Find your inner artist
Explore galleries, public sculptures, cultural exhibits, and more!
Goodland - Exits 17 & 19
Giant van Gogh Painting/Art in the Parks
The Giant van Gogh Painting at 17th and Cherry is Goodland’s most famous landmark, but the other city parks all have their own painting on an easel. Learn more...
Carnegie Arts Center
Originally a Carnegie Library, the building at 120 W. 12th hosts art exhibitions and other events. Learn more...
Giant Grasshopper
A prime site for selfies, the grasshopper is 5’4” tall at its back legs and 9’3” long. The creation of artist and farmer Lloyd Harden, the oversized insect is made from used parts. Harden also created the palm tree north of the grasshopper. Find them north of Goodland along Highway 27. Parking is south of the creations. Learn more...
Colby - Exits 53 & 54
Prairie Museum of Art & History
The museum hosts many different artists throughout the year. You can always catch a showing and also enjoy the museum’s art collections. Learn more...
Pickin on the Plains
Colby is host to the Annual Pickin on the Plains bluegrass festival. Come, sit and relax, listen to some great music and learn about the roots of bluegrass. Learn more...
Frahm Theater
Located on the campus of Colby Community College, in partnership with the Western Plains Arts Association, the theater offers concerts, plays, and musical theater. Check their website for upcoming performances. Learn more...
Oakley - Exits 70 & 76
Fossil Art at Fick Fossil Museum
Museum namesake, Vi Fick, used many mediums to display her funky folk art, including locally found fossils, fish bones, shells, sharks’ teeth, oil paint and crayon wax. Learn more...
Buffalo Bill Bronze Sculpture
Artist Charlie Norton and his wife Pat, spent over three years completing this magnificent twice life-size bronze sculpture of Buffalo Bill on his horse in pursuit of a buffalo. Learn more...
Oakley Downtown Mural
Kansas Artist Dennis Schiel brings a bit of Oakley’s history and culture alive on our local Heartland Foods grocery store. Great photo op. Learn more...
Wakeeney - Exits 127 & 128
Christmas City of the High Plains
WaKeeney has been known as “the Christmas City of the High Plains” since 1950 with over 6,800 lights in the display. The centerpiece is a 35-foot tree in the center of the main downtown intersection. Four square blocks around the tree are decorated with more greenery; handcrafted wreaths, bells and stars; and more lights. The annual Christmas Tree Lighting is always held the Saturday night following Thanksgiving and the decorations remain lit until after New Year’s. Enjoy a soup supper and holiday music. Santa Claus comes with treats for the children during the lighting ceremony. Learn more...
Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery
This Northwest Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery was dedicated in 2004 to honor our fallen soldiers. “No one is buried alone; All are buried with honor.” The cemetery and its staff strive to provide a beautiful cemetery that honors our fallen heroes and their families. Special ceremonies are held on Memorial Day and in December for Wreaths Across America. Schedule a tour or stop by for a visit. Learn more...
The Studio 128
The Studio strives to be a place of creativity and inspiration. A place to gather, learn, laugh, create, sew, quilt, or paint. Special events are held on the 4th Friday of each month. Or you can set up your own special class time, either for adults or children. Learn more...
Hays - Exits 157 & 159
Hays Symphony
Founded in 1914, the Hays Symphony Orchestra is a joint community-university ensemble affiliated with approximately 60 musicians, including Fort Hays State University students and faculty, Hays area volunteers, and guest musicians. Learn more...
Bison Sculpture
Well renowned local artist Pete Felten created this 24-ton Monarch on the Plains sculpture in recognition of Hays’ 100th birthday. He has over 28 limestone sculptures on display in Hays and the surrounding communities. Learn more...
Hays Arts Council
The Hays Arts Council is the oldest arts council in the state of Kansas. It hosts community programs, classes, and art exhibitions throughout the year, including seasonal art walks when shops and galleries showcase local and regional artists after hours. Learn more...
