Penalosa KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Penalosa, Kansas.
1. Twin Fork Outfitters
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DESTINATION
Twin Fork Outfitters offers outdoor recreational activities and guided hunting experiences in the Penalosa area. Visitors can enjoy the natural landscape of Kansas while participating in various outdoor pursuits. The outfitter provides expert guidance for both novice and experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
2. Glacial Hills Scenic Byway
STUNNING NATURAL DRIVE
The Glacial Hills Scenic Byway takes visitors through the stunning glaciated hills in the northeast corner of Kansas. This scenic route offers breathtaking views of unique landscape formations shaped by ancient glaciers. Travelers can enjoy various stops along the way to appreciate the natural beauty and historical significance of the area.
3. Frontier Military Historic Byway
HISTORICAL TRAVEL ROUTE
The Frontier Military Historic Byway runs through the suburbs of Kansas City and historic places like Leavenworth, Olathe, and Overland Park. This historic route follows the path of early military roads that connected frontier forts during the westward expansion. Travelers can experience both urban and rural Kansas landscapes while learning about the state's military history.
4. Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum
AVIATION PIONEER'S HOME
The Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum celebrates the life and legacy of the famous aviation pioneer born in Atchison. Visitors can explore the restored Gothic Revival cottage where Earhart was born in 1897. The museum houses exhibits showcasing her remarkable achievements and contribution to aviation history.
5. Black Jack Battlefield & Nature Park
HISTORIC CIVIL WAR SITE
Black Jack Battlefield & Nature Park preserves the site of a significant pre-Civil War battle fought on June 2, 1856. This historic location marks where John Brown led free-state forces against pro-slavery settlers in what some consider the first true battle of the Civil War. Visitors can walk interpretive trails through the battlefield and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding prairie landscape.
6. Big Brutus
MASSIVE MINING MACHINE
Big Brutus is a colossal 16-story tall electric shovel that once operated in the coal mines of southeast Kansas until 1974. This 11-million-pound giant with a 150-foot boom now serves as the centerpiece of a mining museum and nature preserve. Visitors can explore the massive machine, learn about Kansas mining history, and enjoy outdoor activities in the surrounding Mined Land Wildlife Area.
7. S.P. Dinsmoor's Garden of Eden
ECCENTRIC CONCRETE SCULPTURES
S.P. Dinsmoor's Garden of Eden is an extraordinary collection of concrete sculptures created by Civil War veteran Samuel Perry Dinsmoor between 1907 and 1928. The site features approximately 200 sculptures with various political and religious motifs surrounding Dinsmoor's cabin home. Visitors can view Dinsmoor himself, who remains in a see-through tomb on the property as he requested.
8. Flint Hills Discovery Center
TALLGRASS PRAIRIE EDUCATION
The Flint Hills Discovery Center is a 35,000 square foot facility dedicated to the last major stand of unbroken tallgrass prairie. Through interactive exhibits and immersive experiences, visitors can learn about the unique ecosystem, history, and culture of the Flint Hills region. The center also features outdoor spaces where guests can observe native Kansas wildlife in natural settings.
9. Kansas State Capitol
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Kansas State Capitol, built in 1866, features magnificent artwork including murals by native-born artist John Steuart Curry. Visitors can admire the ornate architectural features and elaborate Senate and House Chambers during guided tours. This historic building showcases both the political history and artistic heritage of Kansas.
10. Legends Outlets
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
Legends Outlets is Kansas City's premier outdoor shopping and entertainment destination located in the heart of Village West. As the only designer outlet center in Kansas, it offers a diverse selection of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment venues. Shoppers can enjoy a mix of luxury brands and casual retailers in an attractive outdoor setting.
11. Massachusetts Street
VIBRANT DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
Massachusetts Street, known locally as Mass Street, is Lawrence's vibrant and attractive downtown district filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Visitors can explore everything from designer boutiques to antique stores and clothing shops ranging from retro to contemporary styles. The historic street offers a charming atmosphere with well-preserved architecture and a lively cultural scene.
12. Grinter Farms
STUNNING SUNFLOWER FIELDS
Grinter Farms is famous for its spectacular fields of sunflowers that bloom in late summer, creating a breathtaking golden landscape. Visitors from across the region come to see the sunflowers and take photos among the bright yellow blooms. The farm offers a perfect outdoor experience during great weather and has become an iconic Kansas attraction.
13. Rolling Hills Zoo
WILDLIFE ADVENTURE PARK
Rolling Hills Zoo offers a wild adventure settled among the Smoky Hills of central Kansas with two unique experiences visitors won't soon forget. The facility combines a traditional zoo experience with natural history museum exhibits to create an educational and entertaining destination. Visitors can observe various animal species in naturalistic habitats and learn about wildlife conservation efforts.
14. The Keeper of the Plains
ICONIC RIVERFRONT SCULPTURE
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 landmark represents the Native American heritage of the region and is surrounded by a beautiful walking path that is well-lit at night. Visitors particularly enjoy the Ring of Fire, when the surrounding fire pots are lit at specific times creating a magnificent display.
15. The Big Well
WORLD'S LARGEST HAND-DUG WELL
The Big Well in Greensburg is recognized as the World's Largest Hand-Dug Well, measuring 109 feet deep and 32 feet in diameter. Completed in 1888, this remarkable engineering achievement was dug by farmers using shovels and pulley systems to provide water for steam locomotives. Today, visitors can descend into the well via a spiral staircase and explore the accompanying museum that also chronicles Greensburg's recovery from a devastating 2007 tornado.