Wilson KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Wilson, Kansas.
1. World's Largest Czech Egg
UNIQUE CULTURAL MONUMENT
The World's Largest Czech Egg stands proudly in Wilson's Ed & LaVange Shiroky Park as a testament to the town's Czech heritage. This colorful monument celebrates Wilson's status as the 'Czech Capital of Kansas' and has become one of the town's most photographed landmarks. Visitors from around the country stop to admire this unique attraction that represents the area's rich cultural history.
2. Atlas Ad Astra Missile Resort
HISTORIC MILITARY SITE
Atlas Ad Astra Missile Resort near Wilson offers visitors the rare opportunity to tour an abandoned Atlas F Missile Silo. This former military installation has been converted into an adventure resort that provides a fascinating glimpse into Cold War history. Guests can explore the underground complex and learn about the strategic importance of these missile silos during a tense period in American history.
3. Wilson State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Wilson State Park is located right next to the town and is home to one of the clearest lakes in Kansas. The park offers numerous outdoor activities including swimming, fishing, boating, and camping in a beautiful natural setting. Mountain biking enthusiasts particularly enjoy the Switchgrass Mountain Bike Trail, considered one of the best outdoor activities in the state.
4. Wilson After-Harvest Czech Festival
ANNUAL CULTURAL CELEBRATION
The Wilson After-Harvest Czech Festival takes place during the last weekend in July every year, celebrating the town's rich Czech heritage. Visitors can shop at various booths, witness the crowning of a new festival queen, and enjoy authentic Czech entertainment and food. This annual celebration has become a beloved tradition that honors the Czech immigrants who helped establish Wilson in the 1870s.
5. The Midland Mercantile And Art Gallery
LOCAL ARTS SHOWCASE
The Midland Mercantile And Art Gallery showcases the talents of local artists and craftspeople in Wilson. Visitors can browse through a variety of artwork, handmade crafts, and unique souvenirs that reflect the region's cultural heritage. The gallery provides a platform for creative expression while offering tourists a chance to take home authentic mementos of their visit to the Czech Capital of Kansas.
6. City of Wilson Spray Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WATER FUN
The City of Wilson Spray Park offers refreshing water activities for families visiting during the warmer months. Children can splash and play among various water features in this community recreation space. This family-friendly attraction provides a perfect way to cool off while enjoying a day in Wilson.
7. Midland Railroad Hotel
HISTORIC LIMESTONE LANDMARK
The Midland Railroad Hotel is a historic limestone building that showcases the pioneer ingenuity of using native Greenhorn limestone when trees were scarce. This architectural landmark stands as a testament to Wilson's Post Rock Limestone heritage and the early railroad history of the region. Visitors can appreciate the craftsmanship and historical significance of this structure that has been a part of Wilson since the railroad era.
8. Post Rock Scenic Byway
PICTURESQUE DRIVING ROUTE
The Post Rock Scenic Byway stretches 18 miles from Wilson to Lucas, offering spectacular views of the Smoky Hills and Wilson Reservoir. Travelers along this Kansas byway can observe the distinctive post rocks that give the route its name, showcasing how early settlers used limestone for fencing and building materials. The route includes highlights such as the Hell Creek Bridge, which provides access to the Hell Creek Area of Wilson State Park.
9. Kansas Originals Market
LOCAL PRODUCTS SHOWCASE
Kansas Originals Market, located near Exit 202, offers visitors the opportunity to purchase authentic Kansas-made products to take home as souvenirs. The store stocks a wide variety of items including food, books, arts and crafts, with miniature Post Rocks being a particularly appropriate memento of the region. Outside the market, visitors can take photos with beloved Oz characters, connecting to another famous aspect of Kansas culture.
10. Garden of Eden
UNIQUE FOLK ART
The Garden of Eden in nearby Lucas is the oldest intact folk art environment in the United States, begun in 1907 by Civil War veteran Samuel Perry Dinsmoor. Each sculpture in this unusual site has a story to tell, reflecting Dinsmoor's personal philosophy and artistic vision. Visitors can tour both the cabin home and the surrounding garden filled with concrete sculptures that have fascinated travelers for generations.
11. Rolling Hills Zoo
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION EXPERIENCE
Rolling Hills Zoo near Salina offers visitors the chance to encounter over 100 species of wildlife including snow leopards, white rhinos, chimpanzees, and aardvarks. The zoo focuses on conservation efforts while providing an educational and entertaining experience for guests of all ages. Animal lovers will appreciate the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in thoughtfully designed habitats.
12. Kansas Motorcycle Museum
VINTAGE MOTORCYCLES COLLECTION
The Kansas Motorcycle Museum in Marquette showcases an impressive collection of vintage and historical motorcycles that tell the story of American motorcycle culture. Enthusiasts can examine rare and beautifully preserved bikes spanning several decades of motorcycle history. The museum offers a nostalgic journey through time for both dedicated motorcycle fans and casual visitors interested in this aspect of American transportation history.
13. Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY SITE
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home in Abilene offers visitors insight into the life and legacy of the 34th President of the United States. This comprehensive complex includes exhibits chronicling Eisenhower's military career, presidency, and personal life in the town where he grew up. History enthusiasts will appreciate the extensive collection of documents, photographs, and artifacts that tell the story of this influential American leader.
14. Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery
SWEDISH-AMERICAN ART COLLECTION
The Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery in Lindsborg celebrates the work of Swedish-American artist Birger Sandzén, known for his colorful impressionistic landscapes of the American West. The gallery houses a permanent collection of Sandzén's paintings, prints, and drawings, along with works by other artists. Visitors can appreciate the artistic legacy of this influential painter who captured the beauty of the Kansas landscape through his distinctive style.
15. Varsity Donuts
ICONIC AGGIEVILLE EATERY
Varsity Donuts in Manhattan's lively Aggieville district serves up delicious handcrafted donuts, including their signature maple-frosted Scouts Honor donut with toasted marshmallows. This popular eatery has become a beloved institution for both locals and visitors seeking sweet treats in a charming atmosphere. Beyond just donuts, the shop offers a taste of Manhattan's vibrant college town culture and community spirit.