http://www.kansasbeautiful.com Kansas Vacation Guide Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:07:45 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en 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 ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/central-kansas-tourism/combat-air-museum.html Prairie Museum of Art and History - Colby, Kansas The museum is just off I-70 in Kansas and offers a wide array of the private collection of the Kuska collection.  The Kuska's were collectors of interesting items from around the world for over 50 years.  Upon the death of the couple ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/western-kansas-tourism/prairie-museum-of-art-and-history-colby-kansas.html Cedar Bluff State Park - Ogallah, Kansas This state park in Ogallah is known for it's 6,000 reservoir, 1000 Cedar Bluffs State Park and a 9,000 acre wildlife reserve.  Even though the park is just 12 miles off the beaten path of I 70 at exit 135 it receives few ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/western-kansas-tourism/cedar-bluff-state-park-ogallah-kansas.html Fort Hays - Fort Hays, Kansas The history of Fort Hays began with it being built in 1865 to protect the stage and freight wagons of the Butterfield Overland Dispatch (BOD) traveling along the Smoky Hill Trail to Denver. Despite the presence of the soldiers, Southern Cheyenne and Southern Arapaho Indians ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/western-kansas-tourism/fort-hays-fort-hays-kansas.html STERNBERG MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY - HAYS, KANSAS This is a museum that you will enjoy since the displays rotate giving you the opportunity to view the collections on display.  Although the University has over 3,750,000 items they only show a small portion of them at a time. http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/western-kansas-tourism/sternberg-museum-of-natural-history-hays-kansas.html Boot Hill Museum - Dodge City, Kansas Dodge City, founded in 1872, was the world's largest shipping point for Longhorn cattle.  With the cowboys coming into town after being on the roundup and trail for so long they often had lots of pent up energy and other things that they wanted ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/western-kansas-tourism/boot-hill-museum-dodge-city-kansas.html Fort Dodge Kansas State Soldiers Home - Fort Dodge, Kansas Built in 1859 of sod and adobe Fort Dodge was the last US Army fort located before the Civil War and in 1865 was the first fort opened after the Civil War.  Fort Dodge was to guard travelers on the Santa ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/western-kansas-tourism/fort-dodge-kansas-state-soldiers-home-fort-dodge-kansas.html Lee Richardson Zoo - Garden City, Kansas One of the largest zoos in Kansas with over 300 animals of 100 species you will have the opportunity to see some outstanding animals up close.  Although the layout of the zoo leaves something to be desired it's worth the effort to go. http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/western-kansas-tourism/lee-richardson-zoo-garden-city-kansas.html Geographic Center to the United States - Lebanon, Kansas When you look at the United States (the 48 contiguous states) and go to the center you end up at Lebanon, Kansas!  Actually, the true site is approximately 2 miles northwest of Lebanon. http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/western-kansas-tourism/geographic-center-to-the-united-states-lebanon-kansas.html 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 ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/eastern-kansas-tourism/mount-muncie-cemetery-lansing-kansas.html 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. http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/eastern-kansas-tourism/farm-city-days-and-the-buster-keaton-celebration-iola-kansas.html Biblesta - Humbolt, 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 ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/eastern-kansas-tourism/biblesta-humbolt-kansas.html The Greyhound Hall of Fame - Abilene, Kansas   The museum is free and across from the street from the Eisenhower complex.   http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/central-kansas-tourism/the-greyhound-hall-of-fame-abilene-kansas.html 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 ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/central-kansas-tourism/the-fashion-museum-abilene-kansas.html 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 ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/central-kansas-tourism/chisholm-trail-historical-marker-abilene-kansas.html Kauffman Museum - North Newton, Kansas Affiliated with Bethel College this museum focuses on the Mennonite life and times of the 1800's. http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/eastern-kansas-tourism/kauffman-museum-north-newton-kansas.html The Columbian Theatre, Museum & Art Center - Wamego, Kansas After being silent for 40 years this wonderful facility was restored and opened as the Columbian Theater, Museum and Art Center dedicated to entertainment of all ages. With some art works from the Chicago World's Fair on display this has a unique ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/eastern-kansas-tourism/the-columbian-theatre-museum-art-center-wamego-kansas.html 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. http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/eastern-kansas-tourism/the-dwight-d-eisenhower-presidential-library-museum-abilene-kansas.html Konza Prairie - Manhatten, Kansas Although this is a biological research station with limited facilities for visitors there are still trails that can be enjoyed and accommodations available. Nature trails -- 14 miles of hiking trails are open daily from dawn until dusk, weather and trail conditions permitting. http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/eastern-kansas-tourism/konza-prairie-manhatten-kansas.html Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art - Manhatten, Kansas The museum opened in October 1996. This 25,000 sq. ft. facility is home to KSU's permanent art collection. Since its establishment in 1928, this collection has grown to include approximately 1,500 works of art focusing on 20th century American art and Midwest ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/eastern-kansas-tourism/marianna-kistler-beach-museum-of-art-manhatten-kansas.html Sunset Zoo - Manhatten, Kansas This small zoo even allows you to enter some of the enclosures with the animals, of course, not the dangerous ones. The animals appear to be well taken care of which makes it an enjoyable zoo to visit. It is the most popular zoo in Kansas. http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/eastern-kansas-tourism/sunset-zoo-manhatten-kansas.html