The Stone Pillar Vineyard and Winery Farm
Stone Pillar Vineyard & Winery is a small family owned and operated farm winery. In 1864 Fredrick Hoff purchased the farm, and was the pioneer in Johnson County for lager beer production. Having endured many hard times the family has maintained the farm and commitment to agriculture. The fifth generation of Hoff farmers George, Frank, & Thomas Jr. are proud to offer a quality Kansas product to all wine lovers.

Our Vines
Stone Pillar Vineyard is an awe inspiring sight nestled on our 12 acre hillside. They are committed to growing quality grapes that make a delectable wine. They grow Old World French vines as well as French-American hybrids in our vineyard.

The Wines
They strive to produce excellent wines using Kansas grapes. They are carefully handpicked to insure a high standard of wine. All the wines are vinified on site and carefully managed so that we may offer a top notch selection of wine for all to enjoy. They have Reds: Prairie Star Blush; Concord; and Blackberry with Prairie Fire, St. Vincent, Chambourcin and Cabernet Sauvignon coming out soon. In the Whites they have Villard Blac; Seyval; Cayuga; Hofftoberfest; Vignoles; and Melody coming soon.

Hours: Open Friday, Saturday,
& Sunday 12:00p.m.- 6:30p.m.
Services: Private Tastings
available for groups of 8 or more.
Please call in advance to make
reservations. Vineyard tours
available in summer months by
appointment.
Directions: Located in
Olathe, KS 1 mile south of K-10
on Woodland Road, or 2 miles
east of K-7 on College Blvd.
(913) 839-2185

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.

At Christmas time Big Brutus is a spectacular sight with the lights that are on it which can be seen for miles and miles.

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.

——————————
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

Fort Scott – Fort Scott, Kansas

Situated on the eastern edge of Kansas is a place of history that impacted the flow of the pioneers from the east to the west in the mid 1800’s.  Fort Scott was established in 1842 as the move to settle the west was getting underway.

This area of the state (which wasn’t a state at the time) experienced what has been named as "Bleeding Kansas" because of the conflicts that ensued because of the differences of opinions between the factions that had moved into the area.  The pro-slavers, free-staters and the abolitionists were all at odds of how the territory should be settled.  This lead to a bloody time in the history of the state as rival territorial governments, election fraud, and squabbles over land claims all were part of the violence of this era.  These conflicts with their bloody results continued until 1861 when Kansas entered the Union as a free state.

In 1856 a group of approximately 30 pro-slavery settlers from South Carolina arrived in Bourbon County who were suspected of being sponsored by the Southern Emigrant Aide Society and were members of the Dark Lantern Societies.  These societies terrorized free-state settlers and attempted to drive them from Kansas. 

During this time in the "Bleeding Kansas" history there was murder, mayhem, destruction and psychological warfare running rampant in Eastern Kansas and Western Missouri. One of these attempts included the massacre in May 1856 at Pottawatomie Creek where John Brown and his sons killed five pro-slavery advocates.

Fort Scott did not escape the tensions and troubles of this time.  The area was divided and clearly visible at the site of the "old fort".  The fort has been abandoned in 1853 and sold at auction two years later creating a nucleus of a rapidly growing town.

Two of the buildings of the fort became hotels.  The former officer’s quarters was opened as the Fort Scott or Free State Hotel.  Directly across the parade ground was the western or Pro-Slavery Hotel.  The residents of Fort Scott were predominately pro-slavers, while free-staters and abolitionists dominated the surrounding countryside.  Due to this division radicals of each side brought terror to the thrown throughout the "Bleeding Kansas" era.

The year 1858 was the most violent year of this era.  The infamous James Montgomery became a leader of free state forces and was involved in many of the violent incidents that encompassed the area. 

In April of 1858, Montgomery and his men fought U. S troops stationed at Fort Scott in the battle of Paint Creek. One soldier was killed in this encounter.
 
In May of 1858, Montgomery and his men drove pro-slavery forces from Linn County. In retaliation, eleven free-staters were pulled out of their homes, taken to a ravine and shot down. This incident, known as the Marais des Cygnes Massacre was rumored to have been plotted in the Western Hotel.
 
On June 5, 1858, Montgomery and his raiders tried to burn down the Western Hotel. Several shots were fired into the hotel and surrounding homes, but the hotel was saved.
 
Violence, such as this, caught the governor’s attention. On June 15, 1858, he held a meeting at the Western Hotel in order to settle political unrest. While this meeting nearly broke out into a riot, it was successful. Peace and quiet reigned for a brief five-month period.
 
Montgomery and his raiders struck again in December of 1858 when he rescued Benjamin Rice, a free-soiler. Rice had been arrested for murder and was imprisoned in the Fort Scott Hotel. Montgomery claimed that he was jailed illegally, so he came to Fort Scott to free him.

All of this violence took place before the Civil War.  It wasn’t just in Kansas that this type of violence occurred; it was part of the political storm that swept the United States before the Civil War started.

During the Civil War Kansas was the first state to officially recruit and train military units of black soldiers.  The 1st and 2nd Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry Regiments were recruited between July 1862 and October 1863.  They were mustered into the Army at Fort Scott.  These brave soldiers compiled a proud campaign record in Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and the Indian Territory.

In 1865 there were just 71 miles of railroad track in Kansas.  By 1890 there were 8,763 miles.  With this being the case the flurry of railroad construction brought the final phase of military occupation to Fort Scott.

Fort Scott was active with military personnel during the Civil War.  This created growth and economic development to the town and had the community leaders working to find ways to make Fort Scott the dominant trade center of southeast Kansas.

Due to the railroad having to go through Indian land to get to the Gulf of Mexico (through what is now Oklahoma) there were problems, not only with land ownership but also with those that didn’t want the railroad to take the land.  Because of the conflicts that ensued the federal government sent troops to the area to protect the railroad workers.  These troops were headquartered at Fort Scott even though the troops were stationed in camps along the right of way.

The railroad years of 1869-73 marked the end of military involvement at Fort Scott. Thus ended an era that had spanned three decades and had witnessed the transformation of Fort Scott from an isolated frontier outpost to a developing trade center. More important, it was an era in which Fort Scott was involved in several events that brought about the opening, settlement and development of the West.

When you visit Fort Scott you will see things such as the buckets that are hanging on the wall.  These were used to fight fires and were filled with sand or water to extinguish small fires quickly.

There are 20 historic structures on the site of the Fort.  11 of the buildings contain historic fabric and area considered original buildings which have been restored.  You will see these when you visit the Post Hospital, Officers Quarters 1, 2, and 4, the Quartermaster Storehouse, Bake-House, the Old Stone Building, and Stone Outbuildings.  The Carriage Houses were built circa 1855-65 after the fort was first abandoned by the military.  The other buildings on site are reconstructions.

You can also visit the National Cemetery while you are at the Fort.  You will need to go to the south end of town about a mile and a half from the fort.

Fort Scott was garrisoned by Union troops during the Civil War.  It was a training center, supply depot and had a General U.S. Army Hospital and Military Prison.

