4.5Old Cowtown Museum(472 reviews) - Really a lot of fun Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • History Museums
Be transported back in time at this unique, 23 acre open-air history museum that recreates Wichita and Sedgwick County, Kansas from 1865 to 1880. Museum staff dress in period costume and demonstrate everyday activities including, gardening, tending livestock and cooking. Historic Wichita Cowtown Inc. works with the City of Wichita to further the Museum and its mission. Established in 1950, Cowtown's unique programming chronicles Wichita's transformation from a frontier settlement to a cattle town to an agricultural and manufacturing area. The Museum has the distinction of being accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition achievable by a museum. Accreditation recognizes high standards in individual museums and ensures they continue to uphold public trust. Only 3 percent of the nation's estimated 34,144 museums are accredited.See more..
4.5Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad(386 reviews) - For kids who love trains Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • Scenic Railroads
We are a heritage railroad and museum dedicated to preserving, Educating and Entertainment. Our goal is to bring the history of Railroads and Agriculture in Kansas to those who visit.See more..
The Monroe Elementary School, one of the segregated schools involved in the 1954 Supreme Court decision aimed at ending segregation in public schools, is now a National Historical Park commemorating this landmark ruling.See more..
Excellent place to visit, we took the guided tour & being retired military , they gave me a friendship challenge coin. It was quite warm the day we visited but some of the buildings are air conditioned and during the tour we stopped for cooldown time in them. You can take a self guided tour if you have a smart phone.See more..
4.5Fort Larned National Historic Site(173 reviews) - Well Worth The Effort Saturday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Military Museums • Historic Sites
I was so glad I got the brief view that I did as I arrived late. Things were mostly closed already but what I was able to see convinced me that this is well worth visiting. A crew was fixing up one of the building and doing a great jobs of doing it right.See more..
5.0Seelye Mansion(169 reviews) - A Highly Recommend Holiday Tour Historic Sites
Our Holiday Tour exceeded our expectations!!! I took my family and extended family to Seelye Mansion for a holiday tour, and we all came away surprised, educated, and amazed. It was the best historical home tour we have experienced. The history of the family and the house, the collection of rare books and bowling, and the accessibility to share the home was unique. The tour guides were personable and knowledgeable on rich details, which helped make history visible. The owner even played the organ, and we sang carols together at the end of the tour. I highly recommend a visit if you are in the area, and if you are a historic home buff, I recommend planning a visit.See more..
Listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, these wagon wheel rut formations dating from the nineteenth century can be clearly seen today.See more..
The Amelia Earhart Birthplace is a historic building and museum that was the birthplace of aviator Amelia Earhart. It is located at 223 N. Terrace in Atchison, Kansas, United States. The house was built in 1861 in a Gothic Revival style & is on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River. In 1897 Amelia Earhart was born in the home, which belonged to her maternal grandfather, Alfred Gideon Otis (1827–1912), a former judge, president of the Atchison Savings Bank & leading citizen in Atchison. The Earharts attended nearby Trinity Episcopal Church where Amelia was baptized. The birthplace was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 & is now a museum featuring memorabilia & artifacts about Amelia Earhart. The house served as a private residence until 1984 when a local citizen, Dr. Eugene J. Bribach, contributed $100,000 to the Ninety-Nines to acquire the property. The house was built in 1861 in a Gothic Revival style & is on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River. In 1897 Amelia Earhart was born in the home, which belonged to her maternal grandfather, Alfred Gideon Otis (1827–1912), a former judge, president of the Atchison Savings Bank & leading citizen in Atchison. The Earharts attended nearby Trinity Episcopal Church where Amelia was baptized. The birthplace was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 & is now a museum featuring memorabilia & artifacts about Amelia Earhart. The house served as a private residence until 1984 when a local citizen, Dr. Eugene J. Bribach, contributed $100,000 to the Ninety-Nines to acquire the property.See more..
4.5Garden of Eden(142 reviews) - Great place to visit Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
I was really surprised to see how much work this man put into the house and the sculptures throughout the property. He had even put spikes on top of the walls and we were told that locals would come over and sit on the wall and mock him as he was building so he installed the spikes. The guided tour does bring you into the area that holds his glass top coffin, which the glass had cracked so he does not look natural anymore. He also had a zoo and these animals are now stuffed and placed throughout the house. It is worth the entrance price.See more..
