Green KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Green, Kansas.
1. Strataca
UNDERGROUND SALT MINE ADVENTURE
Strataca is a popular underground salt mine attraction that offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore 650 feet below the earth's surface. Visitors can experience the Underground Vaults and Storage facility that houses movie memorabilia and other treasures in the naturally climate-controlled environment. The attraction features interactive exhibits, a train ride through mining areas, and the Dark Ride that showcases the mining process throughout history.
2. The Keeper of the Plains
ICONIC NATIVE AMERICAN STATUE
The Keeper of the Plains is a 44-foot tall steel sculpture standing at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers in Wichita. The statue, designed by Blackbear Bosin, represents the spiritual connection between earth, air, water and fire with fire pots that illuminate the statue nightly. Visitors can access the monument via pedestrian bridges and learn about Native American history at the adjacent Mid-America All-Indian Center.
3. Kansas State Capitol Building
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT MONUMENT
The Kansas State Capitol Building is an impressive limestone structure featuring a 304-foot copper dome topped with a statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture. Visitors can take guided or self-guided tours of the building to view the ornate interior, including murals by John Steuart Curry and the recently restored Senate and House chambers. The building underwent a comprehensive renovation completed in 2014, restoring many historical elements while modernizing facilities.
4. The Big Well Museum
WORLD'S LARGEST HAND-DUG WELL
The Big Well Museum in Greensburg showcases the world's largest hand-dug well, an impressive 109 feet deep and 32 feet in diameter, completed in 1888 as the town's first water source. The museum also tells the story of Greensburg's destruction by an EF5 tornado in 2007 and its remarkable rebirth as one of America's greenest communities. Visitors can descend into the well via a spiral staircase and explore exhibits about local history and sustainable rebuilding efforts.
5. Tanganyika Wildlife Park
INTERACTIVE ANIMAL EXPERIENCE
Tanganyika Wildlife Park offers visitors an immersive animal experience with opportunities to feed giraffes, hold lemurs, and interact with other exotic species. The park focuses on conservation efforts and breeding programs for endangered species while providing educational encounters. Visitors can enjoy seasonal events throughout the year, including the popular Pumpkin Walk and Winter Wildlights.
6. Fort Larned National Historic Site
PRESERVED FRONTIER MILITARY POST
Fort Larned National Historic Site is one of the most complete and authentic frontier forts remaining from the Indian Wars period along the Santa Fe Trail. The fort features nine meticulously restored and furnished buildings including barracks, commissary, officers' quarters, and blacksmith shop. Visitors can explore the museum collection of artifacts, view exhibits related to the Indian Wars, and experience living history demonstrations during special events.
7. Maxwell Wildlife Refuge
BISON AND ELK SANCTUARY
Maxwell Wildlife Refuge is home to Kansas' largest public herd of bison and the only location in the state where visitors can view both bison and elk in their native prairie environment. The refuge showcases ever-changing prairie colors with a mix of native grasses and wildflowers throughout the seasons. Visitors can observe wildlife from an observation tower or take guided tram tours for close-up encounters with the magnificent animals.
8. Botanica Wichita
STUNNING GARDEN OASIS
Botanica Wichita features over 30 themed gardens and exhibits across 18 acres of stunning botanical displays that change with the seasons. Visitors can explore specialty areas including the Butterfly Garden, Woodland Bird Garden, and the popular Downing Children's Garden with its monster tree and musical maze. The gardens host special events throughout the year, including the spectacular Illuminations holiday light display that transforms the grounds into a winter wonderland.
9. Sedgwick County Zoo
WORLD-CLASS ANIMAL EXHIBITS
Sedgwick County Zoo is home to over 3,000 animals of nearly 400 species, making it one of the largest zoos in the central United States. The zoo features immersive habitats including the award-winning Downing Gorilla Forest and the impressive Elephants of the Zambezi River Valley, the third largest elephant habitat in North America. Visitors can enjoy keeper talks, animal feedings, and seasonal events like the popular Wild Lights illuminated nighttime experience.
10. Heartland Farm
SUSTAINABLE RURAL EXPERIENCE
Heartland Farm is a ministry of the Dominican Sisters that offers visitors a chance to experience sustainable rural living through educational programs and retreats. The farm raises alpacas, chickens, and bees while practicing organic gardening and renewable energy use in their operations. Visitors can participate in workshops on fiber arts, soap making, and other traditional crafts or simply enjoy the peaceful rural atmosphere.
11. Sunset Zoo
EDUCATIONAL WILDLIFE PARK
Sunset Zoo houses over 300 animals representing more than 100 species from around the world on its scenic hillside location. The zoo focuses on conservation education through programs like behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and the popular SPARKs camps for children. Visitors can explore habitats including Kansas Plains, Australian Walkabout, and the Trails of Africa while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding Flint Hills.
12. Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ANIMAL EXHIBITS
The Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center features diverse animal collections including the tropical rainforest exhibit where visitors can observe sloths, birds, and other jungle species. The zoo's Kay McFarland Japanese Garden provides a serene setting with traditional elements including koi ponds, stone lanterns, and a tea house. Recent additions include the Camp Cowabunga and Giraffe & Friends exhibits that offer improved viewing opportunities and interactive experiences.
13. Kansas Cosmosphere
WORLD-CLASS SPACE MUSEUM
The Kansas Cosmosphere houses one of the most significant collections of U.S. and Russian space artifacts in the world, including the Apollo 13 command module Odyssey. Visitors can experience the immersive Carey Digital Dome Theater, Dr. Goddard's Lab live science demonstrations, and the Hall of Space Museum with its comprehensive collection. The museum offers educational programs including space camps where participants can experience astronaut training simulations.
14. Massachusetts Street
HISTORIC SHOPPING DISTRICT
Massachusetts Street is the vibrant heart of downtown Lawrence, featuring historic buildings that house eclectic shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Visitors can browse independent bookstores, boutiques, and galleries while enjoying the street's lively atmosphere and architectural charm. The district hosts numerous events throughout the year, including art walks, parades, and outdoor concerts that showcase local talent and culture.
15. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
WORLD-RENOWNED ART COLLECTION
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art features an extensive collection spanning 5,000 years of human creativity, from ancient artifacts to contemporary installations. The museum's Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park is famous for its giant Shuttlecock sculptures by Claes Oldenburg and other impressive outdoor works set across 22 acres of landscaped grounds. Visitors can view masterpieces from around the world, including one of America's finest collections of Asian art and significant European paintings.