Kansas Vacation PackageKathryn Hoyt2023-06-19T10:48:35-05:00
LET TRAVELKATZ PLAN YOUR KANSAS VACATION PACKAGE
Travelkatz will put together a Kansas Vacation Package custom tailored just for you. We handle all aspects of your trip so you can sit back, relax and enjoy. We provide three options for every state in the USA. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate in contacting us.
MILITARY
Kansas Military
Kansas Military – Kansas is a state in the Midwestern US. Its capital is Topeka, and its largest city is Wichita. Kansas is a landlocked state bordered by Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado. Famous for tornados, vast plains, rolling hills and natural beauty. The state has one of the most miles of river than any other state in the Great Plains and is home to the world’s largest contiguous tallgrass prairie.
US Cavalry Museum: The Museum Division is responsible for exhibiting and interpreting the history of Fort Riley from its establishment to the present, including its various schools, major commands, and community life. This Museum covers the history of the US Cavalry from the very earliest days of our nation, through the Westward expansion and into modern times. It features uniforms, tools, equipment, and weapons from each era, laid out in a traditional glass-case style format. The restrictions of the building layout make it seem like a bit of a maze, but it flows well, and you will end up seeing everything without getting lost. The outdoor displays are shared with the First Infantry Museum next door and represent a good number of armored and non-armored vehicles beginning from WWII. Overall, a very satisfying trip for a history buff. The Post has beautiful, stone buildings and the museum is the centerpiece. While the actual museum was under restoration when I visited the temporary museum was excellent. Well worth the stop! It is certainly worth the visit. You’ll be able to see the temporary museum and tour the Custer House and see the Old Trooper Monument and Chief’s grave. Fort Riley is also home of the US Army’s 1st Infantry Division, All in all, it was a fine visit, and plan to return when the museum is back in its permanent quarters. Cute little museum packed full of history. It is small but has many colorful exhibits. It is a hidden gem in Fort Riley. If you are not in the military, you will have to go through Henry Gate to the visitors center to get a pass (EXIT 301 off the interstate). After you go through the gate it only takes a couple of minutes to get to the museum! Found in Fort Riley.
Buffalo Soldier – National Buffalo Soldiers 9th & 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association – Leaving a Legacy; The Buffalo Soldiers/From Slave to Soldier to Self-Reliant… May 9, 2016, President Obama signed into law the National Bison Legacy Act. With this act, the American bison officially became the national mammal of the United States of America. Yet, there isn’t a person that isn’t familiar with this iconic master of American lore. So, it may be that you wonder who the Buffalo Soldiers were and how was it that the name came to be associated with an unlikely group of U.S. Army soldiers that went on to leave their mark on American history. While the story itself is simple, the circumstances leading up to the name earning an honored place in the making of the American story and the westward expansion is as complex as any in our military history. America has always been inclusive in time of great wars and conflicts. Let it then be no surprise that African Americans have been a part of every war in which this nation has ever been engaged. For example, it is widely regarded that a stevedore of African and Native American heritage, Crispus Attucks, was the first man to die in the Boston Massacre, thereby becoming the first person to die in the American Revolution. In every war thereafter, just as anyone, no matter how marginally invested, would come to the aid of our fighting forces. This included both sides of the Civil War as well. So, it comes naturally that these black men are a part of our nation’s military history, and it is that tradition that leads to the formation of what was to become known as the Buffalo Soldiers. The year following the end of the Civil War, on July 28, 1866, the U.S. Congress reorganized the Army for a peacetime, standing force as never before in our history. Included in this act was for the first time two regiments of Cavalry designated the 9th and 10th, and four regiments of Infantry (Colored) designated as the 38th, 39th, 40th, and 41st. Significant about this act is that for the first-time black soldiers were enlisted in a peacetime military capacity. These units were however under