New Cambria KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near New Cambria, Kansas.
1. BEL Tree Farm
LOCAL FARM EXPERIENCE
BEL Tree Farm offers visitors a charming agricultural experience in New Cambria. Visitors can enjoy seasonal activities like picking fresh produce or selecting Christmas trees depending on the time of year. The farm provides a genuine glimpse into rural Kansas life with its welcoming atmosphere and family-friendly environment.
2. Lakewood Park
NATURAL RECREATION AREA
Lakewood Park serves as New Cambria's primary outdoor recreation destination featuring natural landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities. The park offers visitors a peaceful setting for activities like hiking, picnicking, and observing local flora and fauna. Its well-maintained grounds make it a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking outdoor relaxation.
3. Webster Conference Center
MODERN CONVENTION FACILITY
Webster Conference Center provides state-of-the-art meeting and event facilities in the New Cambria area. The center hosts various gatherings throughout the year, from business conferences to community events and private celebrations. Its professional amenities and accommodating staff have earned it a five-star rating from visitors.
4. Whiteford Archeological Site
HISTORIC NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
The Whiteford Archeological Site represents an important Central Plains habitation site with an unusually well-preserved burial complex. Originally discovered in 1873 and later excavated beginning in 1936, this National Historic Landmark provides valuable insights into Native American history. Though no longer accessible to the public since being covered in 1990 to protect it, the site remains an important historical marker in the region.
5. Rolling Hills Zoo
WILDLIFE AND MUSEUM COMPLEX
Rolling Hills Zoo offers visitors a chance to observe exotic animals in naturalistic habitats just a short drive from New Cambria. The facility combines a traditional zoo experience with an impressive museum featuring lifelike dioramas of wildlife from around the world. Family-friendly amenities include a tram tour, multiple dining options, and interactive educational programs throughout the year.
6. Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Stiefel Theatre stands as a beautifully restored 1931 movie palace now hosting concerts, comedy shows, and other live performances near New Cambria. Its ornate Spanish Colonial Revival architecture provides a stunning backdrop for the diverse calendar of events held throughout the year. The venue has welcomed numerous nationally recognized artists while maintaining its importance as a cultural centerpiece for the region.
7. Cozy Inn
ICONIC SLIDER RESTAURANT
Cozy Inn has been serving its famous sliders since 1922, making it a culinary institution in the area around New Cambria. The tiny diner is known for its small onion-fried hamburgers that have remained essentially unchanged for a century. Visitors often comment on both the distinctive aroma that permeates the surrounding block and the nostalgic experience of dining at this historic establishment.
8. Smoky Hill Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER
The Smoky Hill Museum showcases the rich history of central Kansas through interactive exhibits and engaging displays. Visitors can explore stories of the area's settlement, agricultural development, and cultural evolution through carefully curated artifacts and multimedia presentations. The museum offers free admission and regularly hosts special events that bring history to life for all ages.
9. Indian Rock Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Indian Rock Park features dramatic sandstone formations and scenic trails just a short drive from New Cambria. The park's namesake rock formations offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and opportunities for photography and nature appreciation. Facilities include picnic areas, playground equipment, and walking paths that make it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
10. The Garage
AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY MUSEUM
The Garage automobile museum displays an impressive collection of vintage vehicles and automotive memorabilia near New Cambria. Visitors can marvel at meticulously restored cars spanning multiple decades of American automotive history. The museum's thoughtful presentation includes informative displays about each vehicle's significance and the evolution of transportation technology.
11. Salina Art Center
CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY
The Salina Art Center serves as a hub for contemporary art in the region surrounding New Cambria. The center features rotating exhibitions of work by local, national, and international artists across various media. Its programming includes educational workshops, film screenings, and community engagement initiatives that make art accessible to diverse audiences.
12. Yesteryear Museum
PIONEER LIFE COLLECTION
Yesteryear Museum preserves the heritage of pioneer life through an extensive collection of historical artifacts and buildings. Visitors can explore authentic structures including a one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and pioneer homes furnished with period-appropriate items. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into daily life in early Kansas with demonstrations of traditional crafts and skills during special events.
13. Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY CENTER
The Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum chronicles the life and legacy of the 34th U.S. President within driving distance of New Cambria. The complex includes Eisenhower's childhood home, a museum with extensive exhibits, and a research library housing important historical documents. Visitors gain insight into both Eisenhower's military career and his presidential administration through thoughtfully designed displays featuring personal artifacts and multimedia presentations.
14. Greyhound Hall of Fame
RACING DOG HERITAGE
The Greyhound Hall of Fame celebrates the history and achievements of greyhound racing in America not far from New Cambria. Exhibits trace the ancient origins of the breed and its development into the modern racing dog with displays of trophies, memorabilia, and interactive elements. Visitors often enjoy meeting the resident retired racing greyhounds who serve as living ambassadors for the museum.
15. Brookville Hotel Restaurant
HISTORIC CHICKEN DINNER DESTINATION
The Brookville Hotel Restaurant continues a tradition of family-style fried chicken dinners that dates back to 1870 in the region near New Cambria. The restaurant's signature meal includes skillet-fried chicken, mashed potatoes with cream gravy, and other classic sides served in a historic-themed setting. Generations of Kansans and travelers have made dining at this iconic establishment a cherished tradition for special occasions and family gatherings.