Kansas is more than just the home of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. The state has an extensive history that includes being a home to prehistoric beasts, a pivotal player in the Civil War, and a place for pioneers heading west to rest, restock, and recuperate. There’s a lot of interesting things to do across the state; here’s a closer look.

70. International Forest of Friendship (Atchison)

This park is a memorial to the history of flight and how it brought the world together. It contains trees from all fifty states as well as countries from around the world. You’ll find trees from George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, a tree from Amelia Earhart’s grandfather’s farm, and a tree grown from a seed that was taken to the moon. Spend an hour or two walking through here and learn about the pioneers of flight.

71. Geographic center of the contiguous United States (Lebanon)

There’s not really a whole lot to see here – just a plaque and a guestbook – but if you’re driving through the area, it’s a cool thing to do. Then you can tell people you’ve been to the exact middle of the United States. Spend about a half hour here and take a few pictures.

72. Moon Marble Company (Bonner Springs)

Moon Marble Company sells traditional toys and games and unique gifts. They also sell and make a variety of marbles. They also do several cool demonstrations and show you how they make some of their marbles. It’s a fun place to stop with the kids for some unique toys and gifts. Spend an hour or so here and check the schedule so you’re there for a marble making demonstration.

73. Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics (Lawrence)

The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics celebrates the life and contributions of Senator Bob Dole. By providing opportunities for public service, civil discourse, public programming, and other educational opportunities, the Institute aims to make a difference in the future leaders of our country. There’s plenty to see here, from the world’s largest stained-glass flag to the state’s World War II memory wall. Spend an hour or two here looking around.

74. Maxwell Wildlife Refuge Tour Center (Canton)

One of the last surviving wild buffalo herds calls the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge home. A small herd of buffalo was herded here in 1859. The Maxwell family wanted to preserve a piece of the prairie, complete with buffalo herd, to share with future generation and donated a large amount of land to create the refuge. You can take guided tram tours here to see the buffalo up close and personal. You might also run into some elk. Spend about an hour here and take a tour or camp out at the McPherson State Fishing Lake on the edge of the refuge.

75. Strawberry Hill Museum (Kansas City)

This museum’s purpose is to celebrate the nationalities of all those who call Kansas City home. The home was built in 1887 and has been through many iterations – a private home, an orphanage for those who lost their parents to the 1918 flu epidemic, until in 1988, it became the Strawberry Hill Museum. Check their calendar to find out about the many community events they sponsor.

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