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Junction City: Incredible Places to Visit

November 4, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Disclosure: Kansas I-70 Association sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.

Junction City in Geary County deserves a closer look. Exit from KS I-70 to discover its proud military heritage, outdoor recreation, and visit-worthy attractions. A 25-minute drive from Manhattan and only an hour from Topeka, it is nestled in the beautiful Flint Hills of North Central Kansas.

Get a closer look at this mural when standing across from Heritage Park in historic downtown Junction City.

With more than enough to do in town, I’d recommend spending at least one night in Junction City. Hotels are located within a close driving distance of historic downtown and most attractions. Before seeking adventure around town, I checked in to my accommodations.

LODGING

Courtyard by Marriott (310 Hammons Drive) offers amenities that provide a feeling of comfort when traveling. My guest room was up-to-date. It featured a king bed, workstation, and had enough room to spread out and make myself at home. The hotel was a pleasant space to return to when I wasn’t exploring the town. For travelers in search of indoor exercise options, the hotel features a pool and fitness center. Loungers will appreciate the outdoor patio featuring a fire pit. If you’re in search of a quick bite to eat, The Bistro has food to go plus Starbucks drinks.The hotel had the amenities I needed as a writer like high-speed WiFi and a spacious lobby with a business center to get work done. Its modern amenities, friendly staff, and quiet quarters made my stay worthwhile. When in Junction City, I know you’ll be pleased with your accommodations at Courtyard by Marriott.

ATTRACTIONS

The residents of Junction City, Kansas are proud of their history and heritage, and they should be. It’s the home of Fort Riley, an Army installation. Named after Major General Bennett C. Riley who led soldiers along the Santa Fe Trail, it was built in 1853 to protect the movement of people and trade over the Oregon-California and Santa Fe trails.

It’s a place where soldiers get combat-ready and train to be ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. Many of the town’s residents are soldiers and it’s common to see men and women in uniform enjoying civilian life out and about in town. So, it makes perfect sense that the town recognizes past and present soldiers at many of its attractions.

HERITAGE PARK

Smack dab in the middle of historic downtown is Heritage Park, a place that honors the soldiers and sailors who gave their lives for our country. It’s a place to learn about their sacrifice, read each one’s name, and reflect.

During your visit, read the poem by Michael O’Donnell who was killed in action in Vietnam at the State of Kansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Take time to view the Junction City/Geary Count Law Enforcement Memorial. The public space is also home to numerous monuments, a bicentennial time capsule, a bandstand, and a water fountain.

BUFFALO SOLDIER MEMORIAL

It’s worth the short drive to view the town’s Buffalo Soldier Memorial (1832 N Adams St.), which is a tribute to the 9th and 10th Horse Cavalry Regiments who served courageously in multiple wars. According to history.com, “the infantry regiments were created to help control the Native Americans of the Plains, capture cattle rustlers and thieves and protect stagecoaches, wagon trains, and railroad crews.” The memorial is free to visit. To learn more about Buffalo Soldiers, visit here.

GEARY COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Built as City Highway School in 1927, the Geary County Historical Museum (530 N Adams St.) is an incredible space filled with timelines, artifacts, and hands-on activities for history seekers. Three floors of exhibits tell the story of the people and places that make Geary County amazing. Admission to the museum is free; however, donations are accepted.

Open as a museum since 1983, the building itself is a historical artifact of Geary County. Look closely at its architectural details during a self-guided tour.

Today, visitors can experience what Main Street would have looked and sounded like inside the first-floor exhibit. As you make your way through the tack room, parlor, and kitchen areas, you naturally imagine what life might have been like during the early days of Junction City.

Another exhibit explains how Junction City got its name for the intersection of the Republican and Smoky Hill rivers. Settlers were drawn to the area for the promise of good land and river water. The town was founded in 1858 and it grew quickly over the next decade.

However, overflowing rivers and sudden rainstorms have caused havoc on the town on more than one occasion. Junction City’s residents are resilient having survived and rebounded from multiple floods. In fact, the Milford Depot was swept off its foundation after the 1936 flood.

The upper floors of the museum transport visitors to an authentic Union Pacific train depot, schoolhouse, and a large room once used as the school’s gym includes bonus artifacts that you don’t want to miss. From the history of Fort Riley to early communication tools, the museum includes well-designed, thought-provoking exhibits.

