Disclosure: Visit Greesnburg sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.
Greensburg isn’t just another small Kansas town on the map. Far from it. It’s a community made up of residents who care for one another. It was their resilience that rebuilt the town after an EF-5 tornado demolished 95% of Greensburg on May 4, 2007.
Today, the town is a flourishing community consisting of tourism-worthy attractions, shopping, and dining. It’s time you visit Greensburg.
Located in Kiowa County, less than a two hours drive from Wichita, Greensburg is a small town reimagined. Rebuilt with sustainability in mind, many of its homes and buildings put the “green” in Greensburg thanks to water-saving features, alternative energy, and earth-friendly design.
I found the town to be a charming place to spend an overnight trip. My first stop? One of 8 Wonders of Kansas!
DAY 1
THE BIG WELL MUSEUM & VISITORS CENTER
The Big Well Museum & Visitors Center (315 S. Sycamore St.) World’s Largest Hand-Dug Well is a must-see attraction to add to your travel bucket list. I was amazed by its impressive size. Down, down, down…109 feet! Visitors have the option of walking down into the well along a sturdy staircase to get a closer look. Three million visitors visit one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas to descend into its depths and/or toss a penny to the bottom.
Just as I was contemplating if I wanted to venture down into the well, a busload of gleeful school children arrived and eagerly walked to the bottom. I’m scared of enclosed spaces and heights, so I chose to stay on the ground floor. The American Water Landmark is truly a sight, and even if you don’t want to walk down into it, seeing it first-hand is worthwhile.
If you visit The Big Well Museum, you can also learn more about the town’s history pre and post-EF5 tornado that changed the lives of residents. A historical timeline telling the story of the night the tornado struck and the events afterward surrounds the space. Visual displays, artifacts, and video testimonials give context. During my visit, I met residents who spoke of “before and after the tornado.” The visitor’s center is the best place to start your exploration of Greensburg to truly understand the gravity of that night in 2007.
Another fact worth noting about the museum is that it is the home of the largest pallasite on display, the Space Wanderer, weighing 100o pounds. The meteorite is from the same shower as another meteorite found in the same area in 2005.
The grounds of the museum include a playground area for kids and free bikes you can borrow to tour the town. The Fleener Family Memorial on display outdoors honors those who perished from the tornado.
PRO TIP: Before visiting the museum, view its hours and admission rates here. If you’re driving an electric vehicle, you can recharge its battery at one of several charging stations in the parking lot.
EXPLORING GREENSBURG BY BIKE
I used one of the museum’s free bikes to explore Greensburg and several of the notable 15 stops listed on the Green Tour map (available inside the museum or you can download the app).
Stop 4 on the tour gave me pause. All that remains of a church that once stood there and later housed Fran’s Antiques Shops is a set of stairs. Red bricks, stairs, and a small pile of rubble.
At this moment, I realized the enormity of the tornado’s devastation. The majority of the town consists of new homes and buildings, but during the self-guided tour, you will notice a few old homes remain.
Other stops worth noting on the bike tour included Starlight Public Art Park and Main Street in the downtown corridor. The park is home to one-of-a-kind sculptures. Nearby native plants and Russian Sage decorate Main Street in concrete planters watered by rainwater captured in underground cisterns.
TWILIGHT THEATRE & COMMUNITY AUDITORIUM
You’ve never seen a theatre like the Twilight Theatre & Community Auditorium (200 S. Main St.). It is the largest one-screen movie theatre with Dolby 7 sound between Wichita and Denver.
George, the theatre’s super friendly manager welcomed me just as he does all theatre guests with a “Hello! How are you today?” As we chatted about the theatre’s features (400 seats!), the sound of popcorn popping and kids begging for candy could be heard.
Locals told me that the theatre’s Monster Mushroom Popcorn was delicious. George graciously gave me a bag of popcorn to try. No words can describe how scrumptious and dangerously addictive it tastes.
As I sat enjoying my popcorn in the lobby on a couch flanked by framed movie posters, I watched as residents greeted one another in the lobby. From the refreshment counter, they shuttled kids into the theater for a showing of Jurassic World Domination.