4.5Little House on the Prairie Museum(135 reviews) - little house on the prairie lovers need to visit this Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites
it is only 5 dollars, per adult, and was worth it. my husband wasn't really thrilled about going but he liked it. it has a cabin, post office, schoolhouse and 2 wagons. it was interesting to see how people lived. the house is an office, where you pay and has a gift shop. some of the items for sale, you will recognize, if you are a fan of the show and books. they had a tin cup with a peppermint stick in it.they have a corral with a horse, pony and donkeys and or burros. we enjoyed it. they have big billboards directing you to it. there is even one telling you to turn around, if you missed it.See more..
4.5Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site(119 reviews) - Wonderful Historical Site--Great for Kids! Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Farms • History Museums
Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm invites visitors of all ages to discover a working 1860s farm with oxen, horses, and other livestock-where your family can engage in some of the activities that were a part of daily life for the Mahaffie family and their neighbors. Begin your visit in the Heritage Center to visit exhibits and watch a 10 minute video. Activities, admission and events vary by day and by season.See more..
4.5Ward-Meade Park(108 reviews) - very pretty Historic Sites
Originally a family farm on the Oregon Trail, this six-acre park features an early 20th-century town, an elegant Southern-style mansion, botanical gardens and original log cabins.See more..
The geographic center of the lower 48 is just north of Lebanon Kansas. We visited as part of a ‘ball of twine’ tour to see some of the unusual, offbeat, and kitsch places near us. There is a small church, a historical marker and some other signage you can take photos beside. You should go there just to say you have been thereSee more..
Take a self-guided walking tour of the grounds at this historic fort, built in 1867 to protect the mail service and wagon trains along the Santa Fe Trail, and later converted to the Kansas Soldiers Home.See more..
4.5Rainbow Bridge(62 reviews) - Great stop on a Route 66 roadtrip Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Bridges
To be honest, my husband didn't think this bridge looked like anything special, but keep in mind that it was built in 1923! So different from most bridges built in those years. Very pretty and in a tranquil setting. Imagine crossing the country on narrow roads and bridges like this. Plan to at least drive over it, even if you don't stop. Note that some Route 66 guidebooks and websites list this as in Baxter Springs rather than Riverton. It's really between the two.See more..
The oldest operating courthouse west of the Mississippi River is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.See more..
4.5The Great Overland Station(51 reviews) - Railroad history, who knew? Not me! Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
While I enjoyed my time at the museum, I want to disclose that it wasn't until I got through the front door that I noticed the "no photographing any artifacts" sign. They were okay with photos of the building, its structures, the architecture, but none of the very interesting things related to railroading. This was almost a deal-breaker for me, but I'm glad I went on the tour anyway. I was given a tour by a very sweet older gentleman; I had thought I was going to be able to self-guide, but it turned out that I thoroughly enjoyed interacting with him and he knew a lot of the local lore. There's not a ton of stuff to see, but since I'm from Boston and didn't know much about the railroad industry, I was eager to learn.See more..
4.5Home of Stone(46 reviews) - Beautiful historic home. Fantastic tour. Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites
Visitors can tour this three-story limestone house, built in 1881, to view period furniture and clothing.See more..
The National Park Service has a temporary Visitor Center in the Nicodemus Township Hall located south of the Roadside Park off Highway The Visitor Center has exhibits, an audio-visual program, and a bookstore. Also, don't forget to stamp your Passport while you're there! The Visitor Center is the only one of the five historic buildings fully accessible to the public, but the foyer of the AME Church has been opened to allow visitors to view the interior. If you would like to explore the town on foot, a walking tour brochure is available. Want to know more about Nicodemus? Make an appointment to visit our research library located at 510 Washington Avenue.See more..
4.5Pony Express Barn & Museum(43 reviews) - Worth the trip Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
The Pony Express was a service that ran from 1860 to 1861 to deliver mail across the Old West of the United States. The Marysville Pony Express Museum is the only remaining original home station from the route. The museum's pride is the barn that was used as a livery stable for the Pony Express. The museum's theme has been enlarged to include trails and railroads. Running only 19 months from April of 1860 to October of 1861, the Pony Express has become a part of American lore. Riders travelled day and night through all conditions to relay letters from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California, and back. This usually took 10 days with riders changing horses every 12 to 15 miles. Each rider would ride 75 to 100 miles before turning the mail in a mochila over to a new rider at one of the “home stations.”See more..
