors 62 and over $3, Carousel rides are extra.  Children 2-15 $2 each which includes the carousel.  Carousel rides are $2 per person.

Telephone: 785-263-2681

Freedom Memorial – El Dorado, Kansas

The Celebration of Freedom Memorial is dedicated to the men and women of the Butler County, Kansas community who have served to further the freedom of our great nation. Located on the front lawn of the historic Butler County Courthouse 205 W Central, El Dorado, Kansas, the memorial is made up of a center half circle walkway and a walkway on the East and West sides.

The entrance to the memorial walkway is marked by a Signers Panel located beneath the flag pole. The panel contains the names of the 56 Americans who signed the Declaration of Independence, and in addition – George Washington, the Father of our country; Patrick Henry, the Voice of Freedom; and George Mason, the Pen of Freedom.

Flanking the flag pole on the East is what is often referred to as the Eagle Side. The centerpiece is a six and one-half foot bald eagle cast bronze sculpture entitled "Sovereign Wings", designed by Sandy Scott , a widely acclaimed sculptor. The more than life size eagle is poised majestically for flight on top of brick and limestone base. Scott’s design of this piece won the Gold Medal in Colorado’s Bronze Statue Art Contest.

The Eagle Side memorial wall is a six and one-half foot high brick semi-circle. Six pieces of black granite are inset in the wall and feature the Great Seal of the United States of America and individual emblems of the United States Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy. On the west side of the Eagle side, an extended wall that slopes to the ground provides additional aesthetic value.

The walkway is made up of 33 mahogany granite panels. The first panel contains the POW and MIA emblem. Each of the remaining panels is divided into brick-shaped sections and engraved with over 900 names of veterans, those currently serving, and non-veterans. Additional panels can be added in the future. Twelve black granite benches are situated along the memorial walk.

The west section of the Celebration of Freedom Memorial is often referred to as the Liberty side. The centerpiece to this section is the Miss Liberty statue that was originally presented to the Butler County community by local troops of the Boy Scouts of America on June 14, 1950. The statue is one of approximately two hundred replicas of the Statue of Liberty which were purchased and dedicated by Boy Scout troops all over the United States. Miss Liberty stands atop a limestone pedestal that is surrounded by a star-shaped wall that was once a flower bed, but has since been filled with concrete.

The walkway leading from the entrance to Miss Liberty is much like that which leads to the eagle. Mahogany granite panels bear the names of those who have served in the armed forces and others that have contributed to the preservation of freedom in one way or another. There are approximately 500 names on the walkway of the Miss Liberty side of the memorial with room for expansion. The pathway is lined with black granite benches.

Flint Hills Overland Wagon Train – El Dorado, Kansas

Are you interested in taking a true wagon train experience?  If you are here is an opportunity for you.  The journey will consisit of the following:  All weekend trips begin with prospective weekend pioneers meeting at 10:00 a.m. at the tennis courts-athletic field in the 300 block of South Neosho Street in Council Grove, Kansas, which is a block north of Custer Oak Park.

After an introductory briefing, personal vehicles will join in an escorted caravan to the embarkation point. Vehicles will be parked at the ranch overnight. Camping gear and luggage will be transported to the overnight campsite independent of the wagon train. More detailed instructions and map will be sent with your confirmation after they receive back your application and deposit.

All weekend trips begin with a "tenderfeet" meeting Saturday morning. Evening campfire entertainment begins around 8:30 to 9 p.m. After an overnight rest, the wagon train sets out again Sunday morning, returning "old hands" to their vehicles around noon Sunday.

Scheduled trips will proceed in all but severe weather. To verify that an excursion remains on schedule, call 316-321-6300.* Dates are subject to availability of equipment and weather conditions.* They reserve the right to change dates of trips without notice. * For more information about Continuing Education Trips through Emporia State University for anyone interested in earning credit on the plant life, survival, history and folklore of the Kansas Flint Hills, contact Emporia State University at 620-341-5385.

El Dorado Bike Trail – El Dorado, Kansas

Enjoy a day riding your bike on the El Dorado trail where you will start at East Park and continuing to North Main Park, looping around Prairie Trails Golf and Country Club and stretching to El Dorado Lake and State Park, the bike trail provides safe and enjoyable recreation for biking or walking. Parking is available at both ends of the trail.