During my visit, a volunteer gave me a guided tour of the exhibits. I appreciated his extensive knowledge of the town’s history and his witty sense of humor as we meandered our way through the museum’s collections. By the end of the tour, I was better for having met him. It was a delightful experience. The museum also welcomes groups and is happy to organize tours.

C.L. HOOVER OPERA HOUSE

After it caught fire in 1898, sadly only the front exterior wall remained. After multiple remodels and renovations, it was transformed into the Opera House in 1942.

Today, visitors can enjoy plays, movie screenings, and musical performances in a state-of-the-art theatre. Concert-goers sit in comfortable, new seats listening to excellent acoustics. Stay tuned! The premier fine arts center will undergo an expansion of its square footage next door in the coming year.

The Opera House is also known for hosting children’s programs as well as art and music classes for all ages. The Junction City Little Theater performs four productions every year. The community band performs on Memorial Day and showcases free shows every Sunday in June.

It’s a stunning building to see in person. I was impressed by its design and the interior details from the custom-made chandeliers to the hand-painted murals. The upstairs lobby also serves as an art gallery featuring regional artists’ work. To see it yourself and view an upcoming event, which often includes comedians, concerts, and plays, visit this link.

MILFORD NATURE CENTER AND FISH HATCHERY

Located a 10-minute drive outside of town and near the Milford Dam and Reservoir, the Milford Nature Center and Fish Hatchery (3415 Hatchery Dr.). It is not to be missed for its live animals, dioramas, and outdoor exhibits. The best part? It’s free and open to the public 9 am-4:30 pm Monday-Friday, 1-5 pm on the weekend.

Free to explore inside and out, the nature center includes displays visitors of all ages can enjoy. I particularly loved the live animal exhibits where I observed reptiles, fish, prairie dogs, a bobcat, and birds of prey.

Do you recognize Kansas’ state reptile, the box turtle?

Nearly all of the animals that live at the nature center are brought to the facility with health concerns, including eagles and falcons that live in outdoor enclosures. In fact, they receive 400-600 animals each year for rehabilitation.

You’ll appreciate the QR-coded informational displays that provide in-depth details about each animal. Kids will love the tactile station to learn more about animal fur and skeletons.

The Butterfly House, open June-October, is entertaining to walk through. A nearby fish hatchery was closed for treatment during my visit, but it is usually open to the public 9 am-4:30 pm Monday-Friday and 1-5 pm Saturday.

Adjacent to Nature Center, families will be amazed by the playground area and bird watching station. I recommend making time to walk the Tallgrass Trail to get a glimpse of the pond and learn about native plants and trees.

Check the center’s Facebook page for events prior to planning a visit. Third Thursdays give animal lovers a chance to go behind the scenes and get in-depth lessons on animal behavior.

MILFORD LAKE & DAM

The Republican River is the primary water source for Milford Lake (22 W 6th St.), which is considered the largest lake in the state and the “Fishing Capital of Kansas.” A recreational hub for everything from fishing to boating and hunting and camping, the lake is a scenic place to relax and unwind.

It’s a beautiful, scenic place to escape the hustle of everyday life. With over 19,000 acres of land, it’s common to spot wildlife making it a landscape photographer’s dream location. Additionally, the area offers entertainment options for the family. Milford State Park (Northwest of Junction City, west of K-77 on K-57) hosts fishing tournaments, Family Movie Night, S’mores Family Fun Run, and more.

RATHERT STADIUM

One of my favorite attractions in any Kansas town is historical architecture and Junction City has plenty of it. Rathert Stadium (900 W. 13th St.) was built in 1937 and still hosts baseball games today. Sports fans sit in wooden seats to watch the Junction City Brigade, Blue Jays, and American Legion Flames compete on the field.

DINING

STACY’S RESTAURANT

I like to dine where the locals start their day. Stacy’s Restaurant (118 W Flint Hills Blvd.) is a quaint diner where Fort Riley soldiers, families, and travelers passing through come to enjoy a hearty breakfast and lunch.

Just as I expected, the menu listed pancakes, egg scrambles, french toast, and sandwiches. I ordered a homemade cinnamon roll that came to the table with ooey-gooey vanilla frosting dripping from all sides. When in Junction City, pull over to dine at Stacy’s. The prices are reasonable and the portions are huge.

