The Quirky Offerings of Kansas
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.
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