The summer matinee was a popular choice. When not screening films. the theatre is used by the high school and area groups as a performing arts space.
PRO TIP: View the theatre’s hours and event schedule prior to visiting.
LUNCH AT KOOK’S MEAT & DELI
Kook’s Meat (115 W. Kansas Ave.) is where the locals go once, sometimes twice a day to drink coffee and enjoy a delicious meal with friends. Part butcher shop, part deli, Kook’s serves heaping plates of meaty sandwiches and burgers. I ordered the Patty Melt with a trip to the salad bar for lunch.
Open six days a week for dine-in or drive-up orders, the restaurant is a local favorite. They show up for a hearty meal or select steaks or sausage from the refrigerated case to grill at home.
The conversation is free. But if you drop a swear word, expect to deposit money into the Swear Jar. Oh, and be mindful of where you sit. Some seating is reserved for first-responders and diehard diners. Expect the second wave of locals to arrive for a fresh pot of coffee at 2 pm.
PRO TIP: You need to leave room for dessert. Kook’s is where I rediscovered my love of pie. Regina knows how to make them better than anyone. She had me taste one of each pie and cake in the refrigerated case! They tasted divine.
ONE-OF-A-KIND SHOPPING
Starla’s Stitch & Frame (122 S. Main Street) offers shoppers custom-made framing to beautify their photos and artwork. The opposite side of the retail shop caters to stitchers in search of embroidery supplies and finished pieces to use as wall art. People drive from miles around to stock up on supplies or get artwork framed.
Where’d Find That Antiques (148 S. Main) isn’t your typical antique shop. It’s organized by theme, clean, and the inventory includes treasures you won’t find elsewhere. Voted by Best Things Kansas as one of the top six antique stores in the Sunflower State, it’s worthy of a visit when shopping for collectibles. The owners are delightful and eager to help you find what you’re looking for.
Catherine’s Massage & Bodywork (101 S. Main, Suite 206) instantly transports you to a place of zen. The owner, a certified kinesiologist and massage therapist, welcomes customers who need to learn about how to improve their health. The retail space carries an abundance of personal care products, jewelry, and gift items. Don’t forget to check out the clearance shelf for marked-down deals.
Turquoise Ranch Boutique (300 W. Kansas) is one-stop shopping for “clothing and more in a western decor.” The latest in apparel with vintage, Texas-inspired style. Dresses, boots, jewelry, animal print shoes, you name it, you’ll find it. Aside from women’s clothing, the store carries a selection of menswear and kids clothing. Cowboy up!
PRO TIP: Plan your visit when the majority of downtown shops are open Thursday-Saturday. Check each of the links above. I can’t wait to return to visit a few stores that were closed including The Class Room.
5.4.7 ARTS CENTER
The building’s exterior caught my eye when I drove into town. 5.4.7. Arts Center (204 W. Wisconsin Ave.), a gallery and fine arts center, is a work of art itself. It was designed by University of Kansas architecture students using sustainable materials giving it LEED platinum status.
Inside, visitors can peruse the gallery’s artwork at no charge, however, donations are gladly accepted. During my visit, I fell in love with the work of Kansas artist/farmer Andi Burnum. Her collage art made of tiny strips of magazine pages spoke to my love of both mediums. Her illustrations of cows and dogs living their best life made me chuckle.
PRO TIP: Inquire about art classes and workshops designed for all ages.
MULLINVILLE
My trip host drove me to Mullinville, Kansas (10 miles west of Greensburg) on a mission to show off two roadside attractions that more visitors need to see. As the car approached the last corner of town off Highway 400, I saw it, or should I say, all of it.
MT Liggett Art Environment (119 N. Elm) preserves the work of the Kansas folk artist, MT Liggett, who worked with metal to craft sculptures on his 70 acres of farm property.
After my indoor gallery tour, I headed outside to walk the property and back buildings. The contents were left untouched since his death in 2017.