HOT ROD’Z

Ron, the “Pit Master,” at Hot Rod’z (1118 N. Washington St.) knows how to smoke meat. The Hot Rod signature sandwich comes with pulled pork, a hotlink, sauce, and cheese piled high on a bun. Oh, but that’s not it! The plate comes with two succulent ribs, creamy coleslaw, chips, and pickles.

Did I eat it all? I wanted to, but that’s a lot of grub. It was so good, I asked for a to-go box. To my surprise, every meal comes with a “hillbilly fortune cookie” aka oatmeal cream pie. It was over the top DELICIOUS!

Located just behind the historic downtown area, Hot Rod’z is a real deal bbq joint. Ron is always ready to chat about his recipes (he told me the coleslaw recipe!), and talk about his collection of antiques. Stay a while, enjoy the bbq, and get to know him. Good people, better bbq.

BELLA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

When you’re craving savory pasta dishes, the place to dine is Bella’s Italian Restaurant (605 N Washington St.) in historic downtown. The friendly staff greets you warmly and ushers you to a table surrounded by the colors of Tuscany. The two-sided menu includes entrees like Veal Cacciatore, Shrimp Alfredo, and Chicken Parmigiana.

I asked the server what the most popular pasta dish on the menu was and he encouraged me to order the Cheese Ravioli. Topped with tangy marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, it was baked to perfection. I was happy with my selection that paired nicely with the house red wine. The creamy Italian dressing was the ideal choice for the house salad. View the menu in advance of your visit here.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Junction City. As someone who appreciates Kansas history and exploring the outdoors, I was glad I took Exit 295 from Kansas I-70 and checked it out. I’m just sad I didn’t have more time to discover more of the area’s attractions like Milford Wetlands, Geary Lake Falls, The Starcke House, or Spring Valley Historical Site.

The next time I visit the town, I hope to stay at Acorns Resort, an area near the lake that includes cabins and a swimming pool.

Have you traveled to the Hometown of Fort Riley? Sought adventure in Geary County? Tell me about your experiences in the comments below.

10 EAA AirVenture Fly-In and Convention Pro Tips: Save Money, Save Your Energy

July 31, 2016 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Getting ready for the adventure of your aviation career at EAA AirVenture Fly-in and Convention at Oshkosh, Wisconsin should be worry-free and fun-filled and if you follow these ten pro tips (courtesy of my pilot boyfriend who recently traveled there), you will save money and your energy after arriving.

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Once you’ve landed at Oshkosh and set up camp, you’re going to be pleased but overwhelmed by the number of planes and crowds at the events. It’s all worth it! This annual event celebrates all things aviation and as a pilot you’re going to feel like you went to heaven. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before you arrive to keep you from breaking your bank and help you reserve energy.

Get the official downloadable map and use the trams and buses. Pro Tip: EAA volunteers ride around in golf carts and for a one dollar tip they will take you anywhere you want to go within reason. Proceeds go to the EAA Young Eagles Program. To take a load off, locate where vendors are selling massage chairs and sit in one for a rejuvenating massage for a up to fifteen minutes.
Air shows are four hours long so bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Some people even bring a little wagon to tote their belongings, an ideal choice for families. Also, bring an umbrella to block the sun and a lot of water to stay hydrated during the show. Sit center stage in front of the Boeing Plaza for the best viewpoint. Arrive early in the week to EAA to cash in on free schwag from t-shirts to toy airplanes. Pro Tip: On the EAA app you can listen to the air show so bring a portable speaker in case you’re in an area to watch the show that lacks speakers. Download the live ATC app and you’ll be able to listen to the air show performers and air traffic control.
Don’t miss the night air show that includes fireworks and something called The Wall of Fire. Pro Tip: There are long lines at tram stops before an air show. Get to a tram stop at least an hour in advance of its departure.
Ask a tram operator when they are giving the next educational tour because you can learn about the ongoing events and festival history while onboard to your destination. Pro tip: You will still do a considerable amount of walking while at Oshkosh. Pack comfortable walking shoes and clothes for various weather temperatures. You’ll be glad you packed a lightweight jacket for outdoor evenings in Wisconsin.
There are multiple grocery tents, specifically set up for campers, where you can pick up any supplies you need from camping tools to snacks. Pro Tip: Bring a water bottle from home for each person. You can fill them up at water trucks on the grounds. School buses will take you to a nearby Target store in case you need to pick up supplies.
Showers always have hot water and you don’t have to wait. Pro Tip: Wear shower shoes and bring your own toiletries including a towel.
Fuel is a reasonable price. Pro Tip: If you need to fuel up the plane, just flag down a passing fuel truck.
Famous aviation personalities will be on site. All the famous YouTube aviators you would hope to see and the occasional celebrity/pilot are also there to take in the action of EAA. You’ll definitely want to get in line early for meet-and-greets, autograph signings, and book signings. Pro Tip: Take business cards with you because you’re going to meet many pilots and want to connect with them later. You never know, you just might meet someone from NASA or a pilot who flies for celebrities.
Download the festival schedule so you can plan your day. If you just “wing” it, you won’t efficiently use your time and miss out on learning opportunities. You can sit in on classes on topics such as building an experimental plane or using aviation cell phone apps. Take advantage of the free practice time in one of the many simulators on site. Pro Tip: Follow your favorite aviator on social media and take note of their schedule and booth number so you can stop by and visit them.
Earplugs are a necessity at Oshkosh. If you hope to catch shut-eye after a long night of fun, you’re going to need them. Pro Tip: Because campers are located so close to one another, buy wax earplugs to drown out the noise from snorers and airplanes. The nearby runway becomes busy at 6 am each morning.

