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soda fountain

Fun Things to Do in Greensburg, Kansas During an Overnight Stay

July 13, 2022 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

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.

GreensburgLocated 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!

The Big Well

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.

well 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.

stairsIf 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.

charging station

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).

bikesStop 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.

stairsOther 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.

Visit the park at night to see “The Beacon” illuminated. The cylindrical sculpture commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Greensburg tornado. Read the quote on it.

sculpture

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.

theatre seatsGeorge, 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.

candy counterAs 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.

Kook'sOpen 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.

Patty MeltPRO 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.

pie

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.

frame shopWhere’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.

record playersCatherine’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.

gift shopTurquoise 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!

boutique 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.

art galleryInside, 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.

art

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.

art galleryAfter my indoor gallery tour, I headed outside to walk the property and back buildings. The contents were left untouched since his death in 2017.

farm buildingsThe 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.

coffee cupsLiggett’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?

public artFROMME-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.

round barnListed 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.

barnRestored 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.

windmills

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.

museumA 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.

soda fountainPRO 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.

soda

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.

barnPRO 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.

library

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.

Crazy MuleThe 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.

country fried steak

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.

schoolOne 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.

hallwaysLockers 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.

outdoor common areaIf 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.

disc golfGreensburg’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.

sandwichGreensburg 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.

Greensburg

 

Filed Under: Kansas, Travel Tagged With: antiques, art, bar & grill, barn, Best Western, biking, boutiques, butcher shop, deli, disc golf, electric car, farm, gallery, Greensburg, high school, Kansas, library, meteorite, movie theatre, Mullinville, museum, pallasite, park, roadside, sculpture, soda fountain, sustainability, sustainable, swimming pool, tornado, water, well, windmill

Visiting WaKeeney, Kansas: The Christmas City of the High Plains

August 18, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

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

Driving into WaKeeney, I wondered why a small rural town of its size would call itself “The Christmas City of the High Plains.” Within minutes I was parked directly in front of an archway that read “North Pole.” Wooden cutouts of holiday trees and figurines sat in a courtyard surrounded by murals painted with Christmas scenes. It may have been a sweltering 99-degree summer day in Kansas, but it certainly conjured up thoughts of winter. I thought, “Why does this town love Christmas so much?”

Since 1950, the town has lived up to its nickname when local businessmen displayed a 35′ Christmas tree covered in 3,000 lights in the center of town. The tree and display are lit the Saturday after Thanksgiving and stay illuminated until New Year’s Day. Long strands of twinkling lights and fresh greenery stretch from the tree to neighboring businesses lighting up the downtown. The four-block district is illuminated in colorful lights. The Christmas tree and lighting displays are considered to be one of the largest of their kind along KS I-70 during the holiday season. Some of the decorations stay up the entire year along Main Street and inside its businesses. How many trees will you spot around town?

BREAKFAST

HOMETOWN BAKERY

WaKeeney is much more than a tourist stop along Kansas I-70 between Kansas City and Denver. The county seat of Trego County is home to hardworking residents who roll out the red carpet for visitors. WaKeeney offers travelers a place to enjoy a simpler way of life. It wasn’t long before I found myself quickly making friends with the locals at Hometown Bakery (215 N. Main St.), a busy place during breakfast.

I was craving a hearty and comforting meal. I ordered the Breakfast Plate of eggs, potatoes, and toast along with a freshly brewed coffee. I could hear the cook, who I assumed was the owner, whistling while she prepared meals in the kitchen. Townies talked about the hot weather and the quickly approaching end of summer. Hometown Bakery was the place to catch up on the town’s happenings over coffee.

LODGING

I checked myself in an Air B&B, 1909 Cottage House (510 Warren Ave.) located just off the town’s square and across from the courthouse. Having never stayed in an Air B&B, I loved it. I highly recommend booking an overnight or weekend stay at the cottage. It’s meticulously restored, spacious, thoughtfully decorated, and clean. It has all of the comforts of home. Five beds and three bathrooms provide roomy accommodations for a family visiting the area.

One delightful part of a stay at the cottage is enjoying the flower gardens that surround the property. A white picket fence corrals leaning plants and flowers – the ideal setting for enjoying the view from the front porch. It’s also relaxing place to sit and watch residents come and go about their business along Main Street until the sun goes down.

EXPLORING

TREGO COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM

The best way to get to know a place that you’ve dropped into for the first time is to visit the town’s museum. The Trego County Historical Society’s Museum (128 N. 13th St.) indoor collections tell the story of the residents of the area who have made an impact on the town’s success. As you walk amongst the exhibitions, you’ll see vintage clothing, household goods, medical artifacts, and items from farming on the prairie dating back to the late 1800s. I suggest starting your self-guided tour by learning more about the town and its founders. WaKeeney was named after Albert Warren and James Keeney who dreamed of a city with 80′ wide brick streets. They got their wish.

