How many of you reading this column have heard people say, “Oh , Kansas is just a fly over state. Just flat with nothing to really see”? I firmly believe that true Kansans don’t believe that and yet I am always surprised when I learn that many people, right here in southeast Kansas have never traveled outside or even inside our state. Yet, there is so very much to read and hear about Kansas and lots of historic markers along our roadsides, not to mention the more than hundred museums with stories to tell. As we celebrate the 250th Birthday of America, let us also take time to reflect on what those who pioneered before us did to make our country and yes, even where we live, what it is today.
The Neosho County Extension Family Community Education group is sponsoring a 3 day-2 night bus tour to just a sampling of outstanding places to see and visit in our great state.
We wanted to go to our newest state park but that alone would require two days and charter buses can’t drive on dirt or sand roads but we found some other exciting places to visit. The list of places includes STRATACA underground salt mine museum at Hutchinson which is awesome, A visit to Lucas, Kansas designated as the Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas and where we will visit the famous S.P. Dinsmoor’s Garden of Eden with it’s distinctive concrete folk art and the well known public restrooms which are famous for the three dimensional artwork done by several local artists. The Stories are worth the visit. Next will be a visit where our state song “Home On The Range” was written. From there it is on to Concordia with a visit to the famous, Orphan Train Museum which is an important part of our American story as is the WWII German concentration camp which we will visit. The story of the longest, 3-dimensional art wall, made of over 6,000 bricks will be another stop. Last but not least a visit to the Pony Express museum at Marysville, KS which is also home to the black squirrels. If time allows there may be another stop or two thrown in.
This promises to be a special Kansas trip as we celebrate our nations’ birthday. Dates for this three-day trip are May 26,27,28. To learn more and/or to reserve a seat call me at 620-244 -3622. You can’t text that number. If I don’t answer speak clearly, leave your name and phone number and that you are interested in the Kansas trip. I will return your call as soon as possible. It is limited to 40 people. Pick up points will be Arma, Erie and Chanute, KS.
YES ! KANSAS IS MORE THAN JUST A FLY OVER STATE. THERE IS SO MUCH TO SEE AND LEARN ABOUT.
