Benton KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Benton, Kansas.
1. Prairie Rose Chuckwagon Supper
WESTERN DINING EXPERIENCE
Prairie Rose Chuckwagon Supper offers visitors an authentic western dining experience in Benton. Guests can enjoy home-cooked meals while being entertained with western music and performances. This attraction provides a nostalgic glimpse into the culture and traditions of the American West.
2. Infinity Art Glass Studio & Gallery
HANDCRAFTED GLASS ART
Infinity Art Glass Studio & Gallery showcases beautiful handcrafted glass artwork in Benton. Visitors can observe glass-blowing demonstrations and browse through unique glass creations. The gallery offers both viewing and purchasing opportunities for art enthusiasts.
3. Benton City Parks
FAMILY OUTDOOR RECREATION
Benton City Parks provide local residents and visitors with spaces for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The parks feature areas for sports, picnics, and family gatherings throughout the year. Seasonal festivals and outdoor concerts are often hosted in these community spaces.
4. Butler County History Center & Kansas Oil Museum
OIL BOOM HERITAGE
The Butler County History Center & Kansas Oil Museum documents the influential oil boom era that shaped the region. Visitors can explore comprehensive exhibits including the fascinating 'Glory of the Hills' dedicated to the Flint Hills ecosystem. The museum preserves and presents the rich cultural and industrial heritage of Butler County.
5. Coutts Memorial Museum of Art
REGIONAL ART COLLECTION
The Coutts Memorial Museum of Art houses over 1,000 works behind its classic columned facade in El Dorado. The collection features notable Prairie Printmakers' prints and works by renowned artists including Thomas Hart Benton and Frederic James. Art enthusiasts can appreciate the museum's significant collection of regional paintings and prints.
6. WWII History Center
WAR ERA PRESERVATION
The WWII History Center in El Dorado is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of the World War II era. The center showcases detailed information about the European, Pacific, and Home fronts during the war. Visitors can gain insight into this pivotal historical period through various exhibits and educational displays.
7. Baseball Hall of Fame
LOCAL SPORTS HEROES
The Baseball Hall of Fame is located on the site of McDonald Stadium in El Dorado. The venue features memorabilia celebrating the local 'Boys of Summer' heroes who contributed to baseball history. Sports enthusiasts can connect with the region's baseball heritage through the various exhibits and historical items on display.
8. World's Largest Czech Egg
UNIQUE CULTURAL MONUMENT
The World's Largest Czech Egg stands as a distinctive cultural landmark in North Central Kansas. This oversized painted egg celebrates the region's Czech heritage and traditional folk art. Visitors from around the country stop to photograph this unique roadside attraction that honors the area's European immigrant history.
9. Kaw Mission and Last Chance Store Museums
SANTA FE TRAIL HISTORY
The Kaw Mission and Last Chance Store Museums preserve important sites along the historic Santa Fe Trail. These museums document the interactions between settlers and the Kaw (Kansa) Native American tribe. Visitors can explore authentic buildings and artifacts that tell the story of Kansas's frontier history and cultural exchanges.
10. Oz Museum
WIZARD OF OZ COLLECTION
The Oz Museum celebrates Kansas's connection to L. Frank Baum's beloved story 'The Wizard of Oz.' The museum houses an extensive collection of Oz memorabilia, artifacts, and exhibits related to the books and films. Visitors can follow the yellow brick road through displays that showcase the cultural impact of this iconic American fairy tale.
11. Garden of Eden
FOLK ART ENVIRONMENT
The Garden of Eden is an extraordinary folk art environment created by self-taught artist S.P. Dinsmoor in the early 20th century. This unique attraction features concrete sculptures depicting biblical scenes and political commentary across the property. Visitors can tour both the sculpture garden and Dinsmoor's unusual limestone cabin with its distinctive architectural features.
12. Sugar Creek Country Store
RUSTIC SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Sugar Creek Country Store offers visitors a nostalgic shopping experience in rural Kansas. The charming store features local crafts, homemade goods, and regional specialty foods. Visitors appreciate the rustic atmosphere and unique selection of items that highlight Kansas craftsmanship and culture.
13. Maxwell Wildlife Refuge and Bison Tour
NATIVE PRAIRIE WILDLIFE
Maxwell Wildlife Refuge provides visitors with an opportunity to observe American bison and elk in their natural prairie habitat. The refuge offers guided tram tours that allow close-up viewing of these magnificent native animals. Nature enthusiasts can experience the landscape and wildlife that once dominated the Great Plains before European settlement.
14. Dorothy's House and The Land of Oz
MOVIE HERITAGE SITE
Dorothy's House and The Land of Oz attraction features a restored 1907 farmhouse designed to replicate the Kansas home from 'The Wizard of Oz.' Visitors are guided through the house by costumed 'Dorothy' performers who enhance the immersive experience. The adjoining Land of Oz exhibit contains movie memorabilia and recreated scenes from the classic film.
15. Midwest Dream Car Collection
VINTAGE AUTOMOBILE SHOWCASE
The Midwest Dream Car Collection displays an impressive array of classic, vintage, and specialty automobiles for car enthusiasts. The museum features rotating exhibits of rare and historically significant vehicles spanning several decades of automotive design. Visitors can admire meticulously restored cars that represent important developments in American transportation and culture.