Norcatur KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Norcatur, Kansas.
1. Norcatur Museum
LOCAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE
Norcatur Museum showcases the rich history of this small Kansas town and the surrounding region. The museum is located at 301 E. Ossipee St. and offers visitors a glimpse into the area's past through various exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can contact the museum at (785) 693-4461 or via email at norcaturmuseum@gmail.com for more information about opening hours and special events.
2. Czech Museum
CULTURAL HERITAGE EXHIBITS
Czech Museum celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Czech immigrants who settled in the region. The museum has earned a perfect 5.0 rating from visitors who appreciate its authentic artifacts and educational displays. Visitors can explore the Czech influence on the area's development, traditions, and cultural practices through the various exhibits.
3. Prairie Dog State Park
WILDLIFE AND RECREATION
Prairie Dog State Park offers visitors a chance to observe the fascinating prairie dog colonies that give the park its name. The park has earned a 4.3 rating from visitors who enjoy its natural beauty and recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. Beyond prairie dogs, visitors can spot various bird species and other wildlife native to the Kansas plains.
4. Decatur County Last Indian Raid Museum
FRONTIER HISTORY PRESERVED
Decatur County Last Indian Raid Museum commemorates a significant historical event in Kansas frontier history. The museum has earned an impressive 4.9 rating from visitors who appreciate its detailed exhibits and historical artifacts. Visitors can learn about the 1878 Northern Cheyenne exodus and its impact on the settlement of the region.
5. Cottonwood Ranch
HISTORIC HOMESTEAD SITE
Cottonwood Ranch preserves the history of English immigrants who settled in western Kansas in the late 1800s. The ranch, with its 4.8 visitor rating, features original limestone buildings and period furnishings that transport visitors back to frontier life. Guided tours provide insights into the agricultural practices, daily routines, and challenges faced by early settlers in the region.
6. They Also Ran Gallery
PRESIDENTIAL RUNNER-UPS SHOWCASE
They Also Ran Gallery features exhibits dedicated to unsuccessful candidates for the U.S. presidency throughout American history. This unique attraction offers visitors a different perspective on American political history by highlighting those who came close to the presidency but never achieved it. The gallery includes portraits, biographies, and interesting facts about these historical figures who shaped American politics despite never reaching the highest office.
7. Norton County Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
Norton County Museum preserves and displays the cultural heritage and history of Norton County and its communities. The museum houses collections of artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the area's development from frontier days to the present. Visitors can explore exhibits on pioneer life, agriculture, local businesses, and notable residents who contributed to the region's growth.
8. Gloria Nelson Cultural Arts Center
ARTS AND CULTURE HUB
Gloria Nelson Cultural Arts Center serves as a hub for artistic expression and cultural events in the Norton area. The center hosts various performances, exhibitions, and workshops that showcase local and regional talent throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy everything from musical performances and theatrical productions to art displays and educational programming in this vibrant community space.
9. World's Largest Czech Egg
UNIQUE CULTURAL LANDMARK
The World's Largest Czech Egg stands as a colorful testament to the Czech heritage that runs deep in this part of Kansas. This oversized decorated egg, known as a kraslice, showcases the traditional art of egg decorating that Czech immigrants brought to the region. Visitors from around the country stop to admire and photograph this unique roadside attraction that celebrates the area's cultural heritage.
10. Garden of Eden
ECCENTRIC CONCRETE SCULPTURES
Garden of Eden features an extraordinary collection of concrete sculptures created by Civil War veteran S.P. Dinsmoor between 1905 and 1927. This folk art environment includes over 200 concrete sculptures depicting religious themes, political views, and Dinsmoor's personal philosophy. Visitors can tour both the sculpture garden and Dinsmoor's unique limestone cabin, which also serves as his mausoleum where his body is displayed in a concrete coffin with a glass lid.
11. Oz Museum
WIZARD OF OZ MEMORABILIA
The Oz Museum houses an impressive collection of more than 25,000 Oz artifacts celebrating L. Frank Baum's beloved story and its many adaptations. Visitors can see original props from the 1939 MGM film, earlier and later Oz productions, and a wide variety of Oz-themed merchandise spanning decades. The museum brings to life the magical world of Oz with interactive displays, detailed exhibits, and rare collector's items that appeal to fans of all ages.
12. Wilson Reservoir
PREMIER OUTDOOR RECREATION
Wilson Reservoir is considered one of the nation's best spots for outdoor recreation with its clear blue waters and scenic limestone bluffs. Often called the 'Clearest Lake in Kansas,' it offers exceptional opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, and water sports throughout the warmer months. The surrounding state park features campgrounds, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing areas that attract nature enthusiasts year-round.
13. Post Rock Scenic Byway
HISTORIC LIMESTONE COUNTRY
Post Rock Scenic Byway winds through the distinctive Smoky Hills region where early settlers used limestone for fence posts in this tree-scarce prairie. The 18-mile route showcases the unique limestone fence posts, buildings, and other structures that characterize this region's architectural heritage. Travelers along this byway can enjoy beautiful rolling countryside views while learning about the ingenuity of pioneers who adapted to the challenging prairie environment.
14. Prairie Trail Scenic Byway
HISTORICAL PIONEER PATHWAYS
Prairie Trail Scenic Byway follows in the footsteps of Native Americans, explorers, and pioneers as they traveled through the Kansas prairie. This 80-mile route passes through rolling hills, wetlands, and historic sites that tell the story of America's westward expansion. Visitors traveling this byway can experience both natural beauty and significant historical landmarks that showcase the region's rich cultural heritage.
15. Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area
SERENGETI OF THE SKY
Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area has been called the 'Serengeti of the Sky' for its importance as a migratory stopover for hundreds of thousands of birds. This massive wetland complex is the largest marsh in the interior United States and serves as critical habitat for numerous bird species. Wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers flock to the area, especially during spring and fall migrations, to witness the spectacular sight of snow geese and other migratory birds filling the skies.