the command of white officers. These soldiers were a wondrous mix of former slaves and freedmen, war veterans and raw recruits, illiterate and educated having come from over many parts of the newly reunited but delicate collection of states as a nation. Their skills and backgrounds were as varied as the mashup of experiences that brought them to join the military. Aside from the how’s of these men becoming soldiers the question most often asked is still unanswered, how did they become known as Buffalo Soldiers? The exact date, time or place the name first occurred referring to this unique unit of fighting men is unknown. What is generally accepted is that they were first called “Wild Buffalos” by the native Americans they encountered in battle. The founder of the 10th Cavalry, Colonel Benjamin Grierson, recalled an 1871 campaign against the Comanches as the genesis of the name. It further appears that F Company, 10th Cavalry was the first unit to be recognized as having been given this name. The “Original Buffalo Soldiers” (1866 until 1900) included the Indian Wars and the War with Spain. The “Transitional Buffalo Soldiers” (1900 until the end of World War I in 1918). This period of transition occurred with the transfer of those troops from frontier stations to the South. The number of first-class honors and their perceived proficiency was called into question. Little is known about the black units that flanked Teddy Roosevelt in Cuba and the charge up Kettle and San Juan Hill. Other instances took front and center during this transition period in the narrative of the Buffalo Soldiers. Next came the “Traditional Buffalo Soldier” or “Associate Buffalo Soldier”. This final group of Buffalo Soldiers is distinguished by serving following the end of World War I and continued into the Korean War in 1951 as earlier mentioned. Also distinctive about this group of soldiers is not only the last group of U.S. soldiers to serve in segregated units but in October 1942 the first and only units to come into existence as Buffalo Soldiers was the newly formed Ninety-second “Buffalo” Infantry Division. Every member of the division was required to wear a “buffalo” shoulder patch; “The Buffalo” was the division newspaper; and the division had a buffalo as a mascot until ordered overseas. The story of the Buffalo Soldiers is more than a story of the African American experience in the history of this great nation. It is simply American history. Visit this museum in Ft. Leavenworth.
Travelkatz is waiting to hear from you so we can make the history of our country come alive. Call us at 352-277-7300.
GARDENS
Kansas Gardens
Kansas Gardens – Kansas is a midwestern state. Its capital is Topeka, and its largest city is Wichita. Kansas is a landlocked state bordered by Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado. We are in a real treat to discover all the beautiful botanical gardens Kansas has to offer.
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens: There’s an awesome area with model trains and a miniature remake of historic Overland Park. There’s also lots of off the paved path trails that split off in different ways. We recommend getting off the paved areas and checking out the wooded trails. The trails are well marked, and the black gates are to keep deer out, so make sure to close them behind you. We suggest you go when they open at 9am as you have the place to yourselves with only a handful of people which is great. Besides the beautiful Gardens, and trails there are recreation areas as well as educational programs and events on environmental issues. Everything is so well kept and organized and labeled for people who aren’t the best at plant identification. There are also gorgeous water features. You will find this beautiful place in the greater Kansas City metropolitan area in the suburb of Bucyrus.
Botanica, The Wichita Gardens: The Wichita Gardens is open year-round and repeat visits offer new surprises as The Gardens change with the seasons. In spring, more than 50,000 tulip bulbs and 120,000 daffodil bulbs bloom along with an assortment of wildflowers and flowering shrubs. Later the bloomers include azaleas, irises, roses, peonies, and other perennials. More than 20,000 annuals combine with beautiful perennial color in the summer along with spectacular prairie wildflowers. In autumn, you’ll find asters, liriope, sedum, and more than 5,500 chrysanthemums amongst the backdrop of fall colors from trees and shrubs. In winter, The Gardens feature 12,000 pansies, red-twig dogwood, witch hazel, and berried hollies. Imaginative, and beautiful botanical garden with children’s areas, a butterfly house, events and much more. This garden is located in Sim Park in Wichita.
Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site and Botanical Garden: This historic town and garden, is 6-acres preserving the family history of one of the earliest settlers in the area. Every season brings a different beauty to the 2.5-acre Ward-Meade Botanical Garden. The garden is home to a National Daylily Display Garden which beautifully blooms each June as well as a National Hosta Display Garden. A popular special event in the garden is Tulips at Twilight each year during Tulip Time in April. See more than 30 larger than life lighted floral displays as you walk among 25,000 tulips illuminated by luminarias. This quiet and peaceful place also includes a water garden with a footbridge, a gazebo, and benches. Those who choose a self-guided tour of the gardens will find more than 500 varieties of flowers, shrubs, and trees, all labeled with their botanical names. The outdoor locations are so visually rich the entire park is a popular spot for area professional photographers looking for just the right natural setting for portraits. The site also is a meeting place for area garden clubs and for those who enjoy lunch around the picnic tables. Located on the Oregon Trail in Topeka, Kansas.
K-State Gardens Fountain: You will find a totally beautiful mix of color and variety in sun and shade. This garden would be a wonderful back drop for family or wedding photos. The rustic look of the old buildings adds to the beauty. It is perfect place to decompress and relax. May is the perfect time to see the irises and peonies in full bloom as well as seeing the gorgeous crape myrtles in bloom later in the summer. If you need ideas for your garden, this is the place to go as the plants are tagged with the plant names and varieties. Plan on spending at least an hour as there is a lot to see! This garden is a horticulture display garden that was established as an educational resource and learning laboratory for Kansas State University located at the main campus in Manhattan, Kansas.
TravelKatz is looking forward to helping you and your family discover unique Botanical gardens in Kansas.
Just call us at 352-277-7300.
STATE PARKS
Kansas State Parks:
Kansas State Parks – Kansas is a state in the Midwestern United States. Its capital is Topeka and its largest city is Wichita. There are 31 state parks, 32 state wildlife areas, and 3 state wildlife management areas.
Wilson Reservoir, State Park and Wildlife Area: This park is perfect for trip to check out the “clearest lake” and it will not disappoint. The water is clear, and the lake is clean. There are several areas to capture the scenery and if you are interested in camping, fishing, boating, hiking, or biking, this lake is for you. The cabins are very nice and comfortable with a nice view of the lake while sitting on the front porch. A visit to the Garden of Eden and Knuckleheads, the bait shop are a must. The owner is very friendly and it is a good place to buy t-shirts and supplies. This beautiful park is found in Sylvan Grove.
Cedar Bluff State Park & Reservoir: A few minutes south of the hustle and hassle of I-70 in western Kansas, life goes relaxingly slow at Cedar Bluff State Park. The clear and wide reservoir is filled with fish, has clean beaches, and borders scenic bluffs that rise 10 stories into the sky. Hike the beauty of the high plains, from tiny wild flowers to bouncing mule deer bucks. From cabins or campsites listen to the meadowlarks sing as cottonwood leaves rattle in the breeze. It is the most developed area and provides a variety of facilities to meet the outdoor enthusiasts needs. They include: two boat ramp facilities, 96 utility campsites, two community shelters, a reservable group utility campground, two large shower houses and dump stations; five modern rental cabins and numerous undesignated primitive campsites and picnic areas. While visiting enjoy some of the opportunities including sand volleyball, horseshoes, shore side basketball, bicycling on our BMX track or swimming on the beach. Fishing can be fantastic in the Bluffton area also. Nearly all of the shoreline is accessible and there’s a covered, handicap accessible fishing dock as well. This park is found in Ellis.