4.5Watkins Museum of History(35 reviews) - History Buffs! It's all here Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Educational sites • History Museums
The Watkins Museum of History tells many stories about the diverse people and events of this area. We have an exciting array of programs and rotating exhibits. Our community room can be rented for events. Our expert staff and volunteers can assist with genealogy and local history research.See more..
4.5Constitution Hall State Historic Site(34 reviews) - Tangible and Rich in Kansas History! Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
At this National Historic Landmark, a large antislavery delegation marched into Lecompton in 1857 to protest the proslavery constitutional convention meeting. The nation waited to see if the constitution written here would lead Kansas to join the Union as a slave state. Discover more about the proslavery and free-state forces along with the territorial history of Kansas.See more..
Site where the famous Spanish explorer, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, crossed the Arkansas River in the 16th century while searching for the ?cities of gold.?See more..
4.5Old West Lawrence(28 reviews) - Thanksgiving Trip! Historic Sites
The old turn of the century houses are a must see. Many are painted in the style of the "painted ladies" of other cities.See more..
4.5William Allen White House(24 reviews) - Who the heck was William Allen White? Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
The tour was $6 per person, lasted about an hour and was worth every cent. I didn't know anything about him, the house or his family. It turns out that he was in fact very important and influential in US and World politics. The story is fascinating and one of the things you must do if you visit Emporia.See more..
Kansas is where the Civil War began. The Beecher Bible Church holds a spot in our nations history. This is Exoduster country, and learning Kansas part in our nations history can start with this church!See more..
Loving God and Neighbor without DistinctionSee more..
4.5John Brown Museum(20 reviews) - Super place to visit for someone interested in Bleeding Kansas Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
Reverend Samuel Adair and his wife, Florella, came settled near Osawatomie, an abolitionist community and center of conflict during "Bleeding Kansas." The Adair cabin was a station on the Underground Railroad and Florella's half brother, John Brown, used this cabin as his headquarters. Learn more about the family and the border war when you visit the John Brown Museum. Operated in partnership with the City of Osawatomie. Nominated for 8 Wonders of Kansas People.See more..
4.5Muchnic Art Gallery(20 reviews) - Super Gallery Art Galleries • Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
I highly recommend this art gallery. It really is a gem in this small town on the Missouri River. What better place to house an art gallery than in this gorgeous historical home. The Muchnic Gallery has rotating exhibits and brings artist's works from all over. I have never been disappointed when visiting the new exhibits.See more..
4.5Cedar Crest(19 reviews) - Amazing! Historic Sites • Government Buildings
This beautiful French-Norman style Governor's residence, perched on a bluff overlooking the Kansas River, was recently renovated to reflect its original French theme.See more..
4.0Sod House Museum Complex(18 reviews) - Historical Kansas in a free museum Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites
This group of buildings is dedicated to the history of the sod homes built by Plains pioneers.See more..
4.5The Long Branch Saloon(18 reviews) - Worth visiting Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Worth going to see. The “can can” show at 6:00 and the gunfighters at 6:45. Cost $14 per person. Plan on spending at least half a day. Don’t miss the Buffalo exhibit where the ground shakes!See more..
4.5Bethany Lutheran Church(18 reviews) - Bethany Lutheran Church Historic Sites • Religious Sites
The big church on Main St. where “God’s word shall live forever” is written in Swedish above the front door. All those who confess Jesus are welcomed to communion. Bethany College and Bethany Home were founded in this church. God’s word is preached supported by music, art and caring. The sanctuary is welcoming to s prayerful visit.See more..
Step back to the days of frontier life at this beautiful farmstead overlooking the historic Delaware Crossing on the Kansas River. Grinter Place was the home to Annie and Moses Grinter. Annie was a Lenape (Delaware), Moses operated a ferry and a trading post. Learn more about the life of the Grinters. Closed for the season. Grinter Place will reopen March 14, 2019.See more..
This is an amazing "step back in time" nestled right in the heart of a suburban neighborhood. If you are lucky enough to happen upon the outdoor "Indian Festival" by all means - go! It's a live reenactment of Indians and Pioneers living in the open, and exchanging trades.See more..
