7 Natural History Museums in Kansas That You Shouldn't Miss

Part of the Fort Hays State University, the museum is dedicated to collecting and preserving plant and animal specimens pertaining to the Great Plains.

If you are looking to satisfy your appetite for a wild adventure, Rolling Hills Zoo can provide two unique experiences you won’t soon forget. Settled among the Smoky Hills of central Kansas, this 65-acre zoological park, home to more than 110 species of animals, includes a world-class wildlife museum, all for one single admission price. At the zoo you can get face-to-face with a rare white camel, an Indian rhino or a curious orangutan. Maybe it is a towering giraffe you would like to encounter, a majestic lion, an ornery aardvark or any one of the many other species of wildlife at home at Rolling Hills Zoo. Throughout this beautifully landscaped park great care has been taken to provide the zoo’s animals with special and naturalistic environments. As visitors stroll through the zoo, they are invited to visit with the zookeepers. This dedicated crew is a huge reason why visiting Rolling Hills Zoo is such a unique experience. They are specially trained to enhance the quality of life for the animals, which in turn helps the animals thrive and be extra responsive to zoo visitors. The Rolling Hills Zoo zookeepers know the animals well and are happy to relate their own insights about their distinct personalities. During their visit, guests can enjoy a narrated tram ride through the zoo which stops at key locations in the park so guests can get off and explore on their own. Your journey through the 64,000 square foot museum takes you around the world while experiencing the delicate symmetry between humans, animals and nature in unique regions from the artic to the rainforest. With one of the world’s premier collections of full mount animals, this wildlife museum proudly displays over 200 animal species in naturalistic dioramas covering seven ecosystems. Live waterfalls, diorama sound effects and state-of-the art animatic human robots bring each diorama to life. The museum also features the Helen L. Graves Hideaway Hollow children’s education and exploration center and the 2,000 square foot Earl Bane Gallery, an exhibit gallery for exciting interactive traveling exhibits. Rolling Hills Zoo hosts a number of unique special events throughout the year including Zoorific EGGstravaganza, Party for the Planet, Wild About Moms, the Father’s Day Care Show, Wet’n Wild, the Back To School Blast, Zoo Brew, Art Gone Wild and Pumpkin PaZoola.

Spend an hour, or the day! This stunning Natural History Museum and regional Landmark is located in the Prairiefire Entertainment District which features a wide array of restaurants and shops, an AMC Movie Theater, Pinstripes Bistro, Bowling & Bocce, REI CO-OP, Home Goods and more! The Museum at Prairiefire engages visitors and students of all ages with world-class exhibitions, edu-taining programs, and provides significant educational and STEAM opportunities for underserved children. Museum at Prairiefire offerings include the Discovery Room for children ages 3-12, events and programming such as Science Happy Hour and Little Explorers Club, stunning artifacts from national and regional collections, T. rex and three amazing Virtual Reality Experiences. Tickets include all exhibits and experiences. Some areas, including entry to the Museum, are FREE.