Kanorado KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Kanorado, Kansas.
1. Mount Sunflower
HIGHEST POINT IN KANSAS
Mount Sunflower is the highest natural point in Kansas with an elevation exceeding 4,000 feet above sea level. Visitors can experience the unique opportunity to 'scale' this geographical landmark that sits on the high plains near Kanorado. Despite its name, Mount Sunflower is not actually a mountain but rather a gentle rise in the prairie landscape offering beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
2. Kanorado Community Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Kanorado Community Museum showcases items from the past that tell the story of this small border town. Visitors can tour the historical Caboose and view the old Cook Shack and Coal Shed that was donated to the museum. The museum provides an intimate look at the development of this high-elevation Kansas community and its unique position on the Colorado-Kansas state line.
3. Land and Sky Scenic Byway
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE ROUTE
The Land and Sky Scenic Byway is the only byway that focuses on agriculture, featuring thousands of acres of rotating crops, livestock, and wildlife along the route. Travelers have the opportunity to experience the Wallace Branch of the Great Western Cattle Trail as they journey through the high plains. The byway offers a unique perspective on western Kansas agriculture and natural landscapes as it passes through Kanorado.
4. Cherry Creek Encampment
HISTORICAL SETTLEMENT SITE
The Cherry Creek Encampment site can be found along the Land and Sky Scenic Byway near Kanorado. This historical location offers visitors a glimpse into the settlement history of western Kansas. The site represents an important chapter in the region's development and serves as a connection point to the agricultural heritage of the area.
5. Giant Van Gogh Painting
WORLD'S LARGEST REPRODUCTION
The Giant Van Gogh Painting in Goodland is a massive reproduction of the artist's famous 'Three Sunflowers in a Vase' and stands as the world's largest Van Gogh painting. This impressive 24-by-32-foot artwork sits on an 80-foot easel, making it a distinctive landmark visible from Interstate 70. The remarkable installation combines art appreciation with roadside attraction appeal, drawing visitors who are traveling through western Kansas.
6. St. Francis Motorcycle Museum
VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE COLLECTION
The St. Francis Motorcycle Museum houses more than 135 vintage motorcycles from various manufacturers in its 10,000 square foot facility. Visitors can view impressive collections from Indian and Harley Davidson, as well as lesser-known brands like Flanders, Excelsior, and Henderson. The museum is open daily and offers motorcycle enthusiasts and history buffs an extensive look at the evolution of two-wheeled transportation.
7. Arikaree Breaks
RUGGED CANYON LANDSCAPE
The Arikaree Breaks feature deep canyons and a rugged landscape that contrasts with the typically flat terrain of Kansas. Visitors can marvel at these geological formations that stretch for about 36 miles along the Kansas-Colorado border near Kanorado. The breaks were carved by the Arikaree River and offer one of the most dramatic natural landscapes in the region.
8. Aviation Heritage Museum
FIRST HELICOPTER REPLICA
The Aviation Heritage Museum in Goodland features a replica of the first patented helicopter in the United States. The museum showcases the innovative work of Goodland residents William Purvis and Charles Wilson, who filed their helicopter patent in 1909. Visitors can learn about early aviation history and the contributions made by these Kansas pioneers to aerospace development.
9. High Plains Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER
The High Plains Museum preserves the history and heritage of Northwest Kansas with exhibits on pioneer life, agriculture, and local development. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that tell the story of life on the high plains. The museum offers insights into how communities like Kanorado evolved in this challenging but rewarding landscape.
10. Sugar Hills Golf Club
SCENIC PRAIRIE GOLFING
Sugar Hills Golf Club offers golfers a chance to play on the high plains with views stretching across the prairie landscape. The course provides a challenging yet enjoyable experience with well-maintained fairways and greens. Visitors appreciate the peaceful setting and the opportunity to golf with a backdrop of Kansas's big sky country.
11. Kidder Massacre Site
FRONTIER HISTORY MEMORIAL
The Kidder Massacre Site commemorates a significant historical event from America's frontier era. Lieutenant Lyman Kidder and his men were killed in 1867 while delivering dispatches to General Custer, marking a notable chapter in Western military history. The memorial site offers visitors a sobering reminder of the conflicts that shaped the American West during the expansion period.
12. National Weather Service Station
METEOROLOGICAL SCIENCE CENTER
The National Weather Service Station in Goodland provides crucial meteorological data for the high plains region. Visitors can learn about weather forecasting techniques and the unique weather patterns of western Kansas. The station plays a vital role in monitoring severe weather conditions common to this area, including thunderstorms and winter blizzards.
13. Old Town Museum
PIONEER LIFE EXHIBITS
The Old Town Museum, located just across the state line from Kanorado in Burlington, Colorado, offers a glimpse into pioneer life on the plains with authentic buildings and artifacts. Visitors can explore the reconstructed town with its blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, and other historical buildings. The museum brings history to life through interactive exhibits and seasonal events celebrating the heritage of the region.
14. Kit Carson County Carousel
HISTORIC WOODEN MERRY-GO-ROUND
The Kit Carson County Carousel is a beautifully preserved 1905 Philadelphia Toboggan Company carousel featuring hand-carved wooden animals and original paint. This National Historic Landmark is one of the few remaining carousels from America's golden age of carousel-making. Visitors can ride this magnificent piece of Americana while listening to its original Wurlitzer Monster Military Band Organ during the summer months.
15. Sherman County Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE & CRAFTS
The Sherman County Farmers Market brings together local farmers, producers, and artisans in a vibrant community gathering. Visitors can purchase fresh produce, baked goods, and handcrafted items while connecting with the agricultural roots of the region. The market showcases the bounty of western Kansas and the creative spirit of its residents throughout the growing season.