You will see boxes of sand around the fort; these were used as pit boxes for tobacco and snuff.

In the fort you will be able to find military records of soldiers that were stationed there during the Civil War.  Most of these records are of Kansas regiments and primarily hospital records.

Open:  Fort Scott National Historic Site is open year round from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. April-October and 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. from November-March. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.

The site is open daily for self-guided tours. An audio-visual program orients visitors to the history of the site. Guided tours are offered daily at 1:00 p.m. during the summer. Guided tours at other times of year are available for groups by advance arrangement. During the spring, middle school and elementary education programs are presented. The site also hosts three special events per year and participates in a fourth in conjunction with the community. Occasionally, additional events are added each year.

A minimum of one hour is recommended to view the 12-minute audio-visual program and to walk through the buildings. Three to four hours are required to read all the exhibits and to participate in the interpretive activities offered during the summer. Activities on special event weekends go throughout the day.

Directions: Fort Scott National Historic Site is located in downtown Fort Scott, Kansas. U.S. Highways 69 and 54 intersect here. Fort Scott is about 90 miles south of Kansas City and 60 miles northwest of Joplin, Missouri. It is 4 miles from the Kansas-Missouri border.

Design: Fort Scott uses three styles of architecture: French Colonial, Greek revival, and vernacular. The most dominant is French Colonial; characterized by wide porches, stairways and a broken roofline. Most living quarters are on the second floor to avoid bad air believed to exist at lower levels.

Write to them: Fort Scott NHS
P.O. Box 918
Fort Scott, KS 66701

Call: 620-223-0310

The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens – Overland Park, Kansas

What a fabulous place to take a break from the stresses that accompany everyday life!  Here you can sit on a bench near the Erickson Water Garden and enjoy the sound of the water falling over the stone creations.  The area is filled with butterfly plants, wildflowers and ornamental grasses which all add to the peacefulness of the garden.

If you are more interested in taking a leisurely stroll through the woodland Gardens you will be able to smell the wonderful smells of the forest lands from the dogwoods and redbuds to the other growth as well as the waterfalls all adding to the senses awakening. The grape arbor offers a place to sit back and enjoy the experience before continuing on with your walk.  Don’t rush through, take the time to enjoy this wonderful place.

Flowers are always a welcome sight and the Monet Garden is certainly worth your special attention.  They have taken soft colors and shapes that are the types that Monet used in his paintings to design this beautiful spot.  There are ponds surrounded by willow trees, perennials and annuals which make the whole area perfect for not only the visual senses but the sounds and smells as well.

Have you wanted to have a water garden but didn’t know how to even begin?  Visit the Xeriscape Garden and see how they have combined the different plants to be beautiful and functional in the waters in the area and you may be able to incorporate some of these ideas into your own creation.

Kids love to play in a garden and here the Children’s Discover Garden affords them the opportunity to do that without getting into trouble.  They will be able to spend quite some time here and learn new and exciting things while enjoying the different creations laid out just for them.

The Arboretum is designed to give homeowners an opportunity to see what trees do well in what soil conditions.  Which trees are insect and disease resistance and yet require low maintenance.  A good place to start before you plant trees at your house that you really don’t want later.

There are nearly 5 miles of trails for you to hike during your visit here.  You will even get to cross two 75 foot bridges spanning Wolf Creek on your hike.  These trails are set up so there are areas that are easy to walk and those that are more challenging, like those that go to the rocky ridge along the limestone bluffs.  You will enjoy whichever you choose to follow.

Location: 8909 W. 179th St. (just west of Antioch)
Overland Park, KS 66013

Phone: 913/685-3604

Hours: Open seven days a week
8 a.m.-7:30 p.m., April 10-Sept. 30
8 a.m.-5 p.m., Oct. 1-April 9
Closed Christmas Day
(May close for inclement weather)
 

Ghost tales of Holton – Holton, Kansas

Have you ever wanted to visit a community that is supposed to have a ghostly presence?  If you have you may want to visit this town not far from Topeka where there are supposedly a number of different sightings that have happened.

Most of the people of the community will tell you that there aren’t ghosts here, but there are others that claim to have seen them, some more than once.  For instance there is the story about the ghost of a plane pilot that has often been seen pulling a cadaver over rocks in Linscott Park at midnight.  Then there is the chilling spirit of a Viking regularly seen heaving stones into Elk Horn Lake before dawn.  Or how about the ghost of a young man wearing a winter jacket that can be seen time and again at Holton City Dam before sunrise as he attempts to grip something.  One of the local folks says that this phantom is the phantom of a vacationer that was murdered while passing though Holton at some time.

Of course there is the ghost of a physician with a bloody uniform that has supposedly been seen on a couple of occasions near Holton.  He is supposedly there to terrify the foolish people that want to disturb the quiet of the community.

So, if you are interested in the ghosts and want to come to Holton and see if you can locate any of them just come on over. The townspeople will welcome you and give you a reason to enjoy your stay (even if you don’t see a ghost.)

Mount Muncie Cemetery – Lancing, Kansas

Just take a trip through this cemetery and you will have the opportunity to delve into the history of a wide range of those that have impacted history and those that are the forgotten masses.  But along with that you will learn about the hardships of life in the 1800’s and the political stories that formed the structure of Kansas.

You will be able to see the graves of the notorious murders from the Capote story of In Cold Blood, Richard Eugene Hickock and Perry Edward Smith. These two murders had planned the murders of the family from Kansas (Clutter) to steal their money.  The murder took place and then the murders found there wasn’t a safe or lots of money, they ended up taking just a radio and other more or less worthless items.  All that horror and they thought it was great fun.  They were captured in January of 1960 and later hanged at the prison and buried at Mount Muncie Cemetery.

Also buried at the cemetery is the brother of Susan B. Anthony.  Daniel Read Anthony and his son are buried at the cemetery.  He was a well known, influential person in the state.

The Baby Mounds (think of the mounds of Indian burials) are also something of interest.  There are two different areas that are there with the central stone and the little stones in circles around the main one.  There are hundreds of these babies buried here since it was in the 1800’s and medical care was not what it is today, lots of babies died in their young life and were buried together at the cemetery.

As you can see, this cemetery will afford you the opportunity to learn a great deal of the founding history of this area of the state.  Visiting a cemetery may seem like a strange thing to do on a trip, but if you are a history buff or interested in the formation of an area of the country you can learn a great deal by visiting the past…therefore…the cemetery.

Location: 1500 N 8th St., Lansing, Kansas

Open Daily from 7AM to Sunset

Farm – City Days and the Buster Keaton Celebration – Iola, Kansas

Come to Iola for these celebrations and you will certainly not be disappointed.  The Farm – City Days is held on the square the third weekend of October. A carnival runs throughout the celebration with a parade, arts & crafts show, car show, entertainment and other special events the day.  The community links the agricultural and industrial lives of the area with a parade, re-enactments, a carnival, art show, demonstrations and tours and demonstrations by the fire and police departments, fish casting contests, Bowlus Fine Arts Center performances, horse and carriage rides, and hard boiled egg eating contest.

