Kansas

Kansas

Without offending any natives, let's be honest, Kansas is not somewhere that ranks as a hugely popular travel destination.  But for those curious to explore, Kansas offers a multitude of interesting opportunities to find out what makes the heartland of America such a special place. In our minivan, our journey took us to Wichita, Topeka and across the state up to Hollenberg and Lebanon where we stood in the … [Read more...]

The Pony Express Museum (Hollenberg)

Destination #6: Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma

Wow did I really come to appreciate the United States Postal Service after a visit to the Pony Express Museum. So back in the day, if you were a pioneer in the heartland, your mail was delivered by Pony Express-meaning it was transferred from rider to rider over hundreds of miles on horseback to get to you. The riders were young men—17 to early 20’s—who would ride for 2 days and then change horses at different … [Read more...]

Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center (Hutchinson)

Destination #6: Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma

My kids and I have been to quite a few space museums but the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center is definitely our favorite right behind NASA in Houston. What we loved most was that the exhibits were really informative because they were easy to understand-that goes a long way, especially when you are traveling with kids. As an American I had absolutely no idea that our space programs was started here by a German … [Read more...]

Geographical Center of The United States (Lebanon)

Destination #6: Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma

If you cut the US in half, top to bottom and side to side, you would end up here at the Geographical Center of the United States. As we followed the signs we ended up in the middle of someone’s cornfield.  There’s a marker to commemorate the site so be sure to snap a picture just like we did to prove you were there! … [Read more...]

Brown Vs. Board of Education National Historic Site (Topeka)

Destination #6: Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma

Visiting the Brown Vs. Board of Education National Historic Site was by far one of the most incredible and moving experiences we have had on ANY of our trips. This is the only national park named for a court case—the landmark case that ended legal segregation in public schools. Monroe Elementary School in Topeka, Kansas, is not the only site where the story of Brown v. Board of Education can be told.  There were … [Read more...]

Kansas State Capitol Building (Topeka)

Destination #6: Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma

On the way to the Kansas State Capitol Building we couldn't help but marvel at the gorgeous landscape. How is this different from where you live??? As you've probably already realized my family just loves visiting state capitol buildings.  They are almost like magical jewel boxes filled with treasures waiting to be discovered.  The Kansas State Capitol Building was no exception.  My kids raced to check out … [Read more...]

Oz Museum (Wamego)

Destination #6: Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma

A trip to Kansas wouldn’t be complete without a visit Oz-the Oz Museum that is! That’s right, it wasn’t just a dream--someone actually assembled quite a collection of Wizard of Oz memorabilia and opened this quirky museum in the town of Wamego.  The kids and I ventured inside and were greeted by an enormous Tin Man.  After paying our entrance fee, we wandered inside through scene after scene from the Wizard … [Read more...]

The Exploration Place (Wichita)

The Exploration Place (Wichita)

Because we had some time to kill before our baseball game, we decided to check out yet another science museum. Mona, her kids and my son Isaac decided to hang back at the hotel and chill out for a bit, while Lilia and Joel and I soldiered on heading to The Exploration Place.  Oddly enough as we were about to enter this very kid friendly science museum, there was a sign on the door that featured a handgun with a red … [Read more...]

Museum of World Treasures (Wichita)

Museum of World Treasures (Wichita)

Imagine if Indiana Jones came home and brought back a ton of souvenirs—that’s what the Museum of World Treasures feels like. My kids and I walked in not knowing what to expect and were blown away by this extensive, fascinating and eerily creepy collection of unusual artifacts.  We saw all kinds weirdly mesmerizing items from ancient Egypt, Ancient Rome, South America, prehistoric times, you name it.  None of … [Read more...]

Wichita Wingnuts (Wichita)

Destination #6: Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma

When you’re in Wichita—or any city that offers it—you’ve got to check out a Minor League baseball game! Our first game was the Wichita Wingnuts, a professional baseball team based in Wichita and a member of the Central Division of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball (not affiliated with Major League Baseball). Minor League games are great because you can watch skilled baseball … [Read more...]