Russell County - EXITS 180, 184, 189 & 206
Garden of Eden
Samuel J. Dinsmoor (1843-1932), a retired school teacher, Civil War veteran, farmer, and Populist politician, began building the Garden of Eden and Cabin Home in 1907 at the age of 64. He fashioned 113 tons of cement and many tons of limestone into his eleven-room limestone “log” cabin home and the 150 surrounding sculptures in Lucas. The sculptures and design of the house reflect Dinsmoor's belief in the Populist movement and his religious convictions. Learn more...
Deines Cultural Center
The permanent art collection of the Deines Cultural Center includes all of the wood engravings done by E. Hubert Deines (1894-1967) as well as various works he collected during his lifetime. His own work is shown on a rotating basis. In addition to the Deines display, the center features regional artists’ work and traveling art exhibits on a regular basis. Other cultural activities such as recitals, readings and art classes are conducted at the center. Learn more...
Grassroots Art Center
Expect the unexpected at the Grassroots Art Center! Exhibits include Midwest self-taught artists who create recycled outsider art environments. They use unconventional art materials such as limestone, pull tabs, debris from a lake and chewing gum. Visitors will be challenged to think, question and laugh out loud. Learn more...
Salina - EXITS 244, 250, 252 & 258
SculptureTour Salina
Comprised of a variety of sculptures loaned by artists from across the country to our Downtown, creates an outdoor arts installation which changes every spring! Enjoy the walking tour and vote on your favorite sculpture! Learn more...
Smoky Hill River Festival
Salina's "Kickoff to Summer" held in Oakdale Park. This event has something for everyone! From food trucks to festival jams to fine arts and crafts, the River Festival will be an event for the whole family. Learn more...
Salina Art Center
The Salina Art Center Presents thought-provoking and innovative exhibitions of contemporary art and related activities, art education and artists in residence among their programming. Learn more...
ABILENE - EXITS 272 & 275
Great Plains Theatre
Take in a show at the only professional live theatre between Denver and Kansas City on I-70. Learn more...
Downtown Abilene murals and statues
Explore downtown Abilene’s beautiful murals depicting Dwight D. Eisenhower, Wild Bill Hickok, Kansas Sunflower and Bison stamps.
World’s Largest Spur
At 28 feet high and weighing one ton, this giant spur stands on its ends to form an arch in front of Rittel’s Western Wear at 1810 N Buckeye Ave. Learn more...
JUNCTION CITY - EXITS 295-301
Junction City Arts Council
JC Arts Council offers a variety of arts and activities encouraging the community to explore innovation and their creative spirit. Learn more...
C. L. Hoover Opera House
Now home to the Junction City Little Theater, Arts Council and Community Band, the house provides culture, entertainment and education in the arts to people of all ages in Junction City, regionally and statewide. Learn more...
JC Little Theater
Junction City Little Theater is the longest-running community theater in the state of Kansas. Learn more...
MANHATTAN - EXITS 303 & 313
SNW Gallery & Custom Frames
The oldest commercial art gallery in Kansas presents an ever-changing space of exhibits from top Kansas artists. Learn more...
McCain Theatre & Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art
K-State’s campus is filled with opportunities to experience the arts. Head to McCain Theatre to experience their Performance Series that hosts an array of outstanding professional live performing art programs and engagement activities. The Mariana Kistler Beach Museum boasts more than 7,000 pieces of art for guests to view. Learn more...
Music in Manhattan
Manhattan’s Aggieville and Downtown pull great performances throughout the year. Don’t miss performances at places like The Hat, Auntie Mae’s, AJ’S NY Pizzeria, Bluemont Hotel and Liquid Art Winery. Learn more...
TOPEKA - EXITS 353, 355, 356A/B, 357A/B, 358A/B, 359, 361A/B, 362A/B/C, 363, 364A/B, 365, 366
NOTO Arts & Entertainment District
More than just a district, NOTO brings color to the streets, walls, and storefronts. Filled with businesses of all types, the district is home to shopping, art galleries, and so much more. Known for First Friday Artwalks, the district has become one of the hottest spots in Topeka featuring creative food & drink options as well as it is the epicenter of local murals as they cover surfaces all throughout the district. Learn more...
