Kansas discovery trip

[ksdoglady]

My husband, adult daughter and I are planning a trip across Kansas to discover and rediscover places of interest.  We plan to start at Ft. Larned, then move to Abilene for the Eisenhower Museum, on to Manhattan and Lawrence.    We will end up in the Atchison area, and then back home again. Does anyone have suggestions for other sights in these cities? Planning for mid May. 

[Birdfan]

This might help.

http://www.kansassampler.org/explorekansasmap.php

[ksdoglady]

Thanks for the link...I will have to spend some time looking at all the places listed!

[ksdoglady]

I wanted to report that we took our trip last month.  Our first stop was Ft. Larned.  I had been there once about 40 years ago, but enjoyed seeing it again.  It is the real deal, and not a recreation.  On the way over I talked to my daughter about how life was on the Plains before highways, cell phones, electricity and cars.  It occurred to me that I learned a lot about the settlement of this country from movies and tv...Gunsmoke, Little House on the Prairie, John Wayne movies...a genre that is no longer in vogue.  It may have been a romanticized version of history, but it provided a window into the past.  I remember as a child when I would have a nightmare in my dream I would be in the livingroom hiding under the couch, raising my head occasionally to look out the front window and seeing Indians on paint ponies circling the house!  I watched a lot of those wagon train movies!

Our second stop was Abilene.  We spent a day at the Eisenhower museum, boyhood home and memorial .  It is very well done, and again provides a timeline and a window into that period in our history.  I grew up in the 50's and remember the slogan "I like Ike" on the campaign buttons.  My family were staunch Missouri Democrats but I believe my dad actually voted for Ike once at least...until he vetoed the Farm Bill!

The third day we stopped in Lawrence and toured the KU Campus and visited the Natural History Museum.    I had been there in grade school, and it unfortunately has not changed much in the past 50 years....

Finally we ended up in Atchison County  with grandma and grandpa, now both 91 and still living on the farm.   Leah loves the farm and getting up early to check the cows with grandpa....something they have shared for 30 years now...and neither of them is tired of it!    Family - and memories to treasure forever.  Nothing beats it.

[Emily Behlmann]

This sounds like a great trip.

I'm curious - What's everyone's favorite place to visit in Kansas? Why? What's the best downtown?

I'm a fan of eccentricities, like the metal sculptures and coffee mug collection in Mullinville. I've also always wanted to go to Lucas to see the "grassroots art" there. Has anyone been?

[ksdoglady]

It doesn't seem like anyone else wants to get in on this conversation!  I would have to say, of the towns I have visited in Kansas, my favorite "downtowns" are McPherson, Lawrence and Holton.  Those are 3 very different sized towns.  Holton is in Jackson County in the NE corner of the state, North of Topeka on US 75.  It is built on a "square" with the courthouse in the middle.  And while I haven't exactly spent much time there, I drive thru it occasionally, and think to myself I should stop and explore.  There seems to be a variety of local businesses, bed and breakfasts, antique stores and specialty stores that one hopes to find in an architecturally pleasing setting.

Lawence, of course, is a shopping, eating and "drinking" mecca....the only downside to Lawrence is the parking meters and metermaids, and too many teenagers hanging out.  I am not talking college students...junior high aged kids on skate boards, large groups congregating on corners and public displays of affection which are a turnoff at any age, but specially inappropriate for 12 year olds.

McPherson has a vibrant downton with many unique stores, coffee shops and eateries.  For a town that size with an interstate nearby it is a testiment to the locals that they have kept their downtown lively.

[Lou]

I have to jump in and add my 2-cents worth on my favorite Kansas tour/drive route.  We like to explore the "red hills" between Coldwater and Medicine Lodge.  Starting in GC, we like to take US50 to Cimmaron, then drop south on K23 to Meade.  Then east on US160 through Protection, Coldwater, Medicine Lodge, Sharon, and Harper, then catch the Turnpike into Wichita for a little shopping, nightlife and dining (my favorite part!).  We take variations of this route from time to time, and there's lots to see and do along the way.  It's a nice drive for a 2 day, 1 night getaway.

We also like to explore the areas north of Scott State Park (the chalk pyramids, Monument Rock, etc).  Each section of the state has it's own unique aura, and we like 'em all.  Here's a good link for planning a day trip or more...

http://www.TravelKS.com

Emily, I haven't been to Lucas yet, but here's hoping to someday.  DogLady, I like the format of the trip you took.  We may follow your trip template later this year and follow the same (or similar) route.  Glad you had a great trip!

[Emily Behlmann]

Ksdoglady, I agree with your thoughts on Lawrence and McPherson based on my limited experiences there. I've never been to Holton, but I'll consider that a recommendation.

I just remembered another place I really enjoy. I think Pittsburg fits your description of McPherson in a lot of ways — great and lively community even though it's not very big. Of course, the best time to go is on a Pittsburg State football game day. You'll never see so many gorillas in your life!

Lou, I agree with you about Scott State Park, and the red hills sound great, too.

[Karl Peschel]

Lou - I just posted one of my fave photos of the Chalk Pyramids in the gallery. I've been there a few times and find late evening the best. The sun low in the sky brings out the texture of the limestone formations.

Thanks for the red hills info.

-=[ Karl ]=-

[Lou]

Outstanding photograph, Karl!

You did a fine job of capturing the color and detail of those amazing formations.

Thanks for posting the pic.  Have a great weekend.