Kansas is a wonderful state with a lot to offer tourists, from historic sites to natural attractions. If you’re traveling to Wichita, make some time for a road trip around the state to check out some of its unusual attractions. These attractions are unlike any other in the country, and they will certainly make your trip more memorable. Check out these three weird attractions in Kansas.
World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things
Located on South Main Street in Lucas, about 100 miles northwest of Wichita, the World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things is a museum that showcases small replicas of the largest structures and objects in the world.
Created by artist Erika Nelson, these replicas are handcrafted from a variety of materials. As you tour the museum, you’ll see miniature versions of well-known American roadside giants such as Big Brutus in West Mineral, Kansas; Albert the Bull of Audubon, Iowa; Talking Cow in Neillsville, Wisconsin; World’s Largest Strawberry in Strawberry Point, Iowa; and Talking Paul Bunyan in Brainerd, Minnesota. You can visit this museum by appointment or by chance.
Truckhenge
Truckhenge is an installation artwork that consists of antique trucks partly buried in the ground. Ron Lessman created this monument as a response to an order from county officials to clean up his farm. He buried the rear ends of the trucks and held them in place with heavy concrete bases, making them look like they have just burst out from under the ground. The outspoken Lessman wrote slogans such as “Freedum Isn’t Lost” and “Rise Up” across the vehicles. While it was initially considered an eyesore, this American henge was later designated as a work of art.
Truckhenge is located about 110 miles northeast of Wichita on Northeast Brier Road in Topeka. To visit this attraction, you need to contact Lessman in advance to schedule an appointment.
World’s Largest Easel
About 250 miles northwest of Wichita on Interstate 70 near Goodland, you’ll find the Big Easel Project by Cameron Cross. In 2001, the Canadian artist started work on a massive reproduction of Vincent Van Gogh’s “Three Sunflowers in a Vase.” Measuring 32 feet high and 24 feet wide, the painting is displayed on an 80-foot easel that easily attracts the attention of drivers on the highway. It was created to honor Goodland’s primary economic activity, which is sunflower production.
If you want to take a closer look at the painting, you can park your car in the parking lot behind it. At night, a spotlight is turned on to make viewing possible.
There are many other weird attractions in Kansas, including the world’s largest ball of twine, world’s largest electric shovel, world’s largest baseball, the Wheat Liberty Bell, and a 50-foot concrete teepee. These attractions provide excellent photo opportunities, and most of them are free of charge. Make sure your car is in tiptop condition before you hit the road.
Photo by Central Highlands Regional Council Libraries | Licensed under cc BY 2.0
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