Attractions
Find luxury accommodations, delicious dining, heritage-rich artwork and shopping along the Post Rock Scenic Byway in Wilson — then take time to explore other area offerings that satisfy all ages and interests.
World’s Largest Czech Egg
Art afficionados shouldn’t miss this unique feature! The World’s Largest Czech Egg is a 20-foot-tall tribute to the area’s Czech heritage and the Kraslice tradition of decorating eggs with intricate designs to celebrate new life and resurrection at Easter. After you appreciate the large version, find other (smaller) eggs around town and enjoy the creativity and history they represent.
Originally built in 1899, the Midland Railroad Hotel’s magnificent limestone building was a popular stop along the Union Pacific Railroad between Kansas City and Denver. It survived a fire, prospered in the Roaring Twenties, persisted through the Great Depression and multiple owners, and was the backdrop for several scenes in the 1973 film “Paper Moon” starring Ryan and Tatum O’Neal.
The hotel eventually received a six-year, $3.2-million renovation and reopened in 2003 to its 1920s glory. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features beautifully appointed rooms, event space, fine dining, a libations club and more.
Betty Kepka captured the spirit of Wilson with her skilled, eclectic and multidisciplinary artwork. You’ll find it on display here along with pieces from other local artists. When you’ve finished perusing the gallery, shift to shopping the Mercantile’s curated collection of unique gifts and accessories for the special people in your life, from children to gourmets and fashionistas to outdoors enthusiasts.
Find this nonprofit educational museum on the north end of Wilson’s downtown business district in a former newspaper building. The museum is run by a group of dedicated volunteers who rebuilt the collection and raised funds after a 2009 fire destroyed its former home in the historic Opera House. The current museum opened in 2018. Ask about the Czech cookbooks that are for sale! Call 785-658-2328 for an appointment, or check out the organization’s Facebook page.
Dorrance State Bank
If you’re looking to dive into local history, this is the place for you. In June 1867, the Kansas Pacific Railroad reached the area that would become Dorrance (about 7 miles from Wilson), bringing German, English, Irish and other immigrants who accounted for much of the town’s modest growth by 1870. Today you’ll find the Dorrance Bankery open on weekend mornings from April through September (or call for an appointment). Enjoy drinks and homemade pastries, then see antique farm machinery, Superman’s boyhood home, historical photos and other pieces of the local past. Want to learn more? Tours are available.
Grassroots Art Center
Lucas (18 miles from Wilson) has been called the Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas, and it earns the title. Start at the Grassroots Art Center to view permanent installations and temporary exhibits from self-taught artists. You’ll find quirky, fun, thought-provoking work that uses a range of materials, many of them repurposed or recycled. Then explore the rest of the town for Bowl Plaza (yes, it includes a restroom!), Sam Dinsmoor’s Garden of Eden and more.
Sternberg Museum of Natural History
Travel just 49 miles from Wilson to walk into a realistic Cretaceous diorama — including a life-size T. rex! — plus view a truly outstanding collection of Cretaceous marine and Neogene terrestrial vertebrate fossils, a discovery room for kids and special exhibitions. If you have a budding paleontologist in your family, don’t miss this stop!
Kansas Motorcycle Museum
U.S. dirt track racing legend Stan “The Man” Engdahl claimed 600 trophies, including five National Scramble Championships and 16 Kansas State Championships, all on his Harley-Davidson K-model motorcycle. Stan and his wife, LaVona, were instrumental in opening this Marquette museum (55 miles from Wilson) in 2003. Visit to see Stan’s racing bike and much more, or join the annual Thunder on the Smoky rally in the fall.
Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery
Swedish-born artist Birger Sandzén came to Bethany College in Lindsborg in 1894 to teach languages and assist in the art and vocal music departments. He was a prolific painter and printmaker and exhibited extensively throughout the U.S. and in Sweden. His works are now found in art museums around the country and in the National Museum of Stockholm. The Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery (69 miles from Wilson) holds the largest collection of his work. Enjoy his unique, color-drenched style and along with an impressive collection of American Regionalist prints.
Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum
This Lindsborg site (69 miles from Wilson) helps history come to life as it celebrates and preserves the pioneering spirit of the Smoky Valley by educating, entertaining and building community across generations. Find an 1870 homestead cabin, an 1898 flour mill, the 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion and other historic buildings, or have trained staff help research your ancestry.
Kanopolis Drive-In
Timeless nostalgia meets family-friendly fun at this retro 1950s drive-in movie theater 22 miles from Wilson. You'll find first-run movies on a 72-foot outdoor screen, affordable admission and old-school vibes.