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.
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.
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.
The residents have always treated me kindly. Their welcoming spirit is genuine. I’m one of the town’s biggest fans for its progressiveness, focus on the arts, and plethora of entertainment options.
LODGING
I had the pleasure of staying in the 
The new hotel features Hilton’s expected amenities and then some. The beautifully decorated hotel is designed in a modern style with references to the region from the lobby’s opulent, gas-powered fireplace to the private library with the finest furnishings.
Guests also have access to complimentary free nearby parking, a hot breakfast, free WiFi, evening socials Monday-Wednesday. The impressive evening socials give guests a chance to unwind with an alcoholic beverage and a light dinner – and it’s all included in your stay.
The fitness room was the largest I’d ever seen in a hotel and it featured top-of-the-line exercise equipment. For swimmers looking to do laps, the pool is definitely large enough. Lounge chairs also make it an ideal place to sit back and close your eyes in relaxation. The facilities were clean and spacious. 
Homewood Suites by Hilton has thought of EVERYTHING. For travelers who have an extended stay, they’ve provided a laundry room for guests to use, a delightful discovery. Imagine arriving home with a suitcase of clean clothes!
And it gets better! Upon check-in, you’ll be asked what kind of complimentary coupon you would like to use at the hotel’s Starbucks cafe. Buy One, Get One specialty coffee beverages? Don’t mind if I do. Homewood Suites by Hilton rolls out the red carpet. After getting settled into your room, you’ll want to extend your stay. I highly recommend 
The 90-minute dramedy, set in 1912, told the story of scientist Marie Curie who spent two months at her friend Hertha Ayrton’s seaside home recovering from the emotional scars from public scrutiny. The two-person cast performed in a black box theatre where the audience sat only feet from them. It was a moving experience.
I love a museum that tells a story well. Did you know that Salina was once the third-largest producer of flour in the world? The newest exhibit, “
Eventually, the town became a crossroads for industry that included the railroad, Schilling Air Force Base (closed in 1966), technology companies, trucking, and healthcare.
The museum includes an abundance of hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. From examining parts of a buffalo to building a city and starting a tornado to playing with old-fashioned toys, Smoky Hill Museum is an entertaining experience. Make sure to walk upstairs to 
Before you exit the museum, purchase Kansas-made products and keepsakes in the gift shop. They have a wide selection of travel guides and non-fiction books about Kansas.
There is no charge to visit the Smoky Hill Museum. They are closed on Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays. Plan your visit 
Opened as the Fox-Watson Theatre in 1931, it was the idea of a wealthy grocer and banker in Salina. W.W. Watson, with help from others, opened the doors to the movie palace considered “one of the most beautiful in Kansas.” (Source: Stiefel Theatre). It was later renamed after Milton Stiefel who was a major contributor to its renovation.
Fast forward decades later after a major renovation in 2003. The theatre’s state-of-the-art sound system, backstage accommodations, and stunning interior make it a must-stop venue for performers.
Later, I met up with the executive director of the 
If you also appreciate listening to orchestral music or perhaps have always wanted to hear it, you can purchase tickets to one or all of the six concerts performed each year. The holiday show is so well attended that it was expanded to two days.
My first priority when touring Rolling Hills Zoo was to visit the giraffe exhibit. I approached the area slowly as to not startle them. To my surprise, Zuri, Billie, and the youngest, Korey, were as interested in me as I was in them. Korey, who was born in December 2020, is 10 feet tall and growing. The other giraffes are 11 years old.
I visited the zoo in the early afternoon hours when most of the animals were napping, including a bear in a hammock. However, a tiger rose from his slumber to yawn in acknowledgment of passersby. Capybaras and flamingos explored. Barnyard animals greeted children.
The zoo has an 
A visit to Rolling Hills Zoo should be at the top of your list of things to do when in Salina. To experience the upcoming events, view gate admission prices and the zoo’s hours, visit the 
BOUTIQUE SHOPPING
Known for carrying antiques, market finds, and locally-made jewelry, 
In search of new clothes to add to your closet? 