Pony Express riders and hundreds of pioneers made a stop at historic Hollenberg Station. In 1857 Gerat H. and Sophia Hollenberg established the station on the Oregon-California Trail, and from 1860 to 1861 they operated a Pony Express station. Discover the stories of the Hollenbergs, pioneer life, and the Pony Express at this National Historic Landmark. Closed for the season. The Hollenberg Pony Express Station will open March 14, 2019.See more..
3.5Hoglund Dugout(15 reviews) - If you like historical sites-worth the visit Historic Sites
Not something most people might want to take the time to go see. Basically a small rectangle hole in the ground. With all the rain, it was filled with scummy water. I think they should fix up the area to look like a homestead. When walking to it I was beginning to think there was nothing there ...until I got right to it.....cause it IS a holeSee more..
4.5Z Bar/Spring Hill Ranch(14 reviews) - Worth the Visit! Historic Sites A great historic site with lots of natural beauty. We used to even do school field trips here when I was a kid, so I have many fond memories....See more..
4.0Kaw Mission State Historic Site(13 reviews) - Engaging history and even more engaging staff Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
Kaw Mission tells the story about the place where 30 Kaw boys lived and attended school from 1851 to 1854. The Kaw (or Kansa) gave our state its name. They lived here along the Santa Fe Trail for less than 30 years before the U.S. government removed them to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma). Learn more about these people and the Santa Fe Trail. Closed for the season. Kaw Mission will open March 14, 2019.See more..
Part of the National Register for Historic Sites, this 1907 building serves as an arts council for local artisans.See more..
5.0Cottonwood Ranch(8 reviews) - A Picture of the Past Historic Sites
When making hotel reservations, in Hill City, the clerk recommended we see the Cottonwood Ranch on the way. Well, they were closed on Wednesdays and today was a Wednesday. So we didn’t get to tour the ranch house. But we did get to tour the ranch (actually a number remaining ranch buildings). The folks at the Cottonwood Ranch have done a nice job of preserving the buildings as well as providing a number of descriptive boards for each building. We walked around the building and read the information about each. We even walked around the ranch house, looking in the windows to try to spy what’s inside. We were pleased by the stop.See more..
If you stop at the Trading Post museum first, they will direct you on how to get here. We didn't have any trouble finding it. The park is fairly large, with a nice picnic area and large trees. The most significant stop, right above the actual ravine where the massacre took place has an informational plaque. The hand-turned generator was not working that runs a speaker, but we still got the information. There is a large sign near where John Brown had put his "fort" and it gives a lot of background info as well. Interesting to ponder how people lived in fear and terror back then. Sobering to see the ravine and walk down in there. Please be respectful when visiting.See more..
Discover the story of a Pawnee village that existed in the late 1700s. View the floor of this large Pawnee earth lodge left in tact from an archeological investigation. And see the rare sacred bundle that hangs above the altar. Learn more about the people of the Pawnee Nation and their stories. A finalist in the 8 Wonders of Kansas History. Closed for the season. Pawnee Indian Mission will open March 14, 2019.See more..
This is a great Sam’s Club location. I was in town for the weekend and needed a few items, I visited this Sam’s Club and was surprised how large this location was. They had everything I needed but it’s more crowded than my local Sam’s Club. The staff was very friendly and the store as well laid out considering the size. They also had the cheapest gas in the area. I recommend this Sam’s Club location.See more..
3.5Fort Blair(5 reviews) - Park rather then historical site Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Battlefields • Military Bases & Facilities
This was a lovely park setting. We understood it to be a historical site but there wasn’t really much to see. There was a log cabin and another larger building but they weren’t open - not sure if they normal are but it didn’t seem to be. We went during COVID-19 so unsure. The grounds where very park like. There was an amphitheater and below that trails and picnic tables - we took a picnic lunch and walked the trails. We enjoyed the great outdoors and social distancing due to Covid. It was a lovely fall day so I say it was worth the stop!See more..
2.5Sauer Castle(5 reviews) - A neat old house, but it's fenced off so you can't get close Historic Sites • Castles • Mysterious Sites
Sauer Castle was a stately home in its time. Owners have tried to raise money to restore it but just haven't gotten anything going. It's fenced off at the street so you have to look from there. Reportedly views of the river from the back of the house are gorgeous. Would love to be able to tour the place, but I'm afraid it's probably not even safe to enter. Check it out online, you'll see about as much as you might by going to the house in person. It is in a quiet neighborhood and there really isn't any good place to park.See more..
