Hit the road to South Central Kansas for the ultimate journey

8 Wonders of Kansas

Half of the 8 Wonders of Kansas are South Central cities. Visit the world’s largest hand-dug well in Greensburg when you visit the Big Well Museum. Travel 109 feet deep into what took almost two years to hand dig. Or you can challenge yourself to go 650 feet underground at Strataca, the underground salt museum in Hutchinson. Once you’re finished mining for salt, head over to Cosmosphere with an amazing collection of U.S. and Russian space artifacts. After all that adventure, check out the Flint Hills in Chase County.

Art and Architecture

Starting with South Central architecture, the Chase County Courthouse is known for its French Renaissance style. This courthouse is known for being one of the oldest in Kansas. Stop in at the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery for the best art by the painter, educator and artist Birger Sandzén in Lindsborg. One of Wichita’s most popular attractions, Keeper of the Plains, was designed by Blackbear Bosin. This 44-foot sculpture overlooks the city and is loved by many. Next is the Blue Sky Sculpture created by Phil Epp, Terry Corbett and Conrad Snider, located in Newton. 

Commerce and Customs 

The city of Lindsborg is filled with wonders. Check out Hemslojd, a store known as an 8 Wonder of Kansas Commerce for handcrafting Dala horses. It is also filled with Swedish goods and crafts. You can find several Dala horses scattered throughout the city, an 8 Wonders of Kansas Customs. Make sure to check out all the events happening in Cottonwood Falls outside of the Symphony in Flint Hills Gallery.

37 original soda fountains are located in Kansas, including five South Central locations. Use the soda fountain at two pharmacies, Irwin-Potter Drug Store in Anthony and Graves Drug Store in Ark City. After walking through the museum, stop by for your favorite flavor of ice cream at the Kiowa County Historical Museum and Soda Fountain in Greensburg. Head over for lunch, ice cream and a gift shop at City Sundries Soda Fountain and Gift Shop in Marquette. The final two are in Wichita at Old Mill Tasty Shop and Jimmie’s Diner.

Geography and People

The final 8 Wonders of Kansas include geography and people. Check out the gorgeous historic landmark Coronado Heights Castle in Lindsborg, or the Mushroom State Park in Marquette with a 27-foot rock shaped like a mushroom. Witness hundreds of buffalo and elk in their natural habitat in Canton at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge. The final geographic spot is the Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway, a 22-mile-long route starting in Medicine Lodge. Finishing the wonder journey with Kansas people, Carry A. Nation of Medicine Lodge and Emil J. Kapaun of Pilsen.

By now, plenty of new locations should be added to your travel list. If you want to learn more about the listed cities, stay up-to-date on the South Central blogs including the best attractions.