I came home with a pair of earrings from 
Also a place for families, the youngest visitors will appreciate the children’s book section and inviting gumball machine. I recommend asking about the specialty coffee of the month. Proceeds from my purchase of a Bee Kind Latté went to a local non-profit. You’ll find it difficult to leave without buying a book, t-shirt, or Kansas-themed gift.
DAGNEY’S ICE CREAM
MARTINELLI’S LITTLE ITALY
Leave room for homemade tiramisu or creme brûlée. Ask for the drink and dessert menus before ordering your meal to plan ahead. The family-style portions are HUGE. A quarter-size pasta dish is prepared with a half-pound of pasta. The spaghetti comes with a one-pound meatball. You’ll need a to-go box.
DAIMARU STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR
Daimaru is popular with locals. The sushi chefs never stood still. I watched as they prepared enormous sushi platters. Artfully designed, the sushi tasted as good as it looked.
I took advantage of a sunny weather day to visit most of the Saturday events. The impressive lineup of things to do kicked off with the parade on Andover Road. Parents and kids lined both sides of the street ready to grab flying candy thrown from floats passing by.
As soon as the parade came to an end, families gathered their belongings and headed to 
Car enthusiasts gathered at the 
Gearheads grabbed their phones to snap photos. Vehicle owners chatted about their love of all things cars. In my opinion, the shining star of the show Ford Falcon Squire Wagon. The white-wall tires, candy red paint, and classic design caught my attention as well as that of passersby. What make and model do you hope to see on display at a car show?
Parents shuttled their kids to the carnival where the rides like the ferris wheel and fast-moving Tilt-a-Whirl awaited. I think the best part of the carnival was witnessing adults taking their kids on rides for the first time.
Festival Tip: For $25, you can purchase a wristband that lets you ride as many rides as you want during the carnival. While a button is required for entry to Greater Andover Days, the wristband provides hours of entertainment Friday-Saturday.
While the fishing clinic at Lake George and hot dog eating contest took place, I returned to the carnival to buy concessions food and check out the games. I asked the concessions stand worker, “Which should I buy…cotton candy or a snow cone?” Once I saw the massive bag of spun sugar, I opted for a cherry snow cone, a yummy choice.
The sound of arcade games and a ringing of the winner’s bell rang out only steps from the concessions stand. A lifelong fan of Skeeball, I had to check it out. With every toss, kids and their parents worked hard to win oversized stuffed animals.
More activity was bustling at the Business Expo/Craft Fair where artisans sold unique gifts and local store owners talked with festival-goers. In a nearby tent, kids excitedly picked out the design they wanted to have painted on their faces while parents introduced themselves to one another. Entrepreneurs talked business and chatted about local happenings.
Nearby, small groups of kids ran to the nearby bouncy houses, a highlight of Saturday’s KidFest. Children couldn’t kick off their shoes fast enough. Piles of sneakers sat outside the entrance of an inflatable castle as kids jumped and giggled inside. Long lines formed to climb the towering stairs to slide down slides where parents waiting poised with cameras.
The 
The young performers delivered a show-stopping performance that entertained while educating kids. Afterward, kids jumped up to burn off energy at three family-friendly stations nearby: hay maze, water balloons, and pedal cars.
I took a break from the activity to grab lunch at the food court where there were many choices for street food fare. I walked by a barbecue food truck and a grilled hamburger station but ultimately decided to order a “tacone” from 
I knew just the place to sit down and enjoy my meal. The beer garden. Set up on Central Park Lodge’s patio within viewing distance of the concert stage, it was the ideal setting to people watch and listen to the band’s perform soundcheck.
The excitement of the day was topped off by a spectacular firework show that lit up the night sky over Andover Central Park. Onlookers craned their necks to admire the colorful splendor.
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.
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.
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.
