Knickknacks for the mind along I-70. Here are five of the best places to experience quirky Kansas.
Goodland
• Just east of the Colorado border, you’ll find Lloyd Harden’s giant 9’ x 4’ grasshopper.
• Don’t miss the 80 foot reproduction of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers in a Vase at Pioneer Park.
• At the High Plains Museum, see The Kansas Flying Machine or the first prototype of the helicopter.
• Travel back in time and take a peek into the meticulously restored White Eagle Gas Station on 17th Street.
• Schedule a tour at the National Weather Service, and then enjoy a grand evening at the restored 1928 Sherman Theatre.
Oakley
• Check out sculptor Ernest Moore “Dick” Viquesney’s American Doughboy at the city office on Hudson Avenue.
• Learn about the history of Logan County at the Fick Fossil Museum.
• Visit the Buffalo Bill Cultural Center and see him immortalized in a 16-foot tall sculpture.
• Plan on seeing Monument and Castle Rocks, listed as one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas.
Russell
• Breakfast at Meridy’s and take a drive to the Post Rock Scenic Byway towards the town of Lucas.
• Don’t miss the world’s largest souvenir plate and the most artistic public restroom in America.
• Take in artist Samuel P. Dinsmoor’s The Garden of Eden.
• Visit Possumbilities on Main Street and 95 year-old Brant’s Meat Market.
Lawrence
• In Lawrence, start off with a visit to the popular Ladybird Diner. They have uniquely flavored donuts like Garden Party, made with lemon, chamomile, and lavender.
• Waxman Candles is a family-run business where owner Bob Wertz has been using Old World craftsmanship for nearly 50 years. “Nobody does what we do, except in China,” says Bob. They use highquality oils and fragrances, and others, just can’t hold a candle.
• One hidden gem in Lawrence is the DeBruce Center on the University of Kansas campus. The new $22 million dollar facility, home to Jayhawks basketball on the appropriately named James Naismith Court, also houses Naismith’s 1891 document outlining basketball’s original rules.
• The Hotel Eldridge (known as the Free State Hotel in the 1800’s) was burned to the ground on opening day by Sheriff Jones and his band of ruffians in 1856. Today, guests have reported ghostly encounters in room 506 with Col. Eldridge himself.
Bonner Springs
• Moon Marbles has a vast supply of one-of-a-kind marbles, games, and knickknacks.
• Soar through the treetops and across the Kansas River at Zip KC. Visit the Piano Technicians Guild in Kansas City and see the Chickering from Ford’s Theater the night of Lincoln’s assassination.
Any trip along I-70 through Kansas isn’t complete unless you take the time to explore the quirky sights and attractions.
~ Ron Stern, Travel Photojournalist, www.globalgumshoe.com.