Bizarre, Quirky And Totally Fun Adventures In Kansas: Sunflower State Surprises!

Time to create some memories! Add these bizarre, quirky and totally fun adventures to your Kansas travel bucket list. 🚗🌍 #midwesttravel #quirkymidwest #familyfun

Topeka, KS – Kansas, known as the Sunflower State, is a land of wide-open prairies, friendly faces, and a rich history that has shaped the American heartland. But beyond the endless fields of wheat and the iconic imagery of “The Wizard of Oz,” Kansas is home to a treasure trove of quirky, bizarre, and utterly enchanting adventures waiting to be discovered.

From a museum dedicated to the world’s largest collection of salt and pepper shakers to a giant Van Gogh painting on an easel, Kansas is full of surprises that will make you smile and marvel at the creativity and ingenuity of its people. Join us as we uncover eight of the most incredible and unusual hidden gems the Sunflower State has to offer. Get ready to embrace your inner adventurer and embark on a journey through the delightfully unexpected and endlessly entertaining side of Kansas.

1. The Evel Knievel Museum (Topeka, KS)

The Evel Knievel Museum, located in Topeka, Kansas, is a must-visit destination for tourists interested in the life and legacy of the legendary stunt performer. Spanning 13,000 square feet across two stories, the museum houses the world’s largest collection of authentic Evel Knievel memorabilia. Visitors can explore exhibits arranged in chronological order, showcasing Knievel’s life from his early years in Butte, Montana to the height of his fame in the 1970s.

Among the museum’s highlights are Knievel’s original jump bikes, performance leathers, helmets, and wardrobe, as well as his famous Mack truck, “Big Red.” Interactive exhibits, such as the “4D Virtual Reality Jump” featuring Doug Danger, allow visitors to experience the thrill of Knievel’s stunts firsthand without the risks. Other notable artifacts include the Snake River Canyon Skycycle-X2, crash helmets from Caesars Palace and Wembley Stadium, and personal effects like family photographs, contracts, and letters.

In addition to the exhibits, the Evel Knievel Museum offers a gift shop, barbecue restaurant, event space, and Yesterday’s museum. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm, with additional hours on Sundays during the summer. Named one of the top 10 best new national attractions in 2017 by USA Today, the Evel Knievel Museum is officially authorized by the Knievel estate and provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of America’s most iconic daredevils.

2. The Garden of Eden (Lucas, KS)

Step into a world of surreal beauty and eccentric art at the Garden of Eden in Lucas, Kansas. This otherworldly sculpture garden, created by Civil War veteran S.P. Dinsmoor in the early 20th century, features over 150 concrete sculptures depicting biblical scenes, political allegories, and Dinsmoor’s own unique vision of the world.

Wander through the lush grounds and marvel at the towering figures, intricate details, and thought-provoking themes of the sculptures. Learn about Dinsmoor’s life and the incredible story behind the creation of this one-of-a-kind art environment.

The Garden of Eden is a testament to the power of individual vision and the enduring legacy of outsider art. It’s a place that will inspire you to think outside the box and embrace the beauty and strangeness of the world around you.

3. The World’s Largest Czech Egg (Wilson, KS)

In the small town of Wilson, Kansas, you’ll find a sight that will make you do a double-take. Standing at over 20 feet tall and weighing in at a whopping 2,800 pounds, the World’s Largest Czech Egg is a true masterpiece of folk art.

The egg, which is made of fiberglass and painted in a traditional Czech design, was created in 1982 by local artist Mildred Hubka as a tribute to the town’s Czech heritage. It’s a symbol of the community’s pride and a celebration of the rich cultural traditions that have shaped the region.

Visitors can take photos with the giant egg, and even explore the nearby Czech Museum, which features exhibits on the history and culture of the Czech people in Kansas. The World’s Largest Czech Egg is a whimsical and heartwarming attraction that will leave you with a renewed appreciation for the power of community and tradition.

4. The Kansas Barbed Wire Museum (La Crosse, KS)

Get tangled up in a piece of American history at the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum in La Crosse, Kansas. This unique museum, housed in a restored limestone building from the 1880s, features over 2,000 varieties of barbed wire from around the world.

