50 Reasons to Hit the Road

50 REASONS to hit the road cjonline.com

Plus!

n Day trips: Find fun in 3-hour drives n Revealed!

Gems of Topeka n Summer in Topeka: Must-have calendar

SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2017

2 | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal

The Topeka Capital-Journal | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | 3

4 | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal

FIND FUN!

(in 3 hours or less)

Our creative searching will satisfy your wanderlust for day-trip excitement

Note: Times and prices may change, so check websites or call before visiting.

1

Kansas-born aviatrix, while LakeFest on July 14 features country musicians Big and Rich, Cam, and Erik Dylan at Warnock Lake. LakeFest gates open at 4 p.m., with the concert at 7 p.m. Festival highlights on July 15 include speakers symposium at 11 a.m.; live music; food; helicopter rides; and aerobatic performances at 7:55 p.m. followed by Concert in the Sky/ fireworks.

Cost: $35 for LakeFest concert Information: visitatchison.com; (800) 234-1854

Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home

200 S.E. 4th St., Abilene Learn about Dwight D. Eisenhower, the five-star World War II general and U.S. president who grew up in Abilene.

Displays focus on Eisenhower’s military career, presidency and art objects collected by and given to the president. Exhibits include “Eisenhower and the Great War” and “Chisholm Trail and the Cowtown that Raised a President.”

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. daily, August through May; 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. June-July Cost: $12 for adults; $9 for seniors, retired/disabled military and students with ID; $3 for ages 6-15; free for active military with ID and ages 5 and under Information: eisenhower.archives.gov; (785) 263-6700

2

3

Amelia Earhart Festival/ Lakefest

Atchison Two festivals align in Atchison in mid-July: the Amelia Earhart Festival on July 14-15 celebrates the life of the

submitted

2. Amelia Earhart Festival in Atchison.

Midland Railway train rides

1515 High St., Baldwin City Hop the Midland Railway’s excursion train for a 20-mile round trip from Baldwin City to Norwood or Ottawa, traveling on a line constructed in 1867 by the Leavenworth, Lawrence and Fort Gibson Railroad Company. The line, which operates May through October, passes through eastern Kansas farmland and woods.

Hours: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday (Norwood); 11 to 1 p.m. and 2 to 3 p.m.

Saturday and holidays (Ottawa and Norwood respectively); and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday (Ottawa) Cost: $14-$22 for ages 12 and older; $12-$19 for seniors; $8-$16 for ages 2-11; free for ages under 2; $20-$25 for caboose cupola; $15-$20 for caboose Information: midlandrailway.org; (913) 721-1211

4

Bartlett Arboretum

301 N. Line, Belle Plaine One of the oldest arboretums between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains, Bartlett Arboretum features hundreds of species of native and exotic trees, bridges and 13 levels of terraced gardens. The arboretum, about 20 miles south of Wichita, also offers art classes and a concert series that features the likes of folk singer John McCutcheon on July 9 and Marley’s Ghost on Sept. 10.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during bloom time or by appointment Cost: $5-$10 donation; $10 for concerts Information: bartlettarboretum.com; (620) 488-3451

The Topeka Capital-Journal | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | 5

6 | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal

submitted

5. Kansas City Renaissance Festival in Bonner Springs.

5

Dalton Gang members.

Museum hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. MondayFriday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. third Saturday of each month; 1 to 4 p.m. third Sunday of each month.

Cost: $6 for adults; $5 for seniors; $3 for ages 7-17; free for ages 5 and under Information: daltondefendersmuseum. com; (620) 251-2550

Kansas City Renaissance Festival

633 N. 130th St., Bonner Springs Travel back in time to the days of knights, feasts and roving musicians.

The 16-acre Renaissance Festival village features armored jousting matches, more than 100 artisan booths and shops, 20 stages of live entertainment, food and drinks, and themed weekends ranging from Highland games to a buccaneer beer fest to witches and wizards.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 2-Oct. 15 Cost: $21.95 for adults; $19.50 for seniors and students with valid ID; $12.95 for ages 5-12; free for ages 4 and under Information: kcrenfest.com; (913) 7212110

6 7

8

Dalton Defenders Museum, Plaza and Death Alley

113 E. 8th St., Coffeyville Relive the historic Dalton Gang bank robbery and gunfight of Oct. 5, 1892, that left eight men dead and four wounded in the plaza area of Coffeyville. The mu-

National Churchill Museum

Westminster College, 501 Westminster Ave., Fulton, Mo. In 1946, Winston Churchill delivered a speech at Westminster College that signaled the beginning of the Cold War. Exhibits reflect the life and contributions of Churchill. Nearby is St. Mary the Virgin Aldermanbury church, which was badly damaged during the London Blintz during World War II and moved stone by stone and rebuilt on the campus.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily Cost: $8.50 for adults; $7.50 for seniors and active military; $6.50 for ages 12-18; $5.50 for ages 6-11; free for ages 5 and younger Information: nationalchurchillmuseum. org; (573) 592-5369

Amish community

Jamesport, Mo. Step back to a simpler time by visiting this quiet Old Order Amish village, with its antique, collectibles and quilt shops, bakeries, country stores, furniture makers and horseshoeing and harness shops. Visitors are welcome, but photographs are discouraged. Step-on private tours (guide rides in your vehicle); reservations preferred.

Hours: Monday-Saturday and secular holidays; some Amish stores closed on Thursdays.

Cost: $30 per vehicle for tour Information: jamesport-mo.com; (660) 684-6711

submitted

8. National Churchill Museum in Fulton, Mo.

9

submitted

11. Washunga Days in Council Grove. seum displays mementos of the raid. The bank has been restored, and bronze markers indicate where the town’s defenders were killed. Death Alley contains an old jail, and a granite stone in nearby Elmwood Cemetery marks the graves of three

National Orphan Train Complex

300 Washington St., Concordia The museum and research center preserves the stories and artifacts of the estimated 12,000 children who were received by Kansas during the Orphan Train Movement of 1854-1929.