Location: 201 E. Central, El Dorado, KS 67042

Chaplin Nature Center – Arkansas City, Kansas

The Chaplin Nature Center is located on the inner edge of a bend in the Arkansas River  There are more than five miles of walking trails provide easy access to bottomland timber & prairies, upland prairies, a spring-fed creek, and the Arkansas River.

 The visitor center features wildlife displays, a nature library, a gift shop, and a bird observation area located on a second-floor open deck bordered by tree canopy and serviced with bird feeders. It provides an ideal spot for bird photography or bird watching from the comfort of the library.

 The trailhead for exploring the area lies just behind the visitor center.  Since the building is located on the edge of a steep bluff, this boardwalk stairway provides a handy means of descent. 

 Wildlife Homes Trail (0.3 mile loop); Spring Creek Trail (0.5 mile loop); Lost Prairie Trail (0.7 mile loop), Bluff Trail (0.6 mile loop); Prairie Trail (0.8 mile loop); River Trail (1.9 mile loop)

 Directions: From the intersection of U.S. 77 and U.S. 166 in Arkansas City (50 miles south of Wichita), travel 3 miles west on U.S. 166, then north 2 miles on 31st Road, which turns west to become 272nd Road.  Signs are provided for assistance.

Chaplin Nature Center is owned and operated by the Wichita Audubon Society. The trails are open AT NO CHARGE to the public from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week.

The Visitor’s Center is open on Saturdays 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. year round. It is closed Mondays and holidays.

September 1 – November 15, Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

November 16 – March 15 – closed weekdays

March 16 – June 30, Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

July 1 – August 30, Tuesday- Friday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

 Location: 27814 27th Dr., Arkansas City, KS 67005

Phone: 620 442-4133

Botanica, The Wichita Gardens – Wichita, Kansas

Come and enjoy themed gardens such as the Shakespeare Garden, Rose and Wildflower Garden, and the new Sensory Garden. Visit Botanica’s Butterfly House and stroll among hundreds of free-flight butterflies. Come to Botanica throughout the summer and fall to learn more about these intriguing and beautiful creatures.

The botanical paradise on the plains is comprised of over nine acres of stunning gardenscaping that features more than 3600 species of plants both native and new to the region. Twenty-four themed display gardens such as the Butterfly Garden, Shakespearean Garden, Sensory Garden and Wildflower Meadow combine with 20 sculptures and multiple flowing fountains to create a visually stunning atmosphere.

Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Open extended hours from April-October.

Admission Rates: Adult- $6.50, Senior (62+)- $5.50, Youth (5-21)- $3.00, Children under 5 admitted free.

Discounted rates available for groups of 10 or more.

Location: 701 Amidon, Wichita, KS 67203
 

Ph: 316.264.0448
Fax: 316.264.0587
 

Abilene & Smokey Valley Railroad & Excursion Train – Flint Hills, Kansas

If you want to have an experience that will have you truly mezmorized by the beauty of the area you will want to take this excursion train on the 10 mile roundtrip ride from Abilene to Enterprise.    The ride takes 1 1/2 hours giong through the Smoky Hill River Valley.  Using a 1945 ALCO S-1 diesel-electric locomotive, a century-old wooden sided passenger/diner, open air observation cars, and a caboose, the excursion train travels through the Smoky Hill River Valley. 

The 1919 Baldwin 4-6-2 "pacific", Santa Fe #3415 should be ready to be running under its own power by Christmas.
This is the train that sat in the city park of Abilene for 40 years.  It was totally restored by the members of the Abilene & Smokey Valley Railroad to bring it back to its beauty and usable self.  Come and see this work of art!

You can also book a Dinner Train at $40 per person with advance reservations.  You can also book the train for private charters which cost $350 (tax included).  This is a great way to have a special reunion or wedding reception. 
 

2009 Schedule

May 2, 2009 thru November 1, 2009
Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

Memorial Day thru Labor Day
Wednesday thru Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Sundays at 2:00 p.m.
All trips are narrated

Special seating is offered, for an additional fare, in the engine and/or cupola of the caboose.