Not many planes left during the final hours of Oshkosh 2016, but this image gives an idea of where you can set up your tent(s) after arrival.

We hope you appreciate the pro tips for your trip to next year’s EAA AirVenture Fly-In and Convention at Oshkosh. You’re going to have an amazing experience, one a pilot never forgets.

Share any tips you may have in the comments section below.

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How To Make the BEST Hobo Dinners

July 26, 2016 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

When visiting my boyfriend’s family in Upstate New York the first time, I heard them say we were going to make “hobos” over an open fire. Hobo dinners in Girl Scouts meant that you stuffed meat, potatoes, and canned veggies in a foil pouch and cooked it camp side, which were just okay. So, I wasn’t all too excited to for this family’s hobo dinners. But that all changed when I tasted the delicious, ooey-gooey sandwich that came from a scalding hot pie iron that night. How do you make the BEST hobo dinner? You have a family competition and sample everyone’s sandwich!

Someone in his family declared it a major competition and the prize was a certificate. We were a competitive bunch and I really wanted to win to prove myself as the outsider. While our take on the reuben sandwich didn’t win first place, it received rave reviews. The key was to use homemade sauerkraut, deli cut corned beef, sliced Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on light rye sandwich bread.

The winner of the hobo cook-off in the Sandwich Dinner Category was a copycat version of McDonald’s Bic Mac. It’s layered seasoned ground beef (cooked), cheese, shredded lettuce, thin sliced pickle, and special sauce. DON’T FORGET THE PICKLE! Everyone agrees that the pickle makes the hobo dinner taste just like, or better than, the McDonald’s sandwich.

If my memory serves me correctly, an after-dinner treat made with blueberries, coconut, and white chocolate won best bite in the Dessert Hobo Category.

The flavor combinations are potentially endless and that’s what so fun about eating them around a fire with family and friends. Add the backdrop of tall trees, chill music, and a cold craft beer then the night is just about perfect. (I also wrote a post on Upstate New York breweries, if you’re interested some seriously well-made beer.) There are a few necessary tips that you must follow to ensure a well-fired sandwich.

Tip #1: Close the latch on the pie iron while it’s still empty. Place it on hot coals or logs for at least 5-10 minutes to warm up. Stainless steal pie irons don’t cook your sandwich the right way and often burn the contents. Use cast iron every time!

Tip #2: Remove the pre-heated pie iron from the fire and rest it on a block of wood or another safe, flat surface. Open it and spray it with cooking spray thoroughly.

Tip #3: Line each side of the pie iron with sandwich bread and begin topping it with your choice of meats and cheeses. You must use cheese! Think of it like a grilled cheese on steroids.

hobo-dinner — If it can go on a pizza, it tastes great as a “hobo.”

Tip #4: Once your toppings (and possibly squeezed mayo, mustard, dressing) are loaded, close and fasten the pie iron. Place it back on the coals.

Tip #5: Turn your pie iron every 3-4 minutes. You might even need to open it and check for doneness, as every fire is different in temperature.

Final Tip #6: Try not to overcook your hobo dinner (like the one below) because you get caught up in talking and boozing. 😉 See an example below. Ha! But, seriously…it was oh so yummy. You’ll never eat just one because someone else always has a flavor combination you want to try.