Travel Underground & to the Stars in Hutchinson (Two Day Sample Itinerary)

Your Hutchinson adventure begins on the double-decker elevator at Strataca that will take you 650 ft. underground in less than 90 seconds.  You will not stop your descent until you are below the surface in the middle of one of the largest salt deposits in the world. Here you will explore environs carved from salt deposits formed more than 275 million years ago.  For those looking for a little more of a thrill you can enjoy the 30-minute ‘Dark Ride’, through a part of the mine that includes lit areas with stories to tell.  What lies under your feet right now? To find out, you need to visit Strataca!

By now you have probably worked up an appetite so head out to one of our local eateries that are sure to remedy the hunger!  PiZaacos is a unique restaurant that serves their very own PiZaacos made from the owner’s grandfather’s recipe (think pizza morphed into a taco…and more).  They also offer delicious pasta dishes, homemade pizza, fresh toasted sandwiches, and salads.  Or you could head over to our locally owned Pizza Ranch for a family style meal of fried chicken and all the fixings! If you prefer, you can go through the buffet loaded with pizza, pasta, fried chicken, delicious desserts and much more!

Next, your group will head Downtown Hutchinson to Apron Strings Kitchen Store where Anne will put on an entertaining demonstration on how to make something yummy in your kitchen…the final product will be enjoyed by all.  If something a little more hands-on is what you are looking for, then go a little further down Main Street to the Wool Market and DIY School where your group will learn how to make a cooking spice or kitchen gadget for them to take home.

Your tour continues in one of the state’s largest owner-operated Antique Districts, many of which are housed in buildings with architecture dating back to the late 1800’s.  Specialty items include home décor, collectibles, jewelry, and furniture.  Downtown is also home to working artists, musicians, dancers, and venues featuring local and nationally known artists and murals.

Are you ready for a sweet treat, or you could save it for a late-night snack? Holly’s Sweet Treats or Sugartime Confections will have just what you need to make your mouth water. Delicious cupcakes, a variety of brownies, tasty cookies, specialty desserts and more!

It has been a full day, so back to the hotel to relax and freshen up for dinner later at The Airport Steakhouse, where you can choose from Chicken Fried Steak, Stuffed Chicken Breast, or a scrumptious steak, made to order, just to name a few.  The Airport has become a favorite thanks to great food, friendly service and the airport runway views!  Your group could also plan a Dinner Theatre presented by The Family Community Theatre at the Downtown Sampler.  Get your attendees involved in the murder mystery while enjoying a delicious dinner served by Eileen at the Downtown Sampler.  

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before boarding the bus for the Cosmosphere.  Visiting this state-of-the-art museum is like stepping into an awaiting adventure.  You will be swept up by the thrill of watching a show in the Carey Digital Dome Theatre or feel like an astronaut enamored by space when in the Justice Planetarium.  Those looking for an explosive adventure will find one at Dr. Goddard’s Lab, where the history of rocketry is explored – just hold on to your hats since these live demonstrations could blow you away!

Load the bus and head out to the Yoder Amish Community where you will enjoy lunch at Carriage Crossing Restaurant, offering authentic, home-style cooking with endless varieties of homemade pies and delicious cinnamon rolls.

After lunch stroll down the streets in this 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.  Yoder welcomes its visitors to enjoy the simplicity of the past with comforts of the present.

Contact Valerie Harper at 620.662.3391 or valerieh@hutchchamber.com for assistance with your itinerary and tour planning.