Exhibits include information about the conditions of East Coast cities before and during the Orphan Train Movement, Children’s Aid Society and New York Foundling Hospital. Seven orphan train statues are on the grounds, with eight more located throughout Concordia.

Hours: 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday Cost: $7 for adults; $6 for military; $4 for ages 4-12; free for ages 3 and under Information: orphantraindepot.org; (785) 243-4471

10

Pottawattamie County Squirrel Cage Jail Museum

226 Pearl St., Council Bluffs, Iowa Built in 1885, the jail is the only three-story revolving “squirrel cage” jail ever built.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the jail has three floors of revolving, pie-shaped cells inside a cage. The front part of the building originally had offices for the jailer, kitchen trustee cells and quarters for women. The signatures and dates of many of its infamous prisoners remain scratched in the cell walls.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday Cost: $7 for adults; $6 for seniors; $5 for ages 6-12; free for ages 5 and under Information: thehistoricalsociety.org; (712) 323-2509

11

Washunga Days

Neosho Riverwalk, Council Grove The culture of Council Grove — past and present — is celebrated during Washunga Days, a three-day event that features two stages of live entertainment, flea market, food vendors, children’s games, RunShunga 5K, parade at 10 a.m.

June 17, A League of Their Own Softball at 1 p.m. June 19 and Kaw Nation Intertribal Powwow at Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park.

Cost: $15 for ages 6 and older; free for ages 5 and under Information: washungadays.com; (620) 767-5413

The Topeka Capital-Journal | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | 7

8 | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal

12

Dirty Kanza 200

Downtown Emporia Nearly 2,200 bicyclists are expected to cross the finish line of the Dirty Kanza, a gravel-grinding ride that begins and ends on June 3 in Emporia and includes a 200-mile route through the Flint Hills. Some cyclists will pedal 100-mile and 50-mile routes. Dirty Kanza will start at 6 a.m. at 807 Commercial St. A children’s bike parade is at 10 a.m. in the circle drive at Emporia State University, and a finishline block party with entertainment, food and merchandise vendors runs from noon to midnight in the downtown area.

Cost: Free Information: dirtykanza200.com; (913) 982-7958

13

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Downtown Fort Scott Representing a military fort of the 1840s, much of Fort Scott’s story focuses on the role of the U.S. Army on the

frontier. The site, with its 20 historic structures, interprets the 1840s era with exhibits, period furnishings and living history programs that include soldiers drilling on horseback and artillery demonstrations.

Self-guided tours of buildings, walking trail through tallgrass prairie and 23-minute movie on site’s history also available.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. May-October; 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. November-April Cost: Free Information: nps.gov/fosc/index.htm; (620) 223-0310

14

Cheyenne Bottoms

204 N.E. 60 Road, Great Bend The 41,000-acre wetland complex, which includes the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area and the Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve, is a stopover for migrating birds along the Central Flyway.

More than 340 species of birds have been documented at the wetlands, including ducks, geese, herons, egrets, cranes, pelicans and sandpipers. The 11,000-square-

foot Kansas Wetlands Education Center features exhibits, a nature trail, van tours, pollinator garden and public programs.

Hours: Round-the-clock for wildlife area/preserve; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. MondaySaturday and 1 to 5 p.m. for education center Cost: Free Information: wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu; (877) 243-9268

15

Sternberg Museum of Natural History

3000 Sternberg Drive, Fort Hays State University, Hays The Sternberg Museum features a realistic Cretaceous diorama; “Permian Monsters” exhibit; and the Discovery Room, an interactive area where visitors can explore the wonders of nature. The museum is home to one of the finest assemblies of Pteranodon material and a large collection of fossil grass seeds.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday

Cost: $9 for ages 13-59; $7 for seniors; $6 for ages 4-12; free for ages 3 and under Information: sternberg.fhsu.edu; (785) 628-4286

16

Davis Memorial

Mount Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha John Milburn Davis erected the memorial to “the sacred memory” of his wife, Sarah, who died in 1930. Within a few years, 11 life-sized Italian marble or granite statues of the Davises were positioned beneath or surrounding a marble canopy in the cemetery. The statues included an empty overstuffed chair, a winged-angel version of Sarah in prayer and figures of Davis without his left hand, which he lost to infection. Davis died in 1947 and was buried next to his wife under the canopy.

Hours: Round-the-clock Cost: Free Information: cityofhiawatha.org/ visitors/what-to-see-do/davis-memorial; (785) 741-0586

The Topeka Capital-Journal | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | 9

submitted

15. Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays.

submitted

17. Prairie Lake Pickin’ Party in Holton.

17

Prairie Lake Pickin’ Party

Prairie Lake, 14824 246 Road in Holton For more than 20 years, the Prairie Lake Pickin’ Party has brought some of the best regional bluegrass, oldtime country and gospel musicians to Holton for the three-day, family-friendly music festival. Performers for this year’s event, June 8 through 10, include Pastense, The Bonjour Brothers, Wood Valley Pickers, Boiler Room Boys, Legacy Bluegrass Band, Jed Zeplin, Hootin’ Annies and The Ready Brothers.

Hours: 5 to 10 p.m.

Cost: Donation Information: kppamusic.org; Facebook as Kansas Prairie Pickers Association

18

Cosmosphere

1100 N. Plum St., Hutchinson The Cosmosphere has amassed a collection of U.S. space artifacts second only to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, as well as the largest collection of Russian space artifacts outside of Moscow. The attraction also features the Carey Digital Dome Theater, with documentary showings daily and feature films on weekends; a newly renovated planetarium; and Dr. Goddard’s Lab, where visitors experience live science demonstrations.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon to 7 p.m. Sunday Cost: $26 for adults; $23 for seniors and military; $17 for ages 4-12; free for ages 3

10 | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal

21

and under for all-access pass for museum, theater shows and simulator ride; single tickets are available.