2009 Fares (tax included):
Adults (age 12 and over) $14.00
Children (age 3-11) $7.00
Children 2 and younger: Free

The railroad is operated by volunteers, such as the engineers, crew, car attendents that narrate every trip, and depot workers, as well as mechanical and track maintenance.

Location: 205 SE 5th, Alma, KS 67410

Phone: (785) 263-1077  or (888) 426-6687

Alcove Spring – Flint Hills, Kansas

One of the favorite campsites of those traveling the Oregon Trail.  Today the area is a park for hiking and enjoying the beautiful wildflowers, animals of the prairie and rolling hills.

Alcove Spring is about 165 miles along the Oregon Trail, which provided the water for the travelers during most of the season.  In the early spring it was often difficult to cross as the runoff would have the spring so deep.

223-acre park with a self-guided walking tour. Interpretive exhibits of the wagon swales, Independence Crossing, and the spring, which was named by members of the Donner party in 1846. Follow signs from U.S. 77 north of Blue Rapids.

You can have yourself quite a different type of adventure, starting out in Minneapolis, Kansas, and ending up in Wilson, Kansas, spending the day seeing different sites. There’s no other area where you’ll find sandstone concretions, the largest ball of twine, the center of the United States, and movie memorabilia.

Starting off at Rock City Park, you can view the 200 sandstone concretions that were formed many years ago, with some of them being as large as houses. This is a national registered natural landmark that covers an area the size of two regulation size football fields. Moving north, you’ll find yourself in Cawker City, home to the World’s Largest Ball of Sisal Twine. It weighs nearly two tons, has a forty foot circumference, and stretched out, would cover more than seven million feet. Along with the Ball of Sisal Twine are a collection of humorous paintings which are takeoffs of American classics, but that include the ball of twine, such as “American Gothic (With Twine Ball)“ and “The Scream (with Twine Ball).”

Driving along to Lebanon, you’ll find the center of the continental United States, marked by a pyramid stone. Continuing on to Lucas, you can visit the Garden of Eden. Instead of finding Adam and Eve and forbidden apples here, you’ll find a world-renowned place of grassroots sculpture and architecture. Samuel Perry Dinsmoor created these sculptures and cabin home using concrete and native post rock. Also in Lucas is the World’s Largest Collection of World’s Smallest Version of World’s Largest Things. Confused? It’s a large collection of miniature versions of roadside monuments.

Traveling on the Post Rock Scenic Byway, and coming to Wilson, is said to be one of the prettiest drives in the state. The byway is named for the limestone rocks that are used here as fence posts. As this takes you to the end of your day, you can spend the night in the Historic Midland Hotel, recognized by Bed and Breakfast Inns Online as the most distinctive hotel between Kansas City and Denver. Each room here has been restored to match the way it was originally meant to be back in 1899.

While at the hotel, be sure to visit the collection of “Paper Moon” memorabilia. Some of the scenes from this 1970s movie, starring Ryan O’Neal and his daughter, Tatum O’Neal, were filmed here in the hotel. There are two dining areas in the hotel, sure to fit your needs, and the Drummer’s Tavern Lodge is located in the basement. Because of the many Czechoslovakians in the Wilson area, the menu in the dining rooms here have several Czech and Bohemian dishes.

A Different Type of Adventure – Kansas  

This Museum is no longer in operation.  Items were auctioned

off on August 24, 2007  The museum closed.

Hopalong Cassidy Cowboy Museum – Wichita Kansas

One of America’s most legendary cowboy heroes of all time, “the epitome of gallantry and fair play,” is Hopalong Cassidy. Thanks to the Hopalong Cassidy Cowboy Museum near Wichita, Kansas, those that remember this famous cowboy from their youth can spend some time reminiscing, and those that are too young to remember can learn all about what made Hopalong Cassidy such a legend for the past eighty years.

