4.5Strataca(852 reviews) - Cool fun on a hot day Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Mines
Travel 650 feet underground into an active salt mine! Experience a cool and soothing subterranean world formed by salt deposits in the Permian Sea long ago. See the raw mine as it was left more than 50 years ago on the Salt Mine Express train ride and catch a guided tour on a tram to the Dark Ride. You won't want to miss a special gallery filled with authentic movie costumes and memorabilia. And don't miss the SALT SAFARI add on tour. A one hour guided adventure tour that goes BEYOND STRATACA. See salt formations not available to the general public until now! Limited capacity -- only 12 visitors at a time depart 3-4 times a day.See more..
4.5Cosmosphere(686 reviews) - Amazing museum and stellar food Saturday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums • Science Museums • History Museums
The Cosmosphere International SciEd Center & Space Museum is a Smithsonian affiliated museum in Hutchinson, KS. Its collection includes U.S. space artifacts second only to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, and the largest collection of Russian space artifacts outside of Moscow. This unique collection allows the Cosmosphere to tell the story of the Space Race better than any museum in the world while offering fully immersive education experiences that meet the Next Generation Science Standards and introduce students to the power of wondering—asking the critical questions that lead to discovery. The Cosmosphere also features the Carey Digital Dome Theater offering documentary showings daily; experience the night sky in the Justice Planetarium; Dr. Goddard’s Lab, where visitors experience live science demonstrations daily; and featuring CosmoKids, an interactive play area for Young Explorers.See more..
4.5Museum of World Treasures(569 reviews) - A true treasure to discover… Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
Discover the treasures . . . around the world and through the ages. Where can you explore the crusty bones of long-lost creatures, marvel at Egyptian mummies, uncover the secrets of ancient civilizations, travel to the land of Conquistadors. and enter the battlefields of World Wars? The Museum of World Treasures, with more than 3,000 artifacts on three floors. Discover your inner explorer!See more..
4.5OZ Museum(525 reviews) - Dog Friendly Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Speciality Museums
So how did it all get started? Well, as Dorothy says, “there’s no place like home”. What words could be more appropriate when describing the dream of a small community that literally built a museum out of a rainbow's notion? It took the brains of a small group of leaders, the heart for what L. Frank Baum began in 1900 as a simple children's book, and the courage to take on the task of constructing a home for over 2,000 artifacts dating from 1900 to present day.See more..
5.0Evel Knievel Museum(469 reviews) - Fun pop culture experience, takes only an hour Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
The Evel Knievel Museum showcases an incredible collection of authentic artifacts that belonged to the most legendary, death-defying daredevil of all time! Experience Knievel’s life and journey to record-setting, super-stardom! The 2-story 13,000 sq ft Evel Knievel Museum features: • Evel’s motorcycles – the bikes that launched a legend • Knievel’s genuine leathers and helmets • “Big Red,” Knievel’s fully-restored Mack Truck • Evel’s personal and never-before-seen memorabilia INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS: • Virtual Reality 4-D Jump Experience • Broken Bones Interactive, including Evel’s actual X-rays • “Plan Your Jump” Interactive Challenge • Engine & Suspension Interactive • Snake River Experience Room featuring Knievel’s actual X-2 Sky CycleSee more..
4.5Exploration Place(407 reviews) - Exploration Place is part of our family memories Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • Science Museums
Delve into hundreds of interactive exhibits that stimulate the mind and teach about science, and that's only inside the main building. Outside there's a park where visitors can observe Kansas wildlife in a wetlands habitat and dig for archeological treasures inside a giant sandbox.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..
