Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center Kansas Underground Salt Museum Reno County Museum Dillon Nature Center Yoder Amish Community Hedricks Exotic Animal Farm Hutchinson Zoo

With the largest collection of space  artifacts outside the Smithsonian, and the largest collection of Soviet space hardware in the Western world, you'll be surrounded by the sights, sounds, and thrills of man's journey to the stars.

Restored by the Cosmosphere, authentic V-1 and V-2 rockets are displayed in the German Gallery and set the stage for the acceleration of rocket development in the 20th century. The Cold War Gallery's display of technology testing, Sputnik, and Sputnik II highlight Russia's early dominance of the space race.

The space race heats up in the Early Spaceflight Gallery as you move beyond a section of the German Wall before stepping into the shadow of a towering Gemini-Titan rocket. You then come face-to-face with Liberty Bell 7, the famous spacecraft recovered in 1999 after 38 years on the Atlantic Ocean floor. The Early Spaceflight Gallery also features Gemini X and Russian Vostok and Voskhod spacecraft.

The space race heats up in the Early Spaceflight Gallery as you move beyond a section of the German Wall before stepping into the shadow of a towering Gemini-Titan rocket. You then come face-to-face with Liberty Bell 7, the famous spacecraft recovered in 1999 after 38 years on the Atlantic Ocean floor. The Early Spaceflight Gallery also features Gemini X and Russian Vostok and Voskhod spacecraft.

From actual gloves worn by Neil Armstrong when he touched the surface of the moon, to the famed Apollo XIII command module Odyssey, the Apollo Gallery features the crowning achievements of the U.S. space program.

In addition to the space museum, the Cosmosphere offers other entertaining and educational opportunities.

• The Carey IMAX® Dome Theater utilizes the largest projection system in the world.
• Astronaut Experience, the newest attraction, offers interactive activities for all ages. Ride a g-force simulator, control Liberty Bell 7 recovery simulators, plan a mission to Mars, sit inside a Mercury spacecraft replica, and more. Admission is free. Centrifuge rides are $4 per person.
• Dr. Goddard's Lab illustrates a live rocket science demonstration.
• Justice Planetarium Theater offers educational star shows.
• Cosmosphere Education Programs provide a unique blend of classroom instruction and experiential learning. Fourteen different space and aviation camps for children and adults of all ages are offered throughout the year.  Rocketry, robotics, aviation training, Shuttle mission simulations, stress testing, and g-force training are among the many adventures campers experience during their time at the Cosmosphere.
• Elderhostel Astronaut Training Program, for those 55+, includes interactive
  briefings, rocket launches, g-force training, and a simulated shuttle mission.
• Cargo Bay Gift Store has a fascinating selection of space and aviation collectibles.
• The Lunar Outpost is a one-stop refueling station for lunch or just a quick snack.

KANSAS COSMOSPHERE AND SPACE CENTER
1100 North Plum | 620 662-2305 | 800 397-0330
Open daily except Christmas
Disabled accessible www.cosmo.org

Kansas Underground Salt Museum

It's an experience truly unlike any other! The Kansas Underground Salt Museum, a project of the Reno County Historical Society, provides the only opportunity of this kind in the Western Hemisphere.

After a 70-second descent straight down on a double- decked elevator, the doors open and you're 650 feet
under the Kansas prairie surrounded by salt deposits formed 275 million years ago.

This exotic subterranean world is as comfortable as it is fascinating -- always 68 degrees with 45% relative humidity. The historical, geological, and cultural story of salt comes to life with dramatic displays and a tram ride through the maze of chambers created by years of mining. This is still a working salt mine, although the Museum area is far from the active mining activity. 


The mine is also home of Underground Vaults and Storage (UVS), a secured site entrusted to protect all kinds of valuable materials including the original film of many of the greatest movies. A special Salt Museum gallery depicts the UVS facility. It includes a temporary exhibit of actual movie costumes such as Batman and Mr. Freeze, James Dean's shirt from Giant, Agent Smith from Matrix, and the Snowman from Jack Frost.

