Dighton KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dighton, Kansas.
1. Jerry Thomas Gallery and Collection
WESTERN ART SHOWCASE
Jerry Thomas Gallery and Collection showcases an impressive array of Western art and historical artifacts in Dighton. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring local history, wildlife art, and cultural heritage items that tell the story of Kansas. The gallery has earned a perfect 5.0 rating from visitors who appreciate its unique collection and educational value.
2. El Quartelejo Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY PRESERVED
El Quartelejo Museum houses artifacts and exhibits related to the northernmost pueblo in the United States and the rich history of the region. The museum features displays on Native American culture, pioneer life, and natural history of western Kansas. With a 4.7 rating, visitors praise the museum's informative exhibits and friendly staff.
3. Monument Rocks
NATURAL CHALK FORMATIONS
Monument Rocks, also known as the Chalk Pyramids, are towering natural chalk formations that rise dramatically from the Kansas prairie. These 70-foot tall monuments were the first landmark chosen as a National Natural Landmark in Kansas and date back to the Cretaceous Period. Visitors give these impressive geological formations a 4.6 rating for their stunning beauty and prehistoric significance.
4. Scott State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Scott State Park offers a diverse landscape of canyons, bluffs, and lakes perfect for outdoor enthusiasts near Dighton. The park features camping, fishing, hiking trails, and historical sites including El Quartelejo pueblo ruins. With a 4.2 rating, visitors enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities available year-round.
5. Lane County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
Lane County Historical Museum preserves and displays artifacts that tell the story of Dighton and the surrounding area's rich heritage. The museum houses collections featuring agricultural implements, household items, photographs, and documents that chronicle the development of Lane County. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 1 PM to 5 PM, the museum offers visitors a chance to connect with the region's past through thoughtfully curated exhibits.
6. Dighton Bowl & Diner
BOWLING AND DINING COMBO
Dighton Bowl & Diner combines entertainment and dining in one convenient location in downtown Dighton. Visitors can enjoy bowling on well-maintained lanes before or after sampling the diner's menu of American comfort food. This family-friendly establishment serves as a social hub for locals and tourists alike looking for casual fun and good food.
7. Mount Sunflower
KANSAS' HIGHEST POINT
Mount Sunflower stands as the highest natural point in Kansas at 4,039 feet above sea level. Despite its name, it's not actually a mountain but rather a gentle rise in the High Plains near the Colorado border, offering panoramic views of the surrounding prairie. Visitors can enjoy the quirky monuments placed at the summit and receive a certificate for reaching Kansas' highest elevation.
8. Wright Park Zoo
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Wright Park Zoo offers families an opportunity to view and learn about various animal species in a convenient, accessible setting. The zoo houses both exotic and native animals including big cats, primates, and birds in naturalistic habitats. Educational programs and feeding demonstrations enhance the experience for visitors of all ages.
9. Ness County Bank
HISTORIC LIMESTONE ARCHITECTURE
The Ness County Bank building, known as the 'Skyscraper of the Plains,' is an impressive limestone structure built in 1890. This four-story building features remarkable craftsmanship and stands as a testament to the prosperity of early Kansas settlers. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the bank building represents one of the finest examples of late 19th-century architecture in western Kansas.
10. Boot Hill Museum
WILD WEST HERITAGE
Boot Hill Museum brings the Wild West era of Dodge City to life through extensive exhibits, historic buildings, and live performances. Visitors can explore replicas of the original Boot Hill Cemetery, Front Street, and various buildings that showcase life in the 1870s and 1880s. The museum's Long Branch Saloon features daily gunfight reenactments and can-can shows during summer months, providing an immersive historical experience.
11. Lee Richardson Zoo
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER
Lee Richardson Zoo houses over 300 animals representing more than 100 species from around the world in naturalistic habitats. The zoo features distinct areas including Wild Asia, African Plains, and North American Grasslands, allowing visitors to experience global wildlife diversity. Educational programs, a miniature train ride, and seasonal events make this free-admission zoo a popular destination for families in western Kansas.
12. Garden of Eden
UNIQUE FOLK ART
The Garden of Eden is a fascinating folk art environment created by Civil War veteran S.P. Dinsmoor between 1907 and 1928. The site features over 200 concrete sculptures depicting religious scenes, political views, and Dinsmoor's personal philosophy arranged throughout the property. Visitors can tour both the sculpture garden and Dinsmoor's unique limestone cabin, where his mummified body rests in a glass-topped coffin according to his wishes.
13. Prairie Dog State Park
WILDLIFE AND RECREATION
Prairie Dog State Park offers visitors the chance to observe one of the last remaining natural black-tailed prairie dog colonies in Kansas. The park features Keith Sebelius Reservoir, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming in addition to hiking trails and wildlife viewing. Camping facilities, picnic areas, and historic attractions including an 1880s sod house make this a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
14. Fick Fossil & History Museum
ANCIENT OCEANIC DISCOVERIES
Fick Fossil & History Museum houses an impressive collection of fossils from when western Kansas was covered by a vast inland sea. The museum showcases spectacular marine fossils including mosasaurs, plesiosaurs, and prehistoric fish that inhabited the Western Interior Seaway during the Cretaceous Period. Visitors can also explore exhibits on local history, Native American artifacts, and pioneering life in Kansas.
15. Big Basin Prairie Preserve
NATURAL SINKHOLE WONDER
Big Basin Prairie Preserve protects a mile-wide depression formed when underlying rock dissolved, creating a dramatic natural basin in the prairie landscape. The preserve is home to native grassland species and the historic landmark known as St. Jacob's Well, a natural spring within the basin. Visitors can explore hiking trails, observe wildlife including bison, and enjoy spectacular sunset views across this unique geological formation.