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Must-See Destinations in Goodland, Kansas

September 6, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

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

Good things are happening in Goodland. Having never visited this western Kansas town, I was shocked at how much it had to offer. Established in 1887, it continues to offer residents and visitors fabulous options for entertainment. On any given day, you can experience magnificent art, museum tours, and an updated downtown scene.

LODGING

Goodland has excellent hotels located just off KS I-70. I stayed at the newly opened Holiday Inn Express & Suites (2725 Enterprise Rd.), which receives high accolades on social media for its comfortable amenities. The hotel truly rolls out the red carpet for guests.

My second-floor room included a small foray, king size bed, drink station with mini fridge, microwave, work desk, and an oversized bathroom. When you need a quiet, luxurious room to unwind after driving, this hotel knocks it out of the park. It’s the little things that make it special. I turned on the TV to see a message on the screen waiting for me, “Welcome to Goodland, Vanessa!” Wow.

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 Holiday Inn Express & Suites for an overnight stay.

ATTRACTIONS

PUBLIC ART

Most Kansans have heard of the Giant Van Gogh, the World’s Largest Easel Painting. 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.

The mural pictured below, “Rural Free Delivery,” was painted by Kenneth Adams and installed in the Goodland, Kansas post office in 1937. The painting, along with 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.

The post office was built in 1935 and is listed on the state’s register of historic places. The interior is stunning, especially the original woodwork and door finishes.

You don’t have to look far to discover beautiful artwork and architecture in Goodland, Kansas. The Director of Goodland Carnegie Arts Center, Abby Killingsworth, and a team of artists recently completed this mural “Ad Astra” downtown. Do you see the flying helicopter? I think it’s a nod to the replica on display at High Plains Museum in the area.

ARCHITECTURE

Some Main Street districts in Kansas have architecture that invites you to get out of your car to see it up close. Goodland is that kind of town. Many of the buildings were designed using Art Deco style.  The United Telephone Building (10th and Main) 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.

Another downtown structure that deserves your attention is Elliot’s Inc. (1019 Main St.), a building filled with home furnishings. The original color combination and Mid-Century modern styling stopped me in my tracks as I walked along the sidewalk across the street to view its architecture. What do you think of it?

Without a doubt, Goodland has one of the most good-looking courthouses in the state. The same Art Deco design that is seen on the United Telephone Building is evident on the Sherman County Courthouse. I love the arched windows over the entry doors and the grille pattern on the windows.

Located nearby the courthouse, “They Came to Stay” 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. Remember, settlers to the area didn’t find trees (no timber for building homes), so they were forced to build their homes using sod bricks formed by hand. It was hard work that required true grit.

ART MUSEUM

Carnegie Arts Center (120 W. 12th St.), once home to the town’s library, gives art lovers a chance to see rotating exhibits in its first-floor gallery. During my tour, I appreciated the work of Harley Torres’ exhibition “Cigarettes and Tea, a Study of Self.” The visual artist’s pieces are made with neutral colors were ceramics unlike anything that I’d ever seen before. I encourage you to visit the gallery and appreciate the work of regional artists like Torres during a self-guide tour. The center also has a small retail section devoted to selling Kansas-made gifts. To plan your visit, check their hours and admission fees here.

SHOPPING

If you’re cruising down the downtown area in search of a women’s clothing store, Lou Lou’s Boutique (110 E 11th St) is the best one in town. The highly-rated shop is known for friendly service and high-quality apparel. I thought the fashion-forward jeans and jewelry were affordably priced.

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.

Do you love to hunt down antiques? Goodland has a premiere antique mall that you should visit. Mor Mor’s Antiques (212 E. 17th St.) is just around the corner from the downtown district. Antique dealers sell their finds from rented booth spaces.

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.

MUSEUMS

To experience Goodland’s heritage, you only have to drive a short distance from downtown to the High Plains Museum (1717 Cherry St.). The museum curators have done an excellent job of telling the story of the people of western Kansas. The outside of the building is a bit misleading as one might think the only thing on display is an old helicopter. Not true!

During my visit, a traveling exhibit from the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, “Manufacturing Victory” was on display. Video testimonials, artifacts, and information walls covered in photography that showcases the men and women who dedicated their work to the cause.

Just beyond the WWII exhibit, I discovered a museum filled with treasures. The largest of them was a full-size, automated replica of the first patented helicopter in America. Push the button and watch the blades go! Inspired by the Wright brothers, William Purvis and Charles Wilson built the two-story helicopter in Goodland. The 1910 design was an ambitious one. 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.

A 1902 Holsman rope-driven car is the second largest exhibit in the museum. It was the first automobile driven in Sherman County and was owned by Dr. A.C. Gulick. The car was meticulously restored. A prominent figure in the community at the time, you will still see the name displayed in town including a city park that is named after him.

