Discovering Dinosaurs & Sea Monsters

Eighty million years ago Kansas was an inland sea. The ground we now walk on was once an ocean floor filled with huge fish, swimming birds and reptiles. Gigantic meat-eaters called mosasaurs ruled the ocean. The remains of the animals that swam and flew during this era were remarkably preserved and are on display at several attractions in Kansas.

Day 1

Bobby D's Barbecue

607 Merchant St
Emporia, KS 66801
Phone: (620) 342-1990

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Locally owned downtown Emporia restaurant features barbecue brisket, pork, ham, and turkey. More

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Johnston Geology Museum

1200 Commercial St
Emporia, KS 66801
Phone: 6203415330

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Internationally recognized Hamilton quarry fossil site help visitors appreciate the physical history of the prairie landscape. Exhibits include fossils, minerals, Indian artifacts, and petrified ... More

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KU Natural History Museum

1345 Jayhawk Blvd
Lawrence, KS 66045
Phone: (785) 864-4450

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Established in 1866, this museum is nationally recognized for its public exhibits and collections as well as research and graduate education. Permanent exhibits include fossils of dinosaurs, ... More

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T-Rex Cafe

1847 Village West Pkwy
Kansas City, KS 66111
Phone: (913) 334-8888

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A place to eat, shop, explore, and discover. Guests will be treated to a prehistoric adventure, including face-to-face encounters with life-size dinosaurs, geysers, ice caves, hands-on educational ... More

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Day 2

Hays-Chestnut Street District

2700 Vine
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: 785-621-4171

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The road in downtown Hays City that is now known as Main Street was originally called Chestnut Street in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The word "City" was officially dropped from the name Hays ... More

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Hays-Lb Brewing Company & Gella’s Diner

117 E 11th St
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: 7856212739

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Hays’ international award-winning microbrewery and restaurant occupies four renovated storefronts in the Chestnut Street District of downtown Hays. From the open kitchen and stainless steel brew ... More

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Museum of World Treasures

835 E 1st St
Old Town
Wichita, KS 67202
Phone: (316) 263-1311

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Be amazed by thousands of artifacts that include IVAN the T-rex, one of the most complete dinosaurs in the world! Your journey will take you from the Mesozoic to the Paleozoic era where marine ... More

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Mushroom Rock State Park

200 Horsethief Rd
Marquette, KS 67464
Phone: (785) 546-2565

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The smallest, but one of the most unique, state parks in Kansas. The Park is only 5 acres but boasts some of the most unusual rock formations anywhere. Resembling giant mushrooms rising above the ... More

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Day 3

El Quartelejo Museum

902 W. Hwy 96
Scott City, KS 67871
Phone: (620) 872-5912

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Explore the El Quartelejo Museum as it leads the visitor through a developing story line, one which traces the history of this region of western Kansas through the stories told by the fossil ... More

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Fick Fossil and History Museum

700 W. 3rd

Oakley, KS 67748
Phone: (785) 671-4839

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Museum focuses on local fossils and local history and has items of interest for all ages. See an extensive historic photo display, Mrs. Fick's creative folk-artwork with fossils and other mediums. ... More

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Day 4

Keystone Gallery

401 US Highway 83
Scott City, KS 67871
Phone: (620) 872-2762

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Keystone Gallery combines many different venues under one roof. The museum section contains an extensive, scientific collection of local Kansas fossils including a 20-foot Mosasaur and 14-foot ... More

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Monument Rocks National Landmark

Jayhawk Rd
25 Miles South of Oakley off of US-83
Oakley, KS 67748
Phone: (785) 671-1000

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One of the 8 Wonders of Kansas. Cretaceous chalk formations, Chalk Rock Towers, Butterfield Trail marker. No services available, and road is impassable in inclement weather. More

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