Portis KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Portis, Kansas.
1. Portis City Park
PLAYGROUND AND PORKY PIG
Portis City Park features a wonderful playground suitable for children of all ages. The park is notably home to the Porky Pig Memorial, honoring Melvin 'Tubby' Millar who created the famous cartoon character. Visitors can enjoy recreational facilities while learning about this unique piece of animation history connected to the small town.
2. Lady Liberty
LOCAL PATRIOTIC MONUMENT
Lady Liberty is a highly-rated local attraction that pays homage to America's symbol of freedom. The monument offers visitors a chance to reflect on American values in the heartland of Kansas. With a 4.8 rating from visitors, it represents one of the most appreciated attractions in the area.
3. Geodetic Center of North America Historical Marker
CONTINENTAL MAPPING LANDMARK
The Geodetic Center of North America Historical Marker designates an important geographic reference point used in continental mapping. This scientific landmark attracts geography enthusiasts and those interested in cartography and surveying history. The marker represents a significant point in how North America has been scientifically measured and mapped.
4. The World's Largest Ball of Sisal Twine
QUIRKY ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
The World's Largest Ball of Sisal Twine is a famous roadside attraction that draws curious travelers from across the country. This peculiar monument to persistence has been growing for decades as visitors are invited to add to its impressive size. With a 4.3 rating from over 140 visitors, it stands as one of the region's most beloved oddities near Glen Elder State Park.
5. The World's Largest Czech Egg
CULTURAL FOLK ART
The World's Largest Czech Egg celebrates the region's strong Czech heritage through an oversized version of traditional painted eggs. Located near Wilson State Park, this colorful attraction pays homage to the artistic tradition of egg decorating brought by Czech immigrants. Visitors can admire the craftsmanship while learning about the cultural significance of this folk art tradition.
6. Boot Hill Museum
WILD WEST HISTORY
Boot Hill Museum invites visitors to step back into the Wild West era through preserved artifacts and historical recreations. Built on the site of the infamous Boot Hill Cemetery, the museum complex includes the Long Branch Saloon where guests can enjoy period-appropriate refreshments. During summer months, visitors can experience gunfight reenactments, children's events, and the nation's longest-running seasonal theatrical show.
7. Long Branch Saloon
HISTORIC FRONTIER BAR
The Long Branch Saloon offers an authentic taste of frontier drinking establishments that once defined western towns. Visitors can enjoy period-appropriate drinks while immersing themselves in the atmosphere of the Wild West. During summer months, the saloon hosts the renowned Long Branch Saloon Variety Show, the longest-running seasonal theatrical show in the nation.
8. Rath & CO. General Store
VINTAGE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Rath & CO. General Store recreates the frontier shopping experience with period-appropriate merchandise and decor. Visitors can browse through historical goods and purchase homemade fudge as a sweet souvenir of their visit. The store provides a glimpse into daily life during Dodge City's formative years as a frontier settlement.
9. Fort Dodge
MILITARY HISTORY SITE
Fort Dodge stands as a testament to military presence during America's westward expansion era. Originally established to protect travelers along the Santa Fe Trail, the fort played a crucial role in the settlement of the American frontier. Today, visitors can explore the grounds and learn about the military strategies and daily life of soldiers stationed at this historic outpost.
10. Dodge City Trail of Fame
CELEBRITY WESTERN HERITAGE
The Dodge City Trail of Fame features medallions commemorating famous people associated with the town's colorful history. Visitors can follow this self-guided walking tour to discover connections between the real Old West and the celebrities who portrayed its notorious characters in film and television. The trail combines historical education with entertainment industry appreciation through interpretive storyboards, art, and commemorative markers throughout downtown.
11. Dodge City Trolley Tour
GUIDED HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE
The Dodge City Trolley Tour transports visitors back to the 1800s through a narrated journey around the historic town. Operating during summer months, the trolley stops at numerous landmarks including the Long Branch Saloon and Fort Dodge. This guided experience provides context and stories that bring the town's wild frontier days to life in a comfortable, accessible format.
12. Buffalo Soldier Monument
AFRICAN AMERICAN MILITARY TRIBUTE
The Buffalo Soldier Monument honors the African American cavalry units who served on the frontier after the Civil War. The impressive bronze sculpture commemorates the contributions and sacrifices of these soldiers who faced both military challenges and racial discrimination. Visitors gain insight into an important but often overlooked aspect of American military and Black history through interpretive displays and the striking memorial.
13. Frontier Army Museum
MILITARY HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Frontier Army Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts related to the U.S. Army's role in westward expansion. Exhibits showcase weapons, uniforms, equipment, and personal items used by soldiers stationed at frontier posts. History enthusiasts can explore how the military influenced the development of the American West through interactive displays and preserved historical items.
14. Glen Elder State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Glen Elder State Park offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreational activities around the shores of Waconda Lake. Boating, fishing, camping, and hiking opportunities attract nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year. The park's proximity to the World's Largest Ball of Twine makes it an ideal base for exploring both natural and unusual attractions in North Central Kansas.
15. Wilson State Park
SCENIC LAKE DESTINATION
Wilson State Park surrounds the clear waters of Wilson Reservoir, known as the clearest lake in Kansas. The park features dramatic Dakota sandstone bluffs and native prairie landscapes that provide a picturesque backdrop for camping, water sports, and wildlife observation. Located near the World's Largest Czech Egg, the park combines natural beauty with proximity to unique cultural attractions.