20 Worst Tourist Traps in Kansas

You’re better off knowing the truth about Kansas attractions before you visit.

I’ve spent decades exploring every corner of this rectangular state.

The result? A profound understanding of how ordinary objects become “attractions” when placed in the middle of nowhere.

But here’s the catch: most aren’t worth the gas money.

From concrete prairie dogs to empty salt mines, Kansas has perfected the art of the tourist trap.

This guide separates the genuinely interesting from the genuinely wasteful.

1. The World’s Largest Ball of Twine, Cawker City

The World’s Largest Ball of Twine sits in the small town of Cawker City. It started in 1953 when a farmer named Frank Stoeber began rolling twine during his spare time.

The ball now weighs over 20,000 pounds and has a circumference of over 40 feet. Visitors can even add their own piece of twine to this ever-growing attraction.

But here’s the catch… you’ll drive miles out of your way just to look at a giant ball of string for about five minutes. You’re better off spending your time exploring Kansas’s natural beauty instead of this roadside oddity.

2. Prairie Dog Town, Oakley

Prairie Dog Town advertises itself as home to the “World’s Largest Prairie Dog” – which is actually just a large concrete statue. The real prairie dogs are much smaller and often hiding in their burrows.

You’ll pay an entrance fee to see some prairie dogs that are no different than those you might spot for free along Kansas highways.

That’s why many visitors leave feeling disappointed after spending money to see something so ordinary. The gift shop sells overpriced souvenirs that you’ll likely regret purchasing once you’re back home.

3. Dorothy’s House and Land of Oz, Liberal

This attraction features a house claimed to be similar to the one depicted in “The Wizard of Oz” movie, along with a recreation of the Land of Oz.

Guides dressed as Dorothy will take you through the house and the yellow brick road exhibit. The tour lasts about 30 minutes.

I made a classic mistake thinking this was actually related to the movie filming. The house has no connection to the actual film – it’s just a restored farmhouse made to look like the one from the movie. Want me to tell you something even more disappointing? Most of the exhibits look like they haven’t been updated since the 1970s.

4. Truckhenge, Topeka

Truckhenge is an unusual art installation featuring several trucks buried nose-down in the ground, similar to Stonehenge. It was created by a local farmer after a dispute with county officials.

Visitors pay to walk around and look at old trucks sticking out of the ground, along with other “artistic” junk scattered around the property.

But here’s the deal… it’s basically just old trucks stuck in dirt with some paint on them. You’re better off visiting one of Kansas’s legitimate art museums if you’re looking for cultural enrichment during your trip.

5. Oz Museum, Wamego

The Oz Museum houses over 2,000 artifacts related to the Wizard of Oz books and movie. It’s located in the small town of Wamego, which has embraced the Oz theme throughout its downtown.

Admission costs around $9 per adult to see the collection of memorabilia, most of which consists of mass-produced items rather than authentic movie props.

That’s why many visitors feel let down after their visit. The gift shop is larger than the actual museum, suggesting the real purpose is selling souvenirs rather than providing an educational experience about the beloved story.

6. Lecompton Constitution Hall, Lecompton

Constitution Hall in Lecompton is marketed as the place where the pro-slavery Lecompton Constitution was drafted, potentially changing American history.

The small wooden structure offers a brief self-guided tour with some historical displays about Kansas’s territorial period.

But here’s the catch… the entire experience takes less than 20 minutes. You’re better off visiting the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka for a more comprehensive understanding of Kansas history and much more impressive architecture.

7. Dalton Gang Hideout, Meade

The Dalton Gang Hideout claims to be where the infamous Dalton brothers hid between robberies. It features an underground tunnel and a small museum with artifacts.

Visitors pay to tour a house that has been heavily modified since the Dalton era, with few authentic items actually connected to the gang.

I made a classic mistake believing I’d learn fascinating outlaw history here. Most of the “hideout” is reconstructed with minimal historical accuracy, and the tunnel that’s supposed to be the main attraction is tiny and underwhelming.

8. Exploration Place, Wichita

Exploration Place in Wichita advertises itself as a premier science center with interactive exhibits for all ages.

While it has some decent displays, many of the hands-on exhibits are often broken or outdated. The admission price is relatively high for what you get.

That’s why many visitors, especially those who have been to science museums in larger cities, leave feeling underwhelmed. The gift shop and cafe are overpriced, adding to the feeling that this is more about extracting money than education.

9. Boot Hill Museum, Dodge City

Boot Hill Museum in Dodge City promises to transport visitors back to the Wild West with its recreations of frontier life and gunfight shows.

The gunfight shows are cheesy and brief, while the museum itself contains a mix of authentic artifacts and reproductions with little clear distinction between them.

But here’s the deal… most of what you’ll see is a touristy version of the Old West rather than educational history. You’re better off reading a good book about frontier Kansas than paying for this Hollywood-style version of history.

10. Kansas Cosmosphere, Hutchinson

The Kansas Cosmosphere advertises itself as having one of the largest collections of space artifacts in the world, including a genuine SR-71 Blackbird and Apollo program items.

While there are indeed some impressive artifacts, visitors are often surprised by the high admission price and additional fees for planetarium shows and other features.

I made a classic mistake assuming all exhibits were included in the base price. Many of the most interesting experiences cost extra, making a family visit extremely expensive by the time you’re done. Want me to share another disappointment? Many exhibits haven’t been updated in years despite the premium pricing.

11. Monument Rocks, Gove County

Monument Rocks are natural chalk formations rising up to 70 feet from the plains. They’re marketed as “Kansas’s first natural landmark” and a must-see attraction.

While the formations are interesting, they’re located far from any major highway or town. You’ll drive for hours on rural roads to reach them.

But here’s the catch… there are no facilities whatsoever at the site. You’re better off visiting the nearby Castle Rock formation which is easier to access and just as impressive. The remoteness means you’ll spend most of your day driving rather than enjoying the actual landmark.

12. OZ Winery, Wamego

The OZ Winery in Wamego sells wines with Wizard of Oz-themed names like “Flying Monkey” and “Emerald City Lights.” It’s part of the town’s attempt to capitalize on Oz tourism.

Visitors can sample wines for a fee, but the wines themselves are generally considered average at best by wine enthusiasts.

That’s why many leave disappointed after the tasting. The wines are overpriced compared to their quality, with customers paying more for the cute labels than for exceptional wine. Want me to recommend something better? Kansas has several legitimate wineries producing quality wines without the gimmicky theme.

13. Strataca Salt Mines, Hutchinson

Strataca advertises an underground adventure 650 feet below the earth’s surface in a former salt mine. The attraction includes a museum and underground train ride.

While the concept sounds exciting, visitors often complain about the high admission price and the fact that much of what you see is simply empty mine tunnels.

I made a classic mistake thinking we’d see spectacular salt formations. Most of the tour shows industrial mining areas rather than natural wonders. The “Dark Ride” train tour that costs extra mostly travels through dimly lit, empty tunnels with little to see.

14. Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Abilene

The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum honors our 34th president in his hometown of Abilene. It includes his childhood home, museum, and library.

While historically significant, the museum exhibits are dated and lack the interactive elements found in more modern presidential libraries.

But here’s the deal… unless you’re a serious Eisenhower enthusiast, you’ll likely be bored after 30 minutes. You’re better off visiting the nearby Seelye Mansion for a more engaging historical experience that shows how wealthy Kansans lived during Eisenhower’s era.

15. Mushroom Rock State Park, Ellsworth County

Mushroom Rock State Park features unusual rock formations that resemble mushrooms, formed by erosion over millions of years.

The entire park is tiny – just 5 acres – and can be fully explored in about 15 minutes. There are no facilities beyond a small parking area.

That’s why many visitors feel let down after driving out of their way. The rock formations are smaller than they appear in photos, and there’s literally nothing else to do once you’ve taken a few pictures. The park is Kansas’s smallest state park for good reason.

16. Coronado Heights, Lindsborg

Coronado Heights is a small hill topped with a stone “castle” built by the WPA in the 1930s. It’s named for Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado.

Local tourism materials suggest Coronado himself stood on this spot, despite historical evidence indicating he was likely miles away during his Kansas exploration.

I made a classic mistake expecting something grand based on the name. The “castle” is just a small stone shelter that takes about two minutes to explore. Want me to tell you something funny? The best thing about this attraction is the view from the hill, which is completely free and natural.

17. Wild West World Site, Park City

Wild West World was supposed to be Kansas’s premier theme park when it opened in 2007, but it went bankrupt after operating for only two months.

Today, visitors still drive by hoping to see the remains of the failed park, but most of the structures have been removed or repurposed.

But here’s the catch… there’s literally nothing to see anymore except empty land. You’re better off visiting Wichita’s Botanica Gardens for a more rewarding experience than looking at this monument to failed tourism dreams.

18. Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, Atchison

The Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum is housed in the Gothic-style home where the famous aviator was born in 1897.

While historically significant, the small house contains few authentic Earhart artifacts, with most displays being photographs and reproductions.

That’s why many visitors finish the self-guided tour feeling underwhelmed. The $10 admission fee seems steep for what amounts to walking through a partially-furnished old house with minimal information about Earhart’s actual achievements.

19. Big Brutus, West Mineral

Big Brutus is the second-largest electric shovel in the world, standing 16 stories tall in the middle of southeast Kansas. It was used for coal mining until 1974.

Visitors pay admission to climb inside the cab of this massive machine and visit a small mining museum on site.

I made a classic mistake thinking there would be more to do here. The entire experience takes less than 30 minutes unless you’re deeply fascinated by mining equipment. The remote location means you’ll spend far more time driving there than actually enjoying the attraction.

20. Kansas Underground Salt Museum, Hutchinson

Not to be confused with Strataca (which is actually the same attraction under its former name), this salt mine tour is frequently listed separately on tourism sites, confusing visitors.

The attraction rebranded as Strataca years ago, but outdated tourism information continues to list it under both names.

But here’s the deal… if you see both listed as separate attractions, don’t be fooled. You’re better off researching current information before planning your trip to avoid disappointment. This duplicate listing is the perfect symbol of Kansas tourism traps – sometimes the attraction isn’t even what it claims to be!