Hopalong Cassidy was created by Clarence E. Mulford in his literary works such as his many short stories and twenty-eight novels, and amazingly, many of these books are still in print even today. The character who was brought to life in moves, television, and radio, was called “Hoppy” by his friends, and played by actor William Boyd. Children growing up in the 1940s and 1950s owned many merchandising items that bore the likeness of Hopalong Cassidy. The U.S. Television Office, Inc., which owns the rights to the Hopalong Cassidy Motion Picture Film Library, and owner of the rights to the characters from the Hopalong Casidy stories, chose the Prairie Rose Complex to feature these extensive works.

The Prairie Rose Conplex located just west of Wichita, Kansas houses the Hopalong Cassidy Cowboy Museum along with other American Cowboy-themed entertainment. Along with the literary and film works, movie posters, and still shots featuring Hopalong Cassidy, the museum also features displays about the Chisholm Trail which was first marked out in 1864 for the use of wagons. Also included is memorabilia from other famous silver screen cowboys. You can even view some of the old Hopalong Cassidy movies at the Bar 20 Theatre, located inside the museum.

After you tour the Hopalong Cassidy Cowboy Museum, you just might want to stop in for the Prairie Rose Chuckwagon Supper, where in just three hours’ time you’ll have your fill of great chuckwagon food, and also hear some of the greatest cowboy music out there, performed by the Prairie Rose Wranglers, who will have you tapping your feet and singing along. Also on site are an old-fashioned opera house, an RV Park, recreational grounds, an outdoor amphitheater, and train rides. Children can visit the Happy Trails Theatre and view old Roy Rogers movies.

The Museum is open Monday through Saturday throughout the year from 11:00 AM through 6:00 PM, and is located fifteen miles west of Wichita, Kansas. Adults are admitted for $6.00, seniors, groups, and those also attending a show are admitted for $5.00, children 6 through 12 are admitted for $4.00, and children under 6 are free. All admittance prices are subject to applicable sales tax. Gift items such as DVD sets, books, clothing, mugs, commemorative plates, and radio shows on cassette, are available for purchase in the gift store.

Prairie Rose Wranglers - Wichita Kansas

One of the highlights of the Prairie Rose Chuckwagon Suppers in Wichita, Kansas is the Prairie Rose Wranglers, some of the best cowboy entertainment you will find. Not only will you eat well and hear good music, you’ll be completely entertained as well.

Kris Johnson takes his Christian family morals with him wherever he goes.  He has been a fan of the old "singing cowboy" for a long long time.  He toured with the southern Gospel Quartet Forgiven and the Calvary Echoes for 10 years but then decided it was time to get off the road.  He and his wife, Jonell, have five children to raise and he wants to be an important part of that time in the children’s lives and being on the road just wasn’t what he believed he needed.  He now is with the Prairie Rose Rangers providing entertainment for everyone to enjoy.

Kim Coslett has a background in a wide range of music.  With a background in Classic Rock, Pop and Christian music she provides a wide range of talent to the Prairie Rose Rangers.  She and her husband have four children and a true Kansas girl.  She was born and raised in the Wichita area.

Jolynn MacIntyre is now the fiddler of the group.  Although she was trained in conventional violin but she developed a love for Celtic fiddling, folk and roots styles and enjoyed them all.  She is enjoying playing with the Prairie Rose Rangers.

Jesse Friesen has been a cowboy since he was young playing in the back yard.  He began playing the bango at age 9 and at 13 picked up a guitar.  He played mostly bluegrass and classic rock.  He joined the Prairie Rose Rangers in January of 2009.  Jesse runs a recording studio, Prairie Rose Records, and plays many different instruments, including Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Bass, and 12 String Guitar.
 

Kansas Museum of History – Topeka Kansas

The history of the State of Kansas is open for all to explore at the Kansas Museum of History. Here you’ll see everyday exhibits such as Native American history, forts and trails, the Civil War, African American history, etc., and also a special exhibits gallery. It’s a great place to learn what life was like in Kansas long ago, or just to reminisce if it is a time and place you remember from the past.

Stepping inside the main gallery of the Kansas Museum of History you’ll find a Native American history area with arrowheads and pottery, a grass lodge, a Cheyenne war lance, and a full-sized Cheyenne tipi. These are all products of the Osage, Wichita, and Kansas tribes that used to make their home here. Things changed for these tribes when European settlers moved in, and all the tribes were shifted further west causing fighting among them.