Information: cosmo.org; (620) 665-9339

National World War I Museum and Memorial

19

Harry S. Truman Library and Museum

500 W. US-24 highway, Independence, Mo. Step into a replica of President Harry S. Truman’s Oval Office, test your presidential mettle in Decision Theaters and experience some of the most dramatic moments in American history through the library/museum’s interactive and handson exhibits. Currently on display is “Saving the White House: Truman’s Extreme Makeover,” a 3,000-square-foot exhibit with photographs and film footage documenting the renovation of a collapsing White House over 1,222 days in the 1940s50s.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday Cost: $8 for ages 15 and older; $7 for seniors; $6 for students with ID; $3 for ages 6-15 Information: trumanlibrary.org; (816) 268-8210

20

Sundown Salute

Heritage Park, 6th and Washington streets, Junction City The largest free Independence Day celebration in Kansas kicks

submitted

18. Cosmosphere in Hutchinson off June 30 and ends with nighttime fireworks July 4. Other highlights of the five-day festival include concerts, parade, veterans ceremony, food vendors, crafters, carnival, extreme sport demon-

strations and car show.

Hours: Noon to 10 p.m. daily Cost: Free Information: sundownsalute.org; (785) 238-3103

2 Memorial Drive, Kansas City, Mo. The museum/memorial is dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the war and its enduring impact on the global community. The museum holds the most diverse collection of World War I objects and documents in the world, including a French-made Renault FT-17 tank, a walk-through crater that shows the effects of being struck by a 17-inch howitzer shell, life-size trenches, a chronology of WWI, and a glass bridge suspended over a symbolic poppy field.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Memorial Day-Labor Day; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. TuesdaySunday otherwise Cost: $16 for adults; $14 for seniors and students ages 18 and older; $10 for ages 6-17; free of ages 5 and under; half-off for active duty military; $2 off for active duty military family, veterans and teachers; $8 on Wednesdays Information: theworldwar.org; (816) 888-8100

22

Oceans of Fun/Worlds of Fun

4545 Worlds of Fun Ave., Kansas City, Mo. The water and amusement park — yes, it’s one park — has some new things

The Topeka Capital-Journal | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | 11

12 | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal

submitted

25. Lawrence Busker Festival in Lawrence. planned for the summer. Worlds of Fun will be adding two new rides: Mustang Runner, with three arms with seven gondolas each that turn one way while the base of the ride spins the other way, and Falcon’s Flight, which spins and rises nearly 100 feet above the ground. Oceans of Fun offers inner tube slides, kayaks and paddle boats, Captain Kidd’s pirate ship, and several water slides.

Hours and cost: Check website; hours and costs vary Information: WorldsOfFun.com; (816) 454-4545

23

Kansas City Royals baseball

Kaufmann Stadium, 1 Royal Way, Kansas City, Mo. Since 1969, the Kansas City Royals have been one of the most beloved teams in all of sports. While stars such as George Brett, Frank White, Bret Saberhagen and Dan Quisenberry helped lead the Royals to their first World Series title in 1985, a new group of stars including Eric Hosmer, Alex Gordon, Salvador Perez and Lorenzo Cain helped the Royals win the World Series again in 2015.

Hosmer, Gordon, Perez and Cain are all back for 2017, and the Royals could be World Series contenders once again.

Cost: Check website; ticket prices vary Information: kansascity.royals.mlb.com; (800) 676-9257

24

Free State Film Festival

Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St., Lawrence The four-day festival will return this year to its film-centric roots and present a streamlined showcase of feature films from the international film festival circuit, local films, live comedy accompanied by short film screenings and onstage, film-inspired music.

Hours: 5 to 11 p.m. June 29-30; 9 a.m. to

11 p.m. July 1; 3 to 11 p.m. July 2 Cost: Varies by event Information: freestatefestival.org; (785) 843-2787

25

Lawrence Busker Festival

Downtown Lawrence Five stages with more than 25 street performers who entertain for tips and applause are at the heart of the Lawrence Busker Festival May 26 through 28. The highlight this year? The Great Escape, when Bobby Maverick will perform Houdini’s inverted hanging straight-jacket escape while suspended two stories in the air from a burning rope at 5 p.m. May 26.

The lineup also includes break-dancing acrobats, jugglers, contortionists, musicians, extreme pogo stunts, fire dancers and more.

Hours: 5 to 11 p.m. May 26; noon to 11 p.m. May 27; 1 to 6 p.m. May 28 Cost: Free Information: lawrencebuskerfest.com; (785) 330-5110

26

Junior Olympics

Rock Chalk Park, Lawrence Nearly 10,000 athletes, ages 7 to 18, are expected to travel to Lawrence July 24-30 for the USATF National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships. Many of today’s Olympic stars began their track and field careers competing in a USATF junior championship. The facility seats nearly 8,000 people and has a new state-of-the-art Beynon surface.

Hours: Events begin at 8 a.m. daily; opening ceremony at 7 p.m. July 25 Cost: $10 for adults, $6 for ages 6-12 and free for ages 5 and under, daily ticket; $45 for adults, $25 for ages 6-12 and free for ages 5 and under, for seven-day wristband Information: www.usatf.org

The Topeka Capital-Journal | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | 13

14 | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal

27

C.W. Parker Carousel Museum

320 S. Esplanade, Leavenworth View restored carousel horses, a cylinder piano, Artisan A-X-1 and Wurlitzer 153 band organs and several restored carousels, including a 1913 carousel with horses and rabbits, a Liberty carousel with 20 brightly painted aluminum horses and a primitive carousel that is the oldest operating wooden carousel in the United States.

