You have to see it to believe it.
When you've been around for nearly 150 years, you're bound to develop a few quirks. In Kansas, these oddities have grown to legendary status, and in some instances they're still growing! Grab your camera...the uncommonly bizarre, unquestionably endearing, and unmistakenly quirky side of Kansas is calling.
This is one can't-miss attraction - literally. The shear size of this 24- by 32-foot rendition of Vincent van Gogh's masterpiece, set upon an eight-story easel, has drawn interested and bewildered travelers from around the world. The Van Gogh Project is a series of Big Easel paintings based on Vincent van Gogh's Sunflower Paintings.
See a replica of America's first patented helicopter. Two Sherman County businessmen built the first "gyrocopter" in 1909, but the machine is no longer intact. The replica was built in 1976 and makes its home in the High Plains Museum.
Goodland to Colby - 40 miles (64 km) east on I-70
Colby
If you miss the smell of fresh baked bread and dinner in the oven at grandma's house, make a visit to Bourquin's Old Depot Restaurant. A unique dining experience in an historic 100+ year-old Union Pacific Railroad Depot.
Colby to Norton - 86 miles (138 km) northeast on US-24, US-83 & US-36
Norton
Pay homage to the many unsuccessful presidential candidates at the Gallery of Also Ran. This gallery consists of pictures of all the individuals who ran for the Presidency of the United States but were defeated.
Norton to Cawker City - 98 miles (158 km) southeast on US-36, US-281 & US-24
Cawker City
At 17,320 pounds and 40 feet across, the World's Largest Ball of Sisal Twine is overshadowed only by its reputation as a road trip must-see. While visiting you can add your own piece of twine to the ball and become a part of history! Be sure to view the more than 40 painted canvases by artist Cher Olson, such as "American Gothic (with Twine Ball)" and "The Scream (with Twine Ball)."
Stop in at the Hindquarter Bar & Grill for a mesquite chicken salad or a filet mignon before hitting the sack.
Cawker City to Downs - 6 miles (9km) west on US-24
Downs
End your day in a large charming room featuring kitchens and private bathrooms at the Stuff n Such Bed & Breakfast. Living up to its name, this historic 1880 hotel building is literally stuffed with a wonderful selection of gifts and quilting supplies.
Downs to Lucas - 46 miles (73km) west on US-24 and southeast on US-281 & KS-18
Lucas
You'll be amazed by the more than 20 examples of unique self-taught, outsider art environments from across the state of Kansas on display at the Grassroots Art Center. Enjoy the creativity of primarily retired individuals working with recycled materials such as metal, wood, pull-tabs, limestone, cement, computer motherboards and even chewing gum.
Created by Civil War Veteral Samuel Perry Dinsmoor between the years of 1907 and 1932, the Garden of Eden is internationally recognized as a monument to individualism. You'll marvel at this collection of religious, political and other figures crafted from concrete and native post rock.
Stop in for lunch at the Hungry Hunter, which features a high old tin ceiling and the walls are lined with stuffed animals and antique kitchen ware. Some of the stand-out dishes are chicken fried steak, liver & onions, coleslaw and homemade pies.
Lincoln to Ellinwood - 60 miles (97 km) south on K-14, southwest on K-156, and east on US-56
Ellinwood
Explore the German-Austrian heritage featured in the architecture of Main Street buildings in the unique Ellinwood Tunnels, including a barber shop, bath shop and harness shop, all connected by a series of underground tunnels. These shops date from the earliest days of the city and at one time ran throughout the entire business district.
Ellinwood to Nickerson - 41 miles (67km) east on US-56 and south on K-14/96
Nickerson
Like an oasis in the middle of the desert you'll find a comfortable, yet exotic place to stop and visit at Hedrick's Exotic Animal Farm and Bed & Breakfast. A wonderful variety of animals can be observed simply by strolling around the balcony. You'll also have an opporutunity to get "up close and personal" during tours and pony/camel rides that are included in every stay.
Nickerson to Hutchinson - 12 miles (19km) south on K-96
Hutchinson
Hutchinson sits atop one of the world's largest salt deposits, which is still being mined. At Kansas Underground Salt Museum you will descend 650 feet into a mineshaft. Exhibits down below tell the story of salt touching history, mining, science, geology and business.
Watch aircraft take off and land while enjoying your lunch at the Airport Steak House. You can also view model planes hanging from the ceiling and a variety of propellers on the walls while devouring the lunch buffet or the best homemade onion rings in town.
Hutchinson to Wichita - 53 miles (85km) southeast on K-96
Wichita
Recognized as one of the premier exhibitors of rare artifacts from around the world, the Museum of World Treasures will amaze you with its 10 REAL dinosarus, two Royal Egyptian mummies, Crown Jewels and more.
Try out Wichita's championship BBQ restaurant, Pig In Pig Out. They feature the finest meats, hand rubbed with their signature dry rub and slow smoked over a wood fire.
Wichita to Greensburg - 108 miles (175 km) west on US-54
Greensburg
Walk down into the World's Largest Hand Dug Well. When the Santa Fe railroad proposed building a well to supply water for steam locomotives, the city granted franchise and construction of the Big Well began in August 1887. The only tools used were shovels, picks, half barrels, pulleys and rope. It is 109 feet deep and 32 feet in diameter. Be sure to visit the World's Largest Pallasite Meteorite in the gift shop. NOTE:The Big Well is temporarily closed as a result of the tragic tornado damage May 4, 2007. Please check back for updated information.
Greensburg to Kinsley - 27 miles (44 km) north on US-183
Kinsley
Take a ride back to simpler times at the Carnival Heritage Center. This museum preserves the traditions of the family carnival and salutes famous carnival individuals. Nowhere else in the world can you visit a center dedicated to the history of the early day traveling carnival.
Stay for lunch at Pueblito Mexicano, located in the Carnival Heritage Center, featuring authentic Mexican food. On the way out of town see why Kinsley calls itself the "Midway City." According to the sign in the roadside park, it's 1,561 miles from both New York and San Francisco.
Kinsley to Garden City - 88 miles (142 km) west on US-50
