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Kansas curiosities—the mega-huge things—the quirky roadside attractions capture our gaze and make us ask, “Why?” The Sunflower State is home to numerous picture-worthy wonders, and these ten attractions are noteworthy. Which one will you seek out next?
GREENSBURG
World’s Largest Hand Dug Well
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 can walk down into the well via 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.
WICHITA
Muffler Man Statue
Roadside attractions don’t get much better than the Muffler Man at Brown’s Tire and Custom Wheel Center (4203 S. Broadway) in South Wichita.
He is holding a tire in his right hand; the oversized statue is so large that the tire he is holding looks small in comparison. You can’t miss him. He is dressed in blue denim jeans and a bright red shirt.
SENECA
Widest Historic Hand Dug Well
Seneca boasts the Widest Historic Hand Dug Well (301 N. 11th Street). No longer in use, it’s open for tours by appointment. Over 130,000 bricks and 100 cords of stone were used during construction in 1895.
The well is 34 feet wide by 65 feet deep, and the original pump remains on top of a service platform. Tours are available from May through October by calling the Nemaha County Historical Museum at (785) 336-6366.
Beloved Parrot’s Grave
During my tour of the well, I chatted with my host about odd roadside attractions. She mentioned the town’s beloved buried parrot in Seneca City Cemetery, and I had to see Beauty’s gravesite market for myself.
The subject of local folklore, the parrot belong to a Seneca resident Henry W. Fuller who admired it so much his feathered friend is buried next to him. He taught Beauty how to talk, and she was thought to have a 300-word vocabulary. She died at age 50.
ABILENE
World’s Largest Belt Buckle
They said it was big. They said it was worth pulling the car over for, and they weren’t kidding. The World’s Largest Belt Buckle (400 N. Pine Street) is 19 feet by 10.5 inches wide and 13 feet by 11.25 inches tall situated high on a frame with stairs.
A view from the top not only serves as an entertaining photo opportunity, but it provides views of Eisenhower Park & Rose Garden and an amphitheater.
WILSON
World’s Largest Czech Egg
In honor of Wilson’s heritage, the World’s Largest Czech Egg (2520 Ave. D) designed by artist Christine Slechta, stands 20′ tall by 15′ wide at Ed & LaVange Shiroky Park.
But perhaps the town’s most coveted Czech eggs are found indoors at The Midland Mercantile and Art Gallery, the home of Kepka Belton’s collection.
LUCAS
World’s Largest Souvenir Plate
The World’s Largest Souvenir Travel Plate (5496 K-18 Highway) serves as the welcome sign as you enter Lucas, an example of the whimsical artwork you can expect to see on display throughout town.
Park your car on either side of the road at a pull-off area, if you want to take an up-close photo.
Second Best Restroom in America
Referred to as “a mosaic patchwork potty, Bowl Plaza (121 S. Main Street), is more than a public restroom. The artists, Mri-Pilar and Eric Abraham, used pieces of broken pottery, glass bottles, toys, and more to adorn the pretty privy. Venture inside, even if you don’t need to use the facilities, and sign the guestbook.
Bowl Plaza earned recognition as 2nd Best Restroom in America by Cintas and Quirkiest Experience at the 2018 International Toilet Tourism Awards.
GOODLAND
World’s Largest Painting on an Easel
Most Kansans have heard of the Giant Van Gogh, the World’s Largest Painting on an Easel (1901-1917 Cherry Avenue). If you haven’t seen it, it’s worth taking Exit 17 into Goodland from KS I-70. The 24’x34′ replica of the artist’s sunflower painting sits directly behind the town’s visitor’s center. It was erected on site on June 19, 2001. ‘
A must-see attraction, it’s easy to walk up to it using the brick-lined sidewalk and get a glimpse. You can expect to see other tourists taking selfies and photos of it.
COLBY
Largest Barn in Kansas
A major reason for my visit to Colby was to step foot inside The Cooper Barn (1905 S. Franklin Avenue). The largest barn in Kansas stands 66′ wide, 114′ long, and 48′ high. Voted one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Architecture, I had to look inside. I drew back one of the barn doors. The interior was impeccably clean.