In the Forts and Trails area you will find a real covered wagon that is stocked with everything its riders would need for their trip down the Oregon Trail and a rifle once used by a trader that traveled through the state. The two most traveled trails in the state in those years were the Oregon and Santa Fe Trails. At one time, during the expansion of the west, Kansas was home to eight major forts, including Fort Leavenworth, and the history of these can be found in this area of the museum.

In the 1850s, Kansas had the nickname “Bleeding Kansas” because of the two sides of the slavery debate battling it out here, with the Civil War beginning shortly after Kansas was entered in the Union as a free state. The state was home to the first African American regiment begun in the northern states, the First Kansas Colored Infantry. Flags from the infantry and a chair from one of the stations of the Underground Railroad are just a few of the items in the African American History section of the museum.

The main gallery in the Kansas Museum of History contains many more sections and items that are specific to the state as well as the Special Exhibits Gallery that features different themes such as Blazing Guns and Rugged Heroes: Kansas in the Westerns. This special exhibit includes memorabilia from old Kansas-featured westerns. Movie posters and lobby cards are featured in the exhibit from movies with Western stars such as John Wayne, Roy Rogers, and Tex Ritter.

The Kansas Museum of History is located off exit 356 on I-70 in West Topeka. It’s open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sundays, and is closed on Mondays and state holidays. Admission is $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for seniors, and $3.00 for students, with Kansas residents receiving a $1.00 discount. Kansas State History Society members are admitted for free. Group tours, including schools and Boys and Girls Scouts, are available through appointment.

Topeka Zoo – Topeka Kansas

The mission statement of the Topeka Zoo is to “strengthen the bond between people and the living earth, by providing visitors with opportunities” to learn about the natural world, increase scientific knowledge as it benefits conservation, support conservation of endangered animals, and improve the quality of life in Kansas. Each of these things is accomplished daily at the zoo.

The Gage family dedicated eighty acres to the city of Topeka in 1899 that was to be used for a public park. Because of the family’s generosity, it was named after them, making it “Gage Park.” One of the most interesting and useful facilities of the park today is the Topeka Zoo that was first begun in 1933. The focus of the zoo has changed throughout the years, and in 1969 “Friends of the Topeka Zoo”, a non-profit membership organization was formed with its purpose to improve and develop capital projects at the zoo, and also support opportunities in education.

The first major facility that was constructed at the zoo is the Large Mammal Building that is home to elephants, giraffes, hippopotamuses, and great apes. Two separate ape habitats were later begun – Discovering Apes that houses apes and orangutans, and Gorilla Encounter that features a walk-through tunnel. Also at the zoo is one of the first walk-through Tropical Rainforest facilities and the Lions Pride Exhibit where African lions are on display.

In more recent years several other special areas have been created at the zoo. The Security Benefit Children’s Zoo allows for children to meet with the animals face to face. After bears had been non-existent at the zoo for fifteen years, they came back when Black Bear Woods opened. Tigers and leopards made a return to the zoo as well, in the Jungle Cats Exhibit. The Outdoor Elephant Exhibit was renovated as it changed from a free contact area to a protected contact area, and the orangutans have much more room, 8,000 square feet, in their new Outdoor Orangutan Exhibit.

The first Friday of every month, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM is the Fun Club, where children hear a story, explore a little of the zoo, and also participate in a craft. All children must be accompanied by an adult, and the cost is $2.00 per child, plus the cost of admission. The zoo also supports half day summer camps. Camp Peka Sue is held in week-long sessions, and is open to children 5 through 9 years old. The cost is $50 per weekly session, and $45 if a Friends of the Topeka Zoo member. There are several other programs open to children as well, such as preschool classes and activities for families and groups.

The zoo is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and is closed between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Parking is free, with adults 12 through 64 paying $4.50, seniors 65 and up paying $3.50, children 3 through 11 paying $3.00, and children 2 and under being free. Friends of he Topeka Zoo members are admitted for free with a photo ID.

Ellinwood’s Underground Tunnels – Ellinwood, Kansas

Connecting the downtown area buildings these tunnels were used for coal storage during the coal era. The history of these tunnels is worth visiting. The coal was delivered to the stores by horse and wagon and dropped into the tunnels when the wooden sidewalks were raised. The workers of the shops could then go to the tunnel and get the coal as they needed it for heating their businesses.