The man collected 6,000+ coffee cups! Why? No reason. His work glove still sits on the ground near the building’s entrance. Welding tools, an old fan, and racks with splattered paint block the entrance. You simply have to walk the property and see his artwork.
Liggett’s artwork has to be seen in person to appreciate it. Like the artist, it is unique, bold, and strikingly curious.
PRO TIP: Create your own eccentric artwork using the supplies from the Make Your Own Sculpture box in the gallery. Perhaps a heart-themed piece?
FROMME-BIRNEY BARN (3.5 miles South, 1 3/4 miles west of Mullinville) is a roadside gem. People seem to have an affinity for historic round barns, so they travel from miles around to see this one and sign the guestbook. It’s an 8 Wonder of Kansas Architecture for good reason.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the barn was built in 1912 and stands 50’ tall and 70’ in diameter. The structure has fourteen hours stalls on a perimeter. The Fromme family were homesteaders who farmed the land and owned prize-winning horses.
Restored in 1995, people often reserve it to use for weddings and gatherings. I recommend walking upstairs for an awe-inspiring look at the incredible craftsmanship of the barn’s rooftop.
PRO TIP: Visitors can tour the barn for free. Go during the day as outdoor lighting is limited.
LODGING ACCOMMODATIONS
I was ready to check into my hotel and take a short break before enjoying evening activities in town. The Best Western Plus Night Watchman Inn & Suites (515 W. Kansas Ave.) is a highly-rated hotel that provides the relaxing amenities travels need.
You can expect comfortable beds, an indoor pool and hot tub, a fitness center, a complimentary hot breakfast, and free Wi-Fi with access to a business workspace. The price per night seems reasonable given the amenities.
PRO TIP: Check-in is 3:00pm, check-out is 11:00am.
KIOWA COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM & SODA FOUNTAIN
For me, the best way to truly understand a town and the people who founded it is to visit a historical museum. The Kiowa Historical Museum houses local artifacts, timelines, and video displays. Carve out at least 30 minutes or more to experience it.
A small town’s pride is undeniable. It’s rare that you get to see it on permanent display, so I appreciate museums that include relics from the past that pay homage to school spirit. I imagine it wasn’t easy to curate items for the display after the tornado destroyed the town, but they managed to assemble a respectable collection.
Be sure to visit the restored Hunter Drug soda fountain near the museum’s entrance. It’s a great place to order a tasty Vanilla Coke or banana split. I nestled into a sunlit booth and enjoyed the view of the outdoor pond and landscaping. If traveling with kids, the outdoor area is a nice tucked-away spot to watch koi fish swimming in the pond.
PRO TIP: Feeling super hungry and perhaps a little adventurous? Tell them you want to try the EF5 Challenge ($40). If you can eat 15 scoops of ice cream and 10 toppings in 30 minutes, you get your photo on the Wall of Fame.
KIOWA COUNTY LIBRARY
The Kiowa County Library (320 S. Main) is only a few steps from the soda fountain. I found it a delightful place to relax and stay cool from the summer heat while perusing books and magazines. I appreciated the handcrafted diorama of Fromme-Birney Round Barn and the historical photographs on display at the library’s entrance.
PRO TIP: A table near the entrance houses new non-fiction books and a good-sized area of the library is devoted to children’s books. Ask about upcoming events designed for kids like the weekly craft session and reading programs.
CRAZY MULE RESTAURANT
Where do you go when you want a hearty, home-cooked meal? Crazy Mule Restaurant (106 Kansas Ave.) serves Kansas classics like beef noodles over potatoes and steak dinners. I chose the Country Fried Steak with a trip to the salad bar for my dinner meal with a towering glass of ice tea. Other options on the menu range from burgers and sandwiches to pork chops and brisket. Dining for breakfast? They serve it all day.
The restaurant is furnished with farm-themed decor. Guests enter under a massive metal windmill covered in lights and framed prints of horses cover the walls. Country music plays in the background. Light fixtures made of minnow buckets and tractor sets hang overhead.
PRO TIP: Check the restaurant’s Facebook page for the daily buffet special.