The first floor’s exhibit, “Agriculture on the High Plains: High Dry,” encourages visitors to imagine farming during water scarcity. What’s on the third floor? You’ll have to see it for yourself when you visit Colby.
This list merely scratches the surface of unique attractions worth pulling over to see. In fact, I’ve yet to add twine to the World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City, so stay tuned for an update.
BONUS! Pull over in downtown Lyons, Kansas, to view the World’s Largest Salt Shaker, a nod to Central Salt, an area mine that produces rock salt and deicing chemicals for snow and ice control.
Some call Kansas a flyover state, but who would want to miss this? Bookmark this list for your next cross-country Kansas road trip; a trail of roadside wonders awaits.
Want more wacky discoveries? Read my travel post Kansas Underground: Fascinating Spaces Beneath the Surface.
And be sure to also check out my Facebook post for 10 more whimsical roadside wonders worth pulling over to see up close.
To learn more about the town’s history, including America’s first patented helicopter, enjoy free admission at High Plains Museum. For travelers interested in touring a historic home, the Mary Seaman Ennis House transports you back in time to see how residents once lived.
Established in 1887, it continues to offer residents and visitors fabulous options for entertainment. You can experience magnificent art, museum tours, and an updated downtown scene on any given day.
The hotel accommodations also included a complimentary full breakfast. Other on-site perks included a state-of-the-art fitness center, snack counter, and free Wi-Fi. When in Goodland, choose the 
The 24’x34′ replica of the artist’s sunflower painting sits directly behind the town’s visitor’s center. It was erected on site on June 19, 2001.
The mural pictured below, “Rural Free Delivery,” was painted by Kenneth Adams and installed in the Goodland, Kansas, post office in 1937.
The painting and others commissioned by The Section for Fine Arts were created to lift the spirits of people who suffered during the Great Depression. It was one of almost 30 murals commissioned in Kansas.
Goodland boasts nearly a dozen murals worth finding while touring the Northwestern Kansas town.
The United Telephone Building (10th and Main St.) is an architectural wonder thanks to its bright colors and intricate patterns. Built in 1931, its design includes terra cotta panels set off by Aztec artwork.
Without a doubt, 
Located near the courthouse, the “They Came to Stay” Sculpture deserves a visit. The sculpture by Goodland native, Greg Todd, tells the story of homesteaders on the prairie and their determination to settle on the Kansas plains.
I encourage you to visit the gallery and appreciate the work of regional artists like Torres during a self-guided tour. The center also has a small retail section devoted to selling Kansas-made gifts.
The shop is stocked with women’s clothing, home decor, and some Kansas-inspired gifts. It’s the kind of place where you’re bound to leave with a full shopping bag.
Although I didn’t leave with clothes, I did purchase a large bottle of Kansas-produced honey, a staple in my pantry.
Expect organized bookshelves with new titles in various genres. I noticed a large inventory of romance and fantasy books. The store regularly posts new book arrivals on its 
Half of the quaint store is devoted to reading areas for children. Other items for sale include DIY bookmarks and stickers.
I discovered a museum filled with treasures. The largest was a full-size, automated replica of the first patented helicopter in America.
The helicopter’s full-size version never flew vertically and eventually crashed. Even though a patent was released for its design about the same time, the two men returned to their day jobs after realizing the helicopter project was unsuccessful.
The car was meticulously restored. A prominent figure in the community at the time, you will still see his name displayed in town, including a city park named after him.
Of the more than 8,000 objects on display, a few left me thinking about the early days of Goodland.
I consider museums an extended classroom, and High Plains Museum is one you should visit in Goodland.
Admission to the museum is free, but donations are gladly accepted. Don’t forget to sign the guestbook. If you’re lucky, they may gift you a free postcard.
The house dates back to 1907. Widowed and with daughters, Mary Ennis pushed forward with plans to build the home after her husband’s death. They resided there until 1917.
