Kansas Adventure Tours

Three-Day Kansas Tour

www.ksadventure.org

Day One - Hays, Kansas

Guided City Tour of Hays - One Hour

Shortly after the Civil War, railroad builders and settlers began pushing into western Kansas with ever-increasing intensity, provoking resistance from the Indian inhabitants of the area. To provide protection for this citizenry of railroad workers, soldiers, and desperados, Fort Hays was established in 1967, and the city of Hays sprang to life on the plains.

Tour Fort Hays State Historic Site - 90 minutes

(Located on US-183 Alternate, four miles south of I-70)

Fort Hays was established in 1967 to protect the construction workers who were building the Union Pacific Railroad . The original blockhouse, guardhouse, and officers quarters are located here as well as exhibits interpreting pioneer and military history.

Ellis Co Historical Museum & Bolga/German Haus - One hour

In the Fall of 2003, Ellis County was officially proclaimed to be "The German Capital of Kansas ". Enjoy this heritage as your tour features a visit to a reconstructed home lived in by Volga/German settlers, an ethnic group of German speaking Catholics who migrated here from the Volga River area of Russia in the 1870's.

Lunch in Hays

Tour Sternberg Museum of Natural History - Two hours

Open at its new location, you will discover a recreated day 88 million years ago when the mighty T-Rex hunted the land and Kansas was covered by water. See animated life-sized dinosaurs, giant sea swimming lizards and fish, the famous fish-within-a-fish fossil in the unique walk through diorama. The changing exhibit gallery features world-class traveling exhibits on natural history.

Depart for Victoria, KS (9 miles via I-70)

Cathedral of the Plains - One hour

In the village of Victoria , Kansas , you will visit the magnificent St. Fidelis Church, more commonly referred to as the "Cathedral of the Plains" . Constructed of native limestone, this Romanesque structure, built in 1911, features twin towers rising 141 feet above the plains. This beautiful structure stands as a monument to the Volga/German immigrants and their enduring lifestyle.

Dinner - Germanfest!

Overnight in Hays

Tour of Rolling Hills Zoo & Wildlife Museum (Exit 244 I-70) - Two hours

Rhinos, tigers, and bears are just the beginning of what awaits guests at Kansas ' newest zoo! Rolling Hills Zoo is home to more than 85 species of rare and endangered animals. Visit Safari Station Gift Shop and take a piece of "wildness" home with you. Have lunch at the "Overlook" restaurant that offers an incredible view of the Park. This section of Kansas 's prairie has been transformed into a beautifully landscaped zoological park. Visitors find a truly unique experience at this unexpected prairie oasis.

Lunch at the Zoo, or back to town!

On to Salina - (8 miles via I-70)

Tour Smoky Hill Museum - 30 minutes

Housed in a US Post Office facility, circa 1937, the Museum houses continually a permanent exhibit in addition to changing exhibits and related programming. The permanent collection began in 1879 and contains well over 10,000 items. The Smoky Hill Museum Store provides a great opportunity to choose Kansas art and collectibles as a remembrance of your trip!

Guided Tour of Salina with Smoky Hill Museum - One hour

Salina Art Center - 30 minutes

Known as the "best contemporary art institution" in Kansas, the Salina Art Center hosts changing exhibitions of work by recognized masters, important figures, and up and coming regional and Midwestern artists in the development of American art forms.

Discover Downtown - Two hours

Visit specialty shops featuring beading to pottery. Find treasure in many antique shops.

Check in at hotel and freshen up for dinner.

Dinner/Tour at Smoky Hill Vineyards & Winery

Linger awhile in the lush, green vineyards and sample the handcrafted wines in the attractively rustic tasting room overlooking these vineyards. The wines are all made in the traditional European manner, but with a gentle assist from modern technology. Enjoy your catered dinner on the veranda or in the dining room.

Overnight in Salina

Drive to Hutchinson (60 miles via I135 & K61)

Tour Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center - Three hours

This nationally recognized Smithsonian-affiliated museum provides a look at space exploration like not other. Tour includes the IMAX Dome Theatre , more than just a movie! A tour guide will take you through the Hall of Space Museum to experience the drama and suspense, the tragedies and triumphs of the most important scientific events in human history - the race to the moon. Dr. Goddard's Lab brings rocket science to real life.

Depart for Yoder (10 miles via County Road)

Lunch will be served at the Carriage Crossing Restaurant where the bread is homemade daily. A delightful restaurant featuring a large menu of home cooked meals. Be sure to save room for homemade pie! Visit the gift shop filled with handmade Amish quilts and other quality gift items.

Yoder , Kansas - Amish Community - Two hours

The Amish have lived in the Yoder area for more than 100 years. They are quite commonly known as the "horse-and-buggy people" and live very simple lives. Stroll down the streets in the quiet and quaint community that boasts several unique and timeless treasures in its welcoming stores. Enjoy the intricate beauty of hand-stitched quilts, stores filled with antiques, handcrafted furniture as well as the old-style hardware store. And don’t forget to treat yourself to a freshly-made, delicious cinnamon roll at the bakery.

Depart Yoder - Back to Hutchinson

Dillon Nature Center - One hour

Referred to as a "wild arboretum", the Dillon Nature Center showcases both plant and wildlife on 100 acres. The Discovery Building features the great outdoors in its' "Closer Look at Nature" gallery.

Check in at hotel and freshen up for dinner

Dinner at local steakhouse.

Overnight in Hutchinson

For more information: E-mail valerieh@hutchchamber.com Phone: (620) 662-3391
P.O. Box 519 / 117 North Walnut, Hutchinson, Kansas 67504-0519

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