Five Gems along I-70 in Kansas
Colby
• See The Spirit of the Prairie statue in front of the historic Thomas Courthouse.
• Visit The Prairie Museum of Art and History’s Joe and Nellie Kuska collection.
• Stop by the J&B Meat Market for excellent burgers, shakes, and unique sweet potato fries with marshmallow sauce.
Abilene
• Abilene boasts The Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home.
• The Seelye Mansion offers tours of their 11,000 square foot home.
• At the Dickinson County Heritage Center, learn about the history of Abilene, and see the oldest operating carousel.
• Stop by the Greyhound Hall of Fame.
Salina
• Home to the popular Smoky Hill River Festival and annual downtown sculpture exhibition.
• The Salina Community Theater showcases local talent through their headliner performances.
• The Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts is a beautifully restored 1930s movie palace that once hosted vaudeville shows and now showcases some of the biggest names in the industry.
Junction City
• Visit the Civil War Memorial Arch and Daughters of the American Revolution, the Vietnam War, and Desert Storm memorials.
• Fort Riley, home to the 1st Infantry Division, is an important part of the community. See The US Cavalry Museum, the Custer House, and St. Mary’s Chapel.
• Geary County Historical Museum has some fascinating exhibits.
Lecompton
• This town with a population under 1,000 actually played a big role in the history of America. In fact, this was the birthplace of the Civil War and where slavery began to die. Today, the Lecompton Re-enactors bring history to life and expertly perform plays at Constitution Hall. Where to Stay: Colby: Colby Comfort Inn Abilene: Engle House, A B&B just up the road from the presidential library, it offers beautiful and comfortable accommodations. Salina: Courtyard by Marriott Junction City: Hampton Inn
~ Ron Stern, Travel Photojournilist, visit www.globalgumshoe.com for more about Ron.