Of the 8,000 objects on display, a few left me thinking about the early days of Goodland. It was the story of two train robbers. The criminal’s original black masks, gun, and a money box sit on display. During the early 1900s, the Jones Brothers boarded a Union Pacific Train east of Limon, Colorado and robbed its passengers while they slept. One man tried to stop the robbery and was killed. Eventually, the robbers made their way to Goodland on foot where they sought refuge on Bartholomew’s ranch. It was there that the Texas outlaws were shot dead by the Goodland Posse.

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!

The Ennis-Handy 1907 Victorian House (202 W. 13th St.) is a must-see destination worthy of a tour. The Sherman County Historical Society has worked diligently to restore and maintain the property. The two-story home has a colorfully painted exterior and ornate woodwork inside. Over the years, the home has seen a lot of changes.

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. Later, the home became a boarding house and then a funeral home. Eventually, Calvin Handy bought the home in 1956 and it stayed in the family until Edythe Handy died in 2000. (Fact: Edythe died in the home’s dining room. Ask more about that during your tour.)

Today, you can view the home’s craftsmanship first-hand and learn more about the influential families who resided in it. I appreciated the beautiful stained-glass windows above the front staircase and the second-floor patio.

DINING

There is no shortage of restaurant options when looking for a place to dine in Goodland. For breakfast, I’d recommend driving to the edge of town to Good Grounds Coffee Shop & Bistro (2402 Commerce Road). The drive-thru and lobby stay busy proving that it is one of the best places in town to enjoy a specialty coffee with breakfast.

The Vanilla Latte and Egg and Cheese Biscuit gave me the fuel I needed for a full day of exploring Goodland. If you’re in search of 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’d like to stop there for lunch. I suggest viewing the unique artwork for sale on the gallery wall while you wait for your meal to be prepared. Free Wi-Fi is available.

I chose to enjoy a late lunch at Crazy R’s Bar & Grill (1618 Main St.). Several locals told me to visit the restaurant because it was “like a museum” and a “step back in time.” Of course, I had to check it out!

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 in for a mid-day meal. I look forward to returning to Goodland on a Wednesday to take advantage of the Prime Rib Special.

Because I wasn’t able to visit all the places I wanted to while in Goodland, I’ll plan to stop by again on my next KS I-70 road trip west from Wichita. I still want to check out McKinney’s Sweet Treats, the Sherman Theatre, Flatlander Fall Festival, and to hunt down the Giant Grasshopper, a roadside metal sculpture on Highway 27. Oh! And I want to try Go Goodland Bingo, a fun way to enter to win a gift card while exploring the town.

Have you visited Goodland? What other destinations should I add to my bucket list?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Kansas, Travel Tagged With: antiques, architecture, art, Art Deco, boutique, ceramics, easel, Goodland, helicopter, historic, home, Kansas, Midwest, mural, museums, prairie, rural, Van Gogh, Western Kansas, WWII

Go West! Exploring Russell, Kansas and the Surrounding Area

August 9, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside 6 Comments

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

When Kansas I-70 Association asked me if I wanted to take to the road to tell the story of Western Kansas, I was all in. They wanted me to explore multiple rural towns. My only question was “When do I leave?” My first assignment was to gas up the car and head to Russell County and capture the people and places that make it a bucket list destination.

WILSON

My first stop on the Kansas I-70 road trip took a  slight detour, but I had to check it out. The town of Wilson has the World’s Largest Czech Egg located at the Ed & LaVange Shiroky Park. Standing 20′ tall x 15′ wide, it was hand-painted by 50+ local volunteers with more than 2,000+ hours. The massive egg, designed by local Czech egg artist, Christina Slechta, is covered with symbolic images.

Wilson is considered the Czech Capital of Kansas and the annual After Harvest Czech Festival brings thousands to the area to celebrate the heritage of families who settled in the area. 

Wilson, Kansas

POST ROCK SCENIC BYWAY

A short drive on KS-232 from town, the Post Rock Scenic Byway drive routes you to Wilson Lake just south of Lucas, Kansas. The 18-mile byway is named after the limestone fence posts that pioneers used in the late 1800s when wood wasn’t available. Kansas limestone was sourced from what was an old seabed. 

For all of the people who say Kansas is “flat,” they’ve never taken this drive to enjoy the rolling hills and endless views. Watch as the limestone fence posts rush past the car along your route. Like me, you might find yourself pulling the car over numerous times just to get a better view. Kansas pulls out all the stops. I can only imagine how beautiful the night sky looks when stargazing in the area.

Post Rock Scenic Byway

WILSON LAKE

If you love to fish, boat, or simply relax on the beach, there’s no better place to do it than Wilson Lake. It’s the clearest lake in Kansas! Once you stand above it from the overlook or on part of 100 miles of shoreline, you’re amazed by its beauty.

