After a night in nearby Liberal that left me robbed, assaulted (not seveley), and with my identity…read morestolen, Meade was Kansas' saving grace. Driving up a slight hill toward the museum, I suddenly felt like I was back in that retro, picturesque bit of America summer movies are made of. The sun was shining through the leaves of the numerous trees lining the streets, birds were chirping, and adorable houses sat with proud American flags out front. The museum is rustic, with a stage and sets of western themed buildings out back. I'm guessing they're technically for field trips, but they were still a lot of fun to run around as an adult. The jail cell makes for great photo ops. Inside, the gift shop is filled with awesome knick knacks. I purchased some "rabbit poop" (chocolate covered raisins). The curator is a funny guy, dressed in period clothes. I told him about our story from the night before and that led to a long conversation about the second amendment's merits for situations like that. I love middle America. He explained to us the really interesting story of the Dalton gang and the hideouts history then let us go through the restored tunnel up into the main house. It's filled with pieces from that era, some of which I think was from the Dalton's family members. Upstairs is an attic, and what attic isn't complete without texidermy? Coyotes, turkeys, and even a two headed calf stare back at you when you enter. Saddles and old rifles are sandwiched in between. Of all the places I went to in Kansas, Meade had to be the cutest. It was quiet and peaceful and filled with quirky (yet nice) people. All in all, Meade and its Dalton Gang Hideout are a great little excursion.

We did not have high expectations since we knew what we were going to see. We did need to get out…read moreof the car after traveling for awhile to stretch our legs. It was dusty in the museum but it was nice to see the old relics displayed. The underground walk way was rebuilt in the 40's so we were told. And yes there is no proof of the Daltons actually being there but it was up to your imagination to think about it. There were many posters to read about the gang which took much of our time since the rest is easy and quick to see. The house is super small inside as you notice from the outside but nice to see the dated furniture. I looked at the $5 admission fee per person as a donation for the historic society. And the best part they had those candy cigarettes that I remembered when I was a kid. Best thing ever.

Ok, So this site is currently being improved so there is a bunch that you may not be able to visit…read more The grounds are very spooky honestly. The historical buildings are very well preserved and the history is very interesting. The cemetery and roadside landmark info is astonishing. I can't wait till you can visit the buildings more.

We stopped here to check out this historical site. From the road it looks almost empty with a few…read moregrave markers standing upright but when you enter you see many cement markers laying flat on the ground. The cemetery doesn't look kept, the weeds are growing, some old markers are broken and scattered. We saw one that was just a year and 4 mths old, then another with mother and child buried together. It looks like this is a mixture of soldiers, Indians, a doctor and maybe some mental patients that no one claimed. While we were there a white van stopped in front of our vehicle on the road, a correctional officer walked up to us. The prison watches over this cemetery to make sure no one damages anything or does anything illegal. We went ahead and left, but found the cemetery to be interesting.

Small town of less than 1,000 people with many boarded-up storefronts. Three restaurants that have…read morebreakfast and lunch. The truck stop at the edge of town is the only one not headlining burritos. The two motels in town are family-owned, clean with a bar. Otherwise there is not much to speak of except that they can't seem to keep police or firefighters on staff and the tenor of most of the place is unwelcoming. Dozens of stray dogs and cats roaming with no public intervention or interest in spay/neuter. Go north to Raton or south to Santa Fe for bigger. Cimmaron is nearby, small and friendly and close to the national Boy Scouts center.

Full transparency, I live in Springer. I want to dispute what some reviews said about feeling like…read moreSpringer wants you to "move on along". I moved here 15 years ago, and have never felt more welcomed by a community. Over a period of 40 years, my husband's job took us to 9 different towns in New Mexico. Many, were as small or smaller than Springer. The people here welcomed us from day one, where as some we lived in for 5+ years and still didn't feel welcome. Yes, we are a small town. Depending on what you want to do, there is a lot for some, nothing for others. If you are looking for bright lights and city life, head south to Albuquerque, or north to Denver. If you are looking for hunting, fishing, beautiful landscapes, viewing wildlife or just peaceful rest, stop here or anywhere in Colfax County. Our restaurants advertise burritos because that is the type of food most people around here want. Remember, we are the "red or green" state for our chili. We have landmarks around, one just has to look or pay attention to the road signs. I give it 4 stars, because we don't have everything you may ever need. For that, you will have to live in a bigger city. But, for me, and most of the residents of Springer, that peacefulness is well worth having to drive out of town once in a while.

We spent 2.5 hours looking through this incredible museum. The history of Dodge City was…read morefascinating!

Not worth the price. The museum is neat and good history. The locals hyped up the shootout but it…read morewas pricy for what it was. To each their own.

I drove 90 miles and was running late and they refused to sell tickets to the show. First time…read moreever I have not been able to buy a tickets in a theater.

