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Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center 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. The Cosmosphere was also recently named one of the 8 Wonders of Reno County, as well as one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas! 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.
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.
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, an entity of the Reno County Historical Society, provides the only opportunity of this kind in the Western Hemisphere. It was also recently designated a winner in the 8 Wonders of Reno County and 8 Wonders of Kansas promotions!
 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. The actual costumes from classic Hollywood flicks are on display in the Salt Museum. 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.  You can touch veins of salt created millions of years ago... and even fill a bag with salt crystals! During the peak travel
season, tours depart every 20 minutes. Because access is limited by elevator capacity, advanced reservations are highly recommended to ensure a timely visit. Children under 4 years of age are no permitted underground. KANSAS UNDERGROUND SALT MUSEUM 3504 East Avenue G (G & Airport Road) | 620 662-1425 | 866 755-3450 Hours: Tuesday through Saturday - 9 am to 6 pm Sunday - 1 to 5 pm Closed Mondays except selected Holidays www.undergroundmuseum.orgReno County MuseumLocated 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 pioneersto 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, 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. RENO COUNTY MUSEUM
100 South Walnut | 620 662-1184 Hours: Tuesday through Saturday - 9 am to 5 pm Closed Sundays, Mondays & Holidays Free Admission | Disabled accessible www.renocomuseum.org Kansas Kids MuseumVISIT PEBBLEVILLE -- a very popular area of the Museum -- a child-size community highlighted by an old-fashioned main street and exhibit areas representing a lumber yard, a general store, fire and police stations, a home, and a health center. Kansas Kids Museum also features the extensive Henry Westfahl rock collection. The spectacular array of specimens provides an opportunity to see a wide array of crystals, gems, and ores, as well as fossils and petrified wood. A fun and educational activities area includes a hands-on curiosity table, phosphorescence dark box, games, puzzles, and a “gold dig”. There is a primary rock-climbing wall. Creative dramatics, crafts, science, and music are also offered at the Museum.Kansas Kids Museum is available for field trips and special events such as birthday parties. ___________________________________________________________________________ KANSAS KIDS MUSEUM 1500 East 11TH | 620-669-5156 Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm kansaskidsmuseum.com ___________________________________________________________________________ |