It was my first visit to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake and honestly, I was impressed. This is not a fishing hole or a brown water Kansas lake. It’s gorgeous! You can camp, fish, kick back on sandy swimming beaches, windsurf, and more if you visit the area. You might even spot sailplane racing. Oh, and do you love to fish? Wilson Lake is considered an angler’s paradise. One of 24 reservoirs in Kansas, it is revered for its bass, crappie, catfish, and walleye fishing. It was ranked #86 of the Top 100 Lakes Nationwide by Bass Masters Magazine. 

Wilson Lake Dam

The geologic formations and rolling rolls make the drive in this area of Russell County spectacular. Kansas is NOT flat. In fact, many mountain bikers like to twist and jump along the Switchgrass Bike Trail that winds 7.5 miles over the hills. Not much for adrenaline sports? Wilson Lake is also a geocache location for those who want to find a hidden treasure.

Have you explored Wilson Lake yet? Hop in the car and head west on KS I-70 to experience it first-hand. Don’t forget to pack your fishing poles and swim gear. 

Wilson Lake Trail

LUCAS

People have said that I needed to visit Lucas for years. I kept putting it off, which was a mistake because it is a Kansas town that offers once in a lifetime experience. It has the distinction of being home to three of the 8 Wonders of Kansas sites. The reason its reputation proceeds it? It’s probably the most eccentric, artistic town in the Sunflower State. I had never seen anything like it and nor will you. Over 15,000 visitors add Lucas to their road trip must-visit list each year.

Lucas, Kansas

I continued on Hwy 232 from Wilson Lake to Lucas, the “Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas.” I spied yard art, ceramic plates on lights poles, and a lion sculpture within five minutes of my arrival. WHOA. I parked the car on Main Street and saw a woman wearing an oversized straw hat sitting on scaffolding with a brush in hand painting a mural. I introduced myself and learned that she was commissioned by Lucas Pride Program to revive the faded mural, a project that was nearly complete. She happily welcomed me to town.

Lucas MuralWith the Bowl Plaza in my sights, I made my way to a bright white building covered in mosaics shaped like a toilet bowl. Like everything in Lucas, local artists decided to “bling” the building that was built as the town’s public restroom. To say that it is an unforgettable experience is an understatement. The building resembles a toilet tank, the benches are the seat, the entrance is the lid, and the sidewalk mimic the curved of toilet paper. I don’t want to spoil the rest for you. Plan a pitstop in Lucas so you can see the entirety of Bowl Plaza for yourself. 

Bowl PlazaMore artistic talent is on view at the Grassroots Art Center, a building that showcases the whimsical work of over 25 self-taught artists. Most of the rotating exhibitions were created by artists later in life or during their retirement. None of them held back on using their creativity to wow onlookers. 

In my opinion, the most mind-blowing display of creativity was a sculpture by John Woods. He paid homeless people to dredge MacArthur Park Lake to collect the art supplies he needed for the sculpture, “Westlake Park.” Every inch of the sculpture is covered in lost lake items ranging from watches to toys and necklaces to marbles. Another artist, Gary Pendergrass, who hails from Wichita layered and stacked objects to create a ship with a steampunk theme.

Many of the artists’ works show their appreciation for recycling objects to find new uses for them. I suggest you step inside the building’s old bank vault to see the work of Overland Park artist, James Peruca. He used recycled objects to create art that surrounds the viewer. What do you recognize in the photo below?

ArtAdmission to the Grassroots Art Center doesn’t necessarily include a guided tour but the helpful employee that works there is more than happy to provide background information about the artwork on display. If you spy a piece that you’d love to take home with you, there is a good chance it’s for sale.

The Garden of Eden and Cabin is a major draw for tourists to Lucas. Samuel Perry Dinsmoor, a retired school teacher and Civil War veteran, built the 11-cabin in 1907 to attract tourists. He constructed it from 113 tons of cement over 22 years. His family gave tours of the cabin and the Garden of Eden to make money.

Today, his body can be seen under glass in the mausoleum he built on the property. His first wife is buried underneath him in a concrete vault. He married his second wife, who was 20 years old when he married her at age 81. It was all part of his idea for creating a tourist attraction. Strange? Odd? Fascinating? It’s all of the above and more. It still draws a crowd.

Garden of Eden cabinI was fascinated by Dinsmoor’s use of wire and cement to build massive structures that told a story. The photo below shows his interpretation of bringing down civilization. The Goddess of Liberty has one foot on the trusts. The man and woman are sawing off the “chartered rights limb,” which represents Dinsmoor’s thoughts on big business overtaking an individual’s rights.

