Smoky Hill Museum

If you're in the area, this museum is well-worth a visit. Very extensive history of the Salina area. I learned a lot.

Great museum right off the main downtown strip. It's free (request donations) which is always a plus. Lots of historical information with a replica of a cabin from the settlement days. I enjoyed the industrial section related to flour mills. There are old stone grinding wheels and sacks from the different manufacturers. The gift shop is full of made in Kansas items, soap, honey, candles, marbles (news to me that marbles are made in Kansas) BBQ sauce and lots of books about Kansas. If you find yourself in Salina, Kansas definitely check out this museum.

I love this museum. It is a small museum, but it does not like in quality. They have designed it to tell the story of Kansas. You begin by walking through the history of the Native American people. As you wind around the museum you come to different "stories of Kansas". When I went through you would finish your tour with their 1960s collection and "flashback". They have recently updated their exhibit and I have been unable to visit again. You have to visit their museum bookstore. I just love this bookstore, as it is Kansas based. If you ever wanted a book on Kansas, Kansas history, Kansas memorabilia, Arts made by Kansans, etc. This is the right store. I feel it is a hidden secret as a lot of people do not know its Kansan value. I love to buy and support local and I would recommend this store to anyone. This museum is great for kids and it is free.

This is a great museum to see Kansas history. They have interactive exhibits for kids, including a free play area where kids can play detective and games. My kids and I enjoy visiting at least once a year. There is a gift shop as well and many places to eat and play downtown which makes for a nice day out in Salina.