The museum’s textiles date from the early 1800s-1970s. Many of the museum’s items were donated by families in the area. Can you imagine walking the streets of WaKeeney and seeing women wearing dresses like the ones below as they headed off to church or a formal occasion?

A new addition to the Trego County Historical Museum includes a large mural depicting the life of an earlier time. Governor John P. St. John signed a proclamation to organize the county on June 21, 1879. What do you notice about the mural below that tells the story of the county?

One exhibit that the museum is continuously working hard to build is the Trego County Honor Roll that features names of residents who have served in the military. I felt a sense of patriotism as I read about the soldiers who wore the uniforms on display. The collection dates back to World War I. The artifacts in the case situated left of the honor roll wall are phenomenal.

Several tiny towns in Trego County eventually combined into one school district. The one-room schoolhouse pictured below is available for visitors to enjoy with access provided by museum employees. It was used from 1910 to the early 1960s.

Today, schools use the facility on occasion to teach historical lessons to students and for the occasional elementary school program. From floor to ceiling, the one-room schoolhouse helps visitors take a virtual walk back into time. As someone who tends to notice the details of artifacts, I couldn’t help but think about the students who must have sat at the desks. Based on my count, about about 20 students could have occupied the classroom at a time. Look at the desk in the photo below. Do you see the initials WL?

TOUR OF TREES

An interesting attraction worth noting in WaKeeney is the Tour of Trees. To further celebrate “The Christmas City of the High Plains,” WaKeeney expanded their love of the holiday by adding 22 metal Christmas trees in front of historic homes and businesses. Each tree encourages visitors to learn facts about the town or “Tree-via.” Will you find the house that belonged to the doctor who cared for Wild Bill Hickok? How about the remains of the house built by the town’s founder?

Stop by The Studio 128 (128 N. Main) to ask for an address directory to help you locate all of the trees on the tour. Like me, you may simply stumble upon them as you walk around the main square of WaKeeney. I spotted the tree below in front of my lodging accommodations at 1909 Cottage House. The trivia about the house helped me imagine the sister and brother who once occupied it. Immediately, I felt at home when thinking about the happy couples who were married in the house by Justice of the Peace, Walter Siggett. A house is always more than just a place to live. It tells a story.

TREGO COUNTY COURTHOUSE

When given the opportunity, I like to tour a town’s courthouse. The halls usually have framed photos of influential townspeople. The Trego County Courthouse (216 N. Main St.) sits in the middle of the town’s square.

Construction of the courthouse pictured below took a year to complete. The structure is made of beautiful limestone from Trego County as well as Manhattan stone. According to travelks.com, the interior design remains nearly unchanged and it remains one of the oldest Kansas courthouses in operation today. The county jail was in the basement of the courthouse until it was condemned in 1976. Now, the space is used as storage. At the time of its construction, it cost over $26,000 to build it.

The county’s growth increased once the Kansas Pacific Railroad brought jobs. Homesteaders and pioneers soon followed. I looked into the eyes of early residents in photographs on the courthouse walls and wondered what goals they saw realized for the county.

STUDIO 128

Another fun place to check out when in downtown WaKeeney is Studio 128 (128 N. Main St.). It is part art gallery and part studio space for people to use to foster their creativity. Lynelle, the owner, invites individuals and groups of all ages to experiment with paint and clay. The retail space is the perfect opportunity for shoppers to buy unique gifts and Christmas ornaments. Studio 128 hosts events ranging from holiday-themed classes to public paint nights. To plan your visit during one of the events, view the studio’s Facebook page.

Studio 128 Gallery

GIBSON’S HEALTH MART PHARMACY OLD FASHIONED SODA FOUNTAIN

I ventured across the street from Studio 128 into Gibson Health Mart Pharmacy (125 N. Main St.). The secret ingredient to WaKeeney’s charm? The people…and a delicious drink at the pharmacy’s old-fashioned soda fountain in business since 1892.

My Vanilla Cream Coke was delicious but not overly sweet. Other specialty drinks, shakes, and malts are served to customers who sit at nine barstools inside the historic building. I enjoyed learning more about the town’s residents and history while sipping on my drink. Another traveler stopped in having taken a detour from KS I-70 for the old-fashion soda fountain experience. It’s a must-visit place in Kansas and a popular place for locals and travelers to the Christmas City on the High Plains.

What drink would you order while seated at the counter? I’m told that the town’s youngest residents love the Green River, a super sweet drink. One of about forty authentic soda fountains still in operation in the state, Gibson’s includes seating for nine patrons. Thirsty? Flag down any employee who is ready to happily whip up a nostalgic drink for you. Prefer a cup of coffee? It’s only 5 cents! The pharmacy is also a great place to stock up on everyday necessities, gift items, and floral arrangements. Plan your visit around the pharmacy’s hours listed here.