Eisenhower State Park: This park has 1,785 acres and features 1,000 acres of tallgrass prairie, 440 acres of woodland, and a complete range of recreational facilities at Melvern Lake. There are 163 utility campsites: 126 with water/electric, 25 with water/electric/sewer hookups and five shower houses. For primitive camping in Five-Star, Sailboat Beach, and Omaha Swim Beach. Fifteen Equestrian Campsites with electric/water and individual corrals are available in the upper loop of Westpoint Campground. The Cowboy campground is a primitive area for equestrian camping. The park offers 4 modern cabins and 2 primitive yurts for rent. Campers may stay at any one of the campgrounds for up to 14 consecutive days. Free WIFI is available at the park office/parking lot. A Boat Dock with 16 slips is located at the East Boat Ramp where boats can be rented through the Ike Store. There is a playground, basketball court and horseshoe pits close by. Other recreational facilities include a swimming beach, sand volleyball court, picnic shelters, an 18-hole disc golf course, a 19 target walk through archery trail, kids fishing pond and a fly-fishing pond. Visit Ike’s General Store located at Doud Campground to pay your campground fees, purchase souvenirs, rent kayaks/canoes and check out games. Laundry facilities are available at the Doud shower building. Eisenhower is also home to a trails system for horseback riding, biking, hiking and archery. Crooked Knee Horse Trail offers equestrians a 20-mile excursion through the undeveloped west side of the park. Biking and hiking is available on the horse trail. The bike trail and 19 target walk through archery trail head is located in the Five-Star campground. Wildlife include white-tailed deer, eastern wild turkey, bobwhite quail, squirrels, furbearers, and waterfowl. Anglers seek walleye, crappie, sauger, white bass, and channel catfish. There is excellent access to Melvern Lake. You could spend a great vacation here near Olivet.
Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park: This park was established by the Kansas Legislature in 2018 and is a 332-acre park encompassing 220 acres of badlands – fragile, but ruggedly spectacular geologic formations adjacent to the Smoky Valley Ranch. The Nature Conservancy own both properties, and they are partnering to develop and manage visitor access and use of Little Jerusalem Badlands as a state park. This Park showcases a mile-long stretch of 100-foot-tall spires and cliffs of eroded Niobrara Chalk. The Park is a unique, vital habitat for a variety of wildlife and plants. A variety of hawks nest here and rock wrens common in arid parts of the western U.S., keep an eye out for interesting insects. Sharp-eyed visitors will occasionally spot small mammals, bats, lizards, snakes, and toads. Drive to Elkader to visit this park.
TravelKatz is looking forward to helping you plan a fabulous vacation in Kansas. If this is somewhere you would like to go please call us at 352-277-7300 or Chat at www.vacationnationradio.com for our help.
MUSEUMS
Kansas Museums:
Kansas Museums – Located in the Midwestern United States; its capital is Topeka and its largest city is Wichita. Kansas is bordered by Nebraska on the north; Missouri on the east; Oklahoma on the south; and Colorado on the west. Several unique museums are here for your exploring enjoyment.
Dwight D. Eisenhower Library and Museum: If you didn’t know that Eisenhower was a truly special leader you will by the time you leave the Library/Museum. The exhibits are interesting and informative and nicely displayed. Be sure to tour his childhood home on the campus – hard to believe that “Ike,” his parents and all his brothers lived in that little house. The original family homestead is over 22 acres, with original boyhood home, museum, library, gift shop and burial chapel. The Museum is well presented in chronological order. The home tour is very interesting, the guide is very knowledgeable and responsive. The Museum is full of information about an amazing man. It covers his Army career and presidency and is found in Abilene.
Evel Knievel Museum: This Museum showcases an incredible collection of authentic artifacts that belonged to the most legendary, death-defying daredevil of all time! Experience Knievel’s life and his journey to record-setting, super-stardom! The 2-story 13K sq. ft. Museum features: his motorcycles – the bikes that launched a legend, Knievel’s genuine leathers and helmets, “Big Red,” Knievel’s fully-restored Mack Truck, Evel’s personal and never-before-seen memorabilia interactive experiences: Virtual Reality 4-D Jump Experience, Broken Bones Interactive, including his actual X-rays, “Plan Your Jump” Interactive Challenge, Engine & Suspension Interactive, and the Snake River Experience Room featuring Knievel’s actual X-2 Sky Cycle. Also, check out the vintage Harley repair shop downstairs! Very cool and located in Topeka.
