Kansas is home to many interesting places and things, like the world’s largest ball of twine in Cawker City, or S.P. Dinsmoor’s Garden of Eden in Lucas. What if I told you that some of Kansas’s most interesting attractions are located just beneath your shoes. Don’t believe me? Check out these six unique places located below the Kansas prairies.
Strataca - Hutchinson
Back to Top of ListSince the Permian Wellington Formation was first tapped into in 1887, the salt industry in Hutchinson, or “Salt City” as it has come to be known, has shaped the town. For nearly 95 years the salt has been mined for commercial uses, but the mines have also proven to be valuable as storage for important documents, records, and maybe the original tapes of some of your favorite movies and television shows. Today a portion of the mine has been preserved for tours and portions of the mine serve as a gallery, museum, and even an event space. Take the mine shaft lift 650 feet below Kansas’s surface to begin your Salt City adventure.
- 3650 E. Avenue G
- (620) 662-1425
Strataca/The Kansas Underground Salt Museum is one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas. Located 650 feet beneath the earth's surface in a salt bed formed 275 million years ago during the Permian Period, Strataca is a truly unique destination. Experience the Dark Ride, the Salt Mine…
John Brown’s Underground – Lawrence
Back to Top of ListHoused underneath an old bank building on 7th Street, sits John Brown’s Underground. Like any true speakeasy, the establishment is not marked by a sign, but don’t let that prevent you from coming in. Named after Kansas’s very own infamous abolitionist, a parodied version of John Steuart Curry’s A Tragic Prelude bearing the figure’s likeness is displayed on a wall next to the bar. Sit at the bar or one of the many tables supported by large whiskey barrels, or sink into one of the two armchairs located by the door. Seasonal craft cocktails and a unique array of bar food only add to the “Underground” experience. A stop to the establishment is sure not to disappoint, but as stated on the John Brown’s Underground webpage “Please do not speak of the Underground to Untrusted Acquaintances.”
- 7 East 7th St
- (785) 840-8800
A speak-easy with an intimate atmosphere and some sophisticated drinks. Named for the American abolitionist who brought his campaign against slavery to Bleeding Kansas, the ambiance of this little hideaway is much calmer than its namesake. Find it on 7th Street, between…
Underground Tunnels – Ellinwood
Back to Top of ListWhen the town of Ellinwood was being laid out, the German immigrants settling in the area decided to put underground walkways and businesses just below the two-block business district they had mapped. At one time this underground town bolstered 11 saloons. In the 1920s and 30s, the town’s population began to decline and become more modern. The underground businesses began to serve as basements for the businesses above. In 1982 the Ellinwood replaced its sidewalks and filled all but three sections of this underground city with sand. Two of these sections are open for tours. One is located under the Dick building, which housed a harness maker, barber, and bathhouse. The other is a row of storefronts located under the Wolf Hotel. Tours are offered of both these tunnels and the Wolf Hotel for $10, but make sure to call ahead.
- 2 N Main
- (620) 564-2400
Ellinwood was originally home to up to 11 saloons. Visitors are welcome to stop by our Underground Saloon and get a complete tour of the 1894 Historic Wolf Hotel. In 1894 John Wolf built The Wolf Hotel as an addition to the Delmonico Hotel which stood just north of the building…
The Big Well – Greensburg
Back to Top of ListOriginally built in 1888 to serve as the town’s water supply, The Big Well was and remains the biggest hand-dug well in the world. A visit to The Big Well Museum and Visitors Center allows visitors to descend the spiral staircase and admire the pioneer ingenuity. While there, view exhibits that showcase the town of Greensburg and its effort to rebuild as a sustainable community after a devastating tornado in 2007. Another attraction found in The Big Well Museum is the ‘Space Wanderer’ Pallasite Meteorite. Weighing 1000 pounds, it is the largest pallasite found to date. If you are interested in traveling 106 feet below land to see something out of this world, visit The Big Well!
- 315 S Sycamore Street
- (620) 723-4102
Welcome to the Big Well in Greensburg, Kansas – a museum that boasts two extraordinary marvels under one roof! The Big Well, an engineering feat, was completed in 1888, with its 109-foot depth and 32-foot diameter originally serving as the town's water supply. Descend into…
Auntie Mae’s Parlor – Manhattan
Back to Top of ListIn the late 1920s, Edgar Walters passed away, leaving his business, Walter’s Plumbing, to his wife Dora “Auntie” Mae. At the height of both the Great Depression and prohibition Dora, as the Auntie Mae’s Parlor website so eloquently put it knew “This dust-blown, down-on-its-luck, little town needed a drink.” And they did in the basement under Walter’s Plumbing for four years until Prohibition was abolished. Auntie Mae’s Parlor was reopened in 1974 and has been continuing to protest prohibition since. The bar offers craft beer and cocktails, and on any given night you can participate in events like Trivia SmackDown or Bad Movie Night. Located in the Aggieville shopping district, Auntie Mae’s is a must-visit when in Manhattan.
- 614 N. 12th St.
- (785) 539-8508
Our little basement bar has been cranking out great craft cocktails, wonderful beers, and entertaining nightlife for over 45 years. Auntie Mae's Parlor is found along the Native Stone Scenic Byway. Seen in everything from hillsides to courthouses, these amazing natural limestone…
Luis’ Place - Topeka
Back to Top of ListOn the corner of 5th and Kansas in Topeka, you will find a set of stairs that leads you into a well with narrow brick archways. It is in this well that you will find a door to Luis’ Place, a restaurant and a private club. Though the restaurant is private it is Luis’ Place is open to the public on Fridays for lunch and sells tickets for events such as wine tastings. Luis Guillen, the restaurant’s owner, chef and from whom the business is named, uses the restaurant as the headquarters for his catering business. Though Luis’ Place only opens once a week and the menu varies, the restaurant continues to receive rave reviews from its patrons. Often being called “Topeka’s best-kept restaurant.” To find out what’s cooking at Luis’ Place this week or to find out information on their upcoming events check out the restaurants Facebook Page.
- 435 S Kansas Ave
- (785) 554-6508
Luis' Place is a Restaurant/Private Club that focuses on Private Events and "Reservation Only" dinners on Friday nights. Special wine dinners and to-go menus are available when scheduled. Make sure to watch our Facebook page for information on when those will take place. We are…