We took off on the backroads to Lincoln county, one of our favorite places to go
Kansas is known for the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz. We also have the Rim Man, a farmer really used his imagination to build this snowman out of tire rims.
Where’s Wylie? I always love to photograph him at the foot of a big old tree.
Beside the Post Rock Motel (which dates back to the 1950’s) is a wonderful Himalayan resturant. A tiny little building, with great food! It is definately worth a trip to Lincoln.
It was so much fun spending a couple days in Wamego, KS. The weather was cool and being in a small town you weren’t too far from an adventure.
Follow the Yellow Brick Road
The Oz Museum certainly exceeded my expectations! Lots of props from the movie, life sized characters and even a theatre where you can watch the movie. Dorothy’s ruby slippers were on display though they weren’t the “real” ones. There were so may artifacts that it would take a day to see it all, (and of course I didn’t have my glasses to be able to read)! Admission was only $10.00. Pet friendly, they will babysit your larger dog, but you are able to carry your small pup through the museum.
There are flying monkeys on the building! I was terrified of those things.
Be sure to eat at Toto’s TacOz! My choice was the Guaco Taco. The best black beans!, lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole stuffed in a crispy shell and soft flour tortilla. Making me hungry! They also had Emerald City Street Tacos, and the Yellow Brick Burrito.
This mural was on the wall along the Yellow Brick Road. I loved the saying!!
We’re ready for another road trip around Kansas, but this is one small town that we definitely will be returning to soon.
There are so many little towns in Kansas that are often overlooked as people hurry to get somewhere else. When I bought my little RV, I had in mind to explore some of these towns. Wylie and I had been going to the lakes and hiking, but they are getting busier and it’s getting too warm for this old lady and her pup to be out hiking. Our first stop on our Travel Kansas Tour is…..
Wamego, named for a Potawatomi Native American chief, platted in 1866.
Kansas River at Wamego
Calvin’s RV Camping was a nice shady, quiet rv park. The owners are so nice! Our rv is the little black and grey one. Just the perfect size to drive around and so comfortable for camping. All the modern conveniences! We can’t wait to go back!
Our first stop was the park to see the Dutch Mill. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in the 1870’s north of Wamego, it was used to grind grain until the late 1880’s. Most of the mills in Kansas were powered by water, the Dutch Mill was powered by wind. In 1924, the mill was dismantled. Each stone was numbered and moved by horse-drawn wagons to the city park, where it was reassembled. The mill is no longer powered by the wind, but has been converted to electricity.
The city park also houses the Wamego Museum and other historical buildings and a little train that runs on a track throughout the park. In the spring of each year they host a tulip festival. That would be a beautiful sight!
Toto in Wamego
Numerous places around town you will see artwork from Kansas artist featuring Toto, from the Wizard of Oz. There are 15 Totos, we have more to photograph, but here is a start. Thanks Wylie for being so patient with me and posing for so many photos!!
Maggie, the Service Dog by Rhonda Kesner
Patriotic Toto, by Jamie Lynn
Wamegoscape II, by Christina Klein
“Toto”lly Gingham, by Kellie Dillinger
The Lollipop Guild, by Jamie Lynn
Emerald City Toto, by Joyce Abernathy
We aren’t done with our tour of Wamego. It will be about:
Lions and Tigers and Bears OH MY
Home cooking at its best.
Main Street Cafe & Bakery hours: closed Sunday and Monday, open Tuesday thru Saturday 7am-2pm
Main Street Durham
Such a beautiful clock.
I was here on Sunday, but will make sure I get back for a great meal. We’ll meet you there!
I had been wanting to return to a little town where I happened across a closed school that was advertising “America’s Best Steaks”. I stopped and being a “beef connoisseur” I only purchased a couple of pounds of hamburger and two filets. They were amazing! I knew I would be making a trip back. Bogue, KS is 137 miles from home, so there is a lot to see on the way.
Rocks, pond and prairie south of Wilson Lake
First log cabin home in Russell County, KS
❤️️ the hay bale flag
I found Paradise!! Now if I could only locate the Fountain of Youth!
