Haskell Cultural Center & Museum

Lawrence

Haskell Cultural Center & Museum

Serving as a visitor center for Haskell Indian Nations University, the center features exhibits from the university's... Learn more

Native American Experience

Prior to Kansas’ statehood, many American Indian peoples inhabited the lands. The Arapaho, Cheyenne, Comanche, Kansa, Kiowa, Osage, Pawnee, and Wichita tribes all considered present-day Kansas their home. Displaced from their original homelands, many emigrant tribes also occupied the area.

Lands in the West, including present-day Kansas, were determined to be unsuitable for white settlement. Nearly 30 American Indian tribes were relocated and given land in the areas with assurance by the government that they would not be moved. After the Civil War, conflicts between American Indians and the U.S. military occurred as white emigrants moved west to settle land in Kansas. One such encounter was the Battle of Arikaree in 1868.

Today, Kansas is home to four Indian reservations – the Iowa, Kickapoo, Potawatomi, and Sac and Fox. Museums and exhibits help you to discover the history of native people in Kansas – learn more below!

Pawnee Indian Museum State Historic Site

Features exhibits on the culture of the Pawnee Indians by using a combination of information from archeological investigation and...

Kaw Mission and Last Chance Store Museums on the Santa Fe Trail

Start of the Historic Tour of Council Grove. Mission school for state's namesake tribe, the Kaw or Kansas. Interpretation of the...

Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site

Come and see the manual training school attended by Shawnee, Delaware, and other Indian nations from 1839 to 1862. The Shawnee...

Battle of Punished Woman's Fork at Battle Canyon

Travel to the place where the last Indian battle in Kansas was fought on September 27, 1878. Punished Woman’s Fork is about one...

El Cuartelejo Pueblo Ruins

Located within Historic Lake Scott State Park are the remains of a small seven-room pueblo and an extensive Plains Apache village....

Chetopa Historical Museum

Artifacts, microfilm, genealogical research. Learn about Native-American Indian, Chief Che-to-pah.

Coronado Quivira Museum

The Coronado Quivira Museum focuses on the history of Rice County and Central Kansas. Exhibits feature the Quivira, Coronado's...

Crebbs Museum

Mabee Library is the newest building on the Sterling College campus, opening in April 1996. The Crebbs Museum, located in the...

Kansas Historical Society

This complex on 80 acres includes the Kansas Museum of History, State Archives & Library, Nature Trail, Potawatomi Mission and...

Grinter Place State Historic Site

Grinter Place State Historic Site offers the ideal setting for meetings, events and parties. Just minutes away from Kansas...

Haskell Indian Art Market

Annual art event at Haskell Indian Nation University. This colorful event attracts hundreds of visitors in search of Native...

Haskell Indian Nations University

Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU) first opened its doors in 1884 as the United States Indian Industrial Training School. In...

Haskell Indian Nations University Cultural Center

Serving as a visitor center for Haskell Indian Nations University, the center features exhibits from the university's archival and...

Fort Larned National Historic Site

Fort Larned is the most complete and best preserved military post of the Indian Wars era on the Santa Fe Trail. The Fort consists...

Smoky Hill Museum

Each time you visit the Smoky Hill Museum, a new story inspires you. Family and kid-friendly with changing exhibits and hands-on,...

Wakefield Museum

The Wakefield Museum, founded in 1974, consists of over 7,000 square feet of displays preserving the history of the Wakefield...

Oketo Community Museum

The main museum building is an 1884 store, with typical general merchandise displayed on the original counters and shelves. Other...

Linn County Museum/Genealogy Library

Take a tour through the Linn County Museum and view some of the earliest history in Kansas. You will learn about the Indians who...

Iowa and Sac & Fox Mission State Historic Site

Exterior signs tell the story of this site that was built in 1845 as a Presbyterian mission to educate the children of the Iowa...

St. Marys Indian Pay Station Museum Complex

For special tours contact: Rita Muckenthaler 785-437-6387 The original building on this site, which still stands, was constructed...

Historic Adobe Museum Complex and Hotel Edwards

An Indian encampment on the banks of the Cimarron gives the visitor a glimpse into the life of the nomadic Indians who followed...

Geary County Historical Museum

This 3-story native limestone building is a unique and magnificent example of the stonecutters art. The museum served as a High...

Johnston Geology Museum

Internationally recognized Hamilton quarry fossil site help visitors appreciate the physical history of the prairie landscape....

Roniger Memorial Museum

Built and donated to the County by Frank and George Roniger as a memorial to their mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Roniger. Hours: 1pm to...

Trail Days Cafe & Museum

Guests are transported back to a time when some homes along the Santa Fe Trail served as eating places. Delicious,...

Wilson County Historical Museum

Eclectic collection of pioneer and indian artifacts housed in former 1915 sheriff's residence and jail. Also houses extensive...

Rexford Hotel

14 Themed bedrooms reflecting area history, Indian Lodge common room, Snack area. RV hookups Rate- $75-$95 dbl occupancy

Marion Historical Museum

A wide variety of artifacts, keepsakes, and general memorabilia tell the story of the area. There are excellent biographies and...

Hamilton County Museum

Many interesting collections including western heritage, hospital and laundry equipment, Indian artifacts, locally found mammoth...

Kansas highlights

Receive Updates
& Special Offers

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on upcoming events and special offers! DETAILS

Get Your FREE
Visitor Guide

Get the Official Kansas Travel Guide and find listings of attractions, accommodations and featured articles to help you plan your trip. DETAILS

Travel Tools to
Plan Your Trip

You’ll find a Yellow Brick Road Trip that’s just right for you. You’re only a few clicks away from relaxing and enjoying your Kansas. DETAILS

© 2021 Kansas Office of Tourism & Travel