The celebration was begun in 1971 by the farming community to get the townfolks to better understand the farming community, then the city decided to join in and bring in the industry.  This has grown to be a celebration enjoyed by everyone.

Address : 2 W Madison Ave, Downtown square

Phone : 620-365-5252   (Always call and confirm events.)

The community also has the Buster Keaton Celebration the third weekend in September at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center.

His parents had stopped in Piqua, Kansas in early October, 1895 while performing with a traveling medicine show. Myra Keaton missed playing the saxophone at the October 4th performance when Buster arrived,
delivered in a boarding house just across the street from the site of the evening performance. Young Keaton began appearing on stage with his parents at a tender age, became a child vaudeville star on Broadway, and earned a reputation as a comic genius in the world at large with a body of classic silent film comedy.

Keaton got into movies at 22 when he signed to co-star with Fatty Arbuckle. He went on to create a body of comic silent-film masterpieces. With the arrival of sound, Keaton’s career waned, but it revived in the 1950’s, and he made many film, stage and television appearances until his death in 1966.

Film comedian and director Buster Keaton was born in Piqua (Pick-way), Kansas, in 1895 while his parents were performing in a traveling medicine show. Each year Iola, KS, — ten miles east of Piqua — hosts a two-day celebration in Keaton’s honor.

People come from all over the world for this celebration.  The movies shown and the music to accompany them are well worth the trip as well as enjoying the hospitality of this community.

The two day Buster Keaton Celebration runs all day and evening on a Friday and Saturday at the end of September. They make a point that it is not a film festival, but a "humanities" event. Although the evening presentation is almost all film (accompanied by piano or the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra), the morning and afternoon sessions are mostly presentations, interviews and panels. Although they make several humorous requests for donations, all of the events are free.

The Buster Keaton Museum in Piqua, Kansas is also a place yo will want to visit.  It is located at 302 South Hill Street in Piqua, Kansas.  The museum is open from 8 AM – 1 PM Monday thru Friday, other hours by appointment.

The collection for the museum is located in one room in the Water Department houses the collection since there isn’t enough activity to support a seperate facility and staff it.  It would still be worth going to see if you are a Keaton fan.

Phone: 620-468-2385

Biblesta – Humboldt, Kansas

This celebration is held the first Saturday in October on an annual basis.  The celebration is focused on the Bible with a parade, live Christian music.  The celebration begins at 10 AM.  The parade has floats depicting Bible stories.  This celebration is the only one like it in the country so if you want to enjoy a day of Christian based entertainment be sure to visit the community.

You will also be welcome to enjoy the free ham and bean feed at 5 PM served in the park (bring your own bowl and spoon), or try some of the other foods that are available in the booths around the park.

The celebration was established in 1957 and has been held every year since.  There is adequate parking, restrooms are available, accomodations in the community are available. 

Travel to the area and enjoy a relaxing time in this community of just under 2,000 people.  They will make you feel welcome and show you a truly wonderful time in their community.

Location: 115 S. 9th St., Humboldt, Kansas 66748

Phone: (620) 473-2526

Kauffman Museum – North Newton, Kansas

Affiliated with Bethel College this museum focuses on the Mennonite life and times of the 1800’s.

There is also a tallgrass prairie reconstruction with over 15 species of grasses and more than 100 wildflower species the award-winning permanent exhibit Of Land and People which tells the story of the coming of the Mennonites from Europe to the central plains in the 1870s and their encounters with the prairie environment and its people an historic farmstead with heritage flower and vegetable gardens around the 1875 Voth-Unruh-Fast House and the 1886 Ratzlaff Barn

There is a new permanent exhibition featuring Kauffman Museum’s collections of Mennonite immigrant furniture

Constantly changing exhibits along with traveling exhibits which have been installed in museums across the country and are available for bookings.

Educational programs for the whole family or school groups

Hours:
Tues – Fri 9:30 – 4:30
Sat – Sun 1:30 – 4:30
Closed on Mondays and major holidays.

Admission:
Children 6 – 16, $1.50
Adults, $3.00
Association members free

Location: 27th and North Main, Bethel College, North Newton, Kansas 67117

Phone: 316-283-1612  

Flint Hills Rodeo Grounds – Strong City, Kansas

This is the oldest rodeo grounds in use in Kansas.  It began in 1937 as a way to show off the talents of the local cowboys.  It is now a 3 day event on an annual basis.  Evening performances are held Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Following the evening performances, there is a cowboy dance. On Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m., the annual rodeo parade from Cottonwood Falls through Strong City is held, an occasion when nearly every horse in Chase County comes to town to strut their stuff! There is also cowboy church on Sunday morning.

The first full weekend in June kicks off the rodeo season at the Flint Hills Rodeo Arena in Strong City, Kansas.  More than 15,000 spectators watch as top rodeo contestants, such as Dan Mortensen, Scott Breding, Ote Berry and the Etbauer brothers, compete for thousands of dollars in six traditional rodeo events.  Included in the three-day rodeo performances are special acts, cowboy dances, a rodeo parade and more.

The traditional activities of the quality rodeo are all included in the three days. Bareback Riding

• Steer Wrestling
• Saddle Bronc Riding
• Calf Roping
• Women’s Barrel Race
• Bull Riding
• Team Roping

  Telephone: 620-273-6480
  E-Mail: info@flinthillsrodeo.com

Clements Stone Arch Bridge – Clements, Kansas

This piece of history was built in 1887 of native limestone.  The two-span bridge with a main span of 57.1 feet and a length of 126.9 feet is now open only to pedestrians. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on Dec. 12, 1976. Clements is located west of Strong City just south of Highway 50. Watch for the brown KDOT sign indicating where to turn to find the bridge.

This unique bridge is being supported by the grandson of the people that used to own a hotel in Clements.  Because he grew up in the community he has taken on the challenge of preserving and upgrading this piece of history.  His name is Gary Evans, of Seattle, Washington.

Chase County Historical Society Museum – Cottonwood Falls, Kansas

This museum features local historical artifacts, displays of the crash of the airplane carrying Knute Rockne. It also features memorabilia of the E. C. Roberts family of Strong City, founders of the famous Flint Hills Rodeo. The building housing the museum was entered on the National Register of Historic Places on Nov. 9, 1977. the two-story building, constructed of native limestone, was built in 1882.

   The building was originally used as the Chase County National Bank which continued in business until 1928. The building was used by several businesses in the years following. In 1976 it was purchased by the Chase County Historical Society for use as a museum, library and office. There are two floors of exhibits.

On March 31, 1931, the plane carrying famous football coach Knute Rockne and H.A. Christen, J.H. Happer, W.B. Miller, Charles A. Robrecht, Spencer G. Goldthwaite, Robert Frye and Jess Mathias, crashed near Bazaar in Chase County. losing all lives. There is a display of artifacts and original pictures from the crash site.