Old Stone Barn - Council Grove, Kansas Seth Hays built this stone barn which stands today as a reminder of days gone by. The imposing, 76-foot-long native stone barn was built into the bank of a hill in 1871 on land owned by the town's founder, Seth Hays. It's the only structure ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/eastern-kansas-tourism/old-stone-barn-other-sites-council-grove-kansas.html The Kansas Auto Racing Museum - Chapman, Kansas Come and enjoy the Kansas Auto Racing Museum also features restored race cars from seven different eras, video Play Stations, rare film footage, photographs and its own private viewing theatre for race film highlights throughout the Midwest. http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/eastern-kansas-tourism/the-kansas-auto-racing-museum-chapman-kansas.html 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 ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/central-kansas-tourism/abilene-smoky-valley-excursion-train-abilene-kansas.html 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 ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/central-kansas-tourism/dickinson-county-heritage-center-abilene-kansas.html 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, ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/central-kansas-tourism/freedom-memorial-el-dorado-kansas.html 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.  http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/eastern-kansas-tourism/flint-hills-rodeo-grounds-strong-city-kansas.html 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:  http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/central-kansas-tourism/flint-hills-overland-wagon-train-el-dorado-kansas.html 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 ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/central-kansas-tourism/el-dorado-bike-trail-el-dorado-kansas.html Clements Stone Arch Bridge - Clements, Kansas This pice 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 ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/eastern-kansas-tourism/clements-stone-arch-bridge-clements-kansas.html 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. http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/eastern-kansas-tourism/chase-county-historical-society-museum-cottonwood-falls-kansas.html 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. http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/eastern-kansas-tourism/chase-county-courthouse-cottonwood-falls-kansas.html 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. http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/central-kansas-tourism/chaplin-nature-center-arkansas-city-kansas.html 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. http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/eastern-kansas-tourism/cw-parker-carousel-abilene-kansas.html 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 ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/central-kansas-tourism/botanica-the-wichita-gardens-wichita-kansas.html 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.  http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/central-kansas-tourism/abilene-smokey-valley-railroad-excursion-train-flint-hills-kansas.html 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. http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/central-kansas-tourism/alcove-spring-flint-hills-kansas.html Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Dyche Hall is the home to the Natural History Museum on the Univesity of Kansas campus.  http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/eastern-kansas-tourism/natural-history-museum-lawrence-kansas.html 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 ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/eastern-kansas-tourism/wolf-creek-park-vassar-kansas.html 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 ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/eastern-kansas-tourism/67-mcpherson-country-old-mill-museum-linsborg-kansas.html Flint Hills - Flint Hills Kansas If you’re looking for wide open prairie, unchanged by the years of progress, the Flint Hills area of Kansas is a place you’ll want to check out. Its beauty is unmatched, and some have even called this region magical. In 1906, an explorer, Zebulon Pike, ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/central-kansas-tourism/23-flint-hills-flint-hills-kansas.html 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. http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/central-kansas-tourism/7-different-type-adventure-kansas.html Discovery, Appreciation, and Respect. People of every age have always enjoyed a trip to the zoo, but the Sedgwick County Zoo has a goal not just to entertain its visitors, but also “to inspire discovery, appreciation, and respect for animals and nature.” If you want to not just see animals, ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/central-kansas-tourism/12-sedgwick-county-zoo-wichita-kansas.html Maxwell Wildlife Refuge - McPherson County Kansas The Maxwell Wildlife Refuge in Kansas is the dream of John Gault Maxwell. It was his dream to make it so every person in Kansas could experience what it was like in the 1800's with buffalo roaming free on the open prairie. John Maxwell ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/central-kansas-tourism/17-maxwell-wildlife-refuge-mcpherson-county-kansas.html The Kansas State Fair - Hutchison Kansas The Kansas State Fair is held in Hutchison, Kansas. This year, the dates for the fair are September 8-17, 2006. The history of the Kansas State Fair began early. It was first held in 1873, and has been growing ever since. The Kansas Star ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/central-kansas-tourism/18-kansas-state-fair-hutchison-kansas.html 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 ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/central-kansas-tourism/19-hopalong-cassidy-cowboy-museum-wichita-kansas.html Prairie Rose Wranglers (The Diamond W 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 ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/central-kansas-tourism/20-prairie-rose-wranglers-wichita-kansas.html 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 ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/central-kansas-tourism/21-kansas-museum-history-topeka-kansas.html 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 ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/central-kansas-tourism/22-topeka-zoo-topeka-kansas.html 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 ... http://www.kansasbeautiful.com/central-kansas-tourism/38-ellinwoods-underground-tunnels-ellinwood-kansas.html