DAY 2
After a grab-and-go breakfast at the hotel, I checked out of the hotel ready for more adventures. My travel host arranged for us to have a personalized tour of USD 422’s school building. Why? It isn’t your typical school building.
KIOWA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
The residents of Greenwich had to build a new school after the tornado destroyed a majority of the town. USD 422 is the first LEED Platinum K-12 school facility in the United States, a recognition that is well-deserved because of thoughtful planning and design by Kansas City-based architects.
One step inside of the building and you immediately realize its design is unlike any school building you’ve seen before. Reclaimed from Southeast Kansas barns adorn the walls to absorb sound. Natural light floods into every hallway, gymnasium, and classroom. In 2013, they added a new addition to the school outfitted with a limestone exterior and cypress wood salvaged from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Designed to be a Smart building, the HVAC system is state-of-the-art. Each classroom pulls in its own fresh air, which is recirculated outside. Underground geothermal wells maximize energy consumption. The same wells provide renewable energy to many of the town’s community buildings.
Lockers made from recycled plastic line the hallways for the students in the upper grades. School children sit in classrooms outfitted with top-notch technology looking out of windows to landscape spaces. Outdoors, rainwater is collected on the rooftop and stored in four cisterns. Drought-resistant native grasses dot the open spaces.
If you get the opportunity to tour the home of the Mavericks, I recommend you do so. It’s an interesting tour showcasing how designing for sustainability and longevity is possible.
PRO TIP: Take a few minutes to stand in front of the framed panoramic photograph adjacent to the school’s common area. It shows the devastation of the town and serves as a reminder of the community’s resilience.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
City parks beautify the town in several locations. In town, families make use of modern playground equipment and picnic tables when spending a day outdoors. If you like to play disc golf, Davis Park (600 E. Kansas) is the play to ring chains. The park also has two picnic shelters, plenty of shade, playground equipment, and RV electric hookups.
Greensburg’s city pool is where locals and visitors can cool off from the sun’s rays. Admission is $2 per person per day. For its size, the pool impresses with slides for big kids and water features young kids will appreciate.
PRO TIP: Check the pool’s Facebook page to look for upcoming events like Night Swim or Pooch Plunge.
CANNONBALL BAR & GRILL
My tour of Greensburg was coming to an end, but not before I dined at Cannonball Bar & Grill (801 E. Kansas Ave.). The parking lot was active and locals were walking in the door when I arrived for lunch. People waited for to-go orders.
Seated at a booth with a window view, the waitress told me Chicken Fried Chicken Sandwich with Sidewinder Fries was the special of the day. I ate every bite. I was tempted to order a scratch-made slice of pie from the reach-in refrigerator, but I was too full from the hearty lunch plate. My advice? Split a meal and order the dessert.
PRO TIP: The restaurant is closed Sunday-Tuesday. View the restaurant’s hours here. If the neon Open sign is blinking, go on in. Local bands, a pool table, and a jumping jukebox make Cannonball an entertaining place to go on a Friday or Saturday night.
Greensburg is a town that will surprise you. The community’s sheer determination to rebuild itself as a thriving community and now tourism destination is impressive. I encourage you to book an overnight stay or take a day trip from Wichita to experience its attractions first-hand.
One of the perks of staying at the hotel is valet parking, which is the only way to park your car when at the hotel. It’s convenient and the valet staff works around the clock and always greets you with a smile. They’ll even give you advice about where to dine out in Aggieville if you ask. Don’t forget to tip the staff.
The rooms are well designed with plenty of room to enjoy one’s stay. My room included a couch (in KSU’s purple, of course!), a plush king bed, and in-room amenities including a refrigerator. With a view of campus, I could envision KSU families staying here when attending events on campus.
Other amenities you can expect while at Courtyard by Marriott include a fitness center open 24/7, a Starbucks coffee bar featuring small plate breakfast items, and an exquisite lounge with a gas fireplace. Order a cocktail or locally made craft beer at the bar and head to the outdoor patio for a pre-dinner drink.
