Location: Hutchinson
Top Things to do in Hutchinson
What to do and see in Hutchinson, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Hutchinson is the largest city and county seat in Reno County, Kansas, United States, and located on the Arkansas River. It has been home to salt mines since 1887, thus its nickname of "Salt City", but locals call it "Hutch". As of the 2010 census, the city population was 42,080.
Restaurants in Hutchinson
1. Strataca
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 617 reviews
Travel 650 feet underground into an active salt mine! Experience a cool and soothing subterranean world formed by salt deposits in the Permian Sea long ago. See the raw mine as it was left more than 50 years ago on the Salt Mine Express train ride and catch a guided tour on a tram to the Dark Ride. You won't want to miss a special gallery filled with authentic movie costumes and memorabilia. And don't miss the SALT SAFARI add on tour. A one hour guided adventure tour that goes BEYOND STRATACA. See salt formations not available to the general public until now! Limited capacity -- only 12 visitors at a time depart 3-4 times a day.
Reviewed By amalawyer - Amarillo, Texas
We visited Strataca on a Sunday and spent 4 hours there. We soon forgot that we were 650' underground. The environment is so clean and cool. They say the mining techniques are almost identical to coal mining, but the environment is completely different and much...MoreThanks so much for your review. The salt safari is a great add on adventure and really gives you a glimpse of how it is working out in the mine.
2. Cosmosphere
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 528 reviews
In the heart of the Midwest, a national treasure awaits discovery. The Cosmosphere - an internationally-recognized STEM education center and world-renowned, Smithsonian-affiliated museum - allows visitors to experience the thrill of space exploration and hands-on education.
Reviewed By Nate C - Cleveland, Ohio
This museum was extremely impressive. They have the largest collection of US/Soviet combined space artifacts. The museum focuses on the space race and less on astronomy or cosmology. The exhibits are very detailed and explain everything you might want to know about each space mission and the individuals involved. The only negative I noticed was that some of the displays were repetitive, as I would find myself reading the same paragraph from a previous exhibit. I'll still give them 5 stars for how amazing and impressive the whole museum was. It was definitely worth the 2 hour detour.
3. Dillon Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Tim M
My friends and I went here waiting for our time at the Strataca salt mine.
It's a nice facility with some nice walks around the facility and lake.
It's free to visit. It looks to be good for children. I think it is worth 45 to 90 minutes.
4. Hutchinson Zoo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By Sonworshipper - Niceville, Florida
We spent about an hour visiting here because it was free, which was nice when you just have a bit of time to kill in an afternoon. They had bobcats, deer, prairie dogs, llama, a beaver and various birds. There is also an area where children can dig for fossils and a picnic area for nicer days. The zoo is definitely a small one but has some nice areas. Donations are solicited but only by signs and a donation box located at the entrance/exit. A small gift/souvenier shop can also be found on site.
5. Sand Hills State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Bill15Q - Greater Cincinnati
The campground is outstanding . It's near both the Cosmosphere and Strataca. The campsites are paved and as level as any I've seen. The staff is friendly and helpful. My only issue is that the trees aren't very mature yet. The campground is fairly new so I can't really fault them too much on the tree issue. When we return to the area again, we'll go back to the Park to stay.
6. Reno County Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
The Reno County Museum is focused on preserving, interpreting, and sharing the history of Reno County Kansas. We have 5 exhibit galleries and rotate exhibits on a regular basis. There is something new to see and learn often inside our museum. Our permanent outdoor exhibits include the Siegrist Claim House, Out House, and a Pioneer Jail. We are located in the heart of Downtown Hutchinson. In addition to our great exhibits, visitors can access our public Vaden Stroud Research Library, the Houston Whiteside Conference Room, and the Oodleplex! The Oodleplex is an imaginative interactive play area for children located on the Museum's second floor. Admission to the Oodleplex is $1.00 per child. The Houston Whiteside Conference Room hosts many Museum events and it's also open for public events too! You can find out about booking the Houston Whiteside Conference Room by calling or emailing us. You can also visit our website and our Facebook Page!
Reviewed By Chris F - Greencastle, Pennsylvania
The Reno County Museum in Huchinson Kansas is a must see if you're in Kansas. Historically significant Reno County artifacts are on display here throughout multiple rooms and floors. If you have children, bring them along and let them experience the newly completed Oodleplex, a puppet theater and child size town awaits. The museum is truly a gem that should not be missed!
7. Kansas State Fair
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 6 reviews
The annual Kansas State Fair begins the Friday following Labor Day and lasts for 10 days at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas. The largest single event in the State, the Fair annually attracts approximately 350,000 people from all 105 Kansas counties and several other states.
Reviewed By Sonworshipper - Niceville, Florida
We recently visited Hutchinson to attend the NJCAA basketball championship being held at Hutchinson Community College. We drove our truck camper and stayed in the campground provided at the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Full hookups (water, elec, and sewer) were all available there at each camp site, which was nice. One restroom/bath house was available for use and contained 2 shower stalls. One shower stall had the shower head located so low that it was hard to stand beneath it (and I am a short person!). The handicap stall was more spacious and had a removeable shower head which was helpful. However, the water pressure was very low and it took a VERY LONG time to get hot water! Every time I showered I had to let the water run for nearly 10 minutes before the water was any where warm enough to stand in it. Also, there is a notice under the shower head telling you to call "this #" if you don't get hot water, but if someone doesn't have a cell phone on them, it would be an issue. This information should be posted on the shower stall door so it would be seen before entering the stall and getting undressed. Also, when using this bathhouse when camping, some counters at the sink basins would be VERY helpful. If not for the baby changing station there would be no place to sit anything when drying hair or doing other necessities at the mirror. The cost for a night's stay was $30 which seemed high to me for all that is provided there, but it was convenient to town and the things we were interested in doing.
8. Stage 9
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Stage 9's mission is to excite minds, move hearts and change lives through theatrical performance, arts education, and live entertainment in Hutchinson, Reno County, and south-central Kansas. Stage 9 strives to produce quality entertainment and provide opportunities for artistic expression for all, specifically focusing on ages 18 and up. We produce plays and musicals ranging from classics to contemporary hits.
Reviewed By Susie R - Wichita, Kansas
Stage 9’s plays and musicals are so professional in their presentation, you lose yourself in the experience and forget that this is a community theatre. Directors of their shows really know how to guide the actors to perform at an exceptional level. The entire experience within this small theatre is amazing!
9. Bear Blessings Antiques
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By SDickmeyer - Wichita, Kansas
Stopped in on a day trip out of town. Nice shop with very friendly staff. Prices seem reasonable. This store is one of few open during the week.
10. Artlandia Gallery and Creative Spaces
Artlandia is an Art Gallery space, Community Space, Artist Studios, and Creative business center. Artlandia is a fine art gallery, along with an artist retail space. It is a multi faceted gallery and community space located in a historic building in beautiful downtown Hutchinson, Kansas. Open Monday through Friday 12:00 to 5:00 p.m., and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Art Saves Lives
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