Garden of EdenI sarcastically mumbled to myself during the tour of his property, “Because, why not? That seems perfectly normal.” For its wow factor, I recommend visiting the Garden of Eden, located 16 miles north of KS I-70. Admission includes a self-guided sculpture tour, however, the employee on-site eagerly took me and a visiting family around the property. Don’t miss Miller’s Park just to the east of the property. Roy and Clara Miller designed the rock formations as a rest stop attraction and recreation area along Kansas Highway 18, which have been moved to a permanent location next to the Garden of Eden.

Other destinations worth visiting in Lucas include Brant’s Market, Lucas Area Community Theater, Possumbilities, World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Things, and Florence Deeble’s Rock Garden. Don’t be surprised if you feel inspired to create your own artwork after touring the whimsical town.

Mosaic

RUSSELL

With more fun in store, I left Lucas and drove 40 minutes to Russell, the childhood home of retired United States Senator and military hero Bob Dole. The agriculture and petroleum-producing town has a lot to offer visitors. As I made my way around town, I discovered well-preserved main street buildings, manicured parks, and an undercurrent of hometown pride depicting in its murals, veterans park, and historic landmarks.

theaterBefore checking into my lodging accommodations at Fossil Creek Hotel & Suites, I drove downtown to grab a bite to eat at the town’s newest business, The Bar. It is owned by an attorney, hence the name. Open less than a year, locals and visitors are drawn to its modern interior and sophisticated menu. I was taken aback by the expansive wall of antique law books that served as the backdrop to a row of leather booths. Board games, a life-sized Connect 4 game, and a shuffleboard table took up space in the back of the room. The Bar has a row of supersized TVs guaranteeing a good view no matter where you sit.

The BarI chose the lunch special (pick 2 items for $8 or 3 items for $10) and a cold pint of beer from one of 20 on tap. The impressive lunch plate came with a hummus and muffuletta panini sandwich, apple walnut salad, and a heaping side of addictive truffle fries. The ingredients were fresh and delicious – just the kind of meal I’d been craving on the road. If you’re headed to Russell for an event, I was told to keep in mind that The Bar gets busy. Get there early!

The BarAfter lunch, I dug in my heels and started checking out the town. The murals of Russell are eye-catching. When traveling along KS I-70, pull over into this quaint town to see them up close.

mural Russell KansasThe home of U.S. Senator Bob Dole, the area honors veterans, agricultural, oil refining, and their residents with beautiful street art. Other attractions worth seeking out include Bob Dole’s childhood home, downtown shops, and Memorial Park for its golf course, swimming pool, and veterans memorial.

Driving through town, I saw buildings made with the region’s most readily available material, limestone. The churches, schools, and early homes in Russell were constructed with stunning sedimentary rock. Visitors can pay to tour some of them like the Heym-Oliver House, built in 1878 by Nicholas Heym on land he purchased for $50. HeadS up! Be sure to check their hours before you visit. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to step inside it because it was a Monday and they were closed.

With a bit of exploring under my belt, I drove to Waudby’s Sports Bar & Grill for a basket of their popular chicken wings. The Vicotria-era building is listed on the national register. When oil workers needed recreation, the building was made into a pool hall in 1923. A family-friendly restaurant, the backroom has arcade games that beg for kids to play them and a pool table for adults in the bar area.

Waudby'sNot far from my hotel, I checked in and found the hotel and amenities comfortable. Fossil Creek Inn & Suites offers busy travelers an affordable stay with a long list of amenities including a swimming pool, whirlpool, and complimentary continental breakfast.

hotel lobbyNear the hotel, Meridy’s Restaurant and Lounge was within walking distance. The hotel receptionist recommended I visit the buffet while another local suggested I go for broke and order a steak. I sat amongst couples meeting with their friends and dining on downhome comfort meals. Conversations revolved around local gossip, the summer heat, and farming woes. Everyone knew everyone. I heard the server say, “See ya Pops!” when a regular customer paid his check and headed for home.

While tempted to order a steak (ask about their current prices), I chose Crab Stuffed Shrimp. It was decadent and delicious. Meridy’s is a local restaurant you can see from the highway as you come into town making it a prime location and solid choice for a good meal.

Meridy'sRussell is a town that I passed without stopping along KS I-70 from Kansas to Colorado dozens of times. My mistake! Russell and the surrounding towns offer travelers warm hospitality and sights that surprise them. Good people, interesting attractions, and a variety of dining options make Russell County a sure-win.

Have you spent a day in Russell, Lucas, or on the water at Wilson Lake? Share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to continue learning about the area from others.

 

Filed Under: Kansas, Travel Tagged With: art, art museum, Bowl Plaza, getaway, highway, I-70, Kansas, lake, limestone, Lucas, memorial, Midwest, public art, road trip, rural, Russell, scenic byway

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Hello! I'm Vanessa. Welcome to One Delightful Life, a blog created to add more delight to your life with delicious recipes, travel destinations, and lifestyle improvement ideas. Thanks for exploring my blog!

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