A bit of nostalgia and a bit of class. the cafe’s interior transports you to aviation heaven. Navy blue walls, black and white prints of airplanes, and a cozy fireplace invite you to nestle up with a coffee in hand. Jazz music plays in the background.
I couldn’t leave without buying a gorgeous bracelet made with recycled magazine paper by women in Haiti. The owner of the company created the company after visiting the country and seeing poverty firsthand. Each purchase of Papillon jewelry supports at-risk mothers and fathers with full-time jobs in Haiti. How could I not buy it? View the store’s hours 
I was shocked at the reasonable prices. The racks, table, and shoe wall were stocked full of items I wanted to take home. You’ll appreciate the way the store is set up making selecting new apparel favorites easy. Start at the front of the store to peruse racks of new arrivals. But there’s more!
Make your way to the back to find everyday essentials and sale clothing. I can easily see why this store is popular with locals. It carries the latest looks perfect for women of every size and style. If you can’t make it to the store, you can shop online and ship it to you 
Shoppers on the hunt for home decor reminiscent of Restoration Hardware or Pottery Barn will feel right at home at Furnish. The showroom is filled with neutral hues with black accents. Homeowners in search of lighting, chairs, and kitchenware are in luck.
The burning candle’s scent drew me to the shelf you see below. I was happy to see a candle that I’ve purchased many times in Wichita from Nectar Republic. Nearby, accessories ranging from picture frames to books completed the vignette.
The creaky floors and the perfectly illuminated framed artwork draws you in. Every wall of every room is adorned with artwork for sale that includes pottery. While some pieces deservedly command a higher price, I found many to be priced affordably for the casual shopper discovering new artwork.
As a native Kansan who spends countless hours driving across the state, I appreciate the works that featured the Kansas prairie. Landscapes by Kim Casebeer and Cristine Sundquist on display showed cloud-filled skies and the sun’s rays upon the flint hills. You’ll be impressed by the breadth and quality of the collections.
Since 1981, SNW Gallery has curated and displayed paintings, prints, drawings, mixed media, and more. Intricately designed jewelry is nestled near the register. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for someone else, you’re bound to walk away from SNW Gallery with a special piece.
Keep your eyes peeled during a visit to the brewery for tiny plastic dinosaurs. The mural on the back wall makes for a nice selfie backdrop. (Female Readers: During your self-guided tour of the brewing, make a point of checking out the bathroom. I’m going to leave it at that.)
As I sat at the bar and finished a Bodacious Blackberry Milkshake IPA, I learned that one of the top-selling drinks behind the bar wasn’t even a beer. It’s their house-made sangria.
Soon, Jake and I were joined at the bar. Brewers Garrett and Adam ponied grabbed a seat. Before I knew it, the four of us were walking a few doors down to 
The lunch crowd clearly loved El Patron as much as I did. They drew a good size crowd made up of downtown workers and tourists. Looking around the restaurant at the plates on the tables, people were devouring fajitas, burritos, and seafood entrees. El Patron is a solid choice for lunch or dinner. View their 
Under cloud-filled skies, I walked to the top of the gravel trail to peek out over the town. If you have time, I recommend making the easy drive only minutes west of Manhattan off of Kansas Highway 113. (Ask Siri or Google Maps to navigate it.) You get a 360-degree view of the college town. Dog walkers love it. Bike trails welcome cyclists. It’s a beautiful setting.
Visit the statue to stand in awe and read about the KSU professor, Dr. George Filinger who invented the fictional character to honor the town’s 100th anniversary of its founding. The park includes a swimming pool, splash pad, and playground equipment perfect for a family visit.
The football field was covered with marching band members moving in formation and playing an energizing song. The band’s director shouted from a megaphone “Remember guys, we could make it to the bowl game. Again!”
No matter what alma mater you hail from, you need to tour the beautiful KSU campus.
