Willis KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Willis, Kansas.
1. World's Largest Czech Egg
UNIQUE CULTURAL MONUMENT
The World's Largest Czech Egg is a distinctive roadside attraction in Wilson that celebrates the town's Czech heritage. This colorful and detailed monument stands as a testament to the area's cultural roots and serves as a popular photo opportunity for visitors. Travelers from across the country often make special stops to see this oversized egg sculpture that has become an iconic symbol of Wilson.
2. Atlas Ad Astra Missile Resort
COLD WAR HISTORY SITE
Atlas Ad Astra Missile Resort offers visitors a glimpse into America's Cold War history with its preserved missile facilities. The resort combines historical significance with educational exhibits that detail the role of Atlas missiles in America's defense strategy. Visitors can explore authentic military installations while learning about this important chapter in U.S. history.
3. The Midland Mercantile And Art Gallery
LOCAL ART & SHOPPING
The Midland Mercantile And Art Gallery showcases the creative talents of local Kansas artists in a charming retail environment. Visitors can browse unique artwork while also shopping for handcrafted gifts and merchandise that reflect the region's cultural heritage. The gallery serves as both a cultural hub and shopping destination for those seeking authentic Kansas-made items.
4. City of Wilson Spray Park
FAMILY WATER FUN
The City of Wilson Spray Park offers refreshing aquatic entertainment for families during the hot summer months. Children can enjoy various water features, sprinklers, and splash zones in this community recreation area. The spray park provides a safe and affordable way for visitors to cool off while creating lasting memories.
5. Monument Rocks
ANCIENT NATURAL WONDER
Monument Rocks was designated as the first National Natural Landmark in Kansas in 1968 and later voted as one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas. These stunning chalk deposits are millions of years old and create a dramatic landscape that rises from the surrounding prairie. Visitors can walk among these towering formations to appreciate their geological significance and natural beauty.
6. Castle Rock
DRAMATIC CHALK FORMATION
Castle Rock is recognized as one of the 8 Natural Wonders of Kansas with its impressive chalk formations dating back millions of years. This geological feature creates a striking silhouette against the Kansas prairie that attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. Visitors can explore the surrounding area to view unique rock formations that have been shaped by wind and erosion over centuries.
7. The Basilica of St. Fidelis
CATHEDRAL OF THE PLAINS
The Basilica of St. Fidelis, also known as the 'Cathedral of the Plains,' was built between 1908-1911 using native limestone. This majestic structure stands as an impressive example of Romanesque architecture and religious heritage in the heart of Kansas. Visitors are welcome to tour this stunning church with its soaring interior, intricate stained glass, and historical significance.
8. Buffalo Bill Bronze Sculpture
WESTERN HISTORY MONUMENT
The Buffalo Bill Bronze Sculpture commemorates the legendary figure who earned his famous nickname in this part of Kansas. This impressive monument depicts Buffalo Bill Cody on horseback in a dramatic hunting scene that captures an important piece of Western history. Visitors can learn about Cody's contributions to American frontier lore while appreciating this detailed artistic tribute.
9. High Plains Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The High Plains Museum welcomes visitors with photographic murals showcasing the region's rich history and development. The museum houses extensive collections that document the settlement, agriculture, and cultural heritage of Northwest Kansas. Exhibits include artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that bring the story of the High Plains to life for visitors of all ages.
10. Butterfield Trail Museum
PIONEER TRANSPORTATION HISTORY
The Butterfield Trail Museum preserves the history of the famous Butterfield Overland Mail route that connected the American frontier. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring authentic artifacts, photographs, and documents from this important transportation era in American history. The museum provides fascinating insights into how mail and passengers traveled across the developing western territories in the 19th century.
11. Arikaree Breaks
STUNNING CANYON LANDSCAPE
Arikaree Breaks features a remarkable landscape of canyons, ravines, and unusual rock formations unlike anything else in Kansas. These natural formations extend for about 36 miles and reach depths of up to 150 feet, creating a surprisingly rugged terrain in the otherwise flat state. Visitors can hike through this unique ecological area to observe its distinctive geology and diverse wildlife habitats.
12. Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge
BIRD WATCHING PARADISE
Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge offers nature enthusiasts a protected haven for migratory birds and native wildlife species. The refuge encompasses over 10,000 acres of diverse habitats including wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands that support a rich variety of plant and animal life. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, wildlife photography, fishing, and hiking while exploring this important conservation area.
13. Fick Fossil and History Museum
PREHISTORIC KANSAS DISCOVERIES
The Fick Fossil and History Museum houses an impressive collection of fossils discovered throughout Western Kansas, including marine creatures from the prehistoric inland sea. Visitors can marvel at the museum's extensive displays of shark teeth, fish fossils, and ancient marine reptiles that once inhabited this region millions of years ago. The museum also features exhibits on local history, Native American artifacts, and the settlement of the area.
14. Prairie Museum of Art & History
CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER
The Prairie Museum of Art & History houses the world-class Kuska Collection with approximately 28,000 historical items that document life on the Kansas prairie. Visitors can explore multiple buildings including a historic schoolhouse, sod house, and period-furnished farmstead that recreate authentic frontier living environments. The museum offers a comprehensive look at pioneer life, agricultural development, and the artistic expressions that emerged from prairie communities.
15. St. Francis Motorcycle Museum
VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE COLLECTION
The St. Francis Motorcycle Museum displays over 140 vintage motorcycles from 48 different manufacturers including rare brands like ACE, Cleveland, Jefferson, and Theim. Each motorcycle in the collection represents an important chapter in the evolution of motorized transportation throughout American history. Visitors can admire these meticulously preserved machines while learning about their technological innovations and cultural significance.