Plevna KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Plevna, Kansas.
1. Quivira National Wildlife Refuge
NATURAL WILDLIFE HAVEN
Quivira National Wildlife Refuge offers visitors an exceptional opportunity to observe diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. The refuge features expansive wetlands, grasslands, and salt marshes that provide sanctuary for migratory birds and native species. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, wildlife photography, and educational programs throughout the year.
2. Hedrick's Exotic Animal Farm
UNIQUE ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Hedrick's Exotic Animal Farm provides an interactive experience with unusual and exotic animals not typically found in Kansas. Visitors can take guided tours where they can feed and touch various exotic species including camels, kangaroos, and lemurs. The farm also offers special events and educational programs about wildlife conservation.
3. Arkanoe
RIVER ADVENTURE RENTALS
Arkanoe offers watercraft rentals for exploring the Arkansas River and surrounding waterways. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for self-guided adventures through scenic Kansas landscapes. The friendly staff provides safety instructions and local river knowledge to ensure an enjoyable experience on the water.
4. Stage 9
LOCAL THEATER PRODUCTIONS
Stage 9 presents quality live theatrical performances in an intimate setting in the heart of Hutchinson. The theater showcases a variety of productions from comedies and dramas to musicals featuring local talent. Their commitment to the arts provides cultural enrichment for Plevna residents and visitors from surrounding communities.
5. Strataca
UNDERGROUND SALT MUSEUM
Strataca offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore an active salt mine 650 feet below the surface. The museum features guided tours that include a train ride through portions of the vast mine while explaining the history and science of salt mining. Visitors particularly enjoy the informative tour guides who bring the underground experience to life with engaging commentary.
6. The Keeper of the Plains
ICONIC NATIVE AMERICAN SCULPTURE
The Keeper of the Plains stands as a magnificent 44-foot tall steel sculpture at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers. This iconic landmark celebrates the Native American heritage of the region and features dramatic fire displays at its base during special evening ceremonies. The surrounding plaza includes interpretive displays about Plains Indian culture and beautiful walking paths along the riverfront.
7. Kansas State Capitol Building
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT LANDMARK
The Kansas State Capitol Building stands as an impressive example of French Renaissance architecture with its distinctive copper dome and ornate interiors. Visitors can take guided tours to see the beautiful murals, including John Steuart Curry's famous depiction of John Brown, and the recently restored rotunda. The building's extensive renovation was completed in 2014, restoring many original features while modernizing facilities for continued use as the seat of Kansas government.
8. Garden of Eden
WHIMSICAL CONCRETE SCULPTURES
The Garden of Eden features an extraordinary collection of concrete sculptures created by S.P. Dinsmoor that blend religious and political themes in a whimsical display. This unique artistic environment includes a concrete-clad house surrounded by imaginative sculptural works that have stood the test of time for nearly a century. Visitors can take self-guided tours of this free attraction that represents the artistic spirit of Lucas, Kansas.
9. Plevna General Store Site
HISTORIC COMMUNITY LANDMARK
The Plevna General Store site marks where a beloved local gathering place once stood before it was destroyed by fire in January 1997. For generations, the store served as the commercial and social hub of this small Kansas community. Though the original building is gone, the location remains significant in local history and community memory.
10. Brandt's Meat Market
ARTISANAL SAUSAGE SHOP
Brandt's Meat Market offers visitors a taste of authentic house-made sausages and specialty meat products prepared using traditional methods. The shop has become a destination for food enthusiasts seeking quality artisanal meat products in central Kansas. Visitors often stop here to pick up tasty snacks while exploring the artistic attractions of Lucas.
11. Bowl Plaza
GIANT TOILET MOSAICS
Bowl Plaza features whimsical and elaborate mosaic artwork in the form of giant toilet-themed public restrooms that have become a quirky tourist attraction. The facility combines functional public restrooms with extraordinary artistic expression that exemplifies the creative spirit of Lucas. Visitors are encouraged to take photos of this unusual landmark that demonstrates the town's commitment to public art in unexpected places.
12. Cosmosphere
SPACE MUSEUM AND CENTER
The Cosmosphere houses one of the most significant collections of U.S. and Russian space artifacts in the world, including a genuine SR-71 Blackbird and the Apollo 13 command module. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits detailing the history of space exploration and experience shows in the digital dome theater and planetarium. The museum offers educational programs and space camps that provide hands-on learning experiences for space enthusiasts of all ages.
13. Dillon Nature Center
URBAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Dillon Nature Center offers 100 acres of natural habitat with well-maintained trails winding through woodlands, prairies, and around a central lake. The center features educational displays about local ecosystems and wildlife in its interpretive building that serves as a starting point for exploration. Visitors enjoy bird watching, photography, and seasonal activities including wildflower walks and fishing opportunities.
14. Yoder Amish Community
TRADITIONAL RURAL VILLAGE
The Yoder Amish Community provides visitors with a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of Amish and Mennonite families who settled in the area. The small town features shops selling handcrafted furniture, quilts, and homemade foods that showcase traditional craftsmanship and culinary skills. Visitors especially enjoy the famous Carriage Crossing Restaurant which serves hearty country meals made from scratch using local ingredients.
15. Kansas Underground Salt Museum
SUBTERRANEAN MINING EXPERIENCE
The Kansas Underground Salt Museum takes visitors 650 feet below the surface to explore one of the world's largest deposits of rock salt. The museum features exhibits on mining technology, geological formations, and the history of salt production in Kansas. Guided tours include a ride on an underground train and the chance to collect souvenir salt crystals from the active mining area.