Beyond its reputation for vast plains and wheat fields, Kansas hides a treasure trove of the wonderfully weird and genuinely unique. The state is dotted with surprising landmarks and bizarre roadside attractions, inviting travelers to discover the unexpected charm of Quirky Kansas Attractions. From monumental wells to colossal balls of twine, these captivating sites offer a refreshing detour for any explorer.
Join us on a journey through the heartland to uncover the most peculiar and memorable spots that make Kansas an unforgettable destination for those seeking the unconventional.
The Big Well: Greensburg’s Underground Marvel
In the small town of Greensburg, Kansas, stands one of the state’s most remarkable engineering feats and a cornerstone of Quirky Kansas Attractions: The Big Well. Promoted proudly as the World’s Largest Hand-Dug Well, this colossal structure measures an impressive 109 feet deep and 32 feet wide. Its construction began in 1887, driven by the need for a reliable water source for the burgeoning community and the Santa Fe Railroad, which was establishing a division point in Greensburg. The arduous task was completed in 1888, taking a team of 30 to 40 men, working with shovels, picks, and horses, an astonishing three months to dig.
For over four decades, The Big Well served as Greensburg’s primary water supply, a testament to its vital importance. In 1932, with the advent of more modern water systems, its utility shifted, and by 1937, it was transformed into a tourist attraction, drawing curious visitors from far and wide. Its historical significance was recognized nationally in 1972 when the U.S. Government designated it a National Museum. Further accolades followed in 1974, when the American Water Works Association honored it as an American Water Landmark, solidifying its place in American history.
However, the story of The Big Well took a dramatic turn on May 4, 2007, when a devastating EF5 tornado nearly wiped Greensburg off the map. The tornado tragically destroyed the well’s visitor center and gift shop, leaving the town in ruins. In the wake of this catastrophe, Greensburg embarked on an inspiring journey of rebuilding, not just physically, but with a renewed commitment to sustainability. The Big Well museum and visitor center were also rebuilt, emerging grander and more resilient than before, reopening its doors in May 2012 as a symbol of the town’s enduring spirit and a cornerstone of its regeneration.
Cawker City’s Gigantic Globe of Twine
Deep within the rolling plains of north-central Kansas lies Cawker City, home to another of the state’s most beloved and truly unusual attractions: the World’s Largest Ball of Twine. This monumental sphere is not just a quirky landmark; it’s a testament to communal spirit and an ongoing labor of love. The story began in 1953 with Frank Stoeber, a local farmer who started winding sisal twine in his barn.
Stoeber’s dedication quickly turned a simple hobby into an impressive feat. By 1957, just four years after he began, his creation had grown to an astounding 5,000 pounds and reached an imposing eight feet in height. In 1961, recognizing the ball’s potential as a unique draw, Stoeber generously donated it to the city of Cawker City, ensuring its preservation and continued growth. What sets the Cawker City Ball of Twine apart from other large twine balls (yes, there are others, including one in Minnesota) is its unique participatory nature.
To this day, visitors are encouraged to add their own contributions of twine, personally weaving their thread into the ever-expanding mass. This tradition is celebrated annually during the community’s “Twine-athon” in August, where residents and tourists alike gather to ceremoniously add more layers, ensuring the ball’s continuous growth. The World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City is more than just a record-breaker; it embodies the spirit of a community that embraces its distinctiveness, making it a truly interactive and fascinating stop among Quirky Kansas Attractions.
Muscotah’s Mammoth Baseball: A Tribute to a Legend
In the small northeastern Kansas town of Muscotah, sports enthusiasts and roadside attraction seekers will discover another oversized marvel: the World’s Largest Baseball. Standing proudly at 20 feet in diameter, this impressive sculpture is not merely a novelty; it is a heartfelt tribute to one of Muscotah’s most famous sons, baseball legend Joe Tinker. Tinker, a Hall of Famer, was the shortstop for the legendary Chicago Cubs team that won the 1908 World Series, forming part of the famous “Tinker to Evers to Chance” double-play combination.
