The Big Kansas Road trip begins

 


Today (Thursday) is the day the Big Kansas Road Trip leaves the starting line. It crosses the finish line, Sunday, after traversing Republic, Jewell and Smith counties.

Local organizers for Jewell County are Kyra Lampe and Jason Ortman.

The road trip is sponsored by the Kansas Sampler Foundation. The foundation is a public nonprofit organization with a mission to preserve local culture.

The trip is all about in-person experiences. It’s about the smells, sounds and customs of the three counties on this year’s itinerary.

Jewell County is home to a host of attractions as well as events tied specifically to this year’s trip. Area restaurants will also be open for most of the dates of the trip.

Burr Oak is home to the Burr Oak School and Museum located in historic limestone former Burr Oak school.

A coffee shop wager was the start of a contest as to which resident could build the fanciest and biggest house. The O.W. Francis house was considered the winner with the Wellman house coming in a close second. The Pie on the Porch event will be at the wellman house.

The lumberyard dates to the early days of Burr Oak. Is served as a lumberyard until 1890.

The United Methodist Church, built in 1912, is available for exterior viewing only.

The town of Esbon features the Hershner Hospital, built in 1917, as a specialty hospital for proctology and rectal diseases. The facilty closed in 1957. It is currently a private residence.

The town has a veterans memorial as a tribute to local residents who paid the ultimate price in service to the country.

Located near the town is a monument, topped by a bell, marking the location of Salem. The town once had a population of 500, Its history had tales of horse thieves hung by a mob as well as the infamous James and Younger gangs having hideouts west of Salem in Smith county. The town no longer exists.

A marker explains the history of the Formoso school, built in 1909 and destroyed by fire in 1960.

Emerson Lake and Walking Trail will have some kayaks available. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own.

The former First National Bank building, built in 1888, features masonry arches as well as transom windows.

A marker is located at the site of Fort Jewell, a sod wall fort erected in response to an Indian raid in 1870.

Maag Park is home to a charming gazebo. The Saturday farmers Market will be located here. The Palmer Museum is located in the former home of the Jewell newspaper owned by the Palmer family from 1870 to 1965.

As you travel around Jewell County you will cross many canals which are part of the Bostwick Irrigation District. The canals and laterals supply water to farms in the three county area.

The white Rock Creek Scenic Back Road takes the visitor from Highway 36 north of Formoso on a 12-mile journey on paved and gravel roads to arrive at Lovewell lake. Along the way is the town of Lovewell. BKRT signs will help guide the way.

The county seat of Mankato is home to the 1899 limestone jail. The building also served as the residence of the sheriff. It was constructed from native limestone. It was last used in 1988.

A mural painted by Callum McNichols graces the side of the Hidden Treasures Quilt Shop. The mural features the Ad Astra sculpture atop the Kansas state capitol dome.

The Jewell County courthouse is an art deco jewel built in 1937. It was constructed using native limestone. It features two medallions on the west wall as well as a bas-relief of the symbols of justice.

The Jewell County Museum showcases the Columbian Mammoth. The museum is housed in several buildings with a variety of exhibits.

KANcycle bike share rides are available in Mankato. Bikes are available for rental 24 hours per day.

A memorial to Thomas Edison is located across from the Rock Hills Elementary School.

An original 1910s YMCA building stands in the downtown area.

The village of Webber is home to the Frank Hermann Park. Hermann was a blacksmith known for his ability to repair anything.

Lovewell Lake and State Park is home to Lovewell Reservoir. It was completed in 1957 for use as an irrigation source and flood control. The state park has camping and swimming areas. The park admission fee is waived Saturday, May 6. The Webber post office is housed in the former Santa Fe train depot. It also houses city hall as well as the post office.

Along with the many attractions in Jewell County for road trippers to experience, there are a number of special events planned.

The Wellman house in Burr Oak will host a Pie on the Porch affair.

The Village of Esbon will showcase several examples of stained glass art on a self-guided tour.

Sam’s Place, Esbon, is having a trivia contest Friday evening.

The Formoso Skating Rink will be open Saturday evening for an open skate event. Skates are available for rental. Concessions will be available.

A self-led buffalo hunt tour to look for 15 buffalo statues around Jewell.

A joint community church service will be held at Jewell’s Emerson Lake Sunday.

Kayaking and trailer rides will be among the activities scheduled for Saturday at emerson lake in Jewell.

Jewell will host a farmers market and craft fair at Jewell’s Maag Park located in downtown.

Harmony United Methodist Church of Mankato is hosting a viewing of its stained glass windows and restored 1906 Hinners pipe organ.

Singer-songwriter Seth Cushing will provide a musical interlude Saturday at Possibilities in Mankato.

A mammoth scavenger hunt will be held in Mankato. Participation sheets can be obtained at several local businesses.

The Mankato Livestock Barn will be open for a livestock sale featuring cattle and fast talking auctioneers.

Mocktails and mammoths will feature mocktails and trailer rides around Mankato to view historic homes Saturday. Mankato’s Music in the Park will feature the Good Sam Club Band Saturday evening.

A Rock Chalk Wine Walk will feature wine tastings at several Mankato homes Saturday. A registration fee is required.

The Ute Theatre, Mankato, will screen a video of the history of Mankato Saturday.

Guide books for the event may be obtained at local businesses and Chamber of Commerce offices in Republic, Jewell and Smith counties.

A visit to the Big Kansas Road Trip.com ( not case specific) website has a list of all the locations where the guide may be picked up as well as a downloadable guide.

 

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