Learn about the history and evolution of barbed wire, from its early use as a military defense to its role in the settlement of the American West. See rare and unusual examples of barbed wire, including wires with elaborate twists, colorful designs, and even wires made from unusual materials like gold and silver.

The Kansas Barbed Wire Museum is a fascinating and educational destination that will give you a new perspective on this humble but important invention. It’s a reminder of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the pioneers who shaped our nation’s history.

5. The World’s Largest Easel (Goodland, KS)

Get ready to paint the town red (or any color you like) at the World’s Largest Easel in Goodland, Kansas. This towering structure, standing at 80 feet tall and weighing over 40,000 pounds, is a true marvel of engineering and a testament to the power of community spirit.

The easel, which was erected in 2001, holds a giant replica of Vincent van Gogh’s famous painting “Three Sunflowers in a Vase”. The painting itself measures 24 x 32 feet and was created by local artist Cameron Cross.

Visitors can admire the incredible scale and detail of the painting, and even take a selfie with the giant easel in the background. The World’s Largest Easel is a quirky and inspiring attraction that will make you look at art (and the world) in a whole new way.

6. The Grassroots Art Center (Lucas, KS)

Discover the raw talent and unbridled creativity of Kansas’s grassroots artists at the Grassroots Art Center in Lucas, Kansas. This unique museum, housed in a restored limestone building from the 1880s, features an eclectic collection of art created by self-taught and outsider artists from across the state.

Marvel at the incredible variety and originality of the artworks, from colorful mosaics and whimsical sculptures to intricate paintings and hand-carved furniture. Learn about the stories and inspirations behind each piece, and gain a new appreciation for the power of art to transform lives and communities.

The Grassroots Art Center is a celebration of the human spirit and the endless possibilities of creative expression. It’s a place that will inspire you to unleash your own inner artist and explore the world with fresh eyes and an open heart.

7. The Big Well (Greensburg, KS)

Get ready to drop your jaw (and a penny) at the Big Well in Greensburg, Kansas. This massive hand-dug well, measuring 109 feet deep and 32 feet in diameter, was built in 1887 as a source of water for the bustling railroad town.

Descend the 105 steps to the bottom of the well and marvel at the sheer scale and ingenuity of this incredible feat of engineering. Learn about the history of the well and the town of Greensburg, which was devastated by a massive tornado in 2007 but has since rebuilt itself as a model of sustainable living.

The Big Well is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Kansas spirit. It’s a place that will leave you in awe of the power of human perseverance and the enduring beauty of the American heartland.

8. The Kansas Underground Salt Museum (Hutchinson, KS)

Descend into a world of subterranean wonder at the Kansas Underground Salt Museum in Hutchinson, Kansas. This one-of-a-kind museum, located 650 feet below the Earth’s surface in a working salt mine, offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and science of salt mining.

Take a guided tour of the mine and marvel at the incredible underground landscape, complete with towering pillars of salt and shimmering crystal formations. Learn about the process of mining salt and the vital role it plays in our daily lives, from seasoning our food to de-icing our roads.

The Kansas Underground Salt Museum is a unique and unforgettable destination that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the hidden wonders of the world beneath our feet. It’s a place that will remind you of the incredible diversity and complexity of the natural world, and the ingenuity of the humans who have learned to harness its power.

Conclusion

From the towering easel of Goodland to the subterranean salt mines of Hutchinson, Kansas’s quirky attractions offer a glimpse into the state’s rich history, vibrant culture, and enduring spirit. These eight adventures are just a small taste of the many hidden gems waiting to be discovered in the Sunflower State.

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a curious traveler, these surprises and delights will leave you with unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for Kansas’s unique character. So grab your sense of adventure, your camera, and your love for the unexpected, and set out to explore the weird and wonderful side of Kansas. You never know what amazing discoveries await you in the heart of the heartland!

🗣 Which of these adventures sounds like the most fun to you? Have any hidden gems you’ve discovered that you’d like to share with the community? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️

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