After a night in nearby Liberal that left me robbed, assaulted (not seveley), and with my identity stolen, 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. read more

We did not have high expectations since we knew what we were going to see. We did need to get out of 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. read more

Dalton Gang Hideout - Belt buckles - Museums Near Me - Meade, Kansas

When your in Meade, you can't miss the street because there are signs everywhere to let you know. We don't not go in, just stopped by for a couple of pics. The main question is, did they hide out here? Even the owners aren't positive. Our decision was based on other reviews and since we don't have young pokes, we decided not to. I'll always wonder if we made right decision . read more

Dalton Gang Hideout - Museums Near Me - Meade, Kansas

How cool and they let us in even after 5pm!! Then gave the wife discounts on souvenirs.

While researching Kansas for our family vacation we became interested in the Dalton Gang (with 2 young boys, how could we not?!) and had high hopes for this hideout. Highly disappointed. There were some interesting and entertaining newspaper articles and information about the family, but it was mostly just the same stuff repeated throughout the museum. I don't ever like when museums intermingle random artifacts and information that has nothing to do with the main topic just to add content - taxidermy, barbed wire exhibits, etc. but most importantly this place is a safety nightmare. If you look at previous reviews, the majority of good ones are 7-13 years old. The newer ones are mostly one star. This place is clearly not being maintained properly. Stairs were falling apart (take the steeply sloped terrain, it's a safer choice), nails sticking out of boards just waiting to be stepped on, decks with no railings. The Heritage House is included with admission and is probably the saddest example of rehabilitation in various stages I've ever seen. Included in the room displays along with the period exhibits were modern tools and shop vacs. Very distracting. read more

We had a fun time at the Dalton Gang Hideout. While they admit - they aren't totally sure they hid here- the stories the curator told were so interesting. He freely admitted when he was telling fact or his opinion or speculation. Mark was so interesting. It made it come alive. We especially loved the story of the next owners of the home sitting down to dinner when a gunman burst through the tunnel they didn't even know about!! We spent almost an hour before with him. Then the rest took about 1/2 to see. Well worth $5. read more

Dalton Gang Hideout - The tunnel - Museums Near Me - Meade, Kansas

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We had a good time on vacation and went to visit the Dalton Gang hideout and was impressed by the cave

Cute attraction, however they are taking NO COVID precautions. We got here, walked in, we were told there was no need for masks. We left. read more

I give this historical site 4 stars because I really appreciate the fact that it has been maintained and is available for our viewing. I found it to be very interesting and really enjoyed touring the tunnel and the home. The artifacts were interesting enough but I mostly enjoyed reading the newspaper clippings and looking at the photos of the outlaws. For me it was an enjoyable one time stop and the gentleman working was very nice and informative, wish I would've gotten his name. I also love that I visited an historical stop that some of my family members that are now passed away also stopped and toured. The yard set up with an old west facade would probably be fun for kids to play in, even I had a photo taken in the wooden coffin! Overall interesting stop while traveling. read more

Dalton Gang Hideout - Fun old west town facade. - Museums Near Me - Meade, Kansas

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Cool place! History made fun. Our 8 year old loves it.....and we did too :-). There's a 'jail' that our son absolutely loves. A great underground tunnel also. Great adventure for the whole family! read more

This was a great stop in KS! The museum had valuable info for the U. S. history fan or a fan of early U. S. gangsters. The curator was a font of information, very personable and dressed to fit the part. With only a $5.00 fee for adults (not sure about kids) this attraction was certainly worth its cost. The gift shop contained a variety of items at reasonable prices. Plan to spend 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on how much you like to read aobut eh displays in the museum. read more

I would have given this zero stars, but at least this place will give me a hilarious story about how terrible it was. Let us begin this review by saying that my degree was in the History of the West... and this museum was more of a "hearsay" museum than a "historical" museum. The place starts with a long, underground tunnel, which was definitely the coolest part of the whole place, but not worth the $5/person admission price. A letter at the beginning of the tunnel sets the stage for the rest of this wildly inaccurate museum. The letter states that the tunnel *may* have been a Dalton Gang hideout, but they're not sure about that and there's certainly no proof. The rest of the museum is an ill-maintained, very dusty collection of artifacts from various time periods in Meade, KS, including a "very old" left-handed baseball glove, a *scintillating* collection of barbed wire and horse bits from the past, and a legitimately cool, stuffed two-headed calf. The "documentation" they had was a handful of drawings and pics of the Daltons, paired with sensationalist pieces culled from a ridiculously descriptive book that the museum's previous owners wrote in the style of a dime novel, and really, there isn't much that has to do with the Daltons or their story. Honestly, save your money and go somewhere else... like a library. A book (a real one, written well) will provide more info and will probably be more interesting. This museum was so very, very lame. read more