The Historical Society Library contains a copier, a reader, a reader-printer, and has microfilm of all newspapers that have been published in Chase County. These are for your use. Volumes 1, 11 , III, IV of Chase County Historical Sketches contain history of Chase County families and the account of some of the events that took place in the formation of the county. These volumes are available for study or to purchase. We also have listings of all the cemeteries in the county, and marriage licenses dating back to 1860, for your use, obituaries, genealogy and research materials, many photos, etc.

Location: 301 Broadway, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845

Phone: (620)273-8500

Donations appreciated.

Chase County Courthouse – Cottonwood Falls, Kansas

This courthouse is the oldest courthouse in operation in Kansas.  Built 1872-1873, this French Renaissance building constructed of native limestone  this beautiful building is someting that you will want to visit while in Kansas.

Native limestone, used in the building, has been shipped to every state in the country. It may be found in many public structures, including the Capitol building in Washington D.C. and the Kansas capitol building. Each year visitors from every state and from many countries visit the courthouse, marveling at its architectural design, the stonework and spiral staircase. In 1971 the Courthouse was entered in the National Registry of Historic Places and the Kansas Historical Site register. Unmatched in durability and design, the courthouse remains a living tribute to its builders and the Flint Hills pioneers who dreamed of a Courthouse which would stand a century.

Location: 300 Pearl, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845

Phone: (620) 273-8469  or (800) 431-6344

C.W. Parker Carousel – Abilene, Kansas

This 24 horse carousel and 4 chariots of this 104 year old piece of history is available for rides to bring back the wonderful memories of the dreams of riding the carousel.  This totally hand-carved working carousel manufactured in Abilene at the turn of century by C. W. Parker Amusement Company has been completely restored.

C.W. Parker called his machines "Carry-Us-Alls" as he felt that the plain term "Merry-Go-Round" was too tame for such a flashy contrivance. It carried all ages and sizes and thus to him was a "Carry-Us-All". The Museum has chosen to use the generic name "Carousel" to refer to this machine as that is how it has been called most of its life.

Location: 412 S Campbell St, Heritage Center, Abilene, KS 67410
 

Phone: (785) 263-2681
 

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Dyche Hall is the home to the Natural History Museum on the Univesity of Kansas campus. 

The museum’s exhibits focus on the biological diversity, past and present, of Kansas and the Great Plains.

The museum offers an array of different tours types for you to choose from, ranging from the Highlighted Tours which is just a 30 minutes tour showing you the basics of Dyche Hall and the displays, or choose the Behind the Scenes Tour  of The Biodiversity Institute, of which the museum is a part of, is made up of over a dozen research divisions. The collections are consistently ranked among the best in the United States but are rarely seen by the general public. Behind-the-Scenes Tours are subject to staff availability. Tours last approximately 30 minutes and are appropriate for all ages. Reservations are required three weeks in advance and tours are limited to groups of no more than ten people. To request a tour, please contact the Visitor Services Coordinator, Tristan Smith, at (785) 864-2380.  Either tour will be interesting.

Unless otherwise posted, you are welcome to take pictures of Museum exhibitions for personal use.

OPEN

Monday – Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Sunday: Noon – 5 PM

CLOSED*

January 1
Martin Luther King Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Friday following Thanksgiving
December 24 & 25

Admission:

The Museum has a suggested contribution. Your contributions help fund public programs, including public science events and exhibitions. Thank you for your support.

$5.00 — Adults
$3.00 — Children ages 6-18, seniors
Free — Museum members; KU Students, staff and faculty; children under age 6.Lawrence is located in northeastern Kansas, just 45 minutes from downtown Kansas City, MO and 30 minutes from Topeka, KS. The Natural History Museum is located on the University of Kansas campus in Dyche Hall just six short blocks from downtown Lawrence.

The Museum is wheelchair accessible and encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its activities. If you have special needs contact the museum at (785) 864-4450 or 4455 and every effort will be made to accommodate your requests.

*Guests with wheelchairs, strollers, or limited mobility can be dropped off in front of the museum.
*The ground-level entrance is north of the main entrance.
*The museum has one manual wheelchair. It is available free of charge on a first come, first served basis.
*All exhibitions are accessible. Elevators are located at the north end of the museum and a lift is available for the fifth floor exhibit.
*Restrooms are available on the third and fifth floors and water fountains are available on the third and sixth floors.
*Teletype users should call the Kansas Relay Center at 711 or 1-800-766-3777 and a message will be relayed to the museum.

KU Natural History Museum
Dyche Hall
1345 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lawrence, KS 66045

Visitor Services
(785) 864-4450
kunhm@ku.edu

Communication Officer
(785) 864-2344
kunhm@ku.edu

Wolf Creek Park – Vassar, Kansas

If you are looking for that get a way that will offer you camping, fishing, boating and hiking then Wolf Creek Park is the place for you to visit in Kansas.  With over 4000 acres of land for you to explore, good fishing and water sports you will enjoy your time here.

There are 87 campsites available to rent, a shower house, shelters that can be reserved, a ball park, play ground for the children and boat launching and marina facilities.  The rolling hills setting of this park with the lake are perfect for the family for group get a way.

Location:  5260 Pomona Dam Rd, Vassar, KS   66543

Phone: (785) 453-2201

McPherson Country Old Mill Museum – Linsborg, Kansas

Preserving the history of McPherson County this museum offers a look at what it took to develop the area. The museum collects, preserves, researches, exhibits and interprets materials related to this heritage with special emphasis on the period from 1870 to 1910.

The Smoky Valley Roller Mill was built in 1898. Unlike a grist mill which uses stones, a roller mill uses a series of corrugated rollers to grind grain. This type of mill, know as "the grand daddy of the modern mill" became important in this area with the introduction of hard winter wheat in 1870s. Until 1955, the mill operated as a business, sending flour to places around the world.

1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mill

The mill was originally water powered by turbines turning horizontally in the river. In 1940 the dam washed out. Fortunately, though, by the 1930s the owners of the mill had already converted it to electric power. (The housing for the turbines and the remains of the dam can be seen behind the mill. Two of the turbines can be seen in the courtyard beside the mill.)

Four to six people were needed to operate the mill. It processed 30-35 bushels of wheat per hour, which yielded 1260 to 1470 pounds of flour per hour.

Efforts to restore the mill to operating condition began in the 1960s and the restoration process was completed in 1981.

1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion

Designed by Ferdinand Boberg, one of Sweden’s premier architects at the turn of the century, the Swedish Pavilion is the only one of Boberg’s international exposition buildings in existence today and the only example of his work in the United States. It is also one of very few international buildings remaining from the St. Louis World’s Fair.

The building followed the design of t he traditional Swedish Manor House or “herrgard” honoring the architectural past of Sweden. The Pavilion was prefabricated at Ekmans Construction Company in Sundbyberg just north of Stockholm, Sweden. It then was dismantled and shipped to the United States by boat, landing at the Port of Baltimore. The materials were then transported by train to the building site on the fair grounds arriving in late March of 1904. The Pavilion opened to visitors on May 9, 1904, and it showcased the best of Sweden at the Fair.