History of the Building A Treasure Trove of History, in a Historic Setting The importance of the Kansas Aviation Museum building to the glory days of Kansas aviation cannot be overstated. Its grand art-deco style appeals both to the aviation community and to anyone interested in historic preservation. The museum houses a world-class collection of historic, significant and one-of-a-kind aircraft and aircraft engines; a huge archive with thousands of records, schematics, books, photos and more; and a wide range of additional aviation memorabilia. It also is home to the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame – an impressive line-up of aviation heavyweights by any measure: state, national or worldwide. Fulfilling Our Potential Kansas Aviation MuseumApril 23, 2014 Building on this solid base, the museum is tackling its next challenge – to build an aircraft display facility to protect and display its priceless collection of preserved and meticulously restored aircraft, and to transform the interior of the historic terminal building into a center for aviation history, research and education to match its irreplaceable assets and to do justice to Wichita, the Air Capital of the World. Already, dozens of volunteers bring hundreds of years of aviation knowledge and expertise to the museum, painstakingly restoring aircraft or performing countless other tasks to keep the museum operating and improve the experience for visitors. But there’s always a need for more. The Journey Continues In addition, many individuals, organizations and governments have made generous donations to bring the museum to where it is today. Much more is needed, however, to complete the mission. Click here to become a member or to find out how you might contribute to the cause. Meanwhile, please come visit. You’ll be amazed and entertained, and you’ll leave with a much better understanding both of aviation and of Wichita’s vital role in aviation history.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..
The C.W. Parker Carousel Museum is a wonderful stop for the ENTIRE family. With 4 antique carousels, and a hand-carved, wood, carousel from 1913 that ALL who come can ride, it is a memorable museum. You can take a Guided Tour, a Virtual Guided Tour (utilizing QR codes), or just ride the fast, fun carousel. All tours include a short video and a carousel ride. An adult guided tour is only $6.00. Carousel rides are $1.50 and get cheaper the more you purchase. There is also a quaint, little gift shop, with many carousel items and much, much more. Whether you are 1 or 101 years old, a ride on the carousel is something special.See more..
5.0Booth Family Hall of Athletics(109 reviews) - Bucket List trip to Phog Allen Fieldhouse. Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
An absolute Must See, if interested in the origins of basketball and specifically KU Jayhawks. Two levels of exhibits, memorabilia, Hall of Famers, historical documents. All right at the Phog Allen Fieldhouse. A staffed tour is available for about $10. You are free to walk the majority of the exhibition halls. To see the Naismith Court, this tour is highly recommended. History oozes from the Fieldhouse. Also, nice to compare quiet time to the Game volume decibels. A nice food court is in the 2nd level. Some limited alcohol can be purchased and consumed in this area. Finally, a nice Rally House Gift Shop, for All souvenirs and gear, clothing, suitable for All age groups. Parking can be challenging. Central district garage is available to the General Public, and is about a 7-8 minute walk to Booth Hall.See more..
4.5The Big Well(105 reviews) - Superb Small Town Museum Speciality Museums
Superb small town museum. The museum details the history of the well and why it was built. There are stairs that spiral down the perimeter of the well so you can descend down to a platform. Museum also details the tornado that struck Greensburg as well as a large meteor that struck the area. Interesting and unique. The world’s deepest hand dug well!See more..
We went on the three hour tour and were glad we did. The time went by fast as the guide was very knowledgeable about the house and the family that built it. The house is stunning inside and out and although finished in 1918 it would be very livable today.See more..
4.5Big Brutus(98 reviews) - Worth a stop. Big Brutus is amazing. Speciality Museums
My husband retired from the coal industry after 35 years of service. He’s been describing these machines to me for years. This is an amazing sight! I never imagined the magnitude. When you’re in the control room, which is five stories up, and Big Brutus is sixteen stories tall, you realize what an engineering marvel it was. And, there were only three people operating it. As he described the choreography of a good operator, timing how to swing the bucket back and forth, scooping up and dumping without a break in movement, I could see the talent required to make this behemoth perform. Definitely take the opportunity to climb up inside Big Brutus. The museum is interesting and has a lot of information about the history of mining in the area. As an aside, much of the area that was mined is now preserved for wildlife and fishing. There is a small RV park onsite that serves campers who visit these areas.See more..
4.5Greyhound Hall of Fame(98 reviews) - An honor to meet the racers Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM Speciality Museums
This stop was happen stance. A gem to have come across. "Ginger" and "Buddy" we're gracious hosts. They enjoyed the unannounced visit and were eager to get petted and get all the attention. Both retired racers now living the good life. The museum offers a little bit of history of Greyhound racing while honoring all fellow racers before "Buddy" and "Ginger". A must see on your travels through Kansas.See more..