Strataca: Travel 650 feet underground into an active salt mine! Experience a cool and soothing subterranean world formed by salt deposits in the Permian Sea long ago. See the raw mine as it was left more than 50 years ago on the Salt Mine Express train ride and catch a guided tour on a tram to the Dark Ride. You won’t want to miss a special gallery filled with authentic movie costumes and memorabilia. And don’t miss the Salt Safari add-on tour – a one hour guided adventure tour that goes Beyond Strataca. See salt formations not available to the general public until now! There are only 12 visitors at a time departing 3-4 times a day. This interesting museum is found in Hutchinson.
Old Cowtown Museum: Be transported back in time at this unique, 23-acre open-air history museum that recreates Wichita and Sedgwick County, Kansas from 1865 to 1880. The Museum staff dresses in period costume and demonstrates everyday activities including, gardening, tending livestock and cooking. Historic Wichita Cowtown Inc. works with the City of Wichita to further the Museum and its mission. Established in 1950, Cowtown’s unique programming chronicles Wichita’s transformation from a frontier settlement to a cattle town to an agricultural and manufacturing area. The Museum has the distinction of being accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition achievable by a museum. If you’re interested in history and how things were in the old west this is a very worthwhile stop. Old town is set up with stores and businesses the way they were back in the day and very informative. If you’re lucky you might even get in on some movie shootings. Drive to this museum in Wichita.
Flint Hills Discovery Center: This Center is a dynamic tribute to the last major stand of the unbroken tallgrass prairie. This 35K square foot must-see attraction includes interactive exhibits highlighting the science, history and culture of the ecoregion from pre-history to present day. The immersive experience theater with panoramic photography and special effects shown on a 120-degree curved screen is the perfect starting point for an exploration of the magnificent Flint Hills of Manhattan, Kansas.
Give TravelKatz a call at 352-277-7300 and we will make a Kansas vacation for you and your family a vacation to remember. Chat with us online at www.vacationnationradio.com or at www.travelkatz.com
FESTIVALS
Kansas Festivals:
There are plenty of festivals in Kansas to enjoy. One might think that Kansas is a fly-over state, but let’s discover the Kansas festivals together. Give TravelKatz a call when you want to experience these wonderful place and events 352-277-7300!
Tumbleweed Music Festival: America’s Real Country Music & Camping Festival. The best country music experience in this Great Nation!! 3 nights & 2 days of country perfection ~ Tumbleweed has earned accolades from critics and more importantly, love from fans nationwide for delivering a unique music festival experience unlike any other available in the United States today. Tumbleweed isn’t your standard music festival. Tumbleweed mixes incredibly fun country activities with a weekend of camping and phenomenal country music. You’ll leave Tumbleweed with some of your favorite life memories – and friends that last a lifetime. BEYOND the amazing country music on two convenient stages…. join us for these crazy fun experiences: Pool Party, Hot Air Balloon Rides, Horse drawn Carriage rides, Camping, fishing, helicopter rides, canoe trips, cable Wakeboarding, Zip Line and Rock Wall, Lakeside Bon fires, Archery and live Music. May 30 – June 1 in Lacygne, KS
Lavender Fest II: Farm, Music, games, demonstrations, food, lavender products, tours, & an opportunity to pick your own Lavender! It’s a family event! We are a lavender agritourism farm, surrounded by wildflowers and prairie. We grow lavender and make and sell products using natural lavender oil and buds. We also host related events on our farm. Saturday, June 15, 9am-3:30pm. Admission $5.