At the close of the Fair, the Swedish Pavilion was purchased by W.W. Thomas, U.S. Minister to Sweden and Norway, and presented to Bethany College in Lindsborg.

In 1969 the Swedish Pavilion was moved from Bethany College to the Old Mill Museum and a partial restoration was completed. The Pavilion is used for cultural heritage events several times throughout the year. The building was entered onto the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. In 1976 King Carl XVI Gustaf rededicated the building to all Swedes and Swedish-Americans.

Along with these two buildings there are others that comprise the museum for your enjoyment and education. They are: West Kentuck One Room School
1879 Kansas Pacific/Union Pacific Railroad Depot
Bethany Academy
Erickson Brothers Workshop
Blacksmith Shop
Sweadal (First McPherson County Courthouse Building)
General Store (Reproduction)

Each spring, the museum hosts Millfest a family event celebrating the history of the mill and the pioneer heritage of the region. Millfest is held the first weekend in May and features guided tours of the mill in operation.

Professional millers run the mill (without grain) and tours are available for visitors age 13 and older. Other activities include a traditional arts and crafts fair, musical entertainment and great food.

Millfest Admission
Adults: $2.00
Children Ages 6-12: $1.00
Under 6: FREE

There is a campground for those interested in staying over. The sites are on a first come first serve basis.

Contact:
McPherson County Old Mill Museum
P.O. Box 94 / 120 Mill Street
Lindsborg, KS 67456

Phone: (785) 227-3595

Lebold Mansion – Abilene, Kansas 23-room mansion built by Conrad H. Lebold in 1880, one of the early founders of Abilene. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, this is an Italianate Victorian mansion. The mansion has been completely restored and furnished with period antiques typical of the late Victorian era. The interiors are a showcase of the Victorian decorative arts and your tour guild will explain the history of the mansion and the many unique artifacts essential to the Victorian lifestyle.

See Timothy Hersey’s dugout, the first home in Abilene, located on the first floor of the mansion, below the tower. From this location, Mrs. Hersey served the last “square” meal to the passengers of the Butterfield Stage Coach Lines and the Overland Freight Company as they traveled west.

The museum collection displays furnishings, textiles, artwork, silver, mechanical automations, pianos, organs, melodeon, victrola, period lighting, and much more.

Open: Tuesday – Sunday: Continuous Tours -10:00 am to 4:00 pm Tours on Monday by appointment.

Admission: $10/Adult 10 or more $8.00 p/p
$5.00/Youth ages 13-18 25 or more $5.00 p/p
$3.00/Child ages 6-12

Location: 106 N. Vine St., Abilene

Phone: (785) 263-4356  

Fort Riley – Fort Riley, Kansas

The long history of the fort began when it was named for Major General Bennett C. Riley. Founded in 1853, the Post was originally established to protect settlers on the Oregon and Santa Fe trails. The fort is active as an Army base although the history of the fort encompasses a long history of use from protecting the emmegrants going to the west from the east and being a location that housed conferate soldiers captured during the Civil War.

Following the end of the Civil War in 1865 the troops were used to protect the railroad. Evidence of this occurred in the summer and fall of 1866 when the 7th Cavalry Regiment was mustered-in at Riley and the Union Pacific Railroad reached the fort. Brevet Major General George A. Custer arrived in December to take charge of the new regiment.

The following spring, Custer and the 7th left Fort Riley to participate in a campaign on the high plains of western Kansas and eastern Colorado.

The campaign proved inconclusive but resulted in Custer’s court martial and suspension from the Army for one year — in part — for returning to Fort Riley to see his wife without permission.

When many of the other forts in the area were closed when the hostilities with the Indians lessened Fort Riley was saved by being named the "Cavalry Headquarters of the Army."

The 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments — the famed "Buffalo Soldiers" — have been stationed at Fort Riley several times during their history. Shortly after their formation in 1866, the 9th Cavalry passed through here enroute to permanent stations in the southwest. They returned during the early 1880s and the early part of this century before being permanently assigned as troop cadre for the Cavalry School during the 1920 and 30s.

The 10th Cavalry was stationed here in 1868 and 1913.

On the eve of World War II, the 9th and 10th Cavalry became a part of the Second Cavalry Division which was briefly stationed there.

America’s entry into World War I resulted in many changes at Fort Riley. Facilities were greatly expanded, and a cantonment named Camp Funston was built five miles east of the permanent post during the summer and fall of 1917. This training site was one of 16 across the country and could accommodate from 30,00 to 50,000 men.

The first division to train at Camp Funston, the 89th, sailed for France in the spring of 1918. The 10th Division also received training at Funston but the armistice came before the unit was sent overseas.

Gathering war clouds in Europe and Asia during the late 1930s caused some military planners to prepare for possible U. S. involvement. This led to several important developments at Fort Riley. The first was the rebuilding of Camp Funston and the stationing of the 2nd Cavalry Division there in December 1940. Barracks were built in the area known as Republican Flats and renamed Camp Forsyth. In addition, 32,000 acres were added to the post for training purposes. These efforts were brought into sharp focus with America’s entry into World War II.

Over the next four years, approximately 125,000 soldiers were trained at these facilities. Notable trainees included heavyweight boxing champion, Joe Louis, and motion picture stars such as Mickey Rooney. The post also received a presidential visit by Franklin Roosevelt on Easter Sunday 1943.

The 9th Armored Division was organized here in July 1942 and after its deployment, Camp Funston was used as a prisoner of war camp.

The arrival of victory in Europe and Japan during the spring and summer of 1945, were joyous occasions. But they also spelled new realities and directions for the Army and Fort Riley.

In the aftermath of World War II, the fort experienced a period of transition. The Cavalry School ceased operation in November 1946 and the last tactical horse unit inactivated the following March. Replacing the Cavalry School was the Ground General School, which trained newly commissioned officers in basic military subjects. An officer’s candidate course was conducted along with training officers and enlisted men in intelligence techniques and methods. The 10th Infantry Division, one of ten Army training divisions, was activated at Camp Funston in August 1948. The sixteen-week basic military program conducted by this division prepared soldiers for infantry combat and duty with other infantry units.

The invasion of South Korea by North Korean forces in June 1950, once again brought attention to Fort Riley as an important training facility. Over the next few years, recruits from all over the United States came to Fort Riley and received basic training.

As a result of the Cold War An additional 50,000 acres were acquired in 1966, which enabled the Army to have an adequate training area for the division’s two brigades.

During the Viet Nam Conflict the fort was used for training of companies getting ready for deployment to the region.

In August 1990, Iraq invaded its neighbor, Kuwait. The resulting international outcry led to the largest U. S. troop build-up and deployment overseas since the Vietnam War. In the fall of that year, Fort Riley was notified to begin mobilization of troops and equipment for deployment to the Persian Gulf. Between November 1990 and January 1991, men and equipment were deployed overseas.

With the world being as it is the fate of Ft. Riley to continue to be needed as a training center for the military seems assured.

