Plains KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Plains, Kansas.
1. The Keeper of the Plains
ICONIC NATIVE AMERICAN SCULPTURE
The Keeper of the Plains is a majestic 44-foot-tall steel sculpture created by Native American artist Blackbear Bosin that stands at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers in downtown Wichita. Visitors can experience the nightly Ring of Fire ceremony where five fire drums illuminate the statue, creating a spectacular view particularly at sunrise and sunset. The surrounding plaza features exhibits detailing the customs and traditions of the Plains Indians and can be accessed via two footbridges from each side of the river.
2. The Rusty Junker
VINTAGE FINDS AND TREASURES
The Rusty Junker is a highly-rated shopping destination in Plains, Kansas, offering a unique collection of antiques, vintage items, and rustic treasures. Visitors appreciate the carefully curated selection of home decor, furniture, and collectibles that capture the charm of rural Kansas. The shop provides a nostalgic shopping experience that reflects the character and heritage of the Plains community.
3. Dalton Gang Hideout
HISTORIC OUTLAW REFUGE
The Dalton Gang Hideout in nearby Meade preserves the historic site where the notorious Dalton Gang sought refuge during their outlaw days in the late 1800s. Visitors can explore the original house and underground escape tunnel used by the outlaws, along with a museum featuring artifacts and exhibits about frontier justice and outlaw culture. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the Wild West era of Kansas history that continues to captivate visitors of all ages.
4. Thunder Strikes Bowling Center
FAMILY FUN AND RECREATION
Thunder Strikes Bowling Center offers recreational entertainment for locals and visitors in the Plains area. The facility features bowling lanes, arcade games, and casual dining options that make it a popular spot for family outings and social gatherings. With its welcoming atmosphere and affordable prices, it serves as a community hub for leisure activities in this small Kansas town.
5. Dorothy's House/Land of Oz
WIZARD OF OZ TRIBUTE
Dorothy's House/Land of Oz is a popular attraction in Liberal that celebrates Kansas's connection to the beloved Wizard of Oz story. The exhibit features a restored 1907 farmhouse decorated to resemble Dorothy's home from the classic film, along with animated character displays and memorabilia. Guided tours led by costumed 'Dorothy' performers take visitors through the recreation of scenes from the movie, making it a magical experience for fans of all ages.
6. Mid-America All-Indian Museum
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE CENTER
The Mid-America All-Indian Museum in Wichita showcases the rich cultural heritage and artistic contributions of Native American peoples of the Plains. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, artwork, and educational exhibits that tell the story of indigenous communities throughout the region's history. Visitors can gain deeper insights into the culture that inspired the nearby Keeper of the Plains sculpture, as the museum provides context for understanding Native American traditions and contemporary issues.
7. Monument Rocks National Landmark
ANCIENT CHALK FORMATIONS
Monument Rocks National Landmark features impressive chalk formations rising dramatically from the prairie landscape near Oakley. These 70-foot tall natural sculptures, also known as the 'Chalk Pyramids,' were formed approximately 80 million years ago when this region was covered by a vast inland sea. The site offers visitors a chance to witness one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas while exploring the unique geological history of the Great Plains region.
8. Butterfield Trail Museum
PIONEER HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Butterfield Trail Museum preserves the history of the Butterfield Overland Mail route and pioneer life in western Kansas. Exhibits showcase artifacts from early settlers, Native American items, and historical documents related to the development of the region. The museum offers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of those who traveled through and settled the Great Plains during America's westward expansion.
9. Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge
NATURAL BIRD SANCTUARY
Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge offers a protected habitat for migratory birds and wildlife across more than 10,000 acres of diverse terrain. Visitors can observe numerous bird species, particularly during spring and fall migrations when thousands of waterfowl pass through the area. The refuge provides recreational opportunities including wildlife photography, hunting, fishing, and hiking trails that showcase the natural beauty of the Kansas prairie ecosystem.
10. Fick Fossil and History Museum
ANCIENT OCEANIC DISCOVERIES
The Fick Fossil and History Museum houses an impressive collection of fossils discovered in the chalk beds of western Kansas, revealing the area's prehistoric past as an ancient seabed. Visitors can marvel at mosasaur fossils, shark teeth, and other marine specimens dating back to when Kansas was covered by the Western Interior Seaway. The museum also features unique folk art pieces created by local artist Vi Fick, who used native materials like chalk and fossils to create intricate artwork.
11. Mount Sunflower
KANSAS'S HIGHEST POINT
Mount Sunflower stands as the highest natural point in Kansas at 4,039 feet above sea level, located near the Colorado border. Despite its name, the site is not actually a mountain but rather a gentle rise in the High Plains that offers panoramic views of the surrounding prairie landscape. Visitors to this quirky attraction on private ranchland will find a small monument, a picnic table, and a guest registry to commemorate reaching Kansas's geographic high point.
12. St. Francis Motorcycle Museum
VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE COLLECTION
The St. Francis Motorcycle Museum houses over 140 vintage motorcycles from 48 different manufacturers, creating an impressive display of two-wheeled history. Visitors can view rare models including ACE, Cleveland, Jefferson, and Theim motorcycles that showcase the evolution of motorcycle design and technology. The museum offers motorcycle enthusiasts and casual visitors alike an opportunity to appreciate these meticulously preserved machines that represent an important aspect of American transportation history.
13. Prairie Museum of Art & History
RURAL KANSAS HERITAGE
The Prairie Museum of Art & History in Colby is home to the world-class Kuska Collection, which includes approximately 28,000 items representing the cultural heritage of the High Plains. The museum complex features a 1930s prairie village with historic buildings, a one-room schoolhouse, and a sod house that demonstrate pioneer life on the Kansas frontier. Exhibits showcase the agricultural history, domestic culture, and artistic expressions that have shaped the identity of northwestern Kansas communities.
14. The Basilica of St. Fidelis
CATHEDRAL OF THE PLAINS
The Basilica of St. Fidelis, commonly known as the 'Cathedral of the Plains,' is an impressive limestone church built between 1908-1911 by German immigrants in Victoria. The majestic Romanesque structure features twin 141-foot towers, stunning stained glass windows, and intricate interior details that reflect the faith and craftsmanship of its builders. This architectural masterpiece was designated as a minor basilica by Pope Francis in 2014, making it an important religious landmark that attracts visitors from across the country.
15. High Plains Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The High Plains Museum in Goodland welcomes visitors with photographic murals depicting the area's rich historical heritage. The museum houses exhibits on pioneer life, agricultural development, and the cultural evolution of northwestern Kansas communities through various time periods. Special collections include the first patented helicopter, America's first Sunflower State painting, and artifacts that tell the story of life on the high plains from prehistoric times to the present day.