And don’t forget to ride on the carousel that’s more than 100 years old.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday Cost: Free Information: firstcitymuseums.org/carousel; (913) 682-1331

28

Constitution Hall

submitted

29. Capital City Ribfest in Lincoln, Neb.

319 Elmore St., Lecompton Constitution Hall, erected in 1856, became the place where the Kansas territorial government convened. In October 1857, the Lecompton Constitutional Convention met and drafted a pro-slavery constitution in the upper story of the building. Today, several exhibits and artifacts can be seen at the site.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday Cost: $3 for adults; $1 for students Information: lecomptonkansas.com/constitution-hall-state-historic-site; (785) 887-6520

submitted

30. Midsummer’s Festival in Lindsborg.

29

Capital City Ribfest

Pinnacle Bank Arena, 400 Pinnacle Arena Drive, Lincoln, Neb. The Capital City Ribfest, Aug. 17 through 19, is Lincoln’s favorite and longest-running summer festival, featuring several awardwinning barbecue styles from across the

country and local and regional live music.

This year’s festival will showcase a rib vendor from Australia and a 75-by-55-foot mobile beer garden.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 17; 11 a.m. to midnight Aug. 18-19 Cost: $5; free for ages 11 and younger Information: pinnaclebankarena.com/

The Topeka Capital-Journal | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | 15

submitted

31. Louisburg Cider Mill and Country Store in Louisburg, events/detail/21st-annual-capital-cityribfest; (402) 904-4444

30

Midsummer’s Festival

Riverside Park, Lindsborg The Swedish village of Lindsborg celebrates the summer solstice on June 17 with a 5K run/2-mile walk at 7 a.m., Kubb tournament, Swedish dancers, cloggers, Swedish food demonstrations, Swedish genealogy and a program at 7 p.m. that features Swedish dancers, the blowing of the birch horn and raising of the Midsummer’s Pole followed by a free swim at 9 p.m. in the Lindsborg pool.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 17 Cost: Free Information: midsummersfestival.com

31

Louisburg Cider Mill and Country Store

14730 K-68 highway, Louisburg The renovated hay barn and its surrounding 80 acres is where the Louisburg Cider Mill makes its hallmark apple cider and Lost Trail Root Beer. A nearby reconstructed barn has been converted into a country store that sells its applecider doughnuts, spices, vinegar, syrup, salsa, barbecue sauce and fruit butters, jellies and preserves. Fall events include Ciderfest and a 10-acre corn maze.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday Cost: Free Information: louisburgcidermill.com; (800) 748-7765

32

S.P. Dinsmoor’s Garden of Eden

305 E. 2nd St., Lucas Retired Civil War veteran S.P. Dinsmoor started building a native post rock limestone house and Garden of Eden in 1904, at the age of 64. His three-story concrete sculptures depict a variety of subjects — grieving widows, conquering Goddess of Liberty, scoundrels, grafters of society and sweet portraits. The Garden of Eden is described as a three-dimensional political cartoon, illustrating the society during Dinsmoor’s time and his hopes for the future. Dinsmoor’s mausoleum is also on the grounds.

Tours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May-October; 1 to 4 p.m. March-April; weekend tours November-February Cost: $7 for adults; $2 for ages 6-12; free for ages 5 and under Information: garden-of-eden-lucas-kansas.com; (785) 525-6395

33

Kicker Country Stampede

Tuttle Creek State Park, Manhattan More than a dozen country musicians have been rounded up for this year’s Kicker Country Stampede June 2224. Headliners include Big & Rich and Thomas Rhett on June 22; Brothers Osborne and Chris Stapleton on June 23; and Maddie and Tae, Old Dominion and Alan Jackson on June 24.

Hours: Concerts start at 2 p.m.

Cost: $79 for one-day early-bird general

16 | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal

RICK DIAMOND

33. Kicker Country Stampede in Manhattan. admission; $140 for three-day early-bird general admission; $20 for one-day child general admission; $40 for three-day child general admission. Prices go up nearer to event.

Information: countrystampede.com/index.html#home-anchor; (785) 539-2222

submitted

37. Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Neb.

34

Flint Hills Discovery Center

315 S. 3rd St., Manhattan Visitors to the Flint Hills Discovery Center will be able to explore temporary and permanent exhibits designed to encourage visitors to explore firsthand the 22-county Flint Hills

region. The Horizon Ranch Flint Hills Immersive Experience Theater allows visitors to feel the wind, watch the rolling smoke of a prairie fire and sense other aspects of the prairie.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Thursday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday Cost: $9 for adults; $7 for seniors, military, teachers and college students; $4 for ages 2-17; free for ages 2 and under Information: flinthillsdiscovery.org; (785) 587-2726

The Topeka Capital-Journal | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | 17

35

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 15-Oct. 31; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 1-March 14 Cost: $14.95-$17.95 for ages 12 and older; $13.95-$18.95 for seniors and military adults; $9.95-$13.95 for ages 3-11; $8.95$12.95 for military child ages 3-11; free for ages 2 and under. IMAX tickets cost extra.

Information: omahazoo.com; (402) 7338400

Blue River Rail Trail

900 Jayhawk Road, Marysville The Blue River Rail Trail stretches about 13 miles, from Marysville to the Nebraska border. At the state line, the rail trail continues north through Beatrice and Lincoln, Neb., joining the extensive Great Plains Trails Network. The crushed limestone on the trail provides a smooth surface for walking, jogging, biking and cross-country skiing.

The retired railroad bed splits the Big Blue River on the west and is bordered on the east by limestone outcroppings, grasscovered bluffs and open farm land. An abundance of wildlife, plant life and bird species live along the trail.

Hours: Sunrise to sunset Cost: Free Information: blueriverrailtrail.org

36

Prairie Band Casino and Resort

12305 150th Road, Mayetta Test your luck on Prairie Band’s gaming floor, with more than 1,100 slots and more than 25 table games, including live poker. If you get tired of tossing the dice, check out the concert schedule — Wynonna & The Big Noise, 8 p.m.

June 3; Grand Funk Railroad, 8 p.m. June 24; Village People, 8 p.m. July 8.