Fort Riley is located west of Topeka. There are museums on the grounds which are discussed in other listings on the site.

Location I-70 Exit 301, Fort Riley, KS 66441

Phone: (785) 239-3410

Milford Lake – Junction City, Kansas

This is Kansas’ largest man made lake great for fishing, camping, hunting, hiking and boating.

The 15,700 surface acres of water and 163 miles of shoreline are a welcoming environment for outdoor activities. Over 33,000 acres of land resources are managed for quality recreational experiences as well as for protection of the project’s natural and cultural resources. Approximately 70% of the land resources are available for public hunting.

There are numerous boat ramps for easy access to the lake. There are also cabins and campsites for those that want to stay for more than a day.

Waterfall Trail – A 0.6 mile walk that leads you through woodland and prairie habitats. A manmade waterfall and pond is located at the trailhead.

Crystal Trail – This trail is 2.2 miles. It passes by an old quarry where small geode rocks can be found. Deer viewing is good along open fields and by food plots. Viewing of bald eagles is excellent from November through March along the water’s edge.

Eagle Ridge Equestrian Trail – Over 8 miles of horseback riding on some of the most scenic and diverse areas that Milford Lake has to offer.

Wildlife Viewing Tower & Trail – The tower is accessed from a wrap-around staircase, which rises 21′ to the top platform. Excellent wildlife viewing is made available with nearby food plots. The best time to visit is near dusk and dawn when most animals are active. Stargazing is excellent on clear nights. Bring your binoculars!

With all that is available to do you will truly enjoy your time at Milford Lake and State Park.

Location: Because of the size of the lake the options are many.
Milford State Park

Clay County Park
201 2nd
Wakefield, KS 67487
(785) 461-5774 or (785) 463-5537

Flagstop Resort (Milford, KS)
302 Whiting, P.O. Box 329
Milford, KS 66514
(800) 293-1465

Thunderbird Marina
4725 W. Rolling Hills Rd.
Junction City, KS 66441
(785) 238-5864 or (785) 463-5509

Acorns Resort
4000 Farnum Creek Rd.
Milford, KS 66514

Tuttle Creek Lake – Manhattan, Kansas

There are 33,574 acres of land and water at Tuttle Creek Lake. Nestled in the Flint Hills of Kansas, Tuttle Creek Lake is located in the largest remaining expanse of tallgrass prairie on the continent.

Do you enjoy fishing, hiking, boating, swimming, and camping? Then this is a wonderful location for you to visit.

Concessionaire-run Wildcat Marina is located in a protected cove in Spillway State Park, 1 ½ miles north of the dam on the east side of Tuttle Creek Lake. The marina has 45 slips, fuel sales, fishing and boating supplies, a snack bar, and pontoon boat and personal watercraft rentals. Contact the marina at (785) 776-3113 for hours of operation and rental rates.

The dam that makes the lake possible consists of a rolled earth and rockfill embankment with a gated, concrete chute spillway near the east abutment, and an outlet works with intake tower and gated twin conduits 20 feet in diameter near the west abutment.

Tuttle Creek Lake boasts miles of hiking, bicycling, off-road vehicle and equestrian trails, many established and maintained through dedicated volunteer organizations.

The Blue River Trail in Outlet Park is the most popular trail. This interpretive one-mile loop is located on the east side of the Blue River near shelter #3. Excellent views of wildlife can be had in all seasons.

Five miles of hiking/biking/equestrian trails have been established and well marked throughout Carnahan Creek Park. Scenic vistas from atop the knob in the center of the park reward those who venture here. Wildlife viewing is good in Carnahan Creek Cove year-round. Access to the trails is best at the old well house by the campground north of the knob.

Spillway State Park provides park users with a new award-winning ADA accessible trail. Scenic views and interesting landscapes make up this half-mile trail. The Cedar Ridge Trail earned the Coalition for Recreational Trails National ADA Trail Award for 2001.

Randolph State Park boasts fourteen miles of biking/hiking/equestrian trails, well marked and affording a rich variety of terrain and vegetation types. These trails cross Kansas Highway 16 and include both the north and south units of the park.

Fancy Creek State Park offers eight miles of hiking and advanced mountain biking trails. Winding through dense cedar forest and open native grassland, this trail runs along rocky ridges with scenic overlooks along the way.

River Pond Area offers a 1/4 mile easy access self-guided nature trail with ten stops. There is an observation deck that affords views of many species of wildlife.

A motor vehicle entry permit is required in all state parks.

Contact: Tuttle Creek Project Office
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
5020 Tuttle Creek Blvd
Manhattan, Ks. 66502

Phone: 785-539-8511/8586

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum – Abilene, Kansas

The basic function of the Library building is to provide a place for scholars to come to work in the rich historical materials housed there and to give information to the general public about the Presidency of this great man.

He was born David Dwight (Ike) Eisenhower on October 14, 1890, in Denison, Texas where his father David had found work as a railroad hand. He was the third of seven sons. The following year, the Eisenhowers returned to Kansas.

He was appointed to the United States Military Academy in 1911.

Mamie was born Mamie Geneva Doud on November 14, 1896, in Boone, Iowa. The second of four daughters born to Elivera and John Sheldon Doud, Mamie was only nine months old when her family moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Mamie was a bright and vivacious young woman in the fall of 1915 when she and her family were visiting friends at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. It was during this visit that Mamie met then Second Lieutenant Dwight D. Eisenhower. A young officer just out of West Point, Lt. Eisenhower courted Miss Doud throughout the autumn of 1915 and on February 14, 1916, they formally announced their engagement. At noon on July 1, 1916, the couple was married in the Doud family home in Denver.

The Eisenhowers had two children, Doud and John.

Eisenhower entered the miltary in 1911. His tours of duty took him all over the world and included time with Generals Fox Connor, Douglas McArthur and George Marshall. Upon leaving the miltary in 1948 he was president of Columbia University. In 1950, at President Truman’s request Eisenhower took a leave of absence from Columbia to command the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. As Supreme Allied Commender, Europe, during the following two years he would stay in touch with Columbia and especially with the American Assembly, a university innovation to which he had devoted substantial energy and time. On June 1, 1952 Eisenhower returned to the United States to campaign actively for the Presidency.

The Presidency: First Lady: Mamie Geneva Doud Eisenhower, Wife
• Dates of Presidency: 1/20/1953 – 1/20/1961
• Presidency Number: 34
• Number of Terms: 2
• Why Presidency Ended: End of 2nd term
• Party: Republican
• His Vice President(s): Richard M. Nixon

Hours

All buildings are open daily from 9 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. All buildings are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. A small fee is charged for the museum only.

Extended hours are observed during the summer from Memorial Day until mid-August.

NEW RESEARCH ROOM HOURS

Effective January 2, 2008, the Eisenhower Presidential Library will discontinue regular (9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m) Saturday research room hours. Beginning January 2, 2008, daily research room hours will be from Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-noon and 12:45-5:15.

