By Debi Lander
mail@floridanewsline.com
Kansas, known as the “heartland,” is the geographical center of the contiguous United States. I clicked my heels and flew to the state in hopes of finding sunflowers and stories about the Old West. I indeed found those, but also discovered a few unexpected delights.
The state’s largest city, Wichita, sits on the historic Chisholm Trail, a rural highway used by cowboys driving cattle north from Texas. The Delano district was once a Wild West stopover where weary cattlemen found rest and recreation — hence, an area with many saloons and brothels. Across the river, the proper city insisted on tighter and tamer rules.
Wichita’s Cowtown, a colorful living history museum, reflects life on the frontier from 1860 to the ‘70s. The lively main street presents historic and recreated shops with costumed interpreters: an apothecary, general store, doctor’s office, milliner, blacksmith, and saloon complete with dancing girls. A gunfight happens twice a day. Stroll around to see the 1880s farmhouse, windmill, and farm equipment.
The Plains Indians inhabited the area before the settlers arrived. In tribute to the Native American tribes, Wichita’s icon, the Keeper of the Plains, rises above the banks of the Arkansas River. Learn about the 44-foot steel sculpture and artist Blackbear Bosin in the nearby Mid-America Indian Museum.
Visiting a sunflower farm blooming at its prime calls for an early awakening. The golden yellow pastures explode between bedraggled cornfields. I photographed the glorious blossoms from many angles trying to capture their beauty. Sunflowers exude happiness, and seeing so many in one place felt reaffirming.
I was excited to learn about Strataca, a salt mine museum located within one of the world’s largest rock salt deposits — and the only salt mine open to the public in the U.S. The 90-second elevator ride transports you down 650-feet to the former work area. Numerous video stations explain the history and mining techniques as they progressed since its opening in 1923. Visitors can ride two trains through older areas of the mine, understanding the difficult working conditions.
Strataca also serves as an excellent place for safe storage with its constant temperature of 68 degrees and dry air. The movie industry sends many films, props, and costumes for safeguarding. It’s a practice I’d never heard about.
The town of Lindsborg, called “Little Sweden,” was founded by Swedish immigrants. Today, 30 percent of the 3,500 population claim Swedish descent. Look around for the local mascots — 28 large Dala Horses, Swedish-style stout wooden animals brightly painted. Visit a small factory making the traditional horses in any size or color. Lindsborg holds seasonal festivals featuring traditional dancers in costume, something I’d love to see.
A drive up a winding road to a bluff overlooking Lindsborg takes you to Coronado Castle. The native stone structure looks like a small castle but is merely a shell with one great room and staircase up to a lookout and tower. The WPA built the structure as a Works Project during the Great Depression. Locals like to picnic there; others are attracted to stargazing and astral photography.
I briefly stopped at the smallest state park in Kansas, Mushroom Rock. As the name implies, some of the limestone rock formations look like giant, 25-ft tall mushrooms. It’s unusual and rather fun.
My visit to Kansas opened my mind to its rocking wonders. Still, there was much I missed, sadly the Eisenhower Presidential Library and the Oz Museum. Consider a visit to the Sunflower State and see what you find in the heartland.
Visit www.bylandersea.com to read more of local travel writer Debi Lander’s stories and travel tips.
Photo courtesy Debi Lander
Kansas Maze.
