Is nature and the natural world something that interests you and are you looking for the best nature museums to visit in Kansas? These are the ones:
1Rolling Hills Zoo
Salina, KSThe Rolling Hills Zoo is conveniently located near Salina, Kansas, in the rural Saline County. It is situated 6.0 miles west of the I-70 and I-135 interchange, and 2.5 miles south of I-70 Exit 244, making it easily accessible through the unincorporated community of Hedville. This medium-sized zoo is a great destination for those who appreciate wildlife and nature. 2Museum of World Treasures
Wichita, KSThe Museum of World Treasures, located in Wichita, Kansas, is a world history museum. It offers a diverse collection of artifacts from different eras and fields of interest, making it a unique destination for history enthusiasts. The museum is not limited to a particular era or subject, providing a wide range of exhibits that cater to various interests. 3Sedgwick County Zoo
Wichita, KSThe Sedgwick County Zoo, located in Wichita, Kansas, is an AZA-accredited wildlife park and a major attraction. It is recognized both nationally and internationally for its support of conservation programs and successful breeding of rare and endangered species. 4David Traylor Zoo
Emporia, KSThe David Traylor Zoo, situated in Emporia, Kansas, is a small yet charming zoo that offers free admission to all its visitors. Despite its size, it is one of the few zoos in the United States that is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). 5STRATACA: KS Underground Salt Museum
Hutchinson, KSStrataca, formerly known as the Kansas Underground Salt Museum, is a unique attraction located in Hutchinson, Kansas. The museum is situated within one of the world's largest deposits of rock salt, which was formed 275 million years ago. This offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore a significant geological feature and learn about the history and processes of salt mining. 6Butterfield Trail Museum
Russell Springs, KSThe Butterfield Trail Museum, located in the historic Old Logan County Courthouse on Main St. in Russell Springs, Kansas, is a testament to the rich history of the area. Built in 1887, the courthouse was designed by Alfred Meyer and constructed by local contractor George D. Kerns. Today, it stands as a significant landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. 7Topeka Zoo
Topeka, KSThe Topeka Zoo, formally known as the Topeka Zoological Park, is a medium-sized zoo situated in the heart of Topeka, Kansas. It is conveniently located within Gage Park, just off I-70 in the north central portion of the city. Despite its size, the zoo is home to over 300 animals and is one of the most popular attractions in Topeka, attracting over 250,000 visitors a year. 8Bartlett Arboretum
Belle Plaine, KSThe Bartlett Arboretum is a historic, nonprofit arboretum situated in Belle Plaine, Kansas, United States. It is a private property that is open to the public seasonally and upon special request. Established in 1910 by Dr. Walter Bartlett, the arboretum has grown over the years to include a variety of plant species and features such as a stage and seating area for outdoor concerts. 9Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Overland Park, KSThe Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is a beautiful arboretum and botanical garden that was established in 1991. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty and man-made structures, providing a serene environment for visitors to enjoy. The arboretum is home to a variety of plant species, making it a great place for nature lovers.- 10
Great Plains Nature Center
Wichita, KSA hidden gem - this nature museum presents the local flora and fauna in an intriguing way. Great for kids and adults alike. 11Sunset Zoo
Manhattan, KSSunset Zoo, also known as Sunset Zoological Park, is located in Manhattan, Kansas. The zoo is home to over 300 animals, representing more than 100 different species. This diverse collection of wildlife offers visitors the opportunity to learn about and interact with a wide range of animals from around the world. 12Lee Richardson Zoo
Garden City, KSThe Lee Richardson Zoo, located in Garden City, Kansas, is an AZA accredited zoo. This accreditation ensures that the zoo meets the highest standards of animal care and welfare. Visitors can expect to see a variety of animals in a well-maintained and safe environment. 13KU Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum
Lawrence, KSThe galleries of the University of Kansas Natural History Museum are located in Dyche Hall, situated on the main campus of the university in Lawrence, Kansas. The museum is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday, and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. This information is crucial for planning a visit to the museum. 14Museum At Prairiefire
Overland Park, KSThe Museum at Prairiefire is located in Overland Park, Kansas. This location is easily accessible and offers a variety of other attractions in the vicinity, making it a convenient stop for tourists. 15Sternberg Museum of Natural History
Hays, KSFHSU was established in 1902 as the Western Branch of Kansas State Normal School, which is now known as Emporia State University. The university was originally situated on the grounds of Fort Hays, a frontier military outpost that was closed in 1889. The institution was founded to cater to the educational needs of the early settlers in the region.- 16
Hutchinson Zoo
Hutchinson, KSThe Hutchinson Zoo, located in Hutchinson, Kansas, United States, is a small 9-acre zoo that has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1997. This accreditation ensures that the zoo meets the highest standards in animal care and welfare, making it a safe and educational place for visitors. - 17
Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo
Great Bend, KSThe Great Bend Zoo, also known as the Great Bend-Brit Spaugh Zoo, is a medium-sized zoo situated within Brit Spaugh Park. It is conveniently located just off U.S. Route 281 in the north central part of Great Bend, Kansas. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors traveling through the city. - 18
Dyck Arboretum of the Plains
Hesston, KSThe Dyck Arboretum of the Plains is a botanical garden located at Hesston College in Hesston, Kansas. Spanning thirteen acres, this garden offers a vast expanse of natural beauty for visitors to explore. - 19
Kansas State University Gardens
Manhattan, KSThe Kansas State University Gardens is a horticulture display garden that is currently being developed and maintained by the Department of Horticulture, Forestry and Recreation Resources at Kansas State University. This garden is a testament to the university's commitment to horticulture and provides a unique opportunity for visitors to witness the development of a garden from its early stages. - 20
Parsons Arboretum
Parsons, KSThe Parsons Arboretum is a beautiful arboretum and garden situated next to the corner of 21st and Briggs Avenue in Glenwood Park, Parsons, Kansas, United States. This location is easily accessible and offers a serene environment for visitors to enjoy nature. - 21
Ward-Meade Park
Topeka, KSThe Ward-Meade Park Botanical Gardens are situated in the historic Ward-Meade Park, located at 124 NW Fillmore Street in Topeka, Kansas. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich botanical diversity of the region. - 22
Utility Park & Zoo
Clay Center, KS - 23
Prairie Oak Nature Center
Leawood, KS - 24
Fick Fossil and History Museum
Oakley, KS - 25
Mcpherson Museum and Arts Foundation
Mcpherson, KSThe McPherson Museum, located in McPherson, Kansas, is a local history museum dedicated to preserving the historical and cultural heritage of the McPherson community. It provides a comprehensive view of the area's history, making it a valuable resource for those interested in understanding the region's past.