The gigantic baseball was conceived and created in 2013, ingeniously fashioned from an old steel water tower tank. Its distinctive “stitches” were meticulously crafted from rebar, giving it an authentic, albeit enormous, appearance. This towering tribute serves as a permanent memorial to Tinker’s legacy and a symbol of Muscotah’s pride in its connection to baseball history. The World’s Largest Baseball perfectly exemplifies the creative spirit behind Quirky Kansas Attractions, blending local history with monumental art to create an unforgettable stop for visitors.
Roadside Art and Unique Sculptures of Kansas
Kansas is also a canvas for unexpected art, where ordinary objects are transformed into extraordinary spectacles. These artistic installations dot the landscape, adding a splash of color and whimsy to the journey across the state, further solidifying its reputation for distinctive roadside attractions.
Emporia’s Iconic Painted Silos
While some landmarks come and go, others stand the test of time, or are replaced by equally impressive successors. Emporia, Kansas, once famously hosted a silo painted to resemble a Coors beer can, a notable feature along I-35 for many years until highway expansion necessitated its removal. However, the town continues its tradition of colossal container art with another prominent silo. Still standing tall and vibrant, a different silo in Emporia is painted like a giant Coca-Cola can. This striking landmark continues to serve as a beacon for travelers, showcasing the imaginative spirit of Kansas communities and their ability to turn utilitarian structures into engaging pieces of public art that count among the most appealing of Quirky Kansas Attractions.
Goodland’s World’s Largest Sunflower
Embracing its identity as the “Sunflower State,” Kansas is home to an awe-inspiring tribute in Goodland: the World’s Largest Sunflower. This colossal sculpture, standing 80 feet tall, is a faithful reproduction of Vincent van Gogh’s famous “Sunflowers” painting. Created by Cameron Cross, a Canadian artist, it is part of his “Big Things Project,” which aims to reproduce Van Gogh’s sunflower paintings on monumental scales across the globe. Goodland’s sunflower is a vibrant, enduring symbol of the state’s agricultural heritage and its artistic flair, providing a delightful and photo-worthy stop for anyone exploring the state’s unique roadside offerings.
The Garden of Eden in Lucas: A Concrete Masterpiece
Perhaps one of the most enigmatic and deeply personal entries among Quirky Kansas Attractions is the Garden of Eden, located in Lucas. This truly unique folk art environment was created by Samuel Perry Dinsmoor, a Civil War veteran and populist. Beginning in 1907, Dinsmoor spent the remaining years of his life meticulously constructing this intricate “Cabin Home” and its surrounding sculptures from cement, limestone, and other local materials.
The Garden of Eden is a complex tableau of allegorical and biblical scenes, depicting everything from Cain and Abel to the crucifixion, interspersed with political commentary reflecting Dinsmoor’s populist views. Figures of Adam and Eve, angels, devils, and various animals populate the grounds, all crafted in Dinsmoor’s distinctive, rough-hewn concrete style. The entire property is a fascinating, if sometimes unsettling, vision of one man’s worldview and his dedication to expressing it through art.
One of the most remarkable, and indeed quirky, aspects of Dinsmoor’s creation is his own burial. True to his eccentric nature, Dinsmoor arranged for his body to be interred in a glass-topped mausoleum on the property, where it remains visible to visitors today, fulfilling his wish to be a perpetual part of his masterpiece. The Garden of Eden is a National Register of Historic Places site and a must-see for anyone interested in outsider art, unique architectural visions, and the truly unconventional spirit that defines many of Kansas’s hidden gems.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Kansas’s Quirks
From the depths of The Big Well to the towering World’s Largest Ball of Twine, and from monumental sports tributes to intricate folk art environments like the Garden of Eden, Kansas proves to be far more than just a flyover state. It is a land rich with character, where local ingenuity and a touch of the eccentric combine to create truly memorable destinations. These Quirky Kansas Attractions not only break up long drives but also offer fascinating glimpses into the history, spirit, and unique sense of humor of the communities that embrace them.
Exploring these unexpected wonders encourages travelers to slow down, look closer, and appreciate the creative spirit that thrives across the American heartland. So, the next time you find yourself traversing the Sunflower State, take a moment to venture off the beaten path; you might just discover your new favorite peculiar landmark and experience the indelible charm of Kansas’s most unusual roadside treasures.