The National Orphan Train Complex is a museum and research center located on the corner of Third and Washington Streets in Concordia, Kansas. The mission of the National Orphan Train Complex is to collect, preserve, interpret, and disseminate knowledge about the orphan trains, and the children and agents who rode them. The museum’s collections, exhibitions, programming and research will engage riders, researchers, and the general public and create an awareness of the Orphan Train Movement.See more..
4.5Mid-America Air Museum(87 reviews) - Perfect for Aviation Buffs and Anyone who likes Airplanes! Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums
2023 Admission Charges $10 Adult $7 Senior Citizen $5 Children ages 6-18 Group Tours of 10 or more $5/personSee more..
4.0Mid-America All-Indian Center(82 reviews) - Great Place Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums
The Mid-America All-Indian Center is the only facility of its kind in Kansas that is solely dedicated to educating people about and preserving the art and culture of American Indians. The Indian Center invites visitors to stroll through its many areas that include: A museum with exhibits of contemporary art and cultural artifacts that depict the American Indian nations of the past and present. Many of the exhibits have interactive aspects and hands on items for the kids. Seasonal outdoor learning center, which include a full-size tipi and native gardening area. Gift Shop selling American Indian-made items, music, movies, jewelry and Keeper of the Plains items. Large indoor area, known as the Gallery of Nations, contains nearly 100 flags of Indian nations. It is the area where special events and private rentals take place. The center not only showcases local tribes, but those throughout the United States and Canada. It is not affiliated with one particular tribe, so the Mid-America All-Indian Center is a place where are American Indians and the general public can come to share their experiences, learn and interact with each other. There are 10,000 American Indians representing 73 tribes in the Wichita area.See more..
4.0Pizza Hut Museum(69 reviews) - Slice of pizza history! Saturday: Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums
In 1958, two brothers - both Wichita University students- started a restaurant in a building on the corner of Bluff and Kellogg. They sold pizza, a dish that just beginning to gain popularity in America. They staffed their business with family, friends and fraternity brothers and called it Pizza Hut. Wichita State students help tell the story of the original Pizza Hut. The Museum is free and open to the public at Wichita State University.See more..
4.5Dalton Defenders and Coffeyville History Museum(67 reviews) - Very nice, well informed and outgoing front desk lady made the visit really informative! Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
We’ve Got Something for Everyone The Dalton Defenders and Coffeyville History Museum is owned and operated by the non-profit Coffeyville Historical Society. The museum's main attraction is the Dalton Gang collection, however, it is also filled with displays and artifacts from Coffeyville and the surrounding area. On October 5, 1963, the Dalton Defenders Museum in Coffeyville was opened, dedicated to the memory of the Coffeyville citizens who gave their lives protecting their town. We’ve Got Something for Everyone The museum recently moved to a new and larger building at 814 Walnut- directly across the street from the bank that the Daltons attempted to rob in 1892. The museum now contains not only the Dalton history but rooms dedicated to the industrial past, Native Americans, military history, Walter Johnson and much more.See more..
Situated in a beautiful old municipal City Hall building, which even showcased the mayor’s office. We learned that Wichita was the air capital of the world. There was a good film about this, but very little after WW2. The Magic City of Wichita exhibit was also fascinating but it ended even earlier, 100 years ago. It’s almost as though Wichita has nothing to say for itself in recent years. It would have been good to know what makes the city tick in the twenty first century.See more..
The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes works with students and educators across diverse academic disciplines to develop history projects that highlight role models who demonstrate courage, compassion and respect. Through our unique project-based learning approach, students discover, develop and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes who have made a profound and positive impact on the course of history. By championing these Unsung Heroes, students, educators and communities discover their own power and responsibility to effect positive change in the world. The Unsung Heroes and student projects are featured in the Hall of Unsung Heroes.See more..
This site focuses on politics and on the life of one of the University of Kansas' most famous alumni, former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole.See more..
4.0Dalton Gang Hideout(61 reviews) - Great docent Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
Our guide told the story of the Dalton gang as if they were still alive and we were gossiping over the fence about them. It brought their history close. We were treated as if we were visitors in her home and she had all the Time in the world to fill us in on the Dalton's. Everybody loves a two headed calf! The Horse bit collection was the biggest I'd ever seen. It was also no problem to walk my dog around outside on the property which I appreciated. Wish I could have seen the reenactment of the Coffeyville bank robbery which has been held here.See more..