Hours: Check website

38

The Museum at Prairiefire

submitted

38. The Museum at Prairiefire in Overland Park.

Cost: Check website Information: prairieband.com; (785) 966-7777

37

Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

3701 S. 10th St., Omaha, Neb. The zoo contains thousands of animals from around the globe, 130 acres of

exhibits and gardens, while the aquarium features a 70-foot shark tunnel and exhibits that explore polar regions, coral reefs, temperate oceans and the Amazon. Take a ride on a steam locomotive, tram, ski-liftlike Skyfari or dromedary camel, or watch a movie on the 61-by-83-foot screen at the IMAX theater.

5801 S. 135th St., Overland Park The Museum at Prairiefire features world-class exhibitions from the American Museum of Natural History. “The World’s Largest Dinosaurs,” an exhibit that runs through Sept.

4, explores sauropods. In the Great Hall, discover a full-scale cast of Tyrannosaurus rex and other exhibits. Hands-on dinosaur-related activities beckon children to the Discovery Room.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday Cost: Free for exhibits in the Great Hall; $14 for ages 13 and older and $8 for ages 3-12 for American Museum of Natural History exhibitions; $8 for ages 13 and older and $7 for ages 3-12 for Discovery Room Information: visitprairiefire.com; (913) 647-5160

18 | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal

39

Chicken Annie’s Original

1143 E. 600th Ave., Pittsburg In 1934, Ann Pichler’s husband was disabled in a coal mining accident. Pichler was faced with supporting her family of five. She knew how to cook, so she turned their home into a small restaurant that became known for its fried chicken dinners. The restaurant’s specialty continues to be friend chicken, but it’s also known for its home-battered onion rings, German potato salad, German cole slaw, spaghetti and bread.

Hours: 4 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 4 to

9 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday Information: chickenanniesoriginal. com; (620 231-9460

40

Smoky Hill River Festival

Oakdale Park, 730 Oakdale Drive, Salina The more than 20 musical acts — rock ’n’ roll, bluegrass, alt country, jazz, etc. — that perform at the Smoky Hill River Festival are reason enough to attend. Add in the two juried art shows, 20 site-specific outdoor art installations, roving entertainers, Artyopolis children’s area, 30-plus food vendors, art demonstra-

tions and much more and you’ve found a have-to-go destination.

Hours: 4 to 10 p.m. June 8; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 9-10; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 11 Cost (festival button): $15 at the gate; $10 in advance; free for ages 11 and under Information: riverfestival.com; (785) 309-5770

41

Harry S. Truman Dam and Reservoir

29027 Visitor Center Road, Warsaw, Mo. At the Truman Dam and Reservoir’s visitor center, visitors have a spectacular view of the dam and lake, which covers 56,000 acres at normal pool, and can view exhibits with reproductions of fossils found in the area, paintings of mastodons and a timeline of exploration and settlement in the Osage River Valley. Nearby is the Kaysinger Bluff Nature Trail, which features the White Oak Cabin and Hooper House and Farm Complex.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 26-Oct. 31; 9

a.m. to 4 p.m. March 15-May 25 Cost: Free Information: welcometowarsaw. com/44/Truman-DamVisitors-Center; (660) 438-2216 or (816) 389-3810

42

St. Mary’s Catholic Church

St. Benedict St. Mary’s Catholic Church showcases 14 large oil paintings by Russian-born Th. Zukotynski and the work of G.F. Satory, who in 1901 painted patterns and friezes on the walls and ceiling and stenciled designs on the cast-iron columns and window openings.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the church also features Bavarianmade transept windows; eight arched leaded-glass windows and a Hinners Pipe Organ, installed in 1916.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Cost: Free Information: stmarystbenedict.org/ homepage/homepage.shtml; (785) 3363174

submitted

44. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve near Strong City.

The Topeka Capital-Journal | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | 19

43

Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge

25542 US-159 highway, Forest City, Mo. Loess Bluffs refuge serves as a feeding and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. The refuge encompasses 7,440 acres of wetlands, grasslands and forests where native prairie plants still grow. Hiking trails and the Wild Goose Auto Tour loop allow visitors the opportunity to see some of the more than 300 species of birds, 30 types of mammals and more than 40 species of reptiles and amphibians at the refuge.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday for headquarters/visitor station; sunrise to sunset for refuge Cost: Free Information: (660) 442-3187; fws.gov/ refuge/Loess_Bluffs/

44

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

2480B K-177 highway, Strong City Established in 1996, the 10,894-acre preserve is the only National Park Service unit dedicated to the natural and cultural history of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem. More than 500 species of plants, 150 species of birds, 39 species of reptiles and amphibians and 31 species of mammals can be found at the site. Visitors also can hike the nature

trails winding through the preserve.

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May-October and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. NovemberApril for buildings; 24 hours daily for hiking trails Cost: Free Information: nps.gov/tapr/index.htm; (620) 273-8494

45

Oz Museum

511 Lincoln, Wamego Dedicated to all things Oz, the museum is packed with more than 2,000 Oz-related artifacts, including the earliest L. Frank Baum books, hand-jeweled ruby slippers created for the 50th anniversary of the “Wizard of Oz� movie, flying monkey miniatures used in the movie, original MGM 1939 movie production notes, Oz Parker Brothers board games and much more.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday Cost: $8 for ages 13 and older; $5 for ages 4-12; $6 for military ages 13 and older; $3 for military ages 4-12; free for ages 3 and younger Information: ozmuseum.com; (866) 4588686

46

Big Brutus

2509 N.W. 60th St., West Mineral The largest electric coal

submitted

45. Oz Museum in Wamego. shovel in the world, Big Brutus stands 160 feet tall, weighs 11 million pounds and has a boom that is 150 feet long. The shovel, with a dipper capacity of 90 cubic yards, cost $6.5 million to build in 1962. Big Brutus has been turned into a museum, with changing displays and photographs. A visitors center houses

comfort facilities, including hot showers.