With the game on TV, I wanted chicken wings. They arrived piping hot. The sauce had a medium heat and the blue cheese dressing cooled it off. While it wasn’t an entree, it hit the spot. Kite’s Aggieville is a good place to visit for what I thought was the coldest beer in town. You’ll appreciate the cloth napkins and the elevated menu. View the location and hours 
After exploring Salina, it was nice to come “home” to modern amenities and comfy beds. We took advantage of the indoor pool and spa for ultimate relaxation. A complimentary full breakfast topped our list of must-have accommodations making Hampton Inn a smart choice for an overnight stay. “Hampton’s On the House” breakfast is served daily from 6 am-10 am.
I purchased a freshly brewed coffee with creamer and a flaky croissant. The place was abuzz with activity, so I took a number and waited for my order. Trendy music played while baristas filled cups with cold-brewed coffees and prepped fruit smoothies. Moka’s Coffee has perfected the cafe formula. Modern atmosphere + Delicious Menu Items = Must-Visit Café. I’ll certainly return for a Mile-High Sandwich for lunch sometime.
SculptureTour Salina encourages you to vote on your favorite sculpture using a ballot deposited into a box at mid-block pedestrian crosswalks. With so many incredible works on display, how do you pick only one? We loved “Butterfly Tree” by Reven Marie Swanson from Colorado. The engineering of the piece kept the butterflies balanced and moving, a design element that made it unique from the others.
All of the sculptures are available for purchase. The sculptures are replenished downtown as each one sells. However, some remain on exhibit like my personal favorite, “Off the Merry-Go-Round” by Jodie Bliss, which was purchased by Homewood Suites. To learn more about SculptureTour Salina and how to cast your vote, visit their 
The collection of fiber artists’ work continued throughout the gallery showcasing thread painting, beadwork, weaving, and quilting techniques. As a frequent museum-goer, I’m used to seeing paintings and drawings. “
We loved the variety of choices on Food Row. The hardest part was deciding what to eat thanks to so many delicious options. The smell of bbq permeated the air. The sizzling sound of paella drew onlookers. The line formed for Tex-Mex. In the end, I decided to order a Walking Taco. It is a snack-sized bag of Doritos filled with taco toppings that you eat with a fork! My boyfriend couldn’t resist ordering an Italian sausage served with peppers and onions. Honestly, this food court rivaled some of the best I’ve seen in quality and selection.
Visual arts are a focus of the festival. A portion of the festival is devoted to artists selling their work and demonstrating it. We enjoyed visiting with a landscape photographer at his vendor tent and talking about the many places he worked. Art installations were added on the festival grounds for people to enjoy. The festival features eight artisans and almost two dozen installations. It truly is an #EpicArtsParty.
The festival’s live music is astounding. At any given time, there were bands playing on various stages around the park. We walked between stages to enjoy the sounds of The Marcus Lewis Band, SunDub, and The Hooten Hallers. All of the bands were talented, but we enjoyed 
We could’ve stayed all day, but we had more of Salina to check out. Our experience at Smoky Hill River Festival was memorable and one that I look forward to repeating next year. Parking was a non-issue, the park’s trees provided ample shape, and the option to bring a cooler of canned drinks was a pleasant surprise. To plan your visit to next year’s festival, check their 
The family-owned restaurant is always bustling with locals and tourists enjoying the sports bar-like atmosphere. The in-house craft beers on tap include standards you would want to see plus specialty beers like Hatch Green Chili Cream Ale or my favorite, Watermelon Crawl.
During our visit, we quickly became friends with a brother and sister duo from the area. Whitty, fun, and super knowledgeable about Salina, we compared travel stories and talked about our love of craft beer. They told us about Blue Skye’s award-winning Bloody Mary bar and brunch menu. So, of course, we returned the next morning to try it. It was fun! The server brings you a glass of ice with a shot of vodka. Your task is to make craft your own Bloody Mary recipe using a variety of tomato-based juices, hot sauces, and add-ins. As you can see in the photo below, we had a blast using the skewers to make a bouquet of tasty treats.
I’d recommend putting Blue Skye at the top of your list of places to eat when in Salina. The locals are welcoming, and the menu exceeds your expectations. Insider Tip: Don’t forget to check out the hallway leading to the bathroom.