Museum Admission Fees (7/2007)
7 years and under – free
8 – 15 years – $1.00
Adults 16-61 years – $8.00
Seniors 62 years & older – $6.00

Parking is free. Spaces are available for tour buses and recreational vehicles.

The Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum is fully handicapped accessible. Wheelchairs are available upon request.

The Visitors Center orientation film is closed-captioned for the hearing impaired. A tour of the Boyhood home is available for the hearing impaired. A braille brochure is available for the Museum’s Introductory Gallery. The First Ladies, Military and Presidential Galleries all have captioned segments on video.

Location: The Eisenhower Library is located about 2 miles south of I-70 on K-15. The complex consists of five buildings located on 22 acres. They include the Family Home, Museum, Library, Place of Meditation, and Visitors Center.
Abilene, Kansas

Contact: Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum
200 Southeast Fourth Street
Abilene, Kansas 67410

General phone number: 785-263-6700
Toll Free: 1-877-746-4453

OZ Museum – Wamego, Kansas

What a wonderful trip to Oz! Visit the museum and see the variety of items from the era of entertainment from the days of Oz to the 1900’s.

The museum houses more than just memorabilia from the famous 1939 MGM musical starring Judy Garland! It encompasses earlier silent films, one of which starred none other than Oliver Hardy (Laurel and Hardy fame) as the Tin Man as well as “The Wiz” starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. 

The OZ Museum is dedicated to ALL things OZ. It is a treasure trove of delight and wonder and thrills visitors young and “young at heart.”  Opened in 2003, the OZ Museum features over 100 years of Oz History – starting with the original book published in 1900 and continuing through the Broadway production, Wicked. The museum displays over 2,000 artifacts and provides wonderful photo opportunities with full-size Oz characters. The 1939 MGM classic plays in a state of the art theater as well as several documentaries and silent films from the 1920s. Be sure to visit Auntie Em\’s Gift Shop themed in a sepia toned barnyard to complete your journey to Oz. The OZ Museum has been featured in the L.A. Times, Chicago Tribune, on NPR, and is well known around the world. The museum attracts over 28,000 visitors a year from every state in the country and abroad.

The OZ Museum is located in Wamego, Kansas. Wamego is located 10 miles east of Manhattan at the intersection of U.S. highway 24 and Kansas highway 99, also known as The Road to OZ.

From Topeka, Kansas City, and points East: Take the Kansas Turnpike west to Topeka. Leave the turnpike at either Topeka exit, following either I-70 or I-470 west. I-470 bypasses Topeka on the south and joins I-70 to the west of the city. Continue west on I-70 to exit 328. You will see the OZ billboards and signs pointing to the exit. Exit 328 is Kansas 99. Follow it 9 miles north to Wamego, where it becomes Lincoln Avenue. The OZ Museum is in the heart of downtown Wamego, on the west side of the street, at 511 Lincoln Avenue.

From Salina, Hays, Denver and points West: Take I-70 east to exit 328. You will see the OZ billboards and signs pointing to the exit. Exit 328 is Kansas 99. Follow it 9 miles north to Wamego, where it becomes Lincoln Avenue. The OZ Museum is in the heart of downtown Wamego, on the west side of the street, at 511 Lincoln Avenue.

From Marysville, Lincoln, Omaha and points North: Drive south on your choice of highways until you reach U.S. 36. Kansas 99 intersects with U.S. 36 twelve miles east of Marysville and 18 miles west of Seneca. Drive 46 miles south on Kansas 99 to Wamego. Kansas 99 intersects with U.S. 24 to the north of Wamego. Continue on into town on the highway, which becomes Lincoln Avenue, Wamego’s Main Street. The OZ Museum is in the heart of downtown Wamego, on the west side of the street, at 511 Lincoln Avenue.

From Oklahoma City, Wichita and points South: Drive north on your choice of roads until you can conveniently access the Kansas turnpike, which is I-35 in the southern part of Kansas. If you want to stay on 4 lane highways, take I-135 near the south side of Wichita. It will take you straight north to Salina, where you can take I-70 east, following the directions above. Alternately, you can take the Kansas turnpike (I-35) northeast from Wichita to the Cassoday exit. This puts you on Kansas 177, one of the most beautiful roads in Kansas. This nationally recognized highway goes through the flint hills and directly past the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. Continue on Kansas 177 north to I-70, and merge onto I-70 east, exiting 13 miles later at Exit 328. Exit 328 is Kansas 99. Follow it 9 miles north to Wamego, where it becomes Lincoln Avenue. The OZ Museum is in the heart of downtown Wamego, on the west side of the street, at 511 Lincoln Avenue.

OZ Museum Rates

Adults – 13 and up
$7.00
Children 4-12
$4.00
Children 3 and under
FREE
Group and military rates available.

Telephone: 1-866-458-TOTO (8686)

Hours:
Monday – Saturday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday
noon to 5 p.m.

Please call for winter hours.

Closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas.
We are also closed the Monday after the Oztoberfest Festival.

Email: ozmuseum@wamego.net

Fort Leavenworth has been a military asset to the United States for over 170 years. Located off Metropolitan Avenue in Leavenworth, Kansas, it was established in 1827 by Colonel Henry Leavenworth. It began as a base of operations for dealing with the Indians on the frontier, and continued to have many uses for military operations from the moment it was established through the modern times of today. Another one of Fort Leavenworth’s early uses was as an outfitting post during the war with Mexico, and soldiers from Fort Leavenworth protected the wagon trains that hauled supplies to western forts and outlying areas.

When Kansas became a territory, the governor at the time, Andrew Reeder, set up his executive office and quarters known as "The Rookery." When the Civil War broke out, Fort Leavenworth was used as a training camp for Kansas volunteers. Because it was heard that a Confederate army led by General Price was approaching, earthworks were built to hold artillery, but they were never used. General Price was defeated at what is now part of Kansas City.

After the Civil War ended, Fort Leavenworth was mainly used to control Indian uprisings. The soldiers at Fort Leavenworth engaged in combat with various Indian groups over 1000 times between 1865 and 1891.

One very impressive incident in Fort Leavenworth’s history was the establishment of two black regiments under the command of Colonel Benjamin Grierson. A monument to the Buffalo Soldiers, as they were called stands at Fort Leavenworth today.

The U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth was established in 1875. In 1881, General William T. Sherman established the School of Infantry and Cavalry, which eventually became the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. The military school at Fort Leavenworth has turned out some of the most well-known men in history, such as Dwight D. Eisenhower and George S. Patton.

The National Cemetery at Fort Leavenworth is one of twelve cemeteries established by Abraham Lincoln, and veterans have been buried there since the War of 1812. Colonel Henry Leavenworth, whom the fort is named after is buried in this cemetery.

Fort Leavenworth has a variety of historic sites that are considered important and significant for both the Army and the United States. It has been declared a National Landmark since 1960. Fort Leavenworth continues its contributions to this country in a variety of ways.

Fort Leavenworth has a vivid and interesting past. Visitors to this area of Kansas should make the effort to see this important part of U.S. history. Tours of the base include many historic sites as well as some of the modern operations. Interested groups can contact the Public Affairs Office (PAO) at 913-684-5604 to arrange a guided tour of the base.

