Local Area Attractions Near Goodland KOA Journey

World's Largest Van Gogh Painting

World's Largest Van Gogh Painting

Nestled in the small town of Goodland, Kansas, this unique roadside attraction features the world's largest reproduction of Vincent van Gogh's famous "Three Sunflowers in a Vase." Standing at a towering 80 feet tall, this massive easel and painting is part of a series of Van Gogh replicas around the world. The artwork was created by artist Cameron Cross as a tribute to Van Gogh and his iconic sunflower series, celebrating art and bringing culture to unexpected places. Visitors can admire this striking piece against the backdrop of the Kansas plains, making it a must-see landmark for travelers passing through.

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Aviation Heritage Museum - Replica of the First Helicopter

Aviation Heritage Museum - Replica of the First Helicopter

This exhibit showcases a detailed replica of one of the earliest helicopter prototypes, offering a glimpse into the pioneering efforts of aviation history. Located in an aviation heritage museum, the display highlights the mechanical ingenuity of early helicopter designs, which paved the way for modern vertical flight. Visitors can observe the structure up close, including the intricate framework and rotor design, providing insight into the challenges and creativity of early flight engineers. Informational plaques accompany the exhibit, allowing guests to learn more about the historical significance and evolution of helicopter technology. The museum features history and artifacts from Sherman County residents. There are over 8,000 objects on display, including a replica of America's first patented helicopter built by William Purvis and Charles Wilson of Goodland. It is open Monday through Saturday 9am - 5pm, and Sunday 1pm - 4pm. Donation admission is appreciated. 785-899-4595

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Sugar Hills Golf Club

Sugar Hills Golf Club

Sugar Hills Golf Club in Goodland, Kansas, offers a serene golfing experience amidst rolling hills and lush greenery. Known for its well-maintained fairways, challenging water features, and beautiful landscape, the club provides a perfect getaway for golf enthusiasts of all skill levels. The course layout is thoughtfully designed to incorporate natural beauty and offer engaging play, with strategically placed bunkers and water hazards adding to the challenge. Visitors can enjoy a day of golf in a peaceful setting, making it a top attraction for both locals and travelers passing through western Kansas.

Kidder Massacre Site

Kidder Massacre Site

Two years after the Civil War ended, war came to Sherman County. Some time around July 2, 1867, 25-year-old Lt. Lyman S. Kidder and his 10-man patrol, along with a Sioux Indian scout, Red Bead, were massacred in northeastern Sherman County. Their deaths were the first recorded event in Sherman County.

Open daylight hours. No admission fee. Approximate time is two hours and 30 minutes.

Sherman County Rd 28 and Rd 77

Goodland, KS 67735

785-296-2009

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National Weather Service Tours

National Weather Service Tours

Weather Forecast Office allows tours from Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Call ahead at 785-899-2360. If the would-be tour group is small, under five people, a time could be worked out on the day of the call, providing the weather is quiet. For more than five people, please call a week in advance especially if children will be included or you have a request to see special weather equipment, such as tornado machines and weather balloons.
If the weather turns severe, please call before coming to confirm that the weather forecasters are still able to host tours.

Tour group members will be able to ask questions of the meteorologists, learn how forecasts are made and see the office's large array of computers filled with weather data and images.

No admission fee is charged. Tour time is approximately one hour and thirty minutes.

Local Area Recreation Near Goodland KOA Journey

Sugar Hills Golf Club

Sugar Hills Golf Club

Born in 1921, as a dream of Leo Schisler, Sugar Hills Golf Club, Inc. has morphed from a 9-hole course with sand greens, buffalo grass fairways and trees made of wet sand, to what is now  the finest 18-hole golf course between Hays, KS and Denver, CO. With lush bluegrass fairways and beautiful bent grass greens,  we call Sugar Hills Golf Club The Gem of the Prairie!

6450 Road 16

Goodland, KS 6450 Road 16

785-899-2785

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Smoky Gardens State Fishing Lake

Smoky Gardens State Fishing Lake

Located off Exit 17 going south on Hwy 27. Enjoy fishing, walking the trails, & spending time outdoors.

1747-1799 County Road 54

Goodland, KS 67735

785-899-6334

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Shopping

Shopping

Wal-Mart Super Store and White's Factory Outlet Center are located nearby.  Local shops and antique stores are located not far from the campground.

World's Largest Easel - Featuring Van Gogh's Sunflowers

World's Largest Easel - Featuring Van Gogh's Sunflowers

For the past several years, Goodland, in western Kansas, has been waving at passers-by with the World's Largest Easel (or at least the largest along a U.S. Interstate). It's 80 feet tall, and atop it rests a 32x24-foot representation of one of Van Gogh's "Sunflower" paintings. It's about a half-mile off of I-70, along Hwy 24 near the center of town. Kansas is the "Sunflower State," and Goodland is at the center of the local sunflower industry, so it makes sense.

1901-1917 Cherry Ave

Goodland, KS 67735

785-899-7130

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The Giant Grasshopper

The Giant Grasshopper

Lloyd Harden created the Giant Grasshopper and Palm Tree, along with many other creations. The Ihrig farm just north of Goodland, on Highway 27, bought the grasshopper and tree. Park in their lot and walk to the creations. Don't forget your selfie stick! Head north to Road 79, almost to the county line, and turn south at Road 28. At Road 28, go south two miles to the Kidder Massacre marker.

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