When the 1930’s brought about the use of natural gas instead of coal the tunnels were no longer needed for coal. They were cleaned, the limestone storage rooms in the basement were turned into shops and businesses with the tunnels connecting them so shoppers could go from one to the other without having to go outside. Sounds like the modern day malls, doesn’t it?

The tunnels were also a great place to avoid the government revenue agents during the prohibition years. Although it was a subject not printed in the paper, it was a known fact (locally) that they were a "safe" place for the business of liquor.

The tunnels were also used during the tornado season to protect the citizens from these storms.

Most of the tunnel system remained open and in use through the 1930s, but since the Second World War, separation walls have been built to block access from one building to another. Then in the summer of 1982, with the building of new sidewalks on Main street, most of the remaining tunnels were filled with sand, retained, but blocked. Now only the tunnels under the Dick Building, the Wolf Hotel, and the 1883 are open, with those under the Dick Building the only ones opened regularly for visitors.

Tours Are Conducted Only by Advance Reservations

Location: N.W. corner of Main & Santa Fe, U.S. 56 at the stoplight, Ellinwood, Missouri 67526-0306

Phone: 620-564-2400

Exploration Place is one of those clever spots that allow children of all ages to explore and learn in a fun, interesting, hands-on environment. Located at 300 North McLean Blvd. in Wichita, Kansas, Exploration Place is a worthwhile place for spending some time. 

Exploration Place offers many different exhibits about the people, places and things in our world. These exhibits provide unique perspectives and hands-on activities to help kids learn about many different things. Kids can explore flight and design, which gives them information about the history of flight from the earliest stages to the current time.

Exploring Only Our Home is an exhibit that has several different parts, including a fossil dig, and 1950s Kansas in miniature animated display. You can find fossils to take home, crawl though a prehistoric cave and see how a tornado forms. Visitors can control a model train and see how Kansas evolved into what it is today. The Exploring Human Life exhibit includes interactive computer screens, a model of a huge human eye, and various activities designed to teach kids about their bodies and health.

In the Kids Explore exhibit, it has recently been renovated into a three story medieval castle for them to discover more about life during the time of knights. Each floor features a variety of items, from a suit of armor to a blacksmith shop to Merlin’s Alchemy Lab to Galileo’s Star Gallery. The KSN Weatherlab is a great place for kids to find out more about the weather and try their hand at weather forecasting.

Exploration Place also includes the CyberDome Theater, which is the biggest domed theater in Kansas, and the theater offers light shows and other productions to delight and enchant audiences. Outside are an 18 hole mini golf course and an Exploration Park to enjoy.

Exploration Place also includes the WaterWay Café, which features tasty meals and snacks. Kids can enjoy the castle, sailboat and legos that are in the café for their pleasure. The Explore Store is one place that should not be missed. This huge store features some of the best new educational toys, jewelry, model trains and books, to name just a few items that are available here.

Exploration Place is open from May 29 through August 13. On Sundays and Mondays, it is open from noon to 5 p.m. On Tuesdays through Fridays, Exploration Place is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

Admission prices vary with the activities you choose to do. For instance, if you want to look at the exhibits, prices are $3 for ages 2-4, $6 for ages 5-15, $8 for ages 16-64, and $7.50 for ages 65+. Adding a theater show adds $4 to each price. However, if you are only interested in admission to the CyberDome or mini golf course, the admission prices are $4 for ages 5-15, $5 for ages 16-64, and $4.50 for ages 65+.

Exploration Place – Wichita Kansas  

The Old Cowtown Museum in Wichita, Kansas is truly a way to experience the past in a unique and entertaining manner. The museum is designed to be more than just a monument to the past. Through hands-on experiences, historically accurate buildings, costumed interpreters, historic reenactments, and educational elements, visitors can get a real feel for what life was like during the Cowtown Era of the 1860s and 1870s.

The museum is more than just a collection of buildings, and visitors can spend several hours or an entire day within the museum grounds on the self-guided tour. The unstructured nature of the tour makes it possible for families and visitors to take their time and enjoy the museum at whatever pace they desire. It is the perfect way for families to relax on their vacation in the beautiful city of Wichita.