Hours: Varies with season Cost: $8 for adults; $7.50 for seniors; $5 for ages 6-12; free for ages 5 and under Information: bigbrutus.org; (620) 8276177

20 | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal

submitted

47. Farmers House Corn Festival in Weston, Mo.

47

Farmers House Corn Festival

The Farmers House, 23200 Highway 273, Weston, Mo. It’s a little corny, for sure, but great festival fun for the whole family. The annual corn festival on Aug. 12 features live entertainment, food sampling, corn eating competition, counting corn contests, a children’s area, corn toss, duck races and homemade corn syrup ice cream.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: Free Information: thefarmershouse.org/ farmer-s-house-catering/1-2nd-annualcorn-fest; (816) 640-3276

48

Mid-America All-Indian Center

650 N. Seneca, Wichita The cultural center and museum is dedicated to educating people about and preserving the heritage of the American Indian. The museum features pieces from its collection of 3,000-plus artifacts. The Outdoor Learning Center showcases a tipi, travois and medicinal and Three Sister gardens. A gift shop sells items made by regional Indian artists. East of the building is the 44-foot Keeper of the Plains statue.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday Cost: $7 for adults; $5 for seniors, military with ID and students ages 13 and older with ID; $3 for ages 6-12; free for ages 5 and under Information: theindiancenter.org/Pages/ default.aspx; (316) 350-3340

49

Wichita Riverfest

Sites near the Arkansas River, Wichita Nine days of outdoor concerts and more than 100 other Riverfest events are expected to attract nearly a halfmillion visitors June 2 through 10. Entertainers include Common, Mavis Staples, OK Go, Wichita Symphony Orchestra, Flaming Lips, LoCash Cowboys, Jonathan Nelson and Less Than Jake. Other highlights: Sundown Parade, June 2; food vendors; Craftapalooza Vintage Market; Hackathon, June 4-5; Blacktop Nationals, June 9-10; and River Run, June 3.

Cost (festival button): $10 for adults; $5 for ages 6-12 Information: wichitariverfest.com; (316) 267-2817 or (877) 934-3378

50

Walnut Valley Music Festival

Winfield Fairgrounds, west of Winfield on US-160 highway The festival, Sept. 13 through 17, features more than 200 hours of acoustic music on four main stages and in jam sessions, a juried arts and crafts exhibit, food vendors and contests for flat picking and finger-style guitar, autoharp, mountain and hammered dulcimer, bluegrass banjo, mandolin and fiddle.

Hours: 6 a.m. to midnight daily Cost: $15-$40 for single day for adults; $65-$75 for two-day adult passes; $95 per adult for full festival; $5 for ages 6-11; free for ages 5 and under Information: wvfest.com; (620) 221-3250

Sources: Site/event websites; Kansas Sampler Foundation; “Kansas Curiosities” by Pam Grout

The Topeka Capital-Journal | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | 21

22 | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal

Day trips: Use your imagination to get away

By Jan Biles

jan.biles@cjonline.com

KANSAS SAMPLER FOUNDATION

Marci Penner is the executive director of the Kansas Sampler Foundation.

If there’s anyone who knows about day trips, especially in Kansas, it’s Marci Penner, executive director of the Kansas Sampler Foundation.

Since its establishment in the early 1990s, the Kansas Sampler Foundation’s mission has been to preserve, sustain and grow rural culture by educating Kansans about the state and networking with and supporting rural communities.

For decades, Penner has traveled the state’s roads to explore natural settings, small towns, restaurants, festivals, architecture, oddities and a landslide of other possibilities.

“Kansas Guidebook for Explorers 2,” a new book by Penner and WenDee LaPlant, assistant director of the Kansas Sampler Foundation, recommends 4,500 places to visit in Kansas and was released earlier this month.

Penner was recently asked about day trips, her favorite places to visit in Kansas and how to make the most of a trip.

&A Marci Penner Q: Are you seeing more people interested in taking day trips? If so, why do you think that is?

Penner: Yes! I think people are innately interested in taking day trips, but they need a handy guide to encourage and guide them. … One year at our Kansas Sampler Festival, we had day-trip sug-

gestions to the six different regions of the state. We printed about 500 of each, and they were gone quickly. People like the itineraries. I think more people are interested because more is being done to promote day trips in the state. One thing leads to the other.

Q: What are some of the advantages or reasons you like to take day trips?

Penner: For one, they can be done at the drop of a hat. People who understand the exploring mentality and favor the backroads will find joy just from the scenery and the things they’ll see. It could be a stone-arch bridge, buffalo in a pasture, an interesting cemetery or vintage playground equipment.

It is relatively inexpensive, and if you are imaginative, you can find exploring options just down the road or several hours away. Maybe you just need to take an older family member on a drive. That works, too. Kansas is rich in its explorer offerings.

Q: Name three places/events within a three-hour drive of Topeka that you’d rec-

The Topeka Capital-Journal | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | 23

Tuesdays are sale days at the Anderson County Sale Company, 430 N. Maple (in Garnett), which involves more than a regular livestock sale. The Amish arrive in their buggies, buyers and sellers come from miles around, and auctioneers ensure a fast-paced action.

Q: What are some tips for people planning day trips — what should they remember to take along, how much scheduling should they do in advance, etc.?

Penner: A Kansas map (get them free at the local chamber of commerce, convention and visitors bureau or visitor center); a DeLorme Kansas (Atlas &) Gazetteer; a spare tire; water; binoculars; and guidebooks to help identify wildflowers, trees, birds and architecture and to find hiking trails.

BOOK NOTE KANSAS SAMPLER FOUNDATION

At Rock City, near Minneapolis, visitors can find 200 ancient and giant rocks. Nowhere else in the world can one find as many enormous sandstone concretions in one location. Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1976, the rocks are accessible year round. ommend and why.

