Menlo KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Menlo, Kansas.
1. Garden of Eden
WHIMSICAL CONCRETE SCULPTURES
The Garden of Eden is a fascinating collection of concrete sculptures created by SP Dinsmoor that showcases both religious and political imagery. This artistic wonder has stood for nearly 100 years and features whimsically delightful sculptures with unique concrete cladding on the house exterior. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour free of charge, though donations are welcome.
2. Brandt's Meat Market
TASTY HOMEMADE SAUSAGES
Brandt's Meat Market offers tasty house-made sausage snacks that are popular with visitors to Lucas. The market serves as a culinary highlight for travelers exploring the artistic attractions of the area. Visitors often stop here to refuel after touring the town's unique artistic sites.
3. Giant Toilet Mosaics
QUIRKY PUBLIC ART
The Giant Toilet Mosaics represent one of the more unusual artistic displays in downtown Lucas. These quirky public art installations contribute to Lucas's reputation as an art-centric community. Visitors to the area are encouraged to see these unique mosaics as part of the town's eccentric charm.
4. Miniatures Museum
TINY ARTISTIC TREASURES
The Miniatures Museum in Lucas showcases an array of small-scale artistic creations that captivate visitors. This museum adds to the town's impressive collection of unique artistic venues worth exploring. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the attention to detail and craftsmanship displayed in these miniature works.
5. Strataca
UNDERGROUND SALT MUSEUM
Strataca is an impressive underground salt museum that ranks as one of Kansas's top landmarks according to travelers. Visitors descend 650 feet below the earth's surface to explore vast salt deposits and mining history. The museum offers a unique perspective on geology and industrial heritage through interactive exhibits and underground tours.
6. 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. This iconic statue, created by Native American artist Blackbear Bosin, represents the spiritual connection between earth, air, water and fire. Each evening, the statue is illuminated by the dramatic Ring of Fire display which has become a must-see attraction for visitors.
7. Kansas State Capitol Building
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT CENTER
The Kansas State Capitol Building is an architectural masterpiece featuring a stunning dome and elaborate interior details. Visitors can take tours of the building to see the beautiful murals, including John Steuart Curry's famous depiction of John Brown. The recently renovated building offers historical exhibits and a chance to observe the state government in action.
8. Golden Plains High School
LOCAL EDUCATION CENTER
Golden Plains High School serves as the educational heart of Menlo and surrounding communities after school unification consolidated Menlo, Rexford, and Selden schools. The school, whose mascot is the Bulldogs, represents USD 316 Golden Plains. This institution provides educational services to the small population of Menlo and neighboring communities.
9. Monument Rocks
NATURAL CHALK FORMATIONS
Monument Rocks, also known as the Chalk Pyramids, are dramatic natural chalk formations that rise up to 70 feet from the plains of western Kansas. These limestone formations were formed 80 million years ago when this area was covered by a vast inland sea. Visitors can walk among these impressive geological monuments that were the first landmark in Kansas to be designated a National Natural Landmark.
10. Prairie Museum of Art and History
REGIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Prairie Museum of Art and History preserves the cultural heritage of northwest Kansas through its extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits. The museum features a 24-building complex including the historic Kuska collection, a one-room schoolhouse, and a sod house. Visitors can experience life on the Kansas prairie through hands-on displays and seasonal events celebrating local traditions.
11. Cooper Barn
LARGEST BARN IN KANSAS
The Cooper Barn is recognized as the largest barn in Kansas and stands as a testament to the agricultural heritage of the region. Built in 1936, this impressive structure houses antique farm equipment and exhibits about rural life in western Kansas. The barn is part of the Prairie Museum complex and showcases the engineering prowess of early Kansas settlers.
12. Buffalo Bill Cultural Center
WESTERN HERITAGE SITE
The Buffalo Bill Cultural Center commemorates the famous buffalo hunting contest between William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody and William Comstock that took place near Oakley in 1868. The center features a striking 16-foot bronze statue of Buffalo Bill mounted on his horse. Visitors can explore exhibits about frontier life, buffalo hunting, and the development of the American West.
13. Fick Fossil and History Museum
PREHISTORIC KANSAS TREASURES
The Fick Fossil and History Museum houses an impressive collection of fossils discovered in the chalk beds of western Kansas, including mosasaurs, fish, and pterosaurs from the Cretaceous period. The museum also features unique artwork created by Ernest and Vi Fick using native materials like fossils, shells, and stones. Visitors can learn about the prehistoric ocean that once covered Kansas through interactive displays and educational programs.
14. Thomas County Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The Thomas County Historical Society maintains collections that document the history and development of Thomas County, including Menlo and surrounding areas. The society preserves photographs, documents, and artifacts related to the settlement and growth of communities in the region. Visitors can explore exhibits about pioneer life, railroad development, and agricultural innovations that shaped western Kansas.
15. Prairie Dog State Park
NATURAL WILDLIFE HABITAT
Prairie Dog State Park features one of the last remaining public prairie dog towns in Kansas, offering visitors a chance to observe these social rodents in their natural habitat. The park encompasses 1,150 acres with Keith Sebelius Reservoir, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, camping, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also explore the historic 1887 adobe house and one-room schoolhouse located within the park boundaries.