Fort Leavenworth – Leavenworth Kansas    

The Kansas Museum of History is located in Topeka, Kansas. The museum is dedicated to the colorful history of Kansas, and is filled with interesting things to see and do. When people find themselves in Topeka, the Kansas Museum of History is a great way to spend an afternoon and learn all about the history of the state.

The main gallery includes displays about the many different aspects of Kansas history. Some of the exhibit themes include Native American history, forts, and the role of Kansas in the Civil War, settlements, trains, Kansas in the 20th century and more. Exhibits include a fill-size tipi, a covered wagon and a steam locomotive.

The Discover Place is a wonderful hands-on gallery for both children and adults to see, touch and interact with the history of the state. They can crawl in a tipi, ride carousel horses, dress up in Grandma’s Attic, strum a guitar and use a telephone switchboard. It is a favorite place for young people who visit the Kansas Museum of History because they get to learn while also having fun.

Temporary exhibits to the museum are fun and interesting additions to the regular museum fare. Currently, an exhibit about "Blazing Guns and Rugged Heroes: Kansas in the Westerns” details the role of Kansas in the Hollywood western movies. Visitors can also learn about quilts and sports in the upcoming exhibits that the museum has planned for the near future.

Taking time to visit the museum store is worthwhile. The store at the Kansas Museum of History is filled with gifts and interesting books related to the history of the state and the American West. Many of the gifts in the store have been crafted by Kansas artists. The books cover a wide variety of subjects including Kansas archaeology sites and important people in the state’s history.

The museum is also home to the Center for Historical Research, which is an extensive library collection of printed materials, government archives, photographs and other information that is available about Kansas’s past.

The museum also has "Cool Things" and "Objects and Heirlooms" that have been donated to the museum for visitors to view. These are amazing things that truly represent the unique individual and group history of the state..

The hours of the Kansas Museum of History are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The museum is closed on Mondays and state holidays. The Discovery Place, which is a hands-on gallery is open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. The admission prices are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for students. Children under the age of five are free, with Kansas residents getting a $1 discount on the admission price. Both guided and self-guided tours are available.

6425 SW 6th Ave
Topeka, KS 66615
(785) 272-8681

The Kansas Museum Of History – Topeka Kansas

Neewollah Celebration – Independence Kansas

Each fall the city of Independence, Kansas holds a huge celebration for everyone to share the best food and fun that the area has to offer. Some of the special events offered at the Neewollah (Halloween) celebration are a bike ride, chili cook-off, parade, arts and crafts show, 5K race and fun run, Queen Neelah Pageant, and a musical production. It’s fun for the whole family during this weeklong celebration.

The Neewollah bike ride takes riders through southeast Kansas where they can opt for the eighteen mile, thirty-five mile, or seventy mile ride. No matter the distance though, each will start and finish at the 4-H building in Riverside Park. Rest stops are stationed throughout the bike ride, every ten miles, and furnish riders with water, fruit, and cookies. There is also a 5K run and a fun run walk every year.

Those that consider their chili a piece of culinary expertise can enter it in the chili cook-off. The cooking and preparing of the chili starts at 8:00 AM with the judging at 12:00 noon and $150 will be awarded for first place, $75 for second, $50 for third, and $25 for the hottest chili. Those not participating in the cook-off can help judge by purchasing “endless bowls” for $2.00 which allows them one vote, and additional votes can be purchased for $1.00.

The grand parade takes place on the last Saturday of October during the Neewollah celebration. Marching bands and floats, along with old cars and politicians make up the two hours of the continuous sights in the parade. The last Friday afternoon of October is saved for the Kiddie Parade. While it’s only four blocks long, it allows children to show off the Halloween costumes they are wearing that year, and their junior high school bands.

Girls that are high school seniors in Independence and neighboring communities participate in the annual Queen Neelah pageant, and there is also a musical production that is put on every year by the talented people from around the Independence area. A Halloween dance is held on the last Saturday of October and includes a deejay, hors d’oeuvres, and a costume contest, and the weekend brings professional shows put on as headliners.

If you haven’t found enough to keep you busy, there are still several more things to see and do at Neewollah. The arts and crafts fair shows off home-crafted items and artwork that is available for viewing and purchasing, and a pumpkin decorating contest takes place with prizes given away in different age categories. A historic tour shows off the best of Independence throughout the years. During the medallion hunt, budding detectives search using daily clues to find a medallion hidden somewhere in the city.  

The Quirky Offerings of Kansas

If you’re planning a visit to Kansas, and you want to do some things that are a little off the beaten path, there are quite a few quirky adventures to be had in this state. If seeing a collection of mechanical fans, a rugby ball-sized hailstone, a 24- by 32-foot replica of a Vincent Van Gogh painting, and a giant spinach salad seems like the perfect way to spend your day, you’ll want to check out the many quirky things that can be done in Kansas, many of which are outlined in Pam Grout’s books “Kansas Curiosities” and “You Know You’re In Kansas When.”

Located in Andover, Kansas is the Museum of the Antique Fan Collectors Association, sponsored by and located in the headquarters of the Vornado Air Circulation Systems. This particular collection happens to be the largest of its type in the world, with 250 fans on display. Included here are rare fans, some dating back to the mid 1800s. With plenty of advance notice, large groups and tour buses are always welcome here.

In Coffeyville, Kansas you can learn some local history at the Dalton Defenders Museum. In the late 1800s the Dalton Gang attempted to rob two Coffeyville banks at the same time. As they attempted to enter the banks, they were recognized by locals who then armed themselves with weapons bought on the spot at local stores and were ready for the gang when they left the banks. Four members of the gang and four “defenders” died after the assault.

The museum was started to honor the defenders that took on the Dalton Gang that day and to also honor other examples of local history. Visiting the Dalton Defenders Museum, you’ll see exhibits of Coffeyville history including items from the Dalton Gang Raid, items that belonged to Wendell Wilkie who had taught school in town, items that belonged to Washington Senators baseball player Walter Johnson, and a replica of the rugby-sized hailstone that hit Coffeyville in 1970.

A giant painting on an easel is quite the sight in Goodland, Kansas. Towering over the city’s water tower, this 24- by 32-foot replica of a Vincent Van Gogh painting, sits on an 80-foot easel in a park complex. This project plans to put a giant replica of each of Van Gogh’s seven sunflower paintings in seven different countries throughout the world. The hope is that it will be included in the Guiness Book of World Records.

To go with your giant painting, you may want a giant spinach salad in Lenexa, Kansas. The Lenexa Spinach Festival supports the city’s 1930s claim to fame as the spinach capital of the world. With the city residing in the middle of many crisscrossing old wagon trails, Belgian farms would grow spinach in Lenexa and ship it out by rail. Other than the world’s largest spinach salad, you will also find arts and crafts, antiques, a car show, pony rides, petting zoo, quilt show, and a special appearance by Popeye and Olive Oyl.