Older theater but the seats are comfy. Prices are decent. Could use some renovations though.read more

The Sante Fe Trails roadside attraction is worth a stop…read more This is an example of a place that was far cooler than I anticipated. Before setting out on a road trip I did extensive research. I found Sante Fe Trails on several review sites, but none of the reviews really convinced me I should stop. As I was leaving Dodge City, I actually passed it up, then reconsidered, made a u-turn, and headed back. I am really glad I did. The premise behind the Sante Fe Tracks is that you can still see the old wagon tracks from the original Sante Fe Trail. There is a boardwalk that takes you to the remnants of the trail and I think I saw some tracks. It was pretty neat explaining the history of wagon trails to the kids, but that is not what was the coolest. The best part about this attraction is the view. From the end of teh boardwalk to can see for miles and miles. Everyhere you look you can see farmland. There must have been 200 cows drinking from a nearby water source. We saw trucks heading to farms miles away with a dust trail like something you'd see in a movie. It is really hard to describe, but you need to stop here. Even if you couldn't care less about wagon tracks, the view is stellar. Pro Tip: Don't exceed the speed limit when you leave. There are lots of troopers. Ask me how I know.

Absolutely amazing! A true historical look at aviation, both military and civilian along with the…read moresignificant role Liberal, Kansas has played in aviation. Definitely worth the time!

Definitely definitely recommend this place, if your stopping in liberal it's a must do…read more Not only really cool planes but really nice staff as well

Great place for some rest and relaxation!! The staff is friendly and quick to respond to calls…read more They have a snack bar with all of the necessities and they sell bagged ice. The swimming area is great for kids and families alike. There were a lot of fishermen and it looked like some pretty good fish were being caught.

This is a mere 10 miles north of the Oklahoma-Kansas border on the rolling plains. It's stunning…read morecountry, and as you drive north you begin to cross small creeks and rivers. Even on the Oklahoma side there are some historical markers. The Santa Fe Trail is not far from here. The park is a marvelous oasis with a small man-made lake and surrounded with huge cottonwood trees. There are lots of juniper. This pears as a large slash of green against the rolling grassy plains. There are campsites pretty much all around the lake. The campsite I stayed at the first night, Cottonwood, was pleasant enough but very "public" in in full view of a very busy camp road. It was terribly crowded Sunday and there was back and forth traffic pretty much until 11 PM. I only saw law enforcement once. They stopped at a site near mine (Cottonwood #1) and spent a long time talking to some people in a small and very old trailer. It looked like they were living there semi-permanently with a huge woodpile, BBQ, etc. The truck belonging to the site was on its last legs. They (a couple?) seemed to be slowly patrolling by my camper van again and again, looking closely. Since I was the only other van in the campground I started locking my travel-all. I don't usually do that. There were enough large family groups in run down trailers and trucks, that I thought some casual theft wasn't out of the question. I couldn't figure out where all of the muscle cars with their loud music were coming from. Meade is the next nearest town and it's a good 10 miles north. Well, this is the place to cruise on a pretty day, it seems. There were just lots of cars and trucks, cruising around. On Monday it was much quieter. You can really see what an oasis this is. I moved to Cedar #2. I had no trouble, as the park is only 10% occupied now. A pair of flickers is cavorting above my head in the trees. Site #2 has great shade. All I have to do is turn around and see the lake. There are lots of playgrounds and cool, green places for people to walk to. It's a fishing lake, so no powerboats. It's quiet because of that. The bathroom and shower house that serves the whole park apparently is rudimentary at best. There are two shower stalls for women with no curtains. It is all open air. Just like girl scout camp you can see trees and sky when you shower. The water is warm and you can choose only one temp. There is no door into the shower house/bathroom itself. You just jog to the right of a brick wall and there you are. ZERO privacy.

What a wonderful treat. A childhood movie, brought back every memory of watching it the first…read moretime. Seeing the local museum that had western, Indian, prehistoric artifacts was a plus... Then we took the tour of Land of Oz and Dorothy's house. The young lady that was Dorothy, played her part extremely well and narrated the entire story as we all made our way down the Yellow Brick Road and through Oz to see the wizard! Highly recommended - visit Liberal Kansas! Go share the excellent experience! ~ Lisa and David B.

KS 01-2024 Liberal Kansas The Home of OZ Dorothy's house is here just off Yellow Brick Road…read more There is a nice museum there also along with some interactive sites for kids and a playground and don't forget the gift shop It was very easy to locate with our GPS off Rt 54. #bucketlisttriplisatony2024

Not sure if I did this already! Thought I had did one of a Liberal (SEWARD COUNTY) Visitor Center!…read more Anyway, the lady was named Joanne or Joanna! She helped me call the number to Pancake House Museum, seems has be by appointment only! In the meantime, in this center, there is a small train museum! Pullman named for conductor George Pullman! There used to be a train station here in Liberal, think says not operational since 1919? Have to look at my travel diary, I have all written down, but yes of course! There pictures of all kind trains! Even purchased some post cards, she gave me free one, so six for price of five! Hey everyone wants visiting Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse! No one ever thinking visit Dorothy and Toto! That what got me here to Liberal Kansas that year! May be small town, but I say Child Friendly, some year will like come again! Follow the Yellow Brick Road to child friendly Liberal, Kansas! All over at least in Down Town areas, there signs with the picture of Dorothy and Toto, even directions to get to different streets, all have picture of Dorothy and Toto on them!