Assaria KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Assaria, Kansas.
1. Gypsum Valley Sporting Clays
OUTDOOR SHOOTING EXPERIENCE
Gypsum Valley Sporting Clays offers an exceptional outdoor shooting experience for enthusiasts of all skill levels. Visitors can test their marksmanship across various challenging stations designed to simulate hunting scenarios. The facility provides equipment rentals and professional instruction for those looking to improve their shooting skills.
2. Coronado Heights
HISTORIC SCENIC OVERLOOK
Coronado Heights is a scenic overlook featuring a stone castle-like structure built during the 1930s. The historic site offers panoramic views of the Smoky Valley region and commemorates Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, hiking trails, and unique photo opportunities at this beloved local landmark.
3. Smoky Hill Vineyards and Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Smoky Hill Vineyards and Winery invites visitors to sample locally produced wines in a charming rural setting. The winery offers guided tours explaining their grape-growing and wine-making processes using Kansas-grown fruits. Guests can purchase bottles to take home and often enjoy seasonal events held on the picturesque grounds.
4. Blind Pig Sports Lounge
LOCAL SPORTS BAR
Blind Pig Sports Lounge provides a relaxed atmosphere for sports enthusiasts to watch games while enjoying food and drinks. The venue features multiple screens showing various sporting events throughout the year. Patrons appreciate the friendly service, casual ambiance, and selection of pub-style fare.
5. Rex's Antique Car Museum
VINTAGE AUTOMOBILE COLLECTION
Rex's Antique Car Museum showcases an impressive collection of meticulously restored vintage automobiles spanning several decades. Visitors can admire rare models and learn about the evolution of automotive design and technology. The museum offers a nostalgic journey through America's car culture with informative displays and knowledgeable staff.
6. Elite Sports
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
Elite Sports provides a variety of recreational activities for families and groups seeking indoor entertainment. The facility features gaming areas, sports simulators, and spaces for group events or birthday celebrations. Visitors of all ages can enjoy competitive fun in a climate-controlled environment regardless of weather conditions.
7. Rolling Hills Zoo
WILDLIFE AND MUSEUM
Rolling Hills Zoo houses over 350 animals representing 105 species in naturalistic habitats across its expansive grounds. The attraction combines a world-class zoo experience with an impressive wildlife museum featuring lifelike dioramas. Visitors can enjoy up-close animal encounters, educational presentations, and conservation-focused exhibits throughout the year.
8. Yesteryear Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
Yesteryear Museum preserves the cultural heritage of the region through its extensive collection of historical artifacts and memorabilia. Exhibits showcase everyday items, tools, and technologies that shaped life in Kansas throughout different eras. Visitors gain insight into pioneer experiences and agricultural developments that influenced the area's growth and character.
9. District Eat and Play
ENTERTAINMENT DINING COMPLEX
District Eat and Play combines dining, drinking, and entertainment options under one roof as Salina's premier entertainment destination. The venue features an arcade, go-karts, and various games alongside a full-service restaurant and bar. Visitors can host parties and events in this versatile space that caters to both families and adult groups.
10. Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE
Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts occupies a beautifully restored historic building in downtown Salina. The venue hosts a diverse calendar of concerts, comedy shows, theatrical productions, and cultural events throughout the year. Audiences appreciate the intimate atmosphere, excellent acoustics, and architectural details of this beloved community landmark.
11. Assaria Lutheran Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
Assaria Lutheran Church stands as a testament to the Swedish immigrant heritage that shaped the community since its founding in 1875. The historic church building features traditional architecture and played a central role in the development of the town, which derives its name from the congregation. Visitors can appreciate both the spiritual and historical significance of this landmark that represents the town's origins.
12. Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery
SWEDISH ARTIST SHOWCASE
Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery celebrates the life and work of Swedish-American artist Birger Sandzén, who taught at Bethany College for over 50 years. The gallery houses an impressive collection of Sandzén's vibrant landscape paintings, prints, and watercolors that capture the beauty of the Kansas prairie. Visitors can also enjoy rotating exhibitions featuring contemporary regional artists alongside the permanent collection.
13. Salemsburg Church
RURAL RELIGIOUS HERITAGE
Salemsburg Church represents one of the earliest Swedish settlements in the region and maintains its historical significance in the Assaria community. The church served the original settlers before the Assaria congregation was established in 1875. Visitors interested in local history can appreciate the simple architecture and cultural heritage preserved at this rural landmark.
14. Union Pacific Railroad Historic Route
RAILWAY HERITAGE TRAIL
The Union Pacific Railroad Historic Route runs through Assaria, marking the 1879 rail connection that was crucial to the town's development. This railway line, originally known as the Salina and Southwestern Railroad, connected Assaria to Salina and Lindsborg, facilitating trade and immigration. Visitors can observe the historic rail corridor that fundamentally shaped the community's growth and economic foundation.
15. Swedish Crown Restaurant
TRADITIONAL SCANDINAVIAN DINING
The Swedish Crown Restaurant offers authentic Scandinavian cuisine reflecting the area's strong Swedish heritage. Diners can enjoy traditional specialties like Swedish meatballs, lingonberries, and cardamom-spiced pastries in a charming atmosphere. The restaurant serves as both a culinary destination and a cultural experience that connects visitors to the region's immigrant history.