4.5Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum(51 reviews) - Really cool museum about a couple who filmed in Africa and Borneo in the 1920-1930s Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
My family wanted to do a day trip and the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum seemed within the right distance and pretty cool sounding. It is a collection of information that the couple found while filming in Africa and Borneo in the 1920s and 1930s. There were lots of photos and stories about things they did, video they took, and artifacts from the people they met. The masks and clothing were some of my favorites. They also do have a small gift store near the entrance.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..
Exceptional staff, great displays inside and out. This is also the museum for 35th Infantry Division. One unique display, somehow this museum has the original TV set tent from series MASHSee more..
4.5Smoky Hill Museum(44 reviews) - Surprised Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
Looking for something to do before heading out to South Dakota in the morning, I took a chance on bringing my wife, 14 yo daughter and 10 yo grand daughter to the museum. We were all really pleased with the show pieces and inter-active displays. There was construction going on but it didn't bother our visit. The man running the museum was very informative and polite. Would recommend a visit there. Not very big but big enough( Free Admission)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..
4.0Kansas Teachers' Hall of Fame(42 reviews) - Loved it!! Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • History Museums
Unique museum dedicated to the teaching profession featuring books, desks and other items from early classrooms.See more..
The Kansas City Automotive Museum offers a 12,000 facility that rotates 30 vehicles every 4-6 months. There are reader boards throughout the Museum that highlight significant Kansas City automotive history. The Museum also includes interactive features like our professional driving simulators, design art studio, our 1974 Sterling Kit Car which people can sit in & much more!See more..
4.5Territorial Capital Museum(37 reviews) - Great museum for Kansas history Saturday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
The Territorial Capital Museum is an award-winning historic site chronicling the history of Lecompton from the tumultuous, controversial territorial days to the delightfully quaint present. Housed in the stone Lane University building, where President Eisenhower's parents met and married, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Lane University was built on the foundation of the started, but not completed, state capitol building. Lecompton was the official territorial capital of Kansas from 1855-1861.See more..
4.5Carroll Mansion(36 reviews) - fun and a bit creepy Saturday: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
We love historic home and museums. The Carroll Mansion is probably one of my favorite museums in Leavenworth. There is SO much to see and it is just the best time to be walking through this old home. Until you get to the 2nd floor bedroom, that's when it gets a bit creepy, but only if you pay super close attention to the pictures on the wall. I definitely recommend this for families and field trips.See more..
3.5Gunfighters Wax Museum(36 reviews) - Interesting but not realistic looking Speciality Museums • History Museums
Located in the Kansas Teachers' Hall of Fame, this museum features life-size wax figures of famous, and infamous, cowboys of the Old West.See more..
I have been to many nature centers snd this is a great one. Wonderful and easily covered displays. A education room filled with prairie animals. Huge windows looking on to the wetland presenting a panaramic view filled with grassland vistas. Staff were very helpful. A wonderful gift shop with great books and local gifts. Please note this was in winter, a very dry winter with few birds. But wildlife was still active and many birds of prey.See more..
4.5Evah C. Cray Historical Home(34 reviews) - 3 levels of a castle like museum where we were alliwed to tour every room with our guide. Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
Whole house set to late 1800's. Knowledgeable guide takes you through whole house. Amazing furniture and decor throughout.See more..
The mansion/museum provides a great review of the cultural and ethnic history of KCK. The house is truly beautiful, with amazing craftsmanship and woodwork. We visited during the Christmas season and the decorations were wonderful. Alas, no interior photography allowed. Check the website for tour availability and reservations, as the museum is closed during certain times.See more..
4.5US Cavalry Museum(31 reviews) - A must for the Cavalryman Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
I was passing through Kansas and saw the sign for the US Cavalry Museum at Fort Riley. Being a cavalryman (2nd Calavlry Regiment, 1967- 68) I had to stop. I was glad I did. The Post has beautiful, stone buildings and the museum is the centerpiece. While the actual museum was under restoration when I visited the temporary museum was excellent. Well worth the stop!See more..