Penner: I call Rock City (near Minneapolis) the largest and sturdiest playground in the state. It’s OK to climb all over the rocks, and there is a size for everyone.

(Penner listed the 12-mile Central Branch Railroad in Waterville next). I

love this excursion. You’re on a historic railroad in an open-air car, and going over the trestle is really something.

(Her third choice was the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, a mixed-grass prairie near Canton that is home to herds of buffalo and elk.) Within three hours, it’s a great family

outing. But they need to call ahead.

Q: Name a couple off-the-beaten-path sites that are must-sees.

Penner: Take a picnic to Echo Cliff (near Dover), or stop at Somerset Hall in Dover to get sandwiches to take out.

“Kansas Guidebook for Explorers 2,” a new book by Marci Penner and WenDee LaPlant, executive director and assistant director of the Kansas Sampler Foundation respectively, recommends 4,500 places to visit in Kansas. The guidebook is available at the Kansas Museum of History and local bookstores. Cost is $29.95.

For information about the Kansas Sampler Foundation, visit kansassampler.org, call (620) 585-2374 or email marci@kansassampler.org.

24 | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal

STAYING IN TOPEKA?

Check out these local gems If you’re looking for something to do this summer but don’t want to leave Topeka, you’re in luck. There is plenty to see and explore within a few-minutes’ drive or walk from your home.

Up to a challenge? See how many you can visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site

1515 S.E. Monroe St. nps.gov/brvb/index.htm The museum explores the civil rights movement and 1954 Supreme Court decision that ended segregation in public schools. The museum is inside Monroe School, which was one of four all-black elementary schools in Topeka.

The Topeka Capital-Journal | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | 25

Cedar Crest

1 S.W. Cedar Crest Road (785) 296-3636 The 12-room governor’s residence sits on 244 acres featuring wooded hiking trails and fishing ponds.

Charles Curtis House Museum

1101 S.W. Topeka Blvd. charlescurtismuseum.com The former home of Charles Curtis, the only U.S. vice president of American Indian descent, showcases unique architecture, intricate decor and memorabilia from Curtis’ political career.

Combat Air Museum

Hangars 602-604, 7016 S.E. Forbes Ave. at Forbes Field combatairmuseum.org The museum features more than 30 military aircraft, from World War I to present day, as well as aircraft engines, military vehicles, artifacts, dioramas and a flight stimulator that tests landing skills.

Evel Knievel Museum FILE PHOTO/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Cedar Crest, 1 S.W. Cedar Crest Road.

2047 S.W. Topeka Blvd., inside Topeka Harley-Davidson (785) 234-6174

FILE PHOTO/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Great Overland Station, 701 N. Kansas Ave. The museum showcases the world’s largest collection of Evel Knievel’s performance leathers, jump bikes and memorabilia. Also see rare Harley-Davidsons, along with photographs, tools and collectibles from the history of Harley-Davidson.

Gage Park 635 S.W. Gage Blvd. cjon.co/1H3Pzh9 The 160-acre park has several attractions: Topeka Zoo, Reinisch Rose Garden, Doran Rock Garden, mini-train with a mile-long course, playgrounds,

26 | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal

1908 carousel, a bark park and Blaisdell Family Aquatic Center.

Great Overland Station

701 N. Kansas Ave. greatoverlandstation.com Topeka’s railroad heritage comes to life through guided tours, photographs, special exhibits and events. The restored Union Pacific railroad station also includes a Corridor of Flags and All Veterans Memorial.

Heartland Park

7530 S.W. Topeka Blvd. heartlandpark.com Heartland Park is home to drag strip, road course and dirt track racing and numerous other events, including those sponsored by the National Hot Rod Association and American Motorcyclist Association.

Historic Ritchie House

1116 S.E. Madison St. historicritchiehouse.wixsite.com/historicritchiehouse The Ritchie House, built by abolitionists John and Mary Jane Ritchie in 1856, was a station along the Underground Railroad and is considered Topeka’s oldest home.

Holley Museum of Military History FILE PHOTO/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Heartland Park, 7530 S.W. Topeka Blvd.

420 S.E. 6th Ave., inside Ramada Topeka Downtown Hotel and Convention Center (785) 272-6204 On display at the museum is a 4,000-piece military col-

The Topeka Capital-Journal | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | 27

lection of dioramas, photographs, models and artifacts from the Civil War through the Persian Gulf War.

1914 Longren biplane, Carry Nation’s hammer, Gen. George Armstrong’s boots, and a Discovery Place with children’s activities.

Kansas Capitol

Lake Shawnee

S.W. 8th and Van Buren kshs.org/capitol Tour the recently remodeled Statehouse to see the murals by artist John Steuart Curry, the ornate Old Kansas Supreme Court and other features; climb the 296 steps to the top of the dome; or shop at the Capitol Store.

Kansas Children’s Discovery Center

4400 S.W. 10th Ave. kansasdiscovery.org/ The family-oriented center features interactive indoor and outdoor exploration areas, including a bike and trike path, the TreeTop treehouse and a pond with an aquatic ecosystem. The center is designed for ages 10 and younger.

Kansas Museum of History

6425 S.W. 6th Ave. kshs.org/museum Exhibits tell visitors about the colorful characters and everyday folks from Kansas’ past. Highlights include a full-sized Cheyenne tipi, covered wagon, 1880s Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe locomotive,

3137 S.E. 29th St. cjon.co/1H3PtpP The lake’s facilities include Ted Ensley Gardens, the Garden House, campground, sand volleyball courts, ball fields, tennis courts, a marina, golf course, swimming beach and water slide, playgrounds, Reynolds Lodge and 7-mile concrete path for running or walking.

Mulvane Art Museum and ArtLab

1700 S.W. Jewell Ave. washburn.edu/about/community/mulvane-art-museum/ The museum houses collections of classic, traditional, modern and unexpected art. Exhibitions change regularly. Don’t miss the ArtLab in the basement, where people of all ages can create their own art souvenirs.

