The Museum of World Treasures allows the visitor to discover treasures from around the world and across the ages right in the American heartland in Wichita, Kansas. The museum caters for many different groups and tastes, and it is especially suited for groups of students who are able to handle some of the exhibits as part of the grand museum tour. The museum also offers a one of a kind banquet room which is perfect for occasions such as birthdays and weddings.
Best and worst time to go to Museum of World Treasures
The museum is big enough -- and still little known enough -- that there really isn't a bad time to visit. You may, however, want to avoid visiting on some weekdays in June as the museum runs a summer camp for 3rd to 8th graders. It is also worth noting that the Museum of World Treasures is always closed on the last Saturday in July for their annual fundraiser.
Must see/do at Museum of World Treasures
The big, literally and figuratively, attraction at the museum is Ivan, one of the most complete T. Rex discoveries in history. The museum also houses two ancient Egyptian mummies in its African wing, both of which are in stunning condition given their age. A 4.5 ton, 12 feet high section of the Berlin Wall is also a must see as it immediately transports you back to the Cold War era.
Admission to Museum of World Treasures
Admission is free for children three and under. Admission for others is under $10, with discounts for seniors and children under 12. Memberships are also available which include admission for a full year and start in the $40 range for seniors.
Parking and Public Transportation to Museum of World Treasures
The museum is located in an old paper mill in the heart of Wichita's Old Town. Public transportation to this area is limited, so people are encouraged to drive into the area and park either in Old Town Square or in the parking garage located to the north of the area. Parking here is free and the Old Town area is signposted from US 54 near the Wichita Central Business District.
Food at Museum of World Treasures
There are no food options inside the museum itself. However, the surrounding area has numerous restaurants within walking distance. Taste and See is a global fusion restaurant which features food from Wichita's best known chef, Jason Febres, while Public at the Brickyard combines delicious locally sourced ingredients with the best craft beer from the Wichita area..
Insider tip for visitors to Museum of World Treasures
Family night, on the first Thursday evening of each month, offers extended hours from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and reduced entry cost for the whole family.
Author's bio: Michael Wright has lived in Wichita for 10 years and is a frequent visitor to the Old Town district. He writes for a living and loves to instill a passion for traveling into others.
The Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead is a 12-acre park and petting zoo designed to depict scenes from a family farm at the end of the 19th century. Visitors can see vegetable and flower gardens and nearly 200 farm animals and fowl, plus prairie dogs, longhorn steer, bobcats, bison and birds of prey. There are also several mini-playgrounds throughout the park.
Parking and Public Transportation to Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
The farmstead is located just south of the Overland Park Soccer Complex. Enter the complex and travel south past the last soccer field to the Farmstead parking lot. Or, take Switzer south from 135th and turn west past those soccer fields to the entrance to the parking lot. Parking is free.
Admission to Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
Admission is free Monday through Thursday. Cost is $2 per person Friday through Sunday and holidays. Children younger than age 2 are free. Additional costs for pony rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, fishing, and a bottle of milk to feed baby goats are about $5 or less each. A combo pack for fishing, mining, a bottle of milk for the baby goats, pony and wagon rides is available around $12 at the entrance to the park. No pets.
Best and worst times to go to Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
Visit on weekdays for free admission. This is an outdoor venue, so check for good weather. Weekends during youth soccer season may make parking challenging. Cow milking demonstrations are held at 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Dairy Barn. The schoolhouse and Native American encampment are usually closed for history tours Monday through Thursday mornings.
Must see/do at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
Look for the bison in the east end of the park. Sift for "gold" in a mining trough under the windmill just west of the country schoolhouse. (Purchase a bag of sand and genuine gemstones at the site.) Feed and pet the goats and other animals throughout the park. Get a handful of animal feed from small red vending machines throughout the park for 25 cents. (Bring quarters.)
Food at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
No outside food is allowed inside the park, however visitors can picnic in the Community Park at 13700 Switzer Rd., north of the east parking lot. Inside the farmstead, food and snacks are available at the east entrance, Alex & Emily's Ice Cream Parlor, the Dairy Barn and General Store. Lunch specials, including drink, are under $6, sandwiches under $4, snacks, drinks and desserts in the $2 range.
Other places to visit near Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art is nearby at 111th and Quivira Rd.
Insiders tip for visitors to Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
Check for recorded weather delays or cancellations at (913) 895-5020, Option 3.
Author's bio: Mary-Lane Kamberg is a professional writer and native Kansas Citian. She often took her own children to the farmstead and now takes her grandchildren there.
