Big Brutus – West Mineral, Kansas
Southeast Kansas can brag about having the largest electric shovel in the United States. Big Brutus was used in the mining industry and brings attention to the history of mining and the industry itself. The Bucyrus Erie Model 1850B was sold to the Pittsburg and Midway Coal Company (P&M) of Pittsburg, Kan., for $6.5 million in 1962. It took 150 railroad cars to transport Big Brutus to Southeast Kansas where it took 52 men 11 months to assemble Big Brutus 11 miles from his current location.
Big Brutus began working in Mine 19 in May of 1963. It was responsible for removing tons of overburden (the layers of direct and rock on top of the coal seam.) This exposed the coal for stripper and the 120 ton trucks to move in and mine for the coal.
When it became too expensive to keep Big Brutus working it was removed from service in April of 1974.
In 1984, P&M donated Big Brutus, 16 acres of surrounding land and $100,000 to restore Big Brutus and create a museum and memorial dedicated to the coal mining history in Southeast Kansas. On July 13, 1985, Big Brutus was dedicated as “a Museum and Memorial Dedicated to the Rich Coal Mining History in Southeast Kansas.”
In September 1987 The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) designated Big Brutus a Regional Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark, the 10th since 1971 to be so designated.
Included at the site is the Visitor Center and Museum for your enjoyment. Included in the Museum is the Little Giant which is the world’s smallest working replica of an early-day electric mining shovel. It was built by a hobbyist in Kansas over an 11 year period of time between the 1930′s and 1940′s. Pittsburg & Midway Coal Mining Co. bought it in 1946.
The Little Giant is compete in every detail with approximately 30,000 rivets and 2,000 bolts. It weighs 700 pounds. It is definitely something to see along with Big Brutus and the Drag Line.
The Visitor Center is more than just a quick place to stop off. It offers hot showers to meet the needs of visitors and campers alike. How neat is that? There are also camping sites (primitive) and space for self-contained RV’s to park. There are 10 water/electrical hook-ups and a dump station so you have all your needs met while visiting Big Brutus.
Admission to the Museum and Visitor Center are $8 for Adults, $7.50 for Senior Citizens, Children (6-12) are $5 and Children 5 and younger are free. RV parking is $15 a day.
Located:
6 Miles West of K7 & K102 Jct.
& 1/4 Mile South
Near West Mineral, Kansas
Big Brutus is a museum open year round. Hours vary with the season. Call (620)827-6177 for more information.
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Land of Oz – Liberal, Kansas
Land of Oz – Liberal, Kansas
Just when you thought that the dream of the Land of Oz was out of your reach there appears before you the Land of Oz in Liberal! This facility consists of 5,000 square feet of animated entertainment. There are good and bad witches, the Munchkins, talking trees, winged monkeys, and of course, Dorothy, the Scarecrow and Tin Man as well as the loveable Cowardly Lion. Oh, of course, Toto is there too!
Stroll along the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy, Auntie Em or Uncle Henry as your tour guide. Ask all the questions you want and learn even more about the wonderful world of Oz.
When you get to the end of the Road you will find Oz memorabilia on display, including the original model of Dorothy’s house used in the 1939 filming of the movie “The Wizard of Oz.” The Munchkin room is a delight in little dresses and shoes, with many pictorial accounts of the Munchkins and their careers.
Dorothy’s House was originally built in 1907. It has been carefully restored and furnished to replicate the house shown in the movie. It shows how Dorothy really came to believe “There’s no place like home.”
When you think of Liberal you really must think of the wonderful memories of the movie and the music that have lived on for years. The community welcomes everyone that wants to touch that bit of magic created by Dorothy and her friends.
Address:
567 Cedar Street
Summer Hours
(Memorial Day to Labor Day)
Monday – Saturday
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Winter Hours
(Labor Day to Memorial Day)
Tuesday – Saturday
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closed Monday’s
Admission
Call 620-624-7624 for current rates.
Group rates available.
Contact the Visitors Bureau for more information: 1-800-542-3725
Email:
tourism@cityofliberal.com