Museum of Kansas National Guard

6700 S.W. Topeka Blvd., at Forbes Field kansasguardmuseum.org The museum features artifacts, equipment and materials from the history of the

FILE PHOTO/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Combat Air Museum, 7016 S.E. Forbes Ave. at Forbes Field.

28 | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal

The Topeka Capital-Journal | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | 29

Kansas National Guard and 35th Division. View 30 outdoor exhibits, including helicopters, tanks and a howitzer, and more than 100 indoor exhibits, including a mock Civil War encampment and a replica of the officer’s tent from the TV show “M.A.S.H.”

Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site

124 N.W. Fillmore St. cjon.co/1E5Z3GJ The six-acre pioneer village features a prairie mansion, 1854 replica log cabin, one-room schoolhouse, working soda fountain from the late 1800s, general store and botanical garden.

Ted Ensley Gardens

3650 S.E. West Edge Road, Lake Shawnee cjon.co/1F7HslL The nearly 20-acre gardens feature a panoramic view of the lake, a 60-foot covered bridge over a rocky stream, gazebo, pergola, picnic areas, waterfalls and ponds. Included are a meditation garden, rock gardens, annual and perennial beds, rose gardens and water gardens.

Tiffany windows at First Presbyterian Church 817 S.W. Harrison fpctopeka.org/tiffany-windows/

Louis Tiffany designed the church’s 10 jewel-toned, custom-made picture windows and installed them in 1911. The windows depict stories from the Bible.

Topeka Cemetery

1601 S.E. 10th Ave. topekacemetery.org The first organized cemetery in Kansas is the final resting place of Vice President Charles Curtis, Gov. Samuel Crawford, U.S. senator and publisher Arthur Capper, and Cyrus K. Holliday, founder of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad.

Topeka Zoo

635 S.W. Gage Blvd. topekazoo.org The zoo is home to about 300 animals from around the world. Exhibits include Hill’s Black Bear Woods, Tropical Rain Forest, Discovering Apes, Lions Pride and children’s petting zoo. Nearby in the park are a mini-train and vintage carousel.

Truckhenge

2047 S.W. Topeka Blvd. cjon.co/1JI0KiC Truckhenge features antique trucks jutting out of the ground and other folk art made from found objects.

SUBMITTED

Truckhenge, 2047 S.W. Topeka Blvd.

30 | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal

SUMMER IN TOPEKA Topekans love to gather for a good time — be it a food festival, athletic competition, concert, art fair or celebration of heritage.

Here are a few of the events scheduled for this summer in the capital city.

Note: Times and prices may change, so check websites or call before visiting.

May

May 21: Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Heartland Park Topeka, 7530 S.W. Topeka Blvd. $40-$60.

(785) 861-7899; www.NHRA.com.

June

June 3: Capital City Family & Food Truck Festival, with food trucks, garden tours, minitrain and carousel rides and live music, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Gage Park, 635 S.W. Gage Blvd.

Free. visittopeka.com/events/festivals/foodtruck-festival.

June 3-4: Mulvane Art Fair, with more than 90 artists, food trucks and music,

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 3 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

June 4, Washburn University, 1700 S.W. Jewell Ave. $10 for adults. mulvaneartfair.org.

June 4: Germanfest, with food, live entertainment, bazaar, bingo, auction and beer garden, Sacred Heart Church, 312 N.E. Freeman. sacredheartstjosephcatholic.org/ Germanfest.html.

June 9-17: Sunflower Music Festival, with orchestra concerts, chamber music and educational projects, White Concert Hall at Washburn University. Free. sunflowermusicfestival.org.

June 10: Heartland Military Day, with World War II re-enactments, live bands and a panel related to World War I, Museum of the Kansas National Guard, 6700 S.W. Topeka Blvd. kansasguardmuseum. com/?p=2719.

June 24: Tap That: A Capital Brew Festival, with more than 140 American craft beers, food, music, vendors and educational opportunities, 5 to 8 p.m., 800 block of S.W. Jackson.

Must be 21. $10, $35 or $65. visittopeka.com/ events/festivals/tap-that.

July

July 1: Rotary Freedom Festival, celebrate events leading up to Kansas’ statehood, in downtown Topeka.

July 4: Spirit of Kansas Blues Festival, with bands and fireworks, begins at 11 a.m., Reynolds Lodge at Lake Shawnee, 3027 S.E. Beach Terrace. Free. topekabluessociety.org/wp/ about-the-spirit-of-kansas-blues-festival.

July 11-15: Fiesta Mexicana, with music, food, dance, parade, carnival, jalapeno-eating contest and children’s activities, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 201 N.E. Chandler. olgparish.com/fiesta-mexicana.html.

July 14-30: Sunflower State Games, more than 45 sports competitions for all ages and skill levels, various Topeka sites. sunflowergames.com.

July 20-23: Shawnee County Fair, with horse show, exhibits, contests, concert, fashion revue and talent show,

Kansas Expocentre, 1 Expocentre Drive. shawneecountyfair.org.

July 22: West Fest: National Day of the Cowboy, with cowboy-related games and activities, stagecoach rides, miniature horses and museum exhibits, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Kansas Museum of History, 6425 S.W. 6th Ave. $6-$8. kshs.org/p/west-fest-national-day-ofthe-cowboy/19070.

August

Aug. 11-13: Cyclovia Topeka, with glow ride, food trucks and excursion rides, downtown Topeka. visittopeka.com/events/festivals/cyclovia.

Aug. 19: Railroad Festival, with activities, vendors, entertainment and food trucks, Great Overland Station, 701 N. Kansas Ave. greatoverlandstation.com.

September

Sept. 1-3: Shawnee County Allied Tribes Traditional Intertribal Pow Wow, with traditional dancing, color guard, arts, crafts and food vendors, Lake Shawnee.

The Topeka Capital-Journal | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | 31

32 | Sunday, May 21, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal