Munden KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Munden, Kansas.
1. Boyer Museum of Animated Carvings
UNIQUE WOODEN ARTISTRY
The Boyer Museum of Animated Carvings in Munden showcases an impressive collection of handcrafted wooden animations. Visitors can witness the intricate craftsmanship of these mechanical wooden sculptures that come to life. The museum offers a truly unique cultural experience that appeals to art enthusiasts of all ages.
2. Kansas World's Fair
NOSTALGIC SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
The Kansas World's Fair in Munden combines antique shopping with local history. Visitors can browse through a diverse collection of specialty items and unique gifts. This charming establishment offers a glimpse into Kansas heritage while providing a distinctive shopping experience.
3. The After Five Sports Bar & Grill
LOCAL FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT
The After Five Sports Bar & Grill serves as Munden's social hub for dining and entertainment. Patrons can enjoy casual American fare while participating in karaoke nights and other community events. This establishment provides a friendly atmosphere where locals and visitors alike can unwind.
4. Nazareth Convent
HISTORICAL RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
The Nazareth Convent stands as an important historical and religious landmark near Munden. Visitors can explore the beautiful architecture and peaceful grounds that reflect Kansas' religious heritage. The site offers insight into the spiritual history of the region and the role of religious communities in the area's development.
5. Pawnee Indian Museum State Historic Site
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
The Pawnee Indian Museum State Historic Site preserves the remains of a Pawnee earth lodge dating back to the 1820s. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the rich cultural history of the Pawnee people who once inhabited the region. The museum provides educational displays about native lifeways, artifacts, and the historical significance of this archaeological site.
6. World's Largest Porch Swing
QUIRKY ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
The World's Largest Porch Swing is a charming roadside attraction just a short drive from Munden. This oversized swing can seat up to 24 adults simultaneously, making it a fun photo opportunity for travelers. The attraction represents the welcoming spirit of small-town America and has become an iconic landmark in the region.
7. WWII German POW Camp
WARTIME HISTORICAL SITE
The WWII German POW Camp in Concordia offers visitors a glimpse into a lesser-known aspect of American wartime history. The site preserves the remains of Camp Concordia, which once housed German prisoners of war during World War II. Exhibits and guided tours provide fascinating insights into daily life at the camp and the relationships between prisoners and locals.
8. Crystal Springs Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Crystal Springs Park provides a refreshing natural retreat near Munden with beautiful landscaping and recreational facilities. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, walking paths, and open green spaces ideal for family outings. The park serves as a community gathering place and offers a peaceful setting to appreciate Kansas' natural beauty.
9. National Orphan Train Complex
UNIQUE AMERICAN HISTORY
The National Orphan Train Complex documents the history of the orphan train movement that relocated thousands of children from Eastern cities to rural homes between 1854 and 1929. Exhibits feature personal stories, artifacts, and interactive displays that bring this significant chapter of American history to life. The museum preserves the legacy of these children and educates visitors about this pioneering form of foster care.
10. Monument Rocks
NATURAL LIMESTONE FORMATIONS
Monument Rocks features striking 70-foot tall chalk formations rising dramatically from the Kansas prairie. Designated as the first National Natural Landmark in Kansas in 1968, these ancient sea deposits date back 80 million years. Visitors can explore these magnificent geological structures from dawn till dusk, taking in their otherworldly beauty against the expansive Kansas sky.
11. Acreage Steakhouse
PREMIUM DINING EXPERIENCE
Acreage Steakhouse offers a refined dining experience featuring high-quality steaks and other American favorites near Munden. Patrons can enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere while savoring expertly prepared meals in a comfortable setting. The restaurant has earned a reputation for excellent service and delicious food, making it a popular choice for special occasions.
12. Keeper of the Plains
ICONIC CULTURAL LANDMARK
The Keeper of the Plains is a 44-foot tall steel sculpture standing at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers. This iconic symbol of Wichita represents the Native American heritage of the region and honors the area's indigenous peoples. The daily Ring of Fire ceremony, where fire pots around the base are lit at nightfall, creates a magical experience for visitors.
13. Teter Rock
FLINT HILLS LANDMARK
Teter Rock stands as a solitary limestone monolith overlooking the vast expanse of the Flint Hills. The landmark was originally placed as a guidepost for travelers and continues to serve as an orientation point on the prairie. Visitors are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding tallgrass prairie landscape, especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
14. Coronado Heights
HISTORIC SCENIC OVERLOOK
Coronado Heights features a stone castle-like structure atop a prominent hill, supposedly marking where Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado gave up his search for the Seven Cities of Gold. Visitors can climb to this scenic overlook for breathtaking views of the Smoky Valley region and surrounding farmlands. The unique WPA-era structure provides picnic areas and hiking opportunities in a historically significant setting.
15. Rock City
UNUSUAL GEOLOGICAL WONDER
Rock City showcases a field of massive spherical boulders, some reaching diameters of up to 27 feet, creating an otherworldly landscape. These unusual Dakota sandstone concretions number more than 200 and are believed to have formed millions of years ago when this area was covered by a shallow sea. Visitors can walk among these geological curiosities on designated paths while learning about their formation through interpretive signs.