India Fest: Celebrate with artifacts, food, jewelry, clothes, sales, dances, and a gala fashion parade! India Association of Kansas City (IAKC) is a non-profit volunteer organization that represents the people of Indian heritage in and around the greater Kansas City area – It works closely with various other organizations in the area representing different regions and cultures of India. It thrives to provide a common platform to enhance and foster the Indian heritage and build a sense of unity between Indian community and other Asian and American communities. Overland Park, August 25, 2019, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Kansas Chocolate Festival: This event showcases products like chocolate cooking demonstrations, food trucks and many other chocolate-themed activities and bake-offs, cupcakes, brownies and nonalcoholic drinks and much more etc. Sat, Jun 15, Topeka, KS.
Spinach Festival: Lenexa was hailed as the Spinach Capital of the World during the 1930s. We celebrate that part of our history with the annual festival; a fun, family-oriented event that draws thousands of visitors from all over the area. It’s a day of food, music, entertainment, arts and antique vendors. Experience the World’s Largest Spinach Salad, learn about our history, let your kids enjoy a variety of children’s activities or submit your favorite dish to our recipe contest – there’s plenty to do for everyone! Call for date & time. Lenexa, KS
119th Annual Kansas Wheat Festival: This Festival will be held July 9-13, in Wellington, Kansas. Wheat Fest will include great activities like a parade, arts & crafts show and sale, an ag show and sale, classic car show, food court, quilt show, kids’ activities, and more family fun!
57th Annual Valley Center Fall Festival: Please join us and the Valley Center Chamber of Commerce for our Fall Festival on September 21st & 22nd. Carnival Rides & Games from Ottaway Amusement, Indoor & Outdoor Craft Vendors, Food Trucks, Bands, Live Music & Much More! Sep 21 – 22. Valley Center, KS.
35th Annual Haysville Fall Festival: A great event for the whole family. We have a Carnival, Car show, Craft and Civic booths, a Parade, Entertainment on our stage, a food court, and a great kids’ area. Oct 18 – 20; Riggs Park, Haysville, KS.
PLACE OF INTEREST
Wichita
Wichita is a city in south-central Kansas. Exploration Place features hands-on science exhibits and Kansas in Miniature, a display of animated models depicting 1950s Kansas. Old Cowtown Museum recreates 19th-century life with old buildings and costumed guides. Themed gardens at Botanica Wichita include a wildflower meadow and a Chinese garden. The Museum of World Treasures has Egyptian mummies and a T. rex skeleton.
The Keeper of the Plains: this statue stands at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers with hands raised in supplication to the Great Spirit. Renowned Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin donated the Keeper of the Plains to the citizens of Wichita on May 18, 1974.Since the sculpture’s installation to commemorate the United States Bicentennial, it has become a symbol for the city of Wichita and a tribute to the local American Indian tribes. in 1974. A complete renovation of the sculpture and installation of the Keeper of the Plains Plaza now brings people out each evening to see the Keeper and the “Ring of Fire.” The 44-foot Cor-Ten Steel Keeper of the Plains statue is now 30 feet higher than before with its new pedestal, surrounded by a plaza which describes the Plains Indian way of life. The Keeper also serves as the focal point of an eight-year, $20 million restoration and river beautification project completed in May 2007. Pedestrians can access the area via two bow-and-arrow-inspired cable-stay bridges which span the Little and Big Arkansas rivers. Fire drums on boulders at the foot of the Keeper dramatically light the night. Plantings of sage, bottlebrush, medicinal herbs, prairie grasses, yuccas and cactus add to the sense of place and time. The area is free and open to the public year-round.
Old Cowtown Museum: This is a great way to step back into history and learn the past of Wichita. Reenactments, live gun fights, and a working saloon. Kids love this place. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes. The best time to go is in the spring or fall. Winter is too cold, and summer is way too hot. It’s an outdoor/indoor exhibit. Some of the indoor exhibits have air conditioning, but most don’t. From a dirt main street to a working farm, a saloon to newspaper to a school to a church, it has what a small town was like.