The Cowtown Museum also has a collection of animals to make the experience more realistic for visitors. The animals include sows and piglets, Percheron horses, Longhorn steers, cows, chickens and a retired cavalry horse. The horses are used to farm the fields and give stagecoach and wagon rides. Children and adults alike enjoy interacting with these animals when they visit the museum.

There are many different areas to the museum. Some of the sections include the Old West Cowtown, the hunters and traders area, an 1870s era residential street, a cowboy camp and a family farm. Visitors can wander around and learn about this fascinating piece of the past. When they want to take a small break, visitors can try a sarsaparilla, ice cream float or a piece of beef jerky in the saloon as you watch a gunfight and amble along a dusty street.

While spending time at the Old Cowtown Museum, visitors should take time to dine at the Chuckwagon Café, which is open every day and offers a wide range of western fare. The café has everything from sandwiches to potato salad, and the specialty of the house is the Longhorn Chili. This tasty chili is made from authentic Longhorn beef and rich spices that were used in chili made by Kansas cowboys. Visitors can also shop at the museum store which has many books, collectibles, jewelry, toys and many other things to purchase. All of the items reflect a western flair and are ideal for souvenirs and gifts.

The Old Cowtown Museum is open every day from April 1 to October 31. It is located at 1871 Sim Park Drive in Wichita. The hours are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On Sundays the museum is open from noon to 5:00 p.m. Admission prices are $7.75 for adults, $6.50 for seniors, $6.00 for youth ages 12-17, children 4-11 $5.50, and admission for children under four is free. The museum has special rates for groups and school tours as well.

Relive A Bit of Cowtown History – Wichita Kansas  

Botanica, the Wichita Gardens is a bower of beauty in the city of Wichita, Kansas. It encompasses over ten acres and features more than twenty different garden areas for visitors to enjoy. There is a garden for everyone at Botanica. The Butterfly/Pansy Garden is a large net-enclosed space full of many different varieties of butterflies and the flowers they love from June through September. There are lovely aquatic gardens, terrace gardens, a Shakespearean garden that pays homage to traditional English gardens, a rose garden with more than 350 different species of roses, and many more garden areas.

Imagine yourself wandering among the beautiful plants, flowers and greenery, complete with paths, walkways, bridges, ponds and several gorgeous fountains. There is even a Xeriscape area that gives visitors information on landscaping that uses less water. Many different animals make their home in the various parts of Botanica, and it is possible to spot them as you meander about. It is truly a magnificent place to spend time and immerse yourself in the beauty that is nature.

Botanica offers a wide range of events for visitors of every age to enjoy. For the younger set, there are fantastic youth education programs that allow them to enjoy nature and create beautiful crafts at the same time, such as garden stepping stones and colorful bandannas. They also get to learn about gardening, planting, etc.

There are wonderful programs for parents and pre-schoolers that promote their enjoyment of nature, learning about things like frogs and garden games. For adults, there are fantastic activities, including great concerts on Tuesdays, both in the evening and at lunch. These include a chance to unwind in a restful setting, listen to great music, eat some tasty food and socialize with others. Their lunchtime lectures feature a wide variety of fascinating subjects. Botanica offers birding classes, nature photography sessions, garden strolls, scrapbooking, etc. There is a class or event for everyone at Botanica.

Botanica is located at 701 Amidon Street in Wichita. The gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and from April to October, there are weekend hours as well. On Saturdays, the gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. From Memorial Day to September the gardens are also open until 8 pm. On Tuesday evenings, Admission prices are as follows: adults $6, seniors $5, youth $3, and children under the age of five are free, as are members. There is also a family admission price of $12.

While at Botanica, don’t forget to pay a visit to The Tangled Vine, Botanica’s gift shop. It features many great gifts, cards, books, t-shirts, gardening items, etc. There is also The Gift Garden, open from June to September that caters to young people with stuffed animals, toys, books, butterfly items, and many more things for children to purchase as a souvenir of their visit to Botanica.

Visit Botanica, the Wichita Gardens – Wichita Kansas