Off the beaten path tours, Russell County

Russell County's beauty is not found in mountains, forests and skyscraper. Her beauty is etched in the state's clearest lake, fields of gold, green and rust; beautiful sunrises and sunsets, limestone structures and deeper yet, a rich heritage of fossil discoveries that sets it apart from the norm.

Experience Russell County's history not only through cultural arts, historical homes, unique parks, oil and domestic museums, but in the knowledge that the site of the last Indian raid on a Kansas railroad occurred 3-miles west of Russell and the Bloody Smoky Hill Trail and Butterfield Overland Dispatch Trail was laid out through the southern part of the county headed to the Colorado gold fields.

1. Follow the winding road 7 miles to see Wilson Lake, the clearest blue water lake in Kansas. This 9,100 acre body of water is framed by a 100 mile shoreline with excellent swimming, boating, mountain bike trail, group shelters, picnicking and camping areas. In addition, Wilson State Park offers cabin facilities and walking path opportunities. The lake is well known for its white bass, striped bass, walleye and smallmouth bass. As you drive through the scenic hills you'll be greeted by a multitude of wild flowers, birds and grasses. www.kdwp.state.ks.us

2. Cross over the dam and stop to view the Post Rock Scenic Byway Kiosk before driving 6 miles further to Lucas, the "Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas." While in Lucas, visit the Grassroots Art Center featuring art made by self-taught artists working outside the academic structure of fine art and beyond the cultural traditions of folk art. In addition, Lucas houses the work of 17 untrained artists of the region and a Post Rock Limestone courtyard that is a tribute to early stonemasons.

The Deeble Sculpture Garden is a continuation of the arts center tour. School teacher, Florence Deeble, watched S. P. Dinsmoor build the Garden of Eden
as a child and as she grew older she created postcard scenes from concrete in her backyard. The scenes are of her favorite vacation spots.

Built in 1907 The Garden of Eden, is a wonder in concrete forms of people, birds, animals and a serpent. At the age of 64 Samuel Dinsmoor began his creations using 113 tons (2,273 sacks) of cement and tons of limestone. The Civil War Veteran finished 22 years later. Experience other quirky wonderful things Lucas has to offer. Lucas was voted one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Art by the Kansas Sampler Foundation contest.

While in Lucas stop and see the Flying Pig Studio & Gallery famous for whimsical porcelain ceramic sculptures created by artist and owner Eric
Abraham.

              Just down the block south of the Garden of Eden you will find the World's Largest Collection of the World's Smallest versions of the World's
              Largest Things. Creator Erika Nelson traveled the United States to find the world's largest things then fashioned the world's smallest version of them
              for her exhibit. They are always available to view in the mobile museum parked in her backyard. If Erika is home she will be glad to give you a personal
              tour.

For a culinary experience visit Brant's Meat Market a third-generation family business since 1922. Homemade ready-to-eat ring Czech bologna, pepper sausage, smoked sausages; Liverwurst and beef jerky are made from scratch and awaits the adventurous traveler. www.lucaskansas.com

3. Return to K-18 East for a photo opportunity at the World's Largest Travel Plate before heading west 10 miles to Luray. This little city said to be "Halfway between the Garden of Eden and Paradise" is the site of Russell County's first log home, located in the roadside park along K-18.

For a different break or lunch experience stop at the "grocery store" on Main Street for soft-serve ice cream and fresh pizza. Talk with the locals as you enjoy your fare under the covered street-side patio. Take a peek in the Yellow Dog Saloon. A 9-Hole Sand Green Golf Course is a hidden jewel of Luray.

4. Return to K-18 and go 6 miles west to Waldo, a tiny town that once flourished with businesses and entertainment. Those times are recorded in the local museum of history.

5. Back on K-18 drive West 6 miles to Paradise for a photo opportunity of a limestone water tower. It has been in use since it was constructed in 1936 as a WPA project. The tower and Kennedy Hotel are listed on the National Registry of Historical Places.

6. Next stop is Russell, the county seat. Depart Paradise on K-18 and Travel 2 miles east to highway 281. You will find yourself gliding through the splendor of not-so-flat Kansas. Russell offers you 5 motels, 12 choices of family dining and fast food chain restaraunts.

7. Visit Fossil Station Museum the castle-like structure was built in 1907 as the county jail and sheriff's family living quarters. Today, it is the foundation of history for the county in artifacts, genealogy and fossils. It is a place to hear about the discovery of a giant marine reptile skull collected in Russell County in 1950. It is arguably the finest example of a pliosaur known anywhere in the world, and is the largest complete plesiosaur skull in North America. Measuring more than 5 feet in length, it is on display at Sternberg Museum of National History, Hays.