The home may or may not provide tours anymore, but it’s definitely worth driving by to see it. I appreciated the beautiful stained-glass windows above the front staircase and the second-floor patio.
The Vanilla Latte and Egg and Cheese Biscuit gave me the fuel for a full day of exploring Goodland. If you’re wanting a substantial breakfast, check out the Daily Specials that often include full-plate meals. The Bistro Originals chalkboard features hearty sandwiches and wraps if you want to stop there for lunch.
Opting for the classic glazed donut holes, I devoured them within minutes.
PRO TIP: And if that’s not enough to satisfy your craving, check the glass case for the day’s freshly prepared donuts ready for to-go orders.
The owner, who also doubles as the cook, has filled the restaurant with antiques from floor to ceiling. Nothing is off-limits at the bar and grill. Bicycles dangle above your head. Road signs cover the walls. The bar is an antique salvaged and transported from San Francisco.
I sat in a wooden booth and reviewed the menu. Did I have the appetite for the infamous pork tenderloin sandwich? It’s enough to feed two people.
Instead, I ordered the Crazy R Burger and a side of homemade onion rings. An oldies radio station played in the background while locals stopped for a mid-day meal. I look forward to returning to Goodland on a Wednesday to take advantage of the Prime Rib Special.
Most recent additions to the roadside attraction include a towering palm tree with a chair, a blue roadrunner inspired by Looney Tunes, and signage supporting local sports teams.
“A Little This, A Lotta That” exhibit includes items from Joe and Nellie Kuska. She was a Colby school teacher who devoted her entire life to collecting glass, coins, furniture, toys, dolls, and more.
The exhibit “Over Here Over There” stopped me in my tracks. The case you see below houses uniforms from different military branches worn by Thomas County residents dating back to WWI. Looking closely, you will see a white badge on each uniform identifying the soldier who wore it. Some of the badges also include a photo that personalized the story.
Beyond the museum’s doors is a campus of historical buildings worth checking out. The yellow house pictured below, owned by the Eller family, is significant because it is one of the earliest homes built in Colby in 1903. The family purchased the home three years later.
The one-room schoolhouse, aka Nicol School, serves as a time capsule to an earlier time. Schoolhouses in Thomas County closed when school consolidation took place.
Colby is known for its hardworking farmers, so it was no surprise to find antique farming equipment on site. According to kfb.org, one farmer feeds 168 people. Farmers and ranchers receive only 19 cents of every dollar spent on food eaten at home and away from home. Farm fields as far as the eye can see greet visitors to Colby along KS I-70.
A major reason for my visit to Colby was to step foot inside The Cooper Barn. The largest barn in Kansas stands 66′ wide, 114′ long, and 48′ high. Voted one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Architecture, I had to look inside. I drew back one of the barn doors. The interior was impeccably clean.
The photo below is of the boutique’s second building, which mostly features kitchen and dining room items. Garden lovers will appreciate the animal statuary and botanical stems. Calligraphy signs are tucked neatly into vignettes. Who doesn’t need a little sign that reads, “If you had to choose between tacos every day or being thin forever, would you choose hard or soft?”
The store has a space devoted to lounging and enjoying confections, ice cream, and cold drinks. Brightly colored booths line the wall, and jars of retro candies tempt shoppers to stock up on their favorites. I bet it also doubles as a great place to keep the kids happy while Mom shops until her heart’s content.
A highlight of the park was capturing photos of its remarkable art installations. I appreciated how a chainsaw artist took what was most likely a dying tree and transformed it into a work of art.
A second masterpiece caught my eye. It was a mini Statue of Liberty similar to the one I had seen in downtown Hays, Kansas. She stood with poise, welcoming park visitors at one corner of the lawn. It is one of the 25 Statue of Liberty replicas in Kansas. The tiny Lady Liberty statues were placed in public spaces by the Boy Scouts of America for their 40th anniversary.
The clock was ticking, and I needed to get back on the road, but my day in Colby was made better by the many cool things to do in town. I can’t wait to return to shop on Main Street and dine at 
