Byers KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Byers, Kansas.
1. Pratt's All Veterans Memorial Complex
HONORING MILITARY SERVICE
Pratt's All Veterans Memorial Complex is a dedicated space honoring the service and sacrifice of military veterans. The memorial features various monuments and displays commemorating different military conflicts and branches. Visitors can pay their respects while learning about the history of American military service.
2. Pratt County Historical Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Pratt County Historical Museum showcases the rich heritage of Pratt County through various exhibits and artifacts. The museum preserves local history with displays on pioneer life, agriculture, and community development. Visitors consistently rate this museum highly for its informative and engaging presentations of regional history.
3. Vernon Filley Art Museum
ARTISTIC CULTURAL CENTER
The Vernon Filley Art Museum serves as a cultural hub featuring rotating exhibitions of fine art. The museum showcases works from local, regional, and national artists in a beautifully designed space. Art enthusiasts appreciate the quality of exhibitions and the museum's contribution to the cultural landscape of the area.
4. Woody's Sports Bar and Grill
LOCAL FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT
Woody's Sports Bar and Grill offers a welcoming atmosphere for casual dining and entertainment near Byers. The establishment serves classic American fare alongside a selection of beverages while providing sports viewing opportunities. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the friendly service and community gathering space.
5. Kansas State Capitol Building
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT CENTER
The Kansas State Capitol Building stands as an impressive example of architectural grandeur and historical significance. Visitors can take guided tours to view the stunning rotunda, legislative chambers, and the recently restored murals by John Steuart Curry. The building's dome offers panoramic views of Topeka for those willing to climb to the top.
6. Massachusetts Street
HISTORIC SHOPPING DISTRICT
Massachusetts Street serves as the vibrant heart of downtown Lawrence with its collection of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The historic district features well-preserved buildings housing a diverse array of locally-owned businesses and cultural attractions. Visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, and experiencing the unique charm that has made 'Mass Street' a beloved destination.
7. Grinter Farms
STUNNING SUNFLOWER FIELDS
Grinter Farms transforms into a spectacular sea of golden sunflowers each late summer, attracting thousands of visitors. The farm allows the public to wander through the massive sunflower fields during peak blooming season, usually in late August or early September. Photographers and nature lovers find the vibrant display especially captivating during sunrise and sunset hours.
8. The Oz Museum
WIZARD OF OZ COLLECTION
The Oz Museum houses an extensive collection of Wizard of Oz memorabilia and artifacts celebrating the classic film and L. Frank Baum's beloved stories. Visitors can view over 2,000 Oz-related items including original props, rare books, and unique artwork dedicated to Dorothy's adventures. The museum has become one of the most sought-after attractions in Kansas, drawing fans from around the world.
9. Garden of Eden
UNIQUE FOLK ART
The Garden of Eden features the eccentric concrete sculptures and structures created by Civil War veteran S.P. Dinsmoor between 1907 and 1928. This folk art environment includes over 200 concrete sculptures depicting religious and political themes arranged around Dinsmoor's limestone cabin. Visitors can tour both the sculpture garden and Dinsmoor's mausoleum where he is entombed in a concrete coffin with a glass lid.
10. Eisenhower Presidential Library
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY CENTER
The Eisenhower Presidential Library preserves and shares the legacy of the 34th U.S. President through extensive archives, exhibits, and educational programs. The complex includes Eisenhower's boyhood home, a museum with thousands of artifacts, and his final resting place in the meditation chapel. Visitors gain insight into Dwight D. Eisenhower's life from his humble Kansas beginnings through his military career and presidency.
11. National Orphan Train Complex
FORGOTTEN CHILDREN'S HISTORY
The National Orphan Train Complex documents the history of the orphan train movement that relocated approximately 250,000 orphaned and homeless children from Eastern cities to rural homes between 1854 and 1929. The museum preserves artifacts, records, and personal stories of the children who rode the orphan trains to new lives. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing this significant yet often overlooked chapter in American social history.
12. World's Largest Ball of Twine
QUIRKY ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
The World's Largest Ball of Twine stands as a quirky roadside attraction that has been growing since 1953 when farmer Frank Stoeber began the project. Visitors can add their own piece of twine to the massive ball during the annual Twine-a-thon celebration each August. The unusual landmark weighs over 20,000 pounds and measures more than 40 feet in circumference, making it a popular stop for travelers seeking unusual attractions.
13. Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway
STUNNING RED ROCK LANDSCAPE
The Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway offers a 40-mile drive through striking red dirt mesas and canyons that contrast dramatically with the surrounding green prairie. The route features two scenic overlooks where travelers can fully appreciate the rugged, "unKansas-like" landscape. This enchanting byway between Medicine Lodge and Coldwater provides unforgettable vistas of the region's unique geological formations.
14. Kaw Point Park
HISTORIC RIVER CONFLUENCE
Kaw Point Park marks the historic confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers where Lewis and Clark camped during their westward expedition. The park offers interpretive displays about the Corps of Discovery's journey alongside scenic river views and walking trails. Visitors can enjoy outdoor recreation while standing at a significant location in American exploration history.
15. Strawberry Hill Museum and Cultural Center
EUROPEAN HERITAGE PRESERVED
The Strawberry Hill Museum and Cultural Center preserves the heritage of Eastern European immigrants who settled in this Kansas City neighborhood. Housed in a 1887 Victorian home, the museum features cultural artifacts, traditional clothing, and exhibits detailing the immigrant experience. Visitors can explore the ornate rooms decorated with period furnishings while learning about the diverse ethnic groups that shaped the community's identity.