The place was voted by Google as a Top Rated Burger and Best Burger Joint in Kansas 2012 from USA Today. A Single Cozy is $1.29, Double $2.19, and multiple packs start with six burgers up to 36. They are so yummy, that people buy them frozen to go! We ordered a six-pack of burgers with a bag of chips and a soft drink to enjoy at an outdoor picnic table. Between bites, I noticed people eating in their cars, riding up to the stand on bikes, and newcomers devouring burgers for the first time. They’ll all return for more. It’s a rite of passage to eat at 
All in all, we had a fantastic time in Salina. If it’s been years since you’ve traveled to the area, it’s time for a return visit – so much has been updated! Should you ask yourself, “Where could we visit in Kansas that promises a good time?” Salina is the answer.
The two-room shop is stocked to the gills with on-trend home decor and gift items. During my visit, a local woman came in to chat and shop for a gift for someone. It’s the kind of place where you’re bound to leave with a full shopping bag. The owner is a sweetheart and is willing to help you find that perfect something for yourself or someone special.
From glassware to seasonal decorations and old books to jewelry, you’ll discover it and more at Mor Mor’s. Some of the booths are also stocked with handcrafted gifts making it a one-stop shop if you’re seeking a present for someone. I recommend heading into the back room to view vintage signs and larger furniture pieces. I loved the massive chandelier pictured below.
Jose Ray painted this whimsical wonder on the side of a building located at Avenue A Park in 2013. I love the way her eyes are looking up at the top window. Ray’s works typically include fantastical scenes painted using bright colors. When not painting murals, Ray works as a DJ spinning tunes.
“Farmer Time” (111 W. 2nd Ave.) by Brady Scott beautifies the side of Sandhills Brewing Company. It makes a good-looking backdrop for brewery fans who want to take a photo to document their visit.
“Ad Astra” (Avenue A and Main) painted by David Loewenstein in 2012 shows a night sky full of stars. But if you look closely, the constellations resemble symbols of the Sunflower State. Which ones do you recognize?
A ferris wheel, which I think references the Kansas State Fair, is part of “Ad Astra 2” located near the constellations painting. Just below it figures enjoying Hutchinson attractions like the Cosmosphere and outdoor parks.
The “Rainbow Lion” (2 N. Main) leaves a big impression on downtown passersby. Painted by Jerimiah Tolbert, the colorful cat was commissioned by Bob and Ann Bush in 2018. It’s actually a stretched canvas print, but it looks like a mural from afar. The artist sells mini prints, coffee mugs, and cards featuring the lion 
I’ve taken photos of this pheasant in flight mural many times while visiting downtown Hutchinson. Brady Scott adorned the backside of Sandhills Brewing Company (111 W. 2nd Avenue) with the bird scene. Although it’s referred to as the “Farmers Market Mural,” it suits the building well since the brewery’s interior is decorated with illustrations of feathered friends.
A hub of all things creative in town, the 
Hutchinson, Kansas is a vibrant community with murals to match. A short drive from Wichita, I encourage you to visit the town and slowly drive up and down its downtown while looking at street art. Better yet? Park the car and walk the downtown area. Not only will you see murals, but the town is decorated with public artwork of all kinds including sculptures.
This mural round-up only scratches the surface of Hutchinson’s street art collection. To view more of them and locate their whereabouts, visit this 
George Sternberg’s rare fossil, a 15′ Xiphactinus Audax, is the world’s oldest known mosasaur and it sits on display for museum visitors to enjoy. The room that houses it also showcases a mosasaur skull. For fossil hunters and fans, this room promises to get their hearts racing. Since the museum sits on the 
Before I left Keystone Gallery, I had one question left for Chuck and Barbara. What was the story with the old car sitting near the entrance? I was told that Chuck once used the 1948 Chevy Suburban for fossil hunting. Now, it sits as an artistic showpiece on the property. Oh, the stories this car could tell! Look closely at the photos below to enjoy the characters that represent creatures of the deep.