Oil Patch Museum is an air conditioned site where you can see, feel and learn about oil, the "Black Gold" that fuels man's imagination, as well as his machines. Cable tool and rotary equipment is exhibited and stories of the people and events that make up the history of the Carrie Oswald wildcat well that opened 2/3 of the state to oil drilling Thanksgiving Day 1923. Kit's Fork, the last Indian raid on a Kansas railroad took place 3 miles west of Russell and the Smoky Hill Trail and the Butterfield Overland Dispatch stagecoach and freight line passed through Russell County just south of Russell.

7. The Dream Theater is Western Kansas' first digital theatre with 3-D capabilities.

Deines Cultural Center is the repository for the wood engravings of E. Hubert Deines (1894-1967) shown on a rotating basis, as well as a permanent collection. The center also features regional artists' works and traveling art exhibits.

The "Hall of Dole" exhibits photographs from Senator Bob Dole's early life in Russell.

"Pickin and Jammin" at the Deines is open to the public every 3rd Sunday at 3:00 p.m. In addition, Russell offers a number of tour options that include 1880's limestone houses. For current information on Deines Cultural Center www.deinesculturalcenter.org

8. While downtown drive by or shop the Waudby's Clothiers, Waudby's Sports Bar and Grill and the U.S. Post office The 4 buildings and a mural in the post office are on the National Registry of Historic Places.

9. Share your day's adventure with your friends over a wonderful buffet of homemade food, steak, bar-b-q or ethnic fare at one of our sit-down restaurants. Don't forget to check out the sunset.

10. A bright sunshine wakes you to a delightful breakfast. Step aboard your coach and return to I-70 where you will have a choice of going west to Gorham and Hays or drive 9 miles East on I-70 to Bunker Hill where you will hear the history of their famous resident, Civil War nurse Mother Bickerdyke and her family. The museum also displays a beautiful set of Masonic furniture purchased in 1887 for $44. 43. The Bunker Hill Cafe on Main Street is famous for its steaks and sea food. The interior captures the late 1880's.

11. Return to I-70 and drive 4-miles east to Dorrance. The Dorrance Historical Museum is a native limestone building located on Main Street. Known as the Riff building it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Within its walls is the L. W. Halbe Collection. L. W. Halbe, a local photographer is quite famous for documenting through his photos the changes from horses to horsepower. He created more than 1,500 imagines that have since appeared in TIME-Life publications. His works are also exhibited by the Smithsonian Institute and by the Kansas State Historical Society. The museum displays many things from tiny medicine bottles to wonderfully buggies and other unusual equipment. It is open by appointment. Granny Mae's Pumpkin Patch is fun for everyone. It includes a gift barn, train ride, games, pumpkins and more. Arrange for a tour of Pro-bound Sports, LLC. The PRO-BOUNDER (tm) is a serious training aid used by six time world champions, Chicago Bulls. The training concept developed by Coach Tex Winter and Ken Mahoney of Dorrance more than 35 years ago is still the most revolutionary training concept ever developed for basketball. Ken Mahoney will be inducted into the National Basketball Hall of fame this fall. For additional information on Dorrance contact heddy.mahoney@proboundsports.com

This tour is designed only to give you possibilities.

It can start from the east at I-70 Exit 206 or from the west at I-70 Exit 184 or from a point of your choice.

This sample tour is busy and to see everything mentioned (not all sites or events are listed) would take more than a day. We can help design your trip, just tell us your theme or the amount of time you want to be in the area.

Private showings at the historical Dream Theater are available to motor coach or other large groups by advance reservations Monday through Thursday. Special entertainment can also be arranged for your group.

The Russell Community Theatre performs in the spring, the summer and the fall.

Open hours vary between sites, however, all sites in the county are open with reservation year around. All sites are free will donations, except Lucas attractions.

Tour themes to consider: Churches, farms, ranch, history, oil, sports, fine arts, live theatre and music opportunities are only a few things to consider. You are sure to be pleased with overnight accommodations that offer pools, exercise equipment and breakfasts that range from a continental of rolls and coffee to buffets of waffles, biscuits and gravy, fruit and more. You will find that a wide selection of eateries is available in Russell that include home cooking buffets, Mexican, Chinese, bar-b-q, and fast foods or stop by Klema’s Grocery Store Deli and plan a picnic in the park.

A current 2009 Events List is available.

Additional information or Step-on guides are available locally or county wide by reservation. www.visitrussellcoks.com

NOTICE Prairiesta June 2011

Prairiesta is the celebration of the founding of Russell. During this time the town reverts back to the 1871 era with period costumes and beards worn by locals and visitors. The days and nights are filled with activities, entertainment, food, contests, etc. The city is in preparation of this event at this time.

The State of Kansas also celebrates its 150^th Anniversary

TREASURES "Off the Beaten Path"