Amazing Travel Adventures – Kansas

Welcome to the Sunflower State, Kansas! Keeping with the sunflower theme, check out this beauty. The gigantic Van Gogh “Sunflower” painting measures 32 x 24 feet and is located next to the Visitor Center. Not sure how big 32 feet by 24 feet is? Well, it can be seen from I-70. Be sure to stop by and get your selfie on. This gives a whole new meaning to name the Sunflower State. To learn more about Kansas, the Van Gogh and more visit their website at www.kansastravel.org or click here.

Gardens, gardens everywhere! Botanica, aka The Wichita Gardens, opened in 1987. What started with four gardens has grown to over 17 acres. A couple of the themed areas I enjoyed the most were:

The Downing Children’s Garden, where you can experience the Monster Woods exhibit or explore their famous tree house, if you dare. They had me at monsters.

The Shakespeare Garden, a blend of formal and cottage gardens characteristic of the Elizabethan era. Stone pathways, herbs and flowers, a Central Fountain and engaging art pieces can be explored throughout the Shakespeare Garden. Many of the plants within this garden are mentioned in Shakespeare’s works. Can you name the plant and the play?

Twilight Tunes at the Terrace is an amazing adventure for an amazing evening in the Garden. The Garden offers live music, happy hour, and horticulture. Doors will open at 5:30 with music starting at 6:30 and seating is first-come. This concert series is on the fourth Tuesday in May, June, July & August. You are welcome to bring your own food or snacks but no outside alcohol will be allowed in the garden. All tickets must be pre-purchased at botanica.org. For more information and updates visit their website at www.botanica.org or click here.

We’re not in Kansas anymore, but actually, we ARE! Dorothy’s House and Coronado Museum offers a wonderful collection of all things Oz and is nestled in the heart of Kansas. Experience the Wizard of Oz Kansas style. So much amazing Ozness! The singing, the dancing, the melting. You know you are singing “We’re off to see the Wizard” right now in your head. Right?! For more information at www.dorothyshouse.com or click here.

Location, location, location. In the case of Cowley Falls it’s, rain, rain, rain. If there has been any rain more then likely there will be no waterfall. But, when there is rain, there is an amazing waterfall. Standing 25 feet in height, the view is worth the hike! Cowley County State Fishing Lake, officially, is located on 84 acres of undiscovered adventures. Bring your hiking boots, charged camera, water bottle and as always remember to pack out what you bring in. For hours, maps and more click here.

Red Blood. White Suit. Blue Sky. That is not what I expected to find on the home page for the museum website. Caught my curiosity though! The Evel Knievel Museum is located in Topeka, Kansas. Their website states their museum houses the largest collection of authentic Evel Knievel memorabilia in the world, including interactive experiences. A museum full of amazing travel adventures all under one roof. I will admit when I was younger setting up many sweet jumps for me and my friends and our bikes! Daredevils and dreamers of all ages will find something to explore, discover and remember at the Evel Knievel Museum. Click here to start planning your red, white and blue adventure.