4.5Fort Harker Museum Complex(30 reviews) - So glad we stopped! Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
Living within an hour or so of Kanopolis we had driven through this historic place but had never stopped at the Guard House Museum. Yesterday we did and had a tremendous time! Greg Heller is such a great tour guide and the artifacts there are simply amazing. Imagine, a rifle that was, in all probability, at Little Big Horn. The other artifacts are extremely interesting as well, and the tour was a couple of hours of history like you will experience nowhere else. For those simply driving through "dull old Kansas," take a detour off I-70 and visit the museum. Also, go see the wildest of the cowtowns, Ellsworth, just a few miles west.See more..
5.0St. Francis Motorcycle Museum(30 reviews) - Great small town attraction that draws cyclists from all over Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums
Very friendly people give this place a nice home-town feel. There is more here than we expected and they seem to keep adding to the displays. We are not cyclists but still found the displays very interesting. The $7 suggested donation make it a bargain.See more..
5.0Great Plains Transportation Museum(28 reviews) - Fantastic hands-on rail history museum Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
Want to hop on a huge steam locomotive or sit in a caboose or coach car from yesteryear? This is a super fun, hands-on museum full of history and excellent docents who are friendly and can answer all your questions. We parked free less than a block away in a public lot at 101 N Mead. We spent a little over an hour exploring the full group of cars and locomotives on display outside. We also picked up a selection of reasonably priced gifts in their gift shop. Views of the incredible Union Station are awesome from this museum too. Two thumbs up for this wonderful museum!See more..
4.0National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame(26 reviews) - Endless antique examples of farm life and farming equipment from America's heartland. A MUST STOP WHEN IN KC. Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums • History Museums
I have been going here for years and it really does not matter if it is during the off season or during one of the many summer events. The slow times are great in that there is so much extra time to walk through the museum buildings looking at the furniture, equipment and other items of interest. Outside, there are the many older building that have been moved onto the property to show what life was like 100 years ago on the prairie. A great spot to stop at with kids or just for a walking afternoon when you are early to the RaceTrack and The Legends.See more..
4.0Atchison Rail Museum(26 reviews) - Neat displays and history Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
Bought tickets here for a ghost tour and saw a lot of cool old items retaliated to the famous Atchison , Topeka And Sante FeSee more..
We are a motorcycle museum located in Marquette Kansas. Started back in 2003 by Stan the Man Engdahl, we have all of his trophies{ over 600} and over 150 motorcycles. We have about two dozen bikes that are over 100 years old and several that there are only one or two left in the world. The museum contains many items that record the history of the flat track racers. We are a non profit and our admission is a donation.See more..
4.5Old Depot Museum(23 reviews) - A Must Visit! Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • History Museums
Housed in an 1888 Santa Fe Depot in Ottawa, Kansas, the Old Depot Museum shares the story of trains in small towns and the history of Franklin County, Kansas. The Old Depot Museum is part of the Franklin County Historical Society, which also includes the 1859 Dietrich Cabin and the Franklin County Records & Research Center.See more..
5.0Wichita Toy Train Museum(21 reviews) - Fun and informative! Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums
TRAINS, TRAINS AND MORE TRAINS! The Wichita Toy Train Club and Museum, 130 S. Laura, Wichita, KS is open the second and fourth weekends each month. Saturday hours 10:00 - 5:00 and Sundays 1:00 - 5:00. View historical train layouts, interactive train layouts, children's train room, learn to run trains. Come run the trains for fun.See more..
5.0Barbed Wire Museum(19 reviews) - The best barbed wire museum in the entire world. Speciality Museums
This museum features videos and exhibits on barbed wire and its many uses.See more..
The largest collection of Hopalong Cassidy memorabilia in the world.See more..
5.0Richard Allen Cultural Center(17 reviews) - A must se collection of black history and the legendary 9th and 10th Cavary of Buffalo Soldiers Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • History Museums
A must see collection of Black history in Kansas to include the legendary 9th and 10th Cavary of Buffalo Soldiers. They will take the time to walk you through each artifact with the detailed orgins of them. This was my third visit and I learn something new everytime. They have added more and more worth while artifacts... Bring the entire family!See more..
