05/2026 While driving through Hutchinson, Kansas, my wife…read moreand I stopped at Troy's BBQ for lunch. During our meal, the owner came by to check on us and asked what brought us to the area. We told him we were just passing through on our way home and asked if there was anything worth seeing nearby. He recommended the local space museum and Strataca, the underground salt mine. After finishing lunch, we decided to check out the salt mine since it was only a short drive away. When we arrived, the building looked more like a regular business office than a tourist attraction. Inside, there's a ticket counter where you purchase your tour tickets, along with displays and information about the mine. As luck would have it, we were the last two people admitted for the day's tours. After receiving our hard hats and a brief orientation, we headed to the elevator. It felt a little strange seeing an elevator in the middle of the building that takes visitors 650 feet underground. The ride down takes about a minute and a half in near darkness, adding to the anticipation. When the elevator doors opened, it felt like stepping into another world. Despite being hundreds of feet underground, it looked like a massive building with no windows. The size of the chambers carved entirely out of salt is incredible. The first part of the tour is self-guided and explains how the salt is mined, the machinery involved, and how dynamite is used to break apart the salt deposits for harvesting. After that, board a train that travels through parts of the mine, showing where mining operations began and explaining what life was like for the miners, including break and lunch area. Learn about the equipment used and more. Dark Ride tour, where a guide drives you through additional sections of the mine on a golf cart while sharing stories and information about its history and operation. The tunnels stretch for miles, and since mining still takes place today, it's fascinating to see how much of the mine remains active. They even host special events, dinner theaters, and private functions underground. This was one of the most unique attractions we've visited and far exceeded our expectations. An excellent tour from start to finish, and we would absolutely do it again.

We had a great time at the Salt Mines. We learned so much. The best part was the very kind and…read morehelpful staff! It's great for kids over the age of 4. I learned all I never knew about salt.

I am a sucker for old school encyclopedic museums, and this one is pretty iconic in this arena…read more It's eclectic, filled with oddities, and super fun for the whole family. Where else are you going to see dinosaurs, mummys, and a handwritten letter by Elizabeth I? I really enjoyed walking around, exploring, and I know my kiddo did as well. It's in an old building downtown and has loads of charm everywhere you look. 4/5 stars because I thought the kids play area was a bit of a letdown - it felt a bit dirty and neglected. There also isn't a cafe, which I think would be a fun addition if they ever plan on expanding or remodeling. The exhibits were wonderful though, and I thought for the price it was a great deal. Overall I'd for sure go back and if you're the kind of person that enjoys something off the beaten path, or has a love for old stories and a solid diorama, this is the place for you.

Second time there. First time was several years ago. I like the mixture of historic artifacts…read more The Greek and Roman sections were my favorites. I spent a lot of time reading the information posted. I spent over two hours there. There is a children's play area on the third floor if you want to bring your youngsters.

We had an excellent time on our trip to the Cosmosphere with our 7-year old daughter…read more The Dr. Goddard's Lab show is great for kids and adults. Lots of fun fire and experiments to keep the kids entertained and a lot of new information for the adults. We also watched the planetarium show. This was fun. There is a concession stand where we got some popcorn, drinks and candy. The flight simulator is definitely fun too. If you go, sitting in the front row is a must. It's worth waiting if you can get a front row seat. All-around good time! :)

An amazing collection of flown space artifacts! So glad that I visited…read more My only complaint is the lighting of some exhibits needs improvement.

I visited south central Kansas recently. If you asked me what I most remembered about my visit, I…read morewould say "ghosts" and "Ellinwood Underground Tunnels." If you're in Ellinwood or anywhere near this area, you need to take the tour. It's so interesting! There are tunnels under this small Kansas town, and the public (you) can experience them. The tour will lead you through a portion of the network of tunnels, and the tour guide will tell you all about the history. The tour starts at the Ellinwood Emporium, a charming little thrift/vintage store. You'll descend some stairs to the underground tunnels, where you'll learn about the activity that was happening in the tunnels in the late 1800s. The tunnels were a place to get a haircut and a shave, a place to bathe, a place to shop and relax. But also: Apparently, some stuff went down and now the tunnels also house spirits. There's one room that you'll see on the tour that the owner will not walk into, because there's a spirit in there that he doesn't want to mess with. Each room that you see on the tour is grim and creepy. The space in the Ellinwood Tunnels is heady, and is definitely housing some sort of bad energy, if you ask me. Head's up: This tour is not wheelchair- or stroller-friendly. You need to be able to climb down and up some steep stairs, and then navigate your way through tunnels, which have uneven ground.