Built in 1938 the limestone water tower is a historic Works Progress Administration project.
This area of Kansas grows a lot of corn.
Beautiful barn, I haven’t noticed many with hay hooks hanging.
America’s Best Steaks!! Dry aged angus beef. SO good! America’s Best Steaks will ship if you can’t make it to Bogue, KS. Their steaks are wonderful, trust me……(comments a former vegetarian!)
Couldn’t resist a stop at Al’s Chickenette in Hays on the way home. The restaurant opened in 1949. Wylie is waiting patiently (not really) for a bite a chicken. Here’s a link to their website.
Woodbine, KS a small town in Dickinson County, KS Population 170 The town was founded in 1871 originally named Lyons, after a nearby creek. In 1887 renamed Woodbine, after a town in Illinois. The railroad also came thru in 1887, ceasing operation in 1980.
Beautiful zinnia garden
Resurrection Lily
School was built 1909 – last graduating class 1962
Rock fence
I was on my way to Lucas, the Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas, it was their city wide garage sale day. Now you could count on one hand the times I’ve gone to a garage sale in the last couple of decades, but it was an excuse to go to Lucas. Guess who I met on the back road today…..
We are on the flight path of a spray plane that is out of a small town north of us. He roars over our house almost daily this time of year. Today I came across him spraying a wheat field, was able to get some photos of him working.
Thanks for the flyby. Be careful up there!!!
My first stop at Lucas. Aunt Gertie’s Art & Antiques, located across the road from The Garden of Eden. Her hours are: Open Friday and Saturday, Maybe Monday – Tuesday – Probably Wednesday – Thursday She is closed Sunday
I purchased a few pieces for my garden art and a beautiful pink vase for the girls (will look so pretty in the chicken house). Great little store.
A few more garage sales stops and girl scouts selling cookies. Then home to plant some flower seeds and put my new garden art in the butterfly garden. I hope you are enjoying your beautiful Saturday.
I have already posted about Lucas but I wanted to get some more photos of the Best Place to Go (Lucas’ public restroom). Lucas is home of the No.2 Restroom In The Country 2014. Constructed in 2008 by a community effort, the building itself is shaped like a toilet. The big roll of toilet paper forms the sidewalk.
As you walk thru the toilet bowl to the entrance, you are able to see somethings that people flush down. Cell phones, glasses, toys (if you zoom in you will see fish, watches, money, keys, alligator?………..you can probably think of some things you’ve lost. I’ve flushed a fish or two and had to………I’m not confessing to anything more!) I like the little dog drinking out of the bowl ewwww, I’m thankful Wylie hasn’t ever done that!!
Bottle wall
Women’s Restroom
Mosaic using broken china
Seashells
Men’s Restroom (Of course I went in!)
Farm Scene
Piano and Dominoes
Hot Wheels mural
What a beautiful place to “go”
Here is a link to the Finalists
Plan a day trip to Lucas, with a population of around 450, know as the Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas, Garden of Eden and sit along the Post Rock Scenic Byway. It’s a beautiful part of Kansas.
Herrington City Lake on a cold snowy day. I saw a couple of eagles, but couldn’t get a good picture of them.
Cedar Point, KS
I liked the old bicycle by the door.
Cedar Point is located in Chase County, KS Population 28
Drinkwater & Schriver Mill This mill has been purchased and is currently being renovated.
Another Lark Inn property in Cottonwood Falls. This is Fox Hollow, as with all their properties, a wonderful place to stay!! Comfortable 2 bedroom cottage, within walking distance to downtown Cottonwood. We ate at Ad Astra Food and Drink, and also at the Grand Central Hotel, so good!!
A trip to this area wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.
Lower Fox Creek School
Elk Falls, is located in Elk County, KS. It is named after the falls that are located near the town on the Elk River. Elk Falls claims to be the World’s Largest Living Ghost Town with a population of approximately 100, and also the Outhouse Capital of the World.
I love this sign that directs you to the falls.
There is a well travel path that takes you from the bridge down to the river.
This outhouse says it all! Friday and Saturday before Thanksgiving they give outhouse tours.
Farmer Days 