SHILOH VINEYARD & WINERY

With time to spare before the dinner hour, I drove west from WaKeeney on KS I-70 to Exit 120 to M Road to get to Shiloh Vineyard & Winery (17079 M Rd.). I was told it was a popular stop for visitors to the area in search of a relaxing place to sip wine and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. A family-owned winery founded in 2008 by the Johnstons, it features a tasting room, event space, and serves as an official Harvest Host for overnight RV guests.

I was given a private tour by Kirk and Treva who told me about the property that welcomes people from all over the nation to the destination winery. The family renovated an old chicken coop into the pristine wine tasting room you see in the below photo. Salvaged materials from buildings on the property were sourced to finish the space. I would highly recommend asking for a guided tour to fully appreciate the winery. Visitors can schedule an informative tour by appointment.

Visit the tasting room to enjoy the winery’s long list of varieties, order a wine flight or ask about the Wine of the Week. A fan of dry wine, Kirk poured several varieties for me to try but it was a dry red, Noiret, that was by far my favorite selection. I’d also recommend sampling Norton and Vidal Blanc. Bottles of wine and gourmet chocolate are available for sale.

Kirk enthusiastically talked me through the notes of each wine and the story of its production. The winery is known for producing cold-hardy grapes to make dry reds, dry whites, semi-sweet whites and reds, fruit wines, and dessert varieties. All of the wine is made from the fruit the family grows on site.

A popular venue for hosting weddings, receptions, and private parties, the barn below is available for rental. A nearby patio attached to the tasting room provides outdoor seating. The winery and event spaces stay consistently busy, but they always welcome wine lovers who show up to the tasting room.

WAKEENNEY WATER PARK

The WaKeeney Water Park (716 N. 6th St.) is the ideal place to cool off from the rays of the summer sun. If your kids are begging for something fun to do, take them to the swimming pool for a day of fun. This aquatic center isn’t any ordinary city pool either. The park features two slides, lap lanes, dive boards, dump bucket, and deck sprays. Looking to lounge? The zero-depth, beach-like entry space is ideal for relaxing. Check the pool’s page for operating hours.

The WaKeeney Water Park sits adjacent to a manicured city park – one of four in town. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a covered picnic inside a pavilion or play a game of disc golf, WaKeeney’s city parks have something for everyone to enjoy at their pace. I enjoyed relaxing at the Swimming Pool Park under a canopy of shade trees. Which one will you enjoy? View all the park locations here.

EISENHOWER PARK + DOG PARK

Another park that often attracts visitors is Eisenhower Park (I-70 Exit 127). It has two distinct attractions. One is a restored Navy F-14 Tomcat Fighter Jet, which sits on display. The 62′ jet was transported to town by truck from Ohio, reassembled by volunteers, and put on exhibit as a tribute to veterans of all ages and branches of the military.

The other attraction that draws people to the area is Eisenhower Park’s newest feature, a dog park. It’s an ideal place for you and your four-legged friend to enjoy the outdoors whether you’re staying overnight in WaKeeney or taking a break from an KS I-70 road trip.

KANSAS VETERAN’S CEMETERY

Just off of Highway 40 in WaKeeney sits the Kansas Veteran’s Cemetery (403 South 13th St.). It’s open to visitors year round from sunrise to sunset. During my visit, I read many of the headstones and observed that each one described the person buried there in a few poignant words or gave a message of remembrance. As the Kansas Commission of Veterans Affairs Office says, “No One is Ever Buried Alone, All are Buried with Honor.” You can tour the cemetery at your pace or request a staff-led tour. 

 

DINNER

WESTERN KANSAS SALOON & GRILL

After a busy day of exploring, I was ready to dine at Western Kansas Saloon & Grill (121 N. Main St.) for a tasty meal. Like many of the businesses in town, the restaurant is located in a historic building. A hardware store occupied the space in 1925. Now, townies gather in groups to enjoy steaks, hamburgers, pasta, and appetizers from a long menu of local favorites.

While I dined on a delicious Patty Melt, I noticed the walls and upper shelves were covered in antique lamps, signs, and farming tools. The original wood floors creaked as people walked by and the tin ceiling revealed the building’s age. Oversized paintings by a local artist hung on the walls – each one told the story of Kansas life.

My time in WaKeeney seemed to fly by preventing me from visiting several more places that I look forward to experiencing on my next visit to town. I would love to tour Castle Rock located 15 miles south and four miles east of Quinter. The area is touted for it geological treasures and is considered one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas for its 70′ rock formations and seabed fossils.

Have you spent time in WaKeeney or plan to visit? It truly is a quintessential American town. I will always have fond memories of my stay in WaKeeney.

While the town may attract curious tourists who want to visit the “North Pole,”  the charming town has so much more to offer than that. WaKeeney’s people, comfortable lodging, and the must-experience attractions make it a worthwhile stop along KS I-70.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Kansas, Travel Tagged With: Air B&B, Castle Rock, cemetary, Christmas, cottage, courthouse, highway, historical museum, holiday, Kansas, KS I-70, museum, saloon, soda fountain, Trego County, veterans, vineyard, WaKeeney

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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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