Great Plains Transportation Museum: This is a fun visit for anyone who loves trains. Located across the street from the old union station it made a good first destination to explore the train tracks and then into OLD TOWN. Highly recommend if you love trains and transportation with some local history.
Great Plains Nature Center: About Great Plains Nature Center; A Kansas wildlife habitat in the city. Bird watching. Paved hiking trails. Discovery programs. Indoor wildlife observatory. Connecting people with nature. The Great Plains Nature Center is a cooperative partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, and the City of Wichita Parks and Recreation Department. Together with the Friends of the Great Plains Nature Center, provides nature experiences to the community. Visit us to check out the Koch Habitat Hall exhibits with your grandchildren. Stop in for quiet reflection in the Bob Gress Wildlife Observatory. Or, pick up a Kansas critter memento in the Owl’s Nest Gift Shop.
Museum of World Treasures: Discover the treasures . . . around the world and through the ages. Where can you explore the crusty bones of long-lost creatures, marvel at Egyptian mummies, uncover the secrets of ancient civilizations, travel to the land of Conquistadors. and enter the battlefields of World Wars? The Museum of World Treasures, with more than 3,000 artifacts on three floors. Discover your inner explorer! This museum has a little bit of everything, including the mummy! There is something for everyone here no matter what your age. It’s in a revitalized area called Old Town. You can walk to go get something to eat and look in specialty shops.
Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum: This is one of the best museums for a city/county this size in the country. The building alone is worth the trip. The exhibits are so well done. And this museum does a great job of telling the history of this city, which has a very interesting story. Amazing conglomeration of aviation history much of which has a close connection to Wichita. It would be difficult to take it all in over less than 3 hours. The airplanes outside would be a great place for children to romp around. Serious aviation explorers could spend limitless time with all the available material. It has a nice variety of exhibits, including 1950s furniture, old toys, a re-created mechanic’s shop,
Exploration Place: Delve into hundreds of interactive exhibits that stimulate the mind and teach about science, and that’s only inside the main building. Outside there’s a park where visitors can observe Kansas wildlife in a wetlands habitat and dig for archeological treasures inside a giant sandbox. this place has a lot to offer! We spent the morning exploring the exhibits, everything is very hands on and the employees were all very passionate about their jobs and really engaged with the kids. This place is Cool for kids! Some of the favorites are Rescue exhibit, the ball pit, and the main castle area. The 3D presentation Super Volcanoes and is a “must to do”.
Travelkatz will be glad to make your family vacation to Wichita a very special one. Just give us a call at 352-277-7300.
Kansas State Capital: Topeka
Topeka likely means “wild potato,” or possibly “a good place to dig wild potatoes,” in Shawnee. But Topeka’s founders didn’t know that when they named the town in 1854. They just thought Topeka was a unique name, and that it had a nice ring to it. The name was proposed by one of the city’s founders, Reverend S.Y. Lum, who claimed it was “a name not found in the list of post offices in the United States, nor in any lexicon of the English language. It was novel, of Indian origin and euphonious of sound.” The name was immediately popular with the other city founders, who liked that it was easy to pronounce.
It’s unclear where Reverend S.Y. Lum heard the word “Topeka” in the first place, though it seems likely he read it at some point on one of the maps drawn by missionary Johnston Lykins, who documented the geography of the region.
Kansas State Capitol Building: Kansas’ capitol is very attractive and offers artwork and history in one stop. The capitol is right downtown and sits on a beautiful block surrounded by lovely gardens. Years of restoration have created a lovely spot to visit. The library was a more memorable room in the capital. The upper level of the library had glass flooring.. There is a reason for the glass but we are not going to tell you. You’ll have to go and find out.