It makes me sad that there aren't many reviews for these underground tunnels (outside of Yelp as…read morewell.) This was one of the most fascinating things we did while visiting this part of the country and I really wish that it was more of a destination. Listen, I understand. It's kind of in the middle of nowhere and the square footage is pretty low. However, Rick, the guide and owner (??) of the antique shop that sits above one portion of the tunnels is an incredible story teller and he has actual items that lived in and were used in the underground portion of this town. It's like a time capsule. I've been on other underground tours (like in Seattle) and even though they're more visited and more well known, they don't hold a candle to what Rick has. This isn't a kitschy, fake tour. This is about real and actual history, with real, appropriate artifacts and I loved it. The tour when you come back upstairs and head across the street to the hotel is a little bit different. The building, including the underground, was empty when they purchased it so all the items they have down there are found, bought or donated. But at least they are honest about it and don't make up fake stories for you. It's such a cool thing to do for such a minimal fee. I'd recommend this tour to anyone.

This was a special surprise for me. I really enjoyed my visit. Everyone will enjoy this museum -…read moreespecially Motorcyle buffs

I've been to Daytona I ve been to the HD museum and would…read morehave bet money that I would find some bikes I had never seen in Marquette kansas Well I would have lost If you like old iron or just love racing and some vintage bikes you HAVE TO come see this hidden treasure But I will warn you if you visits Marquette you need to be careful because you will want to never leave An amazing place

Talk about a step back when life moved a little slower. They used to have a operating saw mill and…read moretractor pull, but those days are long gone unfortunately. Won't be long and all that knowledge will be gone as well. You walk your own pace. The school house was nice to walk in.

If you are looking for a well curated museum, with limited items well described... you may not…read moreenjoy this. BUT, if you are looking to see tons and tons of old stuff, from ag equipment to tools to household goods to telephone equipment to.. well, almost anything....DO NOT MISS THIS PLACE! Free admission, but we left a larger donation than they would probably have charged, because we VERY MUCH enjoyed our visit. Right of Rt 70, don't miss it.

We had a terrific time touring the museum!…read more I especially enjoyed the mill portion of this Lindsborg tour, and especially (as also appealed to fellow Yelper Sarah G.) the St. Louis World's Fair Swedish pavilion so carefully transported and displayed. Whoever said that a jaunt through a small Scandinavian-heavy town in rural Kansas could be so much fun? Must recommend to friends in both Kansas City and Wichita alike, plus anyone else who happens to be zig-zagging through the Midwest in search of something fun and informative all at once.

My family greatly enjoyed our visit. The exhibits are well done in the museum. Lots of artifacts…read moreand examples early town life. The story of Lindsborg is carefully documented and easy to follow. The mill is beautifully restored and looks as if it could operate today. My family experienced a wonderful afternoon exploring the buildings and the museum. Lots to see and experience!

Be aware: if you arrive within an hour of closing, you will not be admitted. Unfortunately, this…read morepolicy is not clearly communicated anywhere online, which led us to rush over specifically to show the venue to out-of-town guests before the weekend ended. What was most disappointing wasn't the policy itself--it was the complete lack of customer service. The front desk staff seemed entirely unempowered to do anything beyond repeating, "That's our policy," with no effort to offer an explanation, alternative, or even a hint of empathy for the situation. Businesses are free to set whatever policies they choose, but the way those policies are communicated matters. We left feeling that customer experience was an afterthought. The combination of poor communication, inflexibility, and indifferent service turned what should have been a positive visit highlighting Wichita into a frustrating and disappointing experience.

A pretty neat place to visit especially during a themed/holiday event. We took our little one trick…read moreor treating during a Halloween themed event one year and it was extra spooky as it got dark.

The Keeper of the Plains Plaza has such an easygoing, welcoming vibe that I ended up enjoying way…read moremore than just seeing the big statue at the center of it all. The interpretive panels around the paths are actually fun to read and they give a quick, friendly crash course on the history of the Plains tribes without feeling heavy or academic. With the Big and Little Arkansas (pronounced AR-Kansas) Rivers rushing together right below, there is a steady sound of moving water that makes the whole place feel calm even when there are people around. The pedestrian bridges are honestly half the experience. They are cable-stayed and with those tall, clean looking masts and the cables fanning out, it feels light and modern. Walking across gives a great rive of the rivers on both sides and the design makes the approach to the Keeper feel intentional. Almost like the bridges are guiding you to the statue. It is one of those spots where the setting and the structure work together so well that you end up enjoying the walk as much as the destination. [Review 734 of 2026 - 85 in Kansas - 25915 overall]

This statue was beautiful and highlighted nicely with the sky. It featured Native American music…read moreand I can see how it would be cool to witness the large fire pits sitting on large boulders out in the water. PS The coordinates will put you in the parking lot to the Native American museum and you will have to drive to the parking lot for the actual statue.