Kansas Travel Itinerary #2

ITINERARY #2

From Oklahoma - Two Days



DAY ONE

GREENSBURG, population 785

A - 10 a.m. Greensburg

      Big Well, 315 S. Sycamore, 620.723.4102, bigwell.org, $$, bathrooms.

  • Big Well: Completed in 1888, this 109-foot-deep by 32-foot-wide water well was excavated without machines.  It’s recognized as the world’s largest hand-dug well. Visitors can take a spiral staircase down to the bottom of the well. Exhibits about the well and the 2007 tornado lines the walls.

Kiowa County Museum and Soda Fountain, 320 S. Main, 620.723.1125, Facebook, $$, bathrooms.

  • Museum: Well-done exhibits tell the story of the county. Damaged in the tornado, the soda fountain has been beautifully restored and is now a living history exhibit. Located downtown so people could walk around outside, per choice.

A - 12:30 p.m. Bringing a group?  Call to make arrangements for boxed lunches (and maybe an art project) at 5.4.7. Arts Center. 620.723.2600, 547artscenter.org, bathrooms. 

  • 5.4.7. Arts Center: Named for the day the tornado hit Greensburg, fine art exhibits are displayed in the first LEED Platinum Certified, and uniquely-designed, building in Kansas. 

D - 1:30 p.m.


PAWNEE COUNTY near Larned, population 3,772

A - 2:30 p.m. Fort Larned National Historic Site, 1767 K-156, 620.285.6911, nps.gov/fols/, bathrooms.

  • Fort Larned: Known as one of the best preserved authentic frontier posts in the American West, the fort supplied guard detachments to protect mail stages ad wagon trains from 1859-1878. It was known as one of the principal guardians of Santa Fe Trail commerce.


D - 4:30 p.m. 


PAWNEE ROCK STATE HISTORIC SITE

A - 5 p.m. Pawnee Rock State Historic Site, ½ mile north of Pawnee Rock on Centre, 

      kshs.org/p/pawnee-rock/19577, 785.272.8681, ext. 211. Unattended.

  • Pawnee Rock: A narrow-ish road takes visitors to the top of what is left of this natural landmark that was used as an observation point on the Plains for Native Americans and Santa Fe Trail travelers.  A lookout tower now stands atop the rock for an excellent 360-degree view.

D - 5:30 p.m. 


GREAT BEND, population 15,170

A - 6 p.m. Great Bend. Evening meal and lodging. 620792.2750. visitgreatbend.com.


DAY TWO

GREAT BEND

Breakfast at motel

D - 8:30 a.m.


BARTON COUNTY

A - 9 a.m. Kansas Wetlands Education Center, 592 NE K-156, 620.566.1456, wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu, 

     bathrooms.

  • Kansas Wetlands Education Center: Excellent exhibits tell about bird migration and the development of Cheyenne Bottoms (8 Wonders of Kansas). Gift shop.

D - 10 a.m. 


LINDSBORG, population 3,801

A - 11 a.m. Lindsborg. Contact Holly for lunch and activities arrangements. 888.227.2227, visitlindsborg.com

A – 11:00 a.m. Crown and Rye, 121 N. Main St., 785-227-8422

  • Previously in operation for more than four decades and known as The Swedish Crown, the Crown and Rye is one of the newest restaurants in downtown Lindsborg.  The menu is delicious and eclectic featuring dishes such as Herb-Marinated Greek Lamb T-Bones, Crispy Pork Schnitzel with a Mustard Cream, as well as some Swedish cuisine. $$

D – 12:15 p.m.


A – 12:15 p.m. Downtown Lindsborg

  • Explore the galleries, butiks, and Swedish specialty stores.  
  • Savor the flavor of Swedish Mörkrost coffee while taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of coffee roasting and brewing demonstrations at the Blacksmith Coffee Shop and Roastery.  One of the oldest buildings in Lindsborg, the Blacksmith Shop can be found on the National Register of Historic Places.  
  • Refuel with your favorite fair-trade, organic tea or coffee beverage from The White Peacock Tea & Coffee Company.
  • Visit Small World Gallery, home of National Geographic Photographer, Jim Richardson to learn more about his work around the world, capturing images, hosting tours and writing stories for this timeless publication!  Also in the gallery, Kathy Richardson offers a browsable collection of antique, vintage and contemporary glass, stone and metals that are used in designing her jewelry line called IBISwoman.  Guests may select from earrings, bracelets and necklaces from the gallery display tables – or they may wish to collaborate with Kathy or IBISwoman co-designer Briana Zimmerling on a made-to-order piece.

D – 2:15 p.m.


A – 2:30 p.m. Red Barn Studio Museum

  • Guided tour /The quirky former home and studio of folk artist and Oklahoma native, Lester Raymer. Raymer worked in all mediums except weaving and glass blowing. A magical feast for the eyes! $

3:00 p.m. - Depart


BELLE PLAINE, population 1,568

A - 4:30 a.m. Bartlett Arboretum, K-55 and Line, 620.488.3451, bartlettarboretum.com, $$.

  • Bartlett Arboretum: Dr. Walter Bartlett started the arboretum in 1910. The 20 acres are now home to massive cypress, oaks, champion Japanese maples and flowers displayed in a beautiful environment. Contact Robin Macy

D - 6 p.m.


MULVANE, population 6,416

A - 6:15 p.m. Luciano’s, 216 W. Main, 316.777.0045, restaurantlucianos.com. Fine Italian dining.

  • Luciano’s: Luciano Mottola, originally from northern Tuscany, met tourist Nancy Farber and followed her back to Kansas. They opened this destination Italian restaurant in 2005.

D – 8:15 p.m. Depart for home.


*All stops have been vetted by the Kansas Sampler Foundation. For more in-depth information about each stop, or stops in between, consult the Kansas Guidebook 2 for Explorers. Purchase the book at kansassampler.org.  The Kansas Sampler Foundation duo of Marci Penner and WenDee Rowe hit the road for parts of four years to look in every town, city, and in hundreds of other dots on the map and countryside to assemble this 480 page book that features all 105 counties, 515 cities, 4,500 attractions, 843 eateries and 1,600 color photos. Use the detailed directions, descriptions, and websites to help you choose and arrive at your destination!