Theatres
Topeka is home to Kansas’ state theater, The Jayhawk Theatre, first opened in 1926 and still operating today. Also located in Topeka, Topeka Civic Theater is the city’s only dinner theater available and is well known for its improv special – Laugh Lines. You can also find shows, concerts and more at Topeka Performing Arts Center, home to Kansas Ballet performances each holiday season. Learn more...
Mulvane Art Museum
Visit the Mulvane Art Museum, one of the oldest accredited art museums west of the Mississippi River, for a constantly changing mix of guest exhibitions and in-house collections. While international in scope, the museum’s collection emphasizes the works of artists in Kansas and the Midwest. The Mulvane welcomes art lovers of all ages to visit the ArtLab, a free hands-on art activity center. Learn more...
LECOMPTON - EXIT 197
Artist Ellen Duncan
The paintings of Ellen Duncan adorn the walls of the Territorial Capital Museum. Her paintings and watercolors bring to life historic scenes from Lecompton and the surrounding areas. She has received awards for her historical mural illustrations displayed in the Territorial Capital Museum as well as in the Lecompton post office lobby. Learn more...
Territorial Capital Museum
Terrirorial Capital Museum displays are a reflection of the territorial times in Kansas, particularly during the period when Lecompton was the Territorial Capital. Learn more...
LAWRENCE - EXITS 197, 202 & 204
Lawrence Arts Center
Here you’ll find 20 to 25 art exhibitions a year. The best in contemporary art is also offered through art talks, live performances and more. Learn more...
Spencer Museum of Art
Located on the University of Kansas campus, has changing exhibits as well as seven galleries displaying selections from the permanent collection of more than 37,000 works of art. Learn more...
Final Fridays
The arts community comes together to offer special exhibits, receptions, amazing artwork and more on the last Friday of every month. Final Fridays include activities for kids, exhibitions designed to challenge adults, music, dance and theater for all ages. Learn more...
Leavenworth - Exits 396 & 401
Performing Arts Center
Hosts several live performances by the River City Community Players. Learn more...
Richard Allen Cultural Center
The Center is home to Buffalo Soldier artifacts, a depository distinguished Black Dignity Portrait collection and more. Learn more...
JAZZ by the River
3rd Saturday in August. Live JAZZ entertainment presented by acclaimed artists. Learn more...
Bonner Springs -KS Turnpike Exit 224
Renaissance Festival
Step back in time to the 16th century village where the fun and laughter never end! Seven themed fall weekends delight visitors with a variety of entertainment venues, foot fit for a king, artisan wares, jousting and much more! Learn more...
Providence Medical Center Amphitheater (Sandstone)
Nestled in a beautiful outdoor setting, this popular concert venue has hosted top performing bands for over 15 years making musical memories for avid concert fans. Learn more...
SHAWNEE - EXITS 224 (SOUTH OFF 7) & 411A (SOUTH OFF 435)
Music Theatre Kansas City
Celebrating 20+ years of music theatre, their year round productions offer top notch performances just walking distance from Shawnee hotels. Learn more...
Theatre in the Park
Nestled within Shawnee Mission Park. Come for a high quality show at an affordable price. Guest are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and their own picnic. Learn more...
Taking Time Sculpture
A tribute to Chief Charles BlueJacket found in Herman Laid Park in downtown Shawnee, this bronze statue towers over a round fountain! Learn more...
KANSAS CITY - EXITS 410-423
Downtown Kansas City Avenue of Murals
The Avenue of Murals Project includes eight outstanding murals in a four-block long corridor along Minnesota Avenue in downtown Kansas City, Kan. Each mural celebrates the history and culture of KCK and the unique groups within the community. Over 30 creative and energetic high school students were involved in the four-year project under the guidance of professional artists. Learn more...
Strawberry Hill Museum & Cultural Center
The Strawberry Hill Museum and Cultural Center, an original Queen Anne-style home built in 1887, preserves the diverse ethnic cultures that immigrants from Eastern Europe brought to the city in the early 1900s. The museum hosts various exhibits of original art, music and dance from many cultures. Learn more...
Anthology of Argentine Mural
Six artists spent 10 months completing this 220-foot mural tracing the Argentine District of Kansas City, Kan., from the Hopewell Indians to today. The mural is on 31st through Woodland on Metropolitan. Learn more...