The artwork, murals, and the dome ceiling are amazing. There’s a great mural that has been restored on the main floor. You can self-guide or take the free tour. There’s an 8 minute film in the visitor’s center that is worth a look. A gift shop is also there and vending machines for a nice break if you need one. Very nicely done and well worth a visit. We took our time and took a few breaks and needed two hours but you can do it nicely in an hour. Also recommended is a visit to the ceremonial governor’s office. There are some wonderful Kansas artifacts on display there, including a buffalo skin and head, some fossils, depictions of Kansas wildlife, etc. The staff have been very friendly.
Lake Shawnee: This quiet little lake with so much to do. A long walking trail that goes all the way around. lovely flower gardens to stroll through and relax. for the more adventurous there is Kayak canoe and paddle boats to rent. if you already have a boat launch it for skiing or fishing, there is also Golf, Frisbee golf, Softball and Baseball, something for everyone. and then there are the Events. Pow Wow. 4th of July, Great Planes Huff and Puff, a wonderful Christmas light display and so much more. There is something special each season at Lake Shawnee. The spring flowers and tulip festival,4th of July at the lake and all the activities, booths and fireworks, fall festivals, hot air balloon weekend, gazebos, weddings, picnics, fishing, ballgames and paddleboats.
Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site: This interesting site helps us understand the fight for equal education for all races that culminated in the court’s decision making it legal for black and white children to have equal educational opportunities located in a former elementary school. The exhibits explained the fight for constitutional rights. Finally, in the face of long-standing judicial precedent and societal resistance, the Supreme Court’s Brown vs. Board of Education decision in 1954 declared that segregated education was a denial of “equal protection of the laws” under the 14th Amendment.
Ranger guided tour was informative. There was a very good movie shown on wrap-around multiple screens in the auditorium. There were exhibits in some of the classrooms which explained the history of segregation and the efforts to rectify the wrongs. They had news reels from the era which were fascinating. This is a must-see site.
Combat Air Museum: In a couple of non-descript hangars on the south side of the airport sits this really cool collection of all sorts of US military aircraft and paraphernalia. The kid’s jaws will drop when you opened the door and here are all these aircraft they’d only seen in movies. The collection spans from WW1 up until recently retired aircraft like the F-14. You get to go right up to all of the aircraft and you get to go inside several of them. If you’re into history, machines, or anything airplanes you could easily spend hours here. The museum is run by all volunteers who are friendly and helpful. They also have a brilliant flight simulator that is sometimes open that the kids got an amazing intro to flight in. This museum has two buildings. The main building is very well laid out with exhibits on military aviation history and very nicely maintained aircraft on display. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers working there to help with any questions. The second hangar is Jam packed with aircraft awaiting restoration. Watch your head! They have a number of aircraft you rarely see, like several Migs. Allow a couple of hours to take it all in.
The Great Overland Station: Great place to take kids they have a while train set up right as you walk in. It is nice to walk around the whole building and learn so much about the history of the place and the trains. And the people that work there were very helpful and full of info that we wanted to know. I absolutely recommend going and checking it out if you are out sightseeing. Built in the 1920’s this station on perhaps the most famous railroad line the world, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe, with its elegance restored is a must stop for railroad buffs, and people interested in history. Displays highlight railroad history and Topeka’s part in it with a good number of hands on things for younger visitors. Visitors interested in architecture will appreciate the elegance of the building. A non-railroad display that’s interesting is a display of fire-fighting equipment through the years and along with a history of fires that have occurred in Topeka.
Topeka is served by Kansas City Downtown Municipal Airport (Kansas City, MO) which is a bit over 50 miles from Topeka.
KANSAS VACATION PACKAGE MADE EASY
Another option for our Kansas Vacation Package is the Natural Wonder. See our selection of choice below to see if it fancies your style. Please don’t hesitate in contacting us with any questions or concerns.
TravelKatz will handle all aspects of your dream Kansas Vacation Package.
Give us a call today and see why we are a top rated Travel Agency!
Enjoy your Kansas Vacation Package.
Relax on your Kansas Vacation Package.
Indulge on your Kansas Vacation Package.