Tours depart every 20 minutes. Because access is limited by elevator capacity, advanced reservations are recommended to ensure a timely visit.

The actual costumes from classic Hollywood flicks are on display in the Salt Museum. You can touch veins of salt created millions of years ago... and even fill a bag with salt crystals!

Reno County Museum

Located just a block from Hutchinson's  Main Street, the museum features four rotating exhibit galleries that display the county's rich history and heritage from the early pioneers to present day.

The museum also features a newly- renovated children's area known as the Oodleplex. This interactive display educates as well as entertains with the themes of pioneering, transportation, Native America, communication, and entertainment. While the Oodleplex is designed for children, "kids" of all ages will appreciate this unique attraction.

Be sure to enjoy the museum's grounds, which feature a claim house, outhouse, windmill, antique electric switch engine, and an old caboose to offer further glimpses into the past.

The museum staff can develop special programs and guided tours for school groups, adult groups, and bus tours when scheduled in advance.
www.undergroundmuseum.org

Dillon Nature Center

Located on 100 acres in northeast  Hutchinson, this National Urban Wildlife Sanctuary showcases both plant and wildlife.

As visitors stroll along the National Recreation Trail system they will find  hundreds of species of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, that create a wild arboretum. Over 200 species of wild birds and a diverse variety of other wildlife have been recorded on the site. The spring-fed upper pond is stocked as part of the Urban Fisheries Program.
The "Closer Look at Nature" gallery is filled with interactive exhibits about Kansas ecology that are educational and fun for the whole family. This building also offers a meeting room, natural science classroom, wildlife observation deck, natural library, and wonderful gift shop.

Guided tours are available to groups throughout the year.

Yoder Amish Community

Ever wanted to slow    down and enjoy the  simpler things in life? It's as easy as a trip  to Yoder. This authentic Amish community  transports visitors into a different way of life for a fascinating experience. (Please respect the Amish people's simple lifestyle).

Stroll down the streets in the quiet and quaint community that boasts several unique and timeless treasures in its welcoming stores. Enjoy the intricate beauty of hand-stitched quilts, stores filled with antiques, handcrafted furniture, as well as the old- style hardware store. Don't forget to treat yourself to a fresh, delicious cinnamon roll at the bakery. Top off your visit with a family-style dinner at the local restaurant.

Experience all of the great shopping and sights of Yoder with a simple walk, or take a relaxing ride aboard a quaint surrey that departs from the local meat and specialty store.

Hedricks Exotic Animal Farm

Take a walk on the wild side during a unique experience at Hedrick's Exotic Animal Farm.
Whether it's petting a zebra, riding a camel or feeding a giraffe, this one-of- a-kind attraction offers the opportunity to come face-to-face with several unusual animals. It's an animal adventure not to be forgotten and one that is truly unlike any other in the Midwest!

The farm also features a tamer side -- a bed and breakfast with all the creature comforts one could want.

Tours are available year-round by reservation only.

Hutchinson Zoo

Experience the native animals of Kansas  at the Hutchinson Zoo! Meet animals with special defenses, great hunting skills, or the ability to live alongside man.

The zoo also features the Kansas Wildlife Aviary with non-predatory birds and river otters and the Lagoon Overlook offering the chance to look through the telescope for a close-up view of the wild waterfowl. Across the lagoon, sneak a peek at the bison on the prairie home.

The attractive zoo also includes prong horn, coyote, ringtail, bobcat, reptiles, porcupine, and native birds in free flight.
Another popular feature is the Prairie Dog Complex, where children can safely view these timid creatures in their natural environment through a specially designed tunnel.

Prairie Thunder Railroad takes passengers on an eight-minute ride through Carey Park. Tickets for the train ride are available at the Visitors' Center where the